The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler pepper sprayed 1 Palestinian minor in Huwwara. Israeli forces demolished 1 residential structure and 1 agricultural structure in Nabi Musa, demolished 15 commercial structures in Wadi al-Qelt, and demolished 2 homes in Duma. During the demolitions in Duma, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 journalist with a baton round and injured others with tear gas. Israeli forces also notified Palestinians in Hizma and Jaba’ that Israel will seize 500 dunams (123 acres) of land between the 2 villages to expand a settler-only road. 28 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Mughayyir, Kafr Malik, al-Bireh, Nur Shams refugee camp, Nablus, Jericho, Aqabat Jaber refugee camp, and Hebron. In Gaza, 12 rockets were launched at Israel, causing no damage. Israeli forces subsequently launched airstrikes at Gaza, causing damage. In the Naqab, Israeli authorities demolished 1 Palestinian-owned home in Umm Batin. (HA, REU 2/1; AJ, AP, AP, MEE, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/2 AJ 2/3; PCHR 2/9; UNOCHA 2/21)

Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen met with Abdel Fatah Al Burhan, president of Sudan's Transitional Sovereign Council, in Khartoum. After the meeting the 2 parties announced that Sudan will sign a normalization deal with Israel in Washington D.C. later in 2023. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, HA, HA, MEE 2/2; ALM 2/3)

Chadian president Mahamat Idriss Deby and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended the opening ceremony for the new Chadian embassy to Israel in Tel Aviv. (AJ, ALM, AP, AX, REU 2/1; HA 2/2)

Prime Minister Netanyahu met with French president Emmanuel Macron in Paris. According to the French daily Le Monde, Macron told Netanyahu that “France will assume that Israel has disconnected from the two countries’ democratic perception,” if Netanyahu moves ahead with his planned changes to the Israeli judicial system. (HA 2/2; ALM, HA 2/3)

Jordanian king Abdullah II met with U.S. president Joe Biden at the White House, discussing the need to preserve the status quo at the Jerusalem Holy Sites. (AX 2/1; MEE 2/2; AJ 2/3)

The Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives voted 218-211 to remove representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) from the foreign affairs committee due to her criticism of Israel. (HA, MDW, MEE 2/2; MEE 2/3)

The EU announced a support package to Palestine worth $319 million, including $214 to the PA, $32 for clean water projects in Gaza, $29 to small and medium sized businesses, $13 million earmarked for Palestinians in East Jerusalem, $8.5 million for infrastructure in Area C, and $5 million for judicial support. (WAFA 2/2)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian vehicles traveling near Sinjil. Israeli forces violently dispersed a protest in Kafr Qaddum, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians in Jaba‘, causing tear-gas related injuries. PA forces arrested a number of attendants at a party held in the Nabi Musa mosque near Jericho; it was later revealed that the PA had approved the party as part of a promotional video intended to increase tourism. However, several attendees, including famous Palestinian DJ Sama Abdulhadi, were still detained days later. 1 Palestinian was arrested at a checkpoint near Tubas. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers clashed with Israeli police and attacked Palestinian passersby during a demonstration against the police because of the death of an Israeli settler during a police pursuit on 12/21; chants of “Death to Arabs” were filmed during the protest. In Gaza, 3 Palestinians, including a minor, were wounded by Israeli forces during air attacks in Gaza City and substantial damage was reported in al-Bureij refugee camp and Dayr al-Balah, including to a mosque, a children’s hospital, a sports club, and a warehouse; Israel said it had intercepted 1 missile from Gaza prior to its attack. Israeli forces also opened fire at agricultural lands east of Dayr al-Balah and al-Bureij refugee camp; no injuries were reported. In Israel, 2 Christmas trees belonging to Catholic and Orthodox churches in Sakhnin were set on fire. (AJ, GDN, HA, HA, HA, MEMO, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/26; PCHR, WAFA 12/27; HA 12/28; ALM 12/30; PCHR 12/31)

Israeli protesters demonstrated against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the 27th Saturday in a row in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The protesters are demanding that Prime Minister Netanyahu resign due to his COVID-19 response, the Israeli economy, and the corruption cases against him. (HA 12/26; WAFA 12/27)

According to reports in Le Monde, UAE and Israeli officials are working to eliminate the UNRWA and have been working toward that goal since the 2 countries’ normalization agreement in August. (JP, MEE, YNET 12/27)

Before dawn, the IDF launches a major raid on al-Amari r.c. in Ramallah that lasts 16 hrs., sending in nearly 100 armored vehicles supported by helicopters to attack Hamas targets; the IDF warns the PA before entering Ramallah, promises that no operations will take place nr. PA head Yasir Arafat’s headquarters. During the raid 3 Hamas mbrs. and an 11-yr.-old Palestinian boy are killed, 29 Hamas mbrs. are arrested, 9 youths who throw stones at troops are wounded, 2 Palestinian homes (1 in al-Amari r.c., 1 in Ramallah) are demolished. The IDF also conducts arrest raids in Jenin, Qalqilya, Rafah, Tulkarm town and r.c., and villages around Nablus. Israel begins construction of a new Jewish settlement neighborhood in East Jerusalem called Golden View. (AP, JP, MM, NYT 12/1; VOI, VOP, YA 12/1 in WNC 12/3; NYT, WP 12/2; LAW, PCHR 12/4; MEI 12/5)

In Geneva, some 150 Israelis and Palestinians involved in the drafting of the unofficial Geneva Accord hold a formal unveiling of their peace initiative at a ceremony attended by fmr. U.S. pres. Jimmy Carter and addressed byfmr. Polish pres. Lech Walesa, fmr. South African pres. Nelson Mandela. Arafat does not endorse the details of the plan, but issues a statement declaring it a “brave and courageous initiative.” Sharon continues to denounce it as “subversive.” (BBC, HA, MM, NYT 12/1; MENA, QA, VOP 12/1 in WNC 12/3; HA, JP, MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/2; ITAR-TASS, Le Monde, XIN 12/2 in WNC 12/4; PR 12/3; QA 12/3 in WNC 12/6; MM, WJW 12/4; MEI 12/5; PR 12/10; JPI 12/12)

In an extensive New York Times interview, Syrian pres. Bashar al-Asad urges the U.S. to support the resumption of Israeli-Syrian peace talks. The U.S. brushes off the overture. (NYT 12/1; VOI, YA 12/1 in WNC 12/3; SANA 12/1, 12/2 in WNC 1/6; MM, WT 12/2; MM 12/3; MA 12/3 in WNC 12/4; MM 12/4; THWR 12/5, THWR, Tishrin 12/6 in WNC 1/9; MM 12/8, 12/10)

An IDF warplane drops a 550-lb bomb on a Gaza City building in an attempt to assassinate Hamas founder and spiritual leader Shaykh Ahmad Yasin, several senior Hamas leaders meeting there, destroying the top floor of the 3-story building, lightly injuring Yasin, 14 others. Following the attack, the IDF tightens restrictions on Palestinian movement across the West Bank. The IDF also fatally shoots a Palestinian teenager suspected of attempting to infiltrate Israel nr. Jabaliya, initially wounding him in the leg, then denies access toan ambulance for 19 hrs., allowing him to bleed to death; fires on stone-throwing Palestinian children in Bayt Furik (wounding 2, ages 9, 10), Nablus (wounding 4); also fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis, Rafah; conducts arrest raids in Asira, Bayt Furik, Rafah. Wanted Hamas mbr. Massud dies of injuries received in an IDF assassination attempt on 8/26. (AFP 9/6; HA, NYT, WP, WT 9/7; IDF Radio, IRNA, MA, MENA, NHR, al-Quds, SA, VOI 9/7 in WNC 9/9; DUS, al-Quds 9/7, AN 9/8 in WNC 9/10; MM 9/8; QA, SFR 9/9 in WNC 9/12; PCHR 9/11; MEI 9/12)

With no PC vote of confidence forthcoming, Abbas resigns as PM, citing no way of reaching a workable security arrangement with Arafat, lack of support fr. the U.S., on going militarism and little diplomatic effort by Israel. (NYT 9/6; MENA, al-Quds, XIN 9/6, JP, JT, MA, MENA, XIN, YA 9/7 in WNC 9/9; HA, NYT, WP, WT 9/7; AN, DUS, al-Ra’i, 9/7, AN, AYM, ITAR-TASS, SA 9/8 in WNC 9/10; AYM 9/7, 9/9 in WNC 9/11; MM 9/9; Le Monde 9/9 in WNC 9/12; MM 9/10)

The IDF makes a major incursion into Bayt Hanun, raiding houses, mosques, civilian institutions; damaging service networks, agricultural land, houses; detaining several Palestinians. The IDF conducts house-to-house searches in, shells residential areas of al-Maghazi r.c., demolishing 2 Palestinian homes, detaining 6 Palestinians. (PCHR 9/11)

            PC mbrs. continue highly critical debate on the new EA. Just before the vote of confidence is held, Arafat announces that he has accepted the EA's resignation. (HA, JP, MM, NYT, WP 9/12; al-Quds 9/12, AN 9/13, QA 9/14 in WNC 9/16; MM, WT 9/13; Le Monde 9/14 in WNC 9/19; PR 9/18; JPI 9/20; MEI 9/27; CSM 10/1)

The IDF shells residential areas of Jenin r.c. Palestinians fire 2 Qassam 2 rockets fr. Gaza into Israel and several mortars fr. Gaza at settlements inside the Strip, causing no damage or injuries. An Israeli dies of injuries received in the 7/17 bombing, bringing the death toll of the attack to 4. An Israeli military court extends the detention without charge of a Palestinian photographer for Agence France-Press, who was taken into custody by the IDF at a West Bank checkpoint on 4/24; a Palestinian photographer for Reuters detained by the IDF on 4/30 is also still in custody. (JTA, PCHR 7/24; MM, NYT 7/25; WT 7/26; Le Monde 7/26 in WNC 7/29)

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)

An IDF soldier is killed during a raid on a village nr. Nablus; a total of 5 Palestinians are killed by the IDF during the day, including senior AMB mbr. Marwan Zallum who is assassinated in Hebron. In his Ramallah compound, Arafat opens a military trial of 4 PFLP mbrs. (not including PFLP head Ahmad Saadat) wanted by Israel for involvement in the Ze'evi assassination; AMB gunmen fire on 3 Palestinian collaborators in Manara Square, killing 1, wounding 2. In Bethlehem, a serious exchange of gunfire is reported nr. the Church of the Nativity; the IDF confiscates the credentials of 17 journalists trying to approach the area. The IDF lifts the curfew in Dahaysha for 3-4 hrs. (AP, HA, Israeli Trade Min. press release, MM 4/22; NYT, WP, WT 4/23; Le Monde, al-Quds 4/23 in WNC 4/24; NYT, WP, WT 4/24; QA 4/24 in WNC 4/25; MA 4/26 in WNC 4/29; MM 4/30; MEI 5/3)

Israel intensifies its offensive across the West Bank and Gaza, leaving more than 40 Palestinian dead (including 3 paramedics), 200 injured--the highest single-day toll since the al-Aqsa intifada began. 1 IDF soldier is also killed. Early this morning, the IDF sends troops into Khuza' village nr. Khan Yunis, killing 16 Palestinians, including PSF regional cmdr. Maj. Gen. Ahmad Mifraj. In Bayt Hanina, the IDF are photographed executing an AMB mbr. hand-cuffed, in custody. The IDF continues house-to-house searches in Aida and Dahaysha, leaving 6 Palestinians dead. Another 6 Palestinians are killed in IDF raids in the Tulkarm area, 5 in a helicopter attack on a PSF office in Gaza City, 1 in Jenin r.c. A pregnant Palestinian woman, her baby die when the IDF bars their transportation to a Tulkarm hospital. In Tulkarm r.c., the IDF calls on all men age 15-45 to surrender for questioning. The IDF shells at least 1 building on Bethlehem University campus. In Jerusalem, Israeli police fatally shoot 1 Palestinian allegedly preparing to detonate a suicide bomb. 10s of armed Jewish settlers, accompanied by several IDF jeeps, raid Hawara village, nr. where a settler was wounded on 3/7, damaging homes, firing in the air The PSF arrests PFLP mbr. Majid Rimawi, the 4th Palestinian wanted by Israel in connection with the Ze'evi assassination. (BDL, LAW, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/8; MENA 3/8, al-Quds 3/9, SA 3/10 in WNC 3/11; BDL, GS, LAW, NYT, WP, WT 3/9; PMC, WP 3/10; Le Monde 3/10 in WNC 3/13; LAW 3/13)

The IDF attempts to assassinate senior Islamic Jihad mbr. Muhammad Sidir by firing missiles at his car in Hebron; Sidir is injured, 2 Palestinian children are killed, 6 others are injured. (1 of the dead, 5 of the injured are bystanders.) A 3d Palestinian is killed in al-Bireh by an IDF tank shell. The IDF also shells, destroys a PSF headquarters in n. Gaza; enters Rafah to bulldoze 3 Palestinian homes; uproots 200 olive trees in Sinjil. Palestinians fire a mortar at a Jewish settlement in Gaza, lightly injuring 1 Jewish settler. Jewish settlers in Hebron severely beat 2 Palestinian girls. Palestinians, Israeli peace activists stage a nonviolent protest at an IDF roadblock in Qalandia. (HP, LAW, MM 12/10; AP, MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/11; WT 12/12; AYM 12/12 in WNC 12/13; HA, LAW 12/13)

Arafat, Sharon meet separately with Zinni, urge him not to cut his trip short. Powell says that Zinni will indeed stay, that he never really intended to leave but just wanted to pressure the sides to act. (AP, MM, NYT, WT 12/11) (see 12/9)

In Washington, Bush hosts the White House's 1st menorah-lighting and Hanukkah party. Speaking privately with American Jewish leaders, Bush reportedly assails Arafat and the State Dept., identifies with Sharon, says that winning the war on terror means getting rid of groups like Hamas, Hizballah. (MM 12/12; MM, WJW 12/13; NYT 12/14; AYM 12/14 in WNC 12/17; WP 12/15; JT [Internet] 12/19; JP 2/1)

In Brussels, EU FMs call on Arafat to dismantle the "terrorist networks" of Hamas and Islamic Jihad; to declare, in Arabic, the end to the "armed intifada." Also call on Israel to halt assassinations, settlement expansion, attacks on the Palestinian infrastructure. (AFP 12/10; NYT, WT 12/11; IRNA, MA, SA 12/11 in WNC 12/12; AFP, MM, WT 12/12; Le Monde 12/12 in WNC 12/13; DUS 12/12 in WNC 12/14; MEI 12/21)

The IDF withdraws fr. Jinin. A Hamas suicide bomber detonates a device nr. the Erez crossing in n. Gaza, wounding 2 Israeli border policemen. The IDF directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Khan Yunis, injuring 6 children; conducts arrest raids in Dayr al-Balah; tightens the closure on Tulkarm, digging ditches across roads, bulldozing agricultural land around the city. (HP 11/26; AP, HP, NYT, WP 11/27; NYT 11/28)

Special envoys Burns, Zinni arrive in Israel to begin work toward a cease-fire. (HA, MM, WP 11/26; AYM 11/26, 11/27 in WNC 11/28; JP [Internet], NYT 11/27; WJW 11/29; al-Quds 11/29 in WNC 11/30; Le Monde 11/30 in WNC 12/3; JP 12/7)

In Baqa` al-Sharqiyya, a Hamas suicide bomber detonates a device as IDF commandos raid his hide-out, wounding 2 commandos. A 2d Palestinian dies of injuries received on 11/6. The IDF tightens the closures on Jinin, Salfit, Tulkarm; directs gunfire at a Jordanian diplomatic vehicle traveling nr. the Erez crossing; bulldozes agricultural land in Bayt Lahia. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities evict, confiscate the home of a Palestinian family; give evacuation orders to 2 other families. Israel also bars PA Telecommunications M Imad al-Faluji fr. leaving the PA areas to attend an Arab League mtg. in Cairo. A Jewish settler driving nr. Bethlehem hits a 5-yr.-old Palestinian boy, seriously injuring him; the IDF blocks his transportation to a hospital for over 1 hr. In a similar incident, a 4-yr.-old Palestinian boy is hit, injured by a Jewish settler nr. Jinin; due to the closure, it takes the boy's father 2 hrs. to get him to a hospital less than 1 mi. away. (HP 11/8; MA, MENA, Voice of Israel 11/8 in WNC 11/9; PMC 11/10; AYM 11/14 in WNC 11/19; PCHR 11/15)

The White House says that Bush will not meet with Arafat on the sidelines of the upcoming UNGA session because the PA has not done enough to stop "terrorism." (WT 11/9; AN, QA 11/10 in WNC 11/13; AYM 11/11, Le Monde 11/13 in WNC 11/14)

Israeli police question Israeli Arab MK Talib al-Sana on suspicion of sedition for reportedly stating in an interview with Abu Dhabi TV that a Palestinian attack on the Israeli DMin. on 8/5 was legitimate since the target was military and not civilian. (JP [Internet] 11/9) (see 11/6)

The Lebanese cabinet formally rejects U.S. requests to freeze Hizballah assets. (SAF 11/8 in WNC 11/9; NYT, WP 11/9; SAF 11/10 in WNC 11/13; al-Nahar 11/10, al-Anwar [Beirut] 11/11 in WNC 11/14; MM 11/13; WJW 11/15; MEI 11/23) (11/2)

The IDF kills a total of 6 Palestinians, wounds more than 100 (at least 50% with live ammunition) in confronting demonstrations across the West Bank, Gaza marking the 1st anniversary of the al-Aqsa intifada. (In Nablus alone, 10,000 Palestinians rally.) A 7th Palestinian dies in a mysterious explosion. The worst fighting is in Hebron (where the IDF shells residential areas, killing 2; and Palestinians fire on 2 vehicles, lightly injuring 2 Jewish settlers), Qarni crossing, Rafah (where an IDF tank reportedly fires into a crowd, killing 3 Palestinians). In Rafah, some 150 Palestinians clash with PSF officers attempting to disperse demonstrators, vandalize 3 empty PSF offices. The IDF also conducts arrest raids in Bethlehem, Salfit. Jewish settlers destroy 100 dunams of Palestinian crop land, several greenhouses nr. Mihula. (HP, MM 9/28; HP, NYT, WP, WT 9/29; Le Monde 9/29 in WNC 10/2; HP, WP, WT 9/30; al-Quds 9/30 in WNC 10/1; MM 10/1; IRNA 10/3 in WNC 10/4; HA 10/21)

Despite increasing violence, Israel, the PA reconvene the trilateral security comm. for the 1st time since 7/25. Arafat issues another statement calling on Palestinian to adhere to the cease-fire. (AFP, MM 9/28; HP, NYT, WP, WT 9/29; MM 10/1)

After several more hrs. of talks among Arafat, Barak, Clinton, Mubarak, King Abdallah, Annan, and Solana, Clinton announces that Arafat, Barak have agreed on steps toward halting the clashes. No details are released. The agmts. are oral and reportedly are vague, not giving an order of who is to take what step 1st. The sides agree that Clinton will appoint an international inquiry comm. to investigate the recent clashes. The U.S. for the 1st time acknowledges that Arafat "may not have control of everything" but still says it expects a cessation of violence "within hours." (AFP [Internet], MM, REU 10/17; ATL, Interfax, MENA, RL 10/17 in WNC 10/18; LAW, NYT, WP, WT, YA 10/18; JT, al-Quds, SA 10/18, Le Monde 10/19 in WNC 10/19; WJW 10/19; JP 10/20; MEI 10/27; MA 11/6 in WNC 11/9)

Meanwhile, Israeli-Palestinian clashes escalate. Nr. Itamar settlement, Jewish settlers open fire on a Palestinian family harvesting their olive crop, killing 1, wounding 3. A PA policeman is killed by IDF fire in Gaza. A 3d Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. Palestinian gunmen fire at Gilo settlement, critically wounding an Israeli border policeman. IDF tanks fire on the neighboring Palestinian village of Bayt Jala in retaliation. Settlers fr. Itamar fire on Palestinian homes in neighboring Hawara village, attack a Palestinian ambulance driver. (ADM, LAW, MM, PCHR, REU 10/17; MENA 10/17, al-Quds 10/18, MA 10/19 in WNC 10/19; ADM, Bahrain Tribune [Internet], CSM, HA [Internet], LAW, NYT, WP, WT 10/18; WJW 10/19; HJ 10/24, MENA 10/25 in WNC 10/30)

Hamas's Shaykh Ahmad Yasin, West Bank Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti say their supporters will continue the uprising despite the Sharm agmts. The DFLP, Islamic Jihad, Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine issue similar statements. Palestinians in Bethlehem, Gaza City, Nablus, Qalqilya, Ramallah demonstrate against the Sharm mtg. 1,000s of Egyptian students in Cairo, 7,000 Palestinian refugees in Tripoli, Lebanon, hold similar demonstrations. A rally in solidarity with the Palestinian people is held in New York. (ADM, LAW, MM, PCHR, REU 10/17; RMC 10/17 in WNC 10/18; MENA 10/17, al-Quds 10/18, MA 10/19 in WNC 10/19; ADM, Bahrain Tribune [Internet], CSM, HA [Internet], LAW, NYT, WP, WT 10/18; WJW 10/19; HJ 10/24, MENA 10/25 in WNC 10/30)

International mediation efforts continue, with UN Secy.-Gen. Annan, Russian FM Ivanov, EU foreign policy dir. Javier Solana each meeting separately with Arafat, Barak. Egypt's Musa flies to Damascus to confer with Syrian pres. Asad, who phones Arafat to express Syrian support. Mubarak also phones Arafat and rejects Clinton's proposal (10/8) for a summit in Egypt, saying Israel must 1st agree to pull its troops back fr. PA areas, stop threatening Lebanon and Syria (see 10/8), bar official Israeli visits to the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount, agree to an international inquiry. (ATL, Interfax, ITAR-TASS, MENA, XIN 10/10 in WNC 10/12; CSM, MM, NYT, WP 10/11; Milliyet 10/11, al-Quds 10/12 in WNC 10/13; CSM, WJW 10/12)

Meanwhile, Israeli-Palestinian clashes abate somewhat. Inside Israel, Israeli Jews stab to death 2 Israeli Arabs nr. Tel Aviv, set fire to 3 Arab apartment buildings in Jaffa, and set fire to 3 Palestinian homes and a Jewish-owed restaurant that employed Palestinians in Tel Aviv. Clashes btwn. Israeli Jews and Arabs are also reported in Haifa, Tiberias, and Acre, where Israeli police intervene, firing tear gas and live ammunition, wounding 1 Israeli Arab. (Israeli police say they have arrested some 400 Israeli Arabs, 200 Israeli Jews since clashes began.) Jews fr. West Jerusalem damage Palestinian property in East Jerusalem. In Gaza, the IDF demolishes another apartment building in Netzarim Junction, which was evacuated earlier because it had been hit by IDF shells. Jewish settlers reportedly attack Palestinians in Hebron, Khan Yunis, Rafah and outside Jinin, Nablus, Ramallah; some incidents involve settlers firing automatic weapons. In Rafah, a 12-yr.-old Palestinian is shot dead by the IDF. Nr. Ramallah, IDF soldiers wound a Palestinian ambulance driver with live ammunition. (ADM, BBC, MM 10/10; ADM, MM, NYT, WP 10/11; AFP 10/10, MA 10/11, Le Monde 10/12 in WNC 10/12; MM, WJW, WP 10/12; MEI 10/13; WP 11/30)

Protests in solidarity with the Palestinians are held in Brussels, Cairo, Madrid. In the U.S., rallies are held in Ann Arbor, New Haven. (RL 10/10 in WNC 10/12; WT 10/11)

Citing "compelling national security interests," the State Dept. restores Amb. to Israel Indyk's security clearance. (NYT, WT 10/11; WJW 10/12) (see 10/4)

Barak extends indefinitely his 48-hr. deadline for Arafat to halt Palestinian riots passes in light of international mediation efforts. Clinton, Albright spend the day on the phone, discussing with Arafat, Barak, Mubarak, various EU leaders ways of halting the violence. UN Secy.-Gen. Annan, Russian FM Ivanov meet with Barak in Tel Aviv, Arafat in Gaza. Arafat goes to Cairo to confer with Mubarak. (MM, NYT, WT 10/9; Interfax, IRNA, MENA 10/9 in WNC 10/10; Interfax 10/9, Le Monde 10/10 in WNC 10/10; MENA 10/9, DUS 10/10, MA 10/11 in WNC 10/12; HA [Internet], CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/10; WJW 10/12; MEI 10/13)

Meanwhile, Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue throughout the West Bank and Gaza and inside Israel. The IDF extends the West Bank-Gaza closure indefinitely, cancels all permits issued to Palestinians working in Israel. 100s of Israeli Jews fr. Upper Nazareth rampage through Arab Nazareth, firing automatic weapons and wielding clubs, injuring 50 Israeli Arabs, damaging homes and shops. Israeli police break up the ensuing riot, firing tear gas and rubber bullets. 2 Israeli Arabs are shot dead with live ammunition either by Jews or the police. In Tel Aviv, 500 Israeli Jews attack Arab apartment buildings, set Arab-owned stores on fire. In Jaffa, Israeli Jews set fire to 2 mosques, a number of Palestinian homes. In East Jerusalem, Jewish settlers attempt to vandalize the Latin Patriarchate Church. In the West Bank, 2 Palestinians are found dead, both apparently killed by Jewish settlers avenging the murder of a rabbi on 10/8 (1 is later judged by international experts to have died in a car accident). 2 Palestinians die of injuries received earlier. (Gush Shalom press release, MM 10/9; AYM 10/9, MA 10/10 in WNC 10/12; ADM, LAW, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/10; WJW 10/12; MEI 10/13)

10,000 Kuwaitis rally in solidarity with the Palestinians. Smaller rallies are held in Canada, Egypt, Italy, and the UK, as well as in Chicago. (MENA 10/9 in WNC 10/10; MM, WP 10/10; MEI 10/13; MM 10/17)

Israeli-Palestinian fighting in the West Bank and Gaza abates slightly but escalates again this evening, leaving at least 3 Palestinians dead. The most serious incident is in Nablus, where the IDF, implementing the Sharm agmts., turns over Joseph's Tomb to the PSF. Palestinians celebrating the IDF pullback overrun the PSF, destroy the tomb. In response, armed Jewish settlers roam areas around West Bank settlements, stoning and firing at Palestinian cars, killing 1 Palestinian. Inside Israel, Jews fr. Upper Nazareth rampage through Arab Nazareth throwing stones at Israeli Palestinians, sparking a riot; when Israeli Arabs start to fight back, Israeli riot police intervene, using tear gas and live ammunition, shooting dead 2 Israeli Arabs. In Tiberias, Jews vandalize a historic mosque. The IDF moves tanks into the West Bank to guard the Jewish settlement of Psagot, which has been the target of Palestinian sniping. At Rafah airport, Palestinians fire on a bus Israeli airport workers, injuring 8. Israel shuts the airport. (LAW 10/7; MENA, RL 10/7, al-Quds 10/8, AFP, Le Monde 10/10 in WNC 10/10; ADM, NYT, WP, WT 10/8; MM, NYT, WT 10/9; AYM 10/9, MA 10/10, 10/11 in WNC 10/12; NYT 10/10; WJW 10/12; MEI 10/13; WJW 10/19; WP 10/28)

Barak calls up IDF reservists, sets an ultimatum of 48 hrs. for Palestinians to halt their assaults on IDF outposts, Jewish settlements or "we will regard this as a cessation by Arafat of the peace process, and we will order the army to use all means at its disposal." Barak also says he is considering forming a "unity government" with Likud MK Sharon. (AYM 10/7, al-Quds 10/9 in WNC 10/12; NYT, WP, WT 10/8; AYM 10/8 in WNC 10/13; MM 10/9; Le Monde 10/10 in WNC 10/10; MM 10/11; JP, MEI 10/13)

Nr. Shaba` Farms, IDF soldiers fire across the blue line into Lebanon at 100s of Palestinian refugees staging a protest, killing 2, wounding 15. In response, Hizballah guerrillas cross into Golan Heights, kidnap 3 IDF soldiers; fire rockets at the IDF's Shaba` outpost, injuring 6 soldiers. Barak reinforces the border area, sends Israeli warplanes and attack helicopters into Lebanon to strike Hizballah targets, injuring 4 Lebanese civilians. U.S.'s Albright phones Lebanese pres. Lahoud, Syrian pres. Asad to urge them to intercede with Hizballah to release the IDF soldiers. France, Germany, the Red Cross, Russia, the UN open channels with Hizballah, which demands Israel release at least 19 Lebanese political prisoners (kidnaped by the IDF in Lebanon, held without trial for as long as 20 yrs.) in exchange for the soldiers. (CNN [Internet] 10/7; RL 10/7, AYM 10/8, Interfax 10/9, Le Monde 10/10 in WNC 10/10; NYT, WP, WT 10/8; Manar TV [Internet], MM, NYT, WT 10/9; al-Quds 10/9, DUS, al-Safir 10/10 in WNC 10/12; MM, NYT, WP 10/10; NYT, WJW, WP 10/12; JP, MEI 10/13; JP 10/27, 11/3)

After 6 days of debate, the UNSC passes (14 to 0, with the U.S. abstaining) a watered down resolution that condemns the "excessive use of force" against the Palestinians but does not mention Israel by name. U.S. Amb. Richard Holbrooke threatened to veto stronger language. (AP 10/7; NYT, WP, WT 10/8; AYM 10/8 in WNC 10/13; MM, NYT, WT 10/9; CSM, WP 10/10; MEI 10/13)

In Amman, Jordanian police open fire on Palestinian refugees demonstrating for the closure of the Israeli emb., killing 1, arresting 97. Demonstrations condemning Israeli violence, U.S. support of Israel are held in Bahrain, Canada, Egypt, France, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mauritania, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Turkey, the UAE, and Yemen. In the U.S., rallies are held in Albuquerque, Dearborn, New York. (BBC, al-Jazeera TV [Internet] 10/7; AFP, ATL, MENA 10/7, JT 10/8 in WNC 10/10; Daily Star 10/12 in WNC 10/13; Gulf News [Internet], NYT 10/8; MM 10/11; AYM 10/11 in WNC 10/12; MEI 10/13)

Anticipating protests following Friday prayers, Israel seals the West Bank and Gaza, allows plain clothes PA police to deploy in the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount to form a cordon to prevent Palestinians fr. throwing stones. The PA police, Waqf officials largely succeed in restraining the crowd, but when a handful of the 8,000 Palestinian worshipers do throw rocks, Israeli forces open fire, killing 2 Palestinians, wounding 60. At sundown IDF troops raid the Haram al-Sharif to chase off Palestinians, lower a Palestinian flag. In total, 9 Palestinians are killed, 450 injured during the day; a 10th dies of wounds received earlier. (AP, JP [Internet], LAW, MM 10/6; MENA 10/6, IRNA, TT 10/7 in WNC 10/10; NYT, WP, WT 10/7; AYM 10/7 in WNC 10/12)

The largest rally in support of the Palestinians is held in Amman, where 30,000 Jordanians, Palestinians attempt to march on the Israeli emb. but are dispersed by Jordanian police firing tear gas. In Baqa` camp, Jordanian police fire on 2,000 Palestinian demonstrators, killing 1, injuring at least 50. The incidents prompt the government to ban public protests. In Damascus, Syrian police use tear gas to disperse protesters attempting to march to the U.S. emb. In Tunis, Arafat, Pres. Zine Abidine Ben Ali participate in a rally attended by 10,000 Tunisians. Crowds also demonstrate in Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mauritania, Oman, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Yemen, as well as in Berlin, Canberra, Geneva, the Hague, London, Prague, Reykjavik, and Vienna. In Canada, rallies are held in Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Toronto, Waterloo, and Windsor. In the U.S., protests are staged in Atlanta, Baton Rouge, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Dearborn, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Memphis, Miami, New York, Oklahoma City, Orlando, Ottawa, Phoenix, Raleigh, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Tampa, Washington. (BBC, MM, REU, UPI 10/6; AFP, CTK [Prague], EFE [Madrid] 10/6, JT 10/8 in WNC 10/10; Toronto Star, WP, WT 10/7; al-Quds 10/7, AFP 10/11 in WNC 10/12; REU 10/8; WP 10/10; MM 10/11; Daily Star 10/12 in WNC 10/13; MEI 10/13; SA 10/16 in WNC 10/18; Le Monde 11/7 in WNC 11/8)

In Paris, U.S. Secy. of State Albright, CIA Dir. Tenet meet with Arafat, Barak. After 12 hrs. of talks, joined at times by UN Secy.-Gen. Annan and French pres. Chirac, the sides reach an arrangement under which Barak agrees to withdraw troops to their positions before 9/28, Arafat agrees to try to curb Palestinian rioting, both sides agree to keep people away fr. 3 hot spots (Netzarim Junction in Gaza, Joseph's Tomb in Nablus, and the "circle area" nr. Ramallah). The U.S. had hoped Arafat and Barak would sign a document outlining the agmts., but the Arafat would do so only if the text included provisions for an international inquiry, which Barak rejected. After the mtg. Albright, Arafat leave for Sharm al-Shaykh. Barak returns to Israel, saying there no point in meeting with Mubarak. (MM, REU 10/4; AFP, ATL, Interfax, IRNA, ITAR-TASS, MENA, Yonhap [Seoul] 10/4, AFP, IDF Radio, Interfax, JT, MA, MENA, al-Quds, SA, VOI 10/5 in WNC 10/6; AP, CSM, LAW, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/5; Arab News 10/5, AYM, HJ, MENA 10/6, SA 10/7, MENA 10/9 in WNC 10/10; MM, WP 10/6; AYM, Le Monde 10/11 in WNC 10/12; MM, WP 10/12; JP, MEI 10/13)

Meanwhile, Palestinian-Israeli clashes continue in the West Bank, Gaza, and Israel, leaving 9 Palestinians dead, 10s wounded; 2 Palestinians die of wounds received earlier. An Israeli Arab is killed in a clash Israeli police in Kefar Manda in the Galilee. The IDF eases open-fire regulations, permitting soldiers to fire on any vehicles approaching checkpoints and continues to use heavy weapons, but overall the fighting is less intense than in previous days. The most serious clashes are nr. Bethlehem, Jaffa, Nablus, Netzarim Junction. (MM 10/4; ANSA, IRNA 10/4 in WNC 10/6; LAW, NYT, WP, WT 10/5; HJ, Daily Star 10/5 in WNC 10/10; MM 10/9)

Protests against Israel's actions are held in Damascus, where 1,000s of students demonstrate outside the U.S. emb.; in Cairo, where 1,500 students demonstrate outside the Israeli emb.; and in Amman, where riot police fire tear gas to disperse 800 protesters marching toward the Israeli emb., injuring 62. In Copenhagen, 5,000 attend a Palestinian solidarity rally. Smaller rallies are staged in Istanbul, London, Rome. In the U.S. demonstrations are staged in Dearborn, Detroit, Madison, Miami, New Haven, Portland. (MENA 10/4 in WNC 10/5; ATL 10/4, JT 10/5 in WNC 10/6; MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/5; MENA 10/5, HJ 10/6 in WNC 10/10; MENL 10/11)

The PA releases 12 Hamas political prisoners who had been held without charge in PA jails. Israel says the PA is giving a "green light for terrorism." (HJ 10/5 in WNC 10/6; WP 10/6)

The PC convenes an emergency session in Ramallah, denounces Israel's aggression, calls for an Arab summit. (WP 10/5)

Citing "compelling national security interests," the State Dept. sends Amb. Indyk back to Israel to maintain contact with Israeli officials during the clashes. (WT 10/5) (see 9/22)

This morning, the IDF begins pulling back reinforcements fr. the West Bank, Gaza after reaching a new agmt. with the PA. Initially, clashes abate, but fighting continues at old hot spots (e.g., Hebron, Nablus, Netzarim Junction, Ramallah, Tulkarm). Within hrs., the IDF sends reinforcements back in, firing antitank missiles and deploying helicopter gunships, tanks against Palestinians, killing 3, injuring 40. In Nablus, 27 Palestinians are injured when and IDF helicopter fires rockets at an apartment building. 1 Palestinian injured last wk. dies. Inside Israel, massive demonstrations continue across the Galilee following 2 funerals for Israeli Arabs killed by the Israeli police earlier in the wk. (MM 10/3; AFP, IRNA, MENA 10/3, JT, Le Monde 10/4 in WNC 10/6; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 10/4; AYM 10/4 in WNC 10/10; MEI 10/13)

Barak meets with Israeli Arab leaders to "ease concerns about the neglect of their community," agrees to set up a special cabinet comm. to address Arab concerns. Under pressure fr. Israeli Arab MKs, he bans police fr. using live ammunition against Israeli protesters unless there is "clear and immediate danger to life." The Israeli government also releases plans to improve roads in schools in Israeli Arab towns, raise the standard of living of the Arab minority. (MM 10/3; NYT, WT 10/4; MEI 10/13)

In Beirut, 20,000 Palestinians, Lebanese march to UN House to protest Israeli actions. Some 10,000 Palestinian refugees demonstrate in camps in Rashidiyya, Sidon, and Tyre. In Amman, Jordanians observe a strike in solidarity with the Palestinians, and Jordanian riot police wield clubs against 100s of stone-throwing demonstrators marching on the Israeli emb. In Norway, some 100 Norwegians take part in a violent protest outside the Israeli emb. in Oslo, burning flags, throwing bottles, breaking windows. Rallies are also reported in Egypt, Greece, Oman, Pakistan, the UAE. In the U.S., anti-Israeli protests are held in Austin, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Raleigh, San Francisco, Washington, and outside the CNN offices in Atlanta, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, Toronto. (JP [Internet], MM 10/4; JT 10/4 in WNC 10/6; Daily Star [Internet] 10/5; MM 10/6; MEI 10/13)

The IDF admits that its soldiers fired the shots that killed a Muhammad al-Dura at Netzarim Junction on 10/1 but blames Palestinians for the "cynical use" of children in confrontations with IDF troops. (WP 10/4; NYT 10/5) (see 10/2)

Despite another attempt to secure a cease-fire, Israeli-Palestinian clashes in Israel and throughout the West Bank and Gaza continue, leaving 10 Palestinians, 7 Israeli Arabs, 1 IDF soldier, 1 Jewish settler dead and some 300 Palestinians injured; 3 Israeli Arabs wounded on 10/1 also die. Israel closes roads in n. Israel, the West Bank, Gaza to civilian traffic. Around 30 exchanges of gunfire btwn. Israeli security forces and armed Palestinian civilians and police are reported. Nr. Tulkarm, Palestinians set afire an industrial plant owned by Jewish settlers. Nr. Hebron, Jewish settlers fatally shoot a Palestinian. The IDF dep. chief of staff Moshe Ya'alon warns that if Palestinians do not stop attacking troops guarding Joseph's Tomb in Nablus, the IDF will move in even though the area is under full PA control; the IDF has taken up positions around areas A but has not crossed into them. Barak authorizes his forces to use "all necessary means" to protect Israeli lives, quell riots. (AP, MM 10/2; AFP, ANSA, EFE [Madrid], Interfax, RL, XIN 10/2 in WNC 10/3; RL, SAPA [Johannesburg] 10/2, JT, HJ, al-Quds, SA 10/3 in WNC 10/6; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/3; HJ, al-Quds, Sabah 10/3, MA 10/6 in WNC 10/10; MM 10/9)

The IDF claims that Muhammad al-Dura, the 12-yr.-old killed at Netzarim Junction on 10/1, had been throwing stones at soldiers before he was shot, contradicting widely broadcast footage of the incident recorded by France 2 TV showing the boy and his father pinned down by gunfire for 45 minutes. The pair were returning from errands and had been dropped off by a taxi, which refused to take them across Netzarim Junction because of heavy IDF fire. (Age [Melbourne], HA [Internet], MM, WP 10/3; MA 10/6 in WNC 10/10)

U.S. secy. of state Albright announces that she will meet with Arafat, Barak in Paris on 10/4 to discuss the clashes, the peace process. All 3 will then meet with Mubarak in Sharm al-Shaykh on 10/5. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/3; Radio France International 10/3 in WNC 10/6)

In Amman, Arafat, King Abdallah discuss the Israeli-Palestinian clashes, call on Israel to pull back forces to restore calm, and urge Arab states to convene an emergency summit. In Cairo, Mubarak, Syrian pres. Asad also call for an Arab summit. Massive rallies protesting Israeli actions are held in Amman, Cairo, Damascus, refugee camps in Lebanon, Yemen. Protests are also held outside Israeli embassies and legations in many European and North American cities, including Ann Arbor, Austin, Brussels, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Montreal, New Haven, New York, Ottawa. (AP, BDL, UPI 10/2; MENA 10/2 in WNC 10/3; MENA 10/2, JT, MENA 10/3, JT 10/4 in WNC 10/6; NYT, WP, WT 10/3; AYM 10/3 in WNC 10/12; MM, WT 10/4; WJW 10/5; HJ 10/5, al-Quds 10/7 in WNC 10/10; JP 10/13)

In Paris, PA Planning M Shaath briefs French pres. Chirac on the ongoing clashes. Chirac calls on both sides to deescalate the violence, calls for an international inquiry into the clashes. (AFP 10/2, 10/3, Le Monde 10/4 in WNC 10/6)

In New York, the UNSC begins closed-door mtgs. on several draft resolutions regarding the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli clashes. Britain, the U.S. lobby against issuing a resolution, saying, at most, a statement should be read. (UPI 10/3; HA [Internet] 10/4; WJW 10/5)

Arafat arrives in Paris on the 1st leg of a multination tour of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia to brief leaders on the Camp David summit, seek backing for PA positions, assess support for a unilateral declaration of statehood. After he meets with Arafat, Pres. Chirac phones Egyptian pres. Mubarak to discuss the summit. (MENA 7/29 in WNC 7/31; WP, WT 7/30; Le Monde 7/30 in WNC 8/1; CSM, JP [Internet] 7/31; al-Quds 7/31 in WNC 8/1; Le Monde 8/1 in WNC 8/2)

Over 500 Palestinian children fr. refugee camps in the West Bank, Lebanon travel to Fatima Gate, Israel's fmr. border crossing into s. Lebanon, to meet and call for the right of return. (BDL 8/3)

In response to a request fr. Barak for White House assistance with his domestic political problems, Pres. Clinton agrees to be interviewed on Israeli TV. He praises Barak's courage during the talks, promises the U.S. will reward Israel with closer bilateral strategic relations for concluding an agmt. with the PA, voluntarily raises the prospect of moving the U.S. emb. fr. Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. (MM 7/28; NYT, WP, WT 7/29; DUS, XIN 7/29, IRNA, MENA, al-Quds 7/30 in WNC 7/31; WP 7/30; HJ, DUS, Le Monde 7/30, HJ, JT 7/31 in WNC 8/1; AYM 7/30, IRNA 8/1 in WNC 8/2; MM 7/31; MENA, al-Safir 8/2 in WNC 8/3; WJW 8/3; MENA 8/3 in WNC 8/4; IRNA 8/6, MA 8/3 in WNC 8/8; MM 8/11)

At Camp David, Arafat passes a letter to Clinton saying he sees no reason to continue talks, since Barak has adopted a take-it-or-leave-it position regarding U.S. proposals on Jerusalem. After a final set of 1-on-1 mtgs. with Arafat and Barak, Clinton declares an end to the Camp David summit. The U.S., Israel, the PA issue a 5-point statement of negotiating principles, express hope that a deal may still be reached by 9/13. In announcing the failure of the summit, Clinton essentially lays the blame on Arafat, stating that Barak showed more flexibility. (Interfax, MENA 7/25 in WNC 7/26; MENA, XIN 7/25, ABC [Madrid], ATL, Interfax, IRNA, ITAR-TASS, MA, MENA, al-Quds, SA 7/26 in WNC 7/27; MM, NYT, PR [Internet], WP, WT 7/26; AYM, DUS 7/26, Le Monde, SA, TT 7/27 in WNC 7/28; Arab News [Jeddah] 7/26, JT 7/30 in WNC 7/31; HA [Internet], NYT, WJW 7/27; AYM 7/28 in WNC 8/2; MIL 7/28 in WNC 8/3; NYT 7/29; WP 7/30)

UN Secy.-Gen. Annan suspends the UNIFIL deployment in light of new Israeli violations of the blue line. (XIN 7/25 in WNC 7/27; WP 7/26; MEI 7/28)

The London-based daily al-Hayat reports that Syrian pres. Bashar al-Asad recently received fmr. chief of staff Shihabi on his return fr. medical treatment in the U.S., suggesting anticorruption charges against him have been dropped. (MM 7/25; SA 7/30 in WNC 7/31) (see 6/6)

Jewish settlers level 25 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Qalqilya. (LAW 8/10)

After a full day of negotiations, during which Barak threatened to walk out and Clinton phoned Arab leaders to discuss proposals on Jerusalem, the White House announces that the summit has failed, Clinton will leave for Okinawa in the morning. An hour later, the White House says Arafat and Barak will stay at Camp David with Secy. of State Albright. The sides will discuss how to proceed when Clinton returns. (MM, White House press briefing 7/19; MENA, XIN 7/19 in WNC 7/20; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/20; ANSA, MA, Le Monde, SA 7/20 in WNC 7/21; al-Quds 7/20, al-Quds, Renmin Ribao [Beijing] 7/21 in WNC 7/24; CSM, WP 7/21; NYT 7/23; WP 7/27; JP 7/28)

Pres. Bashar al-Asad of Syria, King Abdallah of Jordan meet in Damascus for their 1st talks as heads of state; agree to revive a joint economic commission and increase bilateral trade. Jordan reportedly offers to coordinate a resumption of Syrian-Israeli negotiations. (MM 7/19; JT 7/19 in WNC 7/20; WP, WT 7/20; SA 7/24 in WNC 7/25) (see 7/13)

In the Qalqilya area, Jewish settlers fr. Qarni Shomron seize 100 dunams of land fr. 3 nearby Palestinian villages. In 2 separate land grabs, settlers level 20 dunams nr. Tulkarm, 22 dunams nr. Salfit. (LAW 8/10)

At Camp David, MD, Arafat, Barak, Clinton open their 3-way summit on final status issues under a media blackout. According to the State Dept., Clinton 1st holds brief 1-on-1 mtgs. with Arafat, Barak. Then the 3 men meet briefly together. Then the Israeli, PA, U.S. teams hold a short opening session. Later in the evening, Clinton holds 2 mtgs. with Arafat, 1 with Barak. (MM, CSM 7/11; White House press briefing 7/11, 7/12; XIN 7/11, Le Monde, al-Quds 7/12 in WNC 7/13; CSM, JP [Internet], MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/12; MM, WJW 7/13; MEI 7/14)

During their 1-on-1 talks, Barak informs Clinton that Israel has suspended the sale of an AWACS technology to China. (MM, NYT, WJW, WP, WT 7/13; AFP, Zhongguo Tongxun She [Hong Kong] 7/13 in WNC 7/17; Le Monde, SA 7/14 in WNC 7/18; JP 7/21)

In Nablus, and Ramallah, 100s of Palestinian refugees hold a rally to urge Arafat not to back down on the refugees' right of return at the Camp David summit. In Jerusalem, 1,500 Israelis rally to support Barak's decision to go to Camp David. (MM, NYT 7/12)

A U.S. federal judge orders Iran to pay $327 m. to the families of 2 Americans killed in a suicide bombing in Israel on 2/25/96, saying the evidence shows that fmr. Iranian officials aided Hamas in staging the attack. This is the 4th time that a U.S. judge has ordered Iran to pay damages under a 1996 act that allows American victims of terrorist acts abroad legal recourse in U.S. courts. (WP 7/12; WJW 7/13)

In the morning, PM Barak goes to Cairo to discuss the final status talks with Pres. Mubarak. He then returns to Israel and narrowly survives a Knesset vote on 2 no-confidence motions, freeing him to depart for Camp David late tonight. (Arafat left earlier in the day. (MM 7/10; MENA 7/10 in WNC 7/11; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 7/11; CSM 7/12; Le Monde 7/12 in WNC 7/13; MEI 7/14)

Israel's Ezer Weizman steps down as pres. The timing has nothing to with Barak's coalition crisis; indeed, Weizman's last act is to urge Barak to forge ahead with the Camp David summit. Weizman decided in 5/00 to retire today after a police investigation concluded on 4/6 he was guilty of fraud but that statute of limitations for prosecution had run out. The Knesset will choose a new pres. on 7/31 (NYT, WP 7/11; MM, WJW 7/13; JP 7/21)

Bashar al-Asad, the sole candidate, is elected pres. of Syria with 97% of the vote. Some 210,000 Syrians working in Lebanon returned home for the election. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/11; Interfax, MENA, SA 7/11, JT 7/12 in WNC 7/13; CSM, WP, WT 7/12; MEI 7/14)

PM Barak delays his departure for Camp David after 3 coalition parties--National Religious party, Shas, Yisrael Ba'Aliya--quit the government. In addition, FM Levy announces he will not attend summit because Barak has failed to consult with him on planned concessions. The opposition schedules 2 no-confidence votes for 7/10. Yet, public opinion polls show that 61% of Jewish Israelis support the talks with the PA. The U.S. says the summit must go ahead or Palestinian-Israeli tensions will rise further. (CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/10; AYM 7/11, Le Monde 7/12 in WNC 7/13; JP, MEI 7/14) (see 7/5)

In Washington, Secy. of State Albright holds mtgs. with the Israeli, PA peace teams sent in advance of Barak, Arafat to prepare for the Camp David summit, which is scheduled to begin on 7/11. The PA vows to hold a popular referendum of Palestinians inside and outside the territories on any agmt. that emerges fr. the talks. (JP [Internet], Reuters [Internet] 7/9; XIN 7/9 in WNC 7/11; WP 7/10)

In Cairo, Arafat meets with Pres. Mubarak on his way to the Camp David summit. Arafat then heads to London for a similar mtg. with PM Blair. (MENA 7/9 in WNC 7/10; Associated Press [Internet] 7/10; MENA 7/10 in WNC 7/11; MENA 7/11 in WNC 7/13)

Although the U.S. plans to have a media blackout surrounding the Camp David talks, PM Barak dispatches a media information team that will operate fr. New York, Washington during the summit. MKs Rabbi Michel Melchoir, Yuli Tamir will head the team. (Prime Minister's Office press release 7/9; MA 7/10 in WNC 7/11; SA 7/14 in WNC 7/18; MA 7/24 in WNC 7/25)

Jordanian PM Abu al-Raghib says Jordan has informed Israel, the PA, the U.S. of Jordan's "firm refusal" to absorb any additional Palestinian refugees "under any pretext," including a final status agmt. (JT [Internet], MM 7/10; JT 7/14 in WNC 7/18)

IDF soldiers open fire on a Palestinian car nr. Kafr Darom settlement in Gaza, killing a woman, wounding 5 others. The IDF says the shooting was an accident. (NYT 7/10; WJW 7/13; MEI 7/14)

Pres. Clinton announces that Arafat, Barak will come to Camp David, MD, on 7/11 to hold 3-way summit on final status issues. Talks are expected to end before Clinton leaves for a G-8 mtg. in Japan on 7/19. U.S. officials say that the PLOCC's 7/3 "threat" to declare a state as of 9/13 influenced Clinton's decision to hold the summit now. (MM 7/5; MENA 7/5 in WNC 7/6; XIN 7/5, ITAR-TASS, al-Quds, XIN 7/6 in WNC 7/7; NYT, WP, WT 7/6; AYM, XIN 7/6, ITAR-TASS, Le Monde, al-Quds, SA 7/7, DUS 7/8, JT, SA 7/9 in WNC 7/10; CSM, MM, NYT, WP 7/7; MEI 7/14)

In London, PM Barak urges British PM Tony Blair to press Arafat not to declare unilaterally a Palestinian state. Barak then leaves for Paris to hold similar talks with French pres. Chirac. (CNN [Internet], MM 7/5; MM 7/6)

Arafat invites the Palestinian opposition parties to accompany the PA delegation to the Camp David summit, participate on the sidelines. Hamas, the PFLP decline. DFLP, Palestinian People's Party (PPP), Palestinian Popular Struggle Front (PPSF) accept. (AYM 7/8, 7/9, DUS 7/11 in WNC 7/17; SA 7/9 in WNC 7/11 al-Quds 7/14 in WNC 7/18)

The Knesset lifts the immunity of MK Yitzhak Mordechai so he may face sexually assault charges. (NYT 7/6) (see 5/25)

Arafat goes to Paris to assess French support for a unilateral declaration of statehood. (al-Quds 7/2, Le Monde 7/4 in WNC 7/5; MEI 7/14; SA 7/15 in WNC 7/18)

In Ramallah, a Palestinian woman is fatally shot in a dispute btwn. her brother and another man over a stolen car. The shooting sparks riots in the city, including looting, shooting, arson of 2 restaurants. (LAW 7/2; NYT 7/4; AYM 7/4 in WNC 7/6)

In Shiraz, an Iranian court issues its verdict in the case of 13 Iranian Jews accused of spying for Israel. 10 defendants are found guilty, sentenced to terms ranging from 4-13 yrs. 3 others are acquitted. 2 Muslim accomplices are sentenced to 2 yr. terms. 2 other Muslims are acquitted. Barak calls for international pressure on Iran to release the 10 Jews to Israel. (IRNA, LPA 7/1 in WNC 7/3; NYT, WP, WT 7/2; MM, WP, WT 7/3; IRNA 7/5 in WNC 7/6; WJW 7/6; JP 7/7; MM 7/11)