The Palestine Chronology

The IDF bulldozes 14 dunams of land nr. Khan Yunis, 2 dunams nr. a PA Preventive Security Force (PSF) post in Hebron, some citrus groves outside Gaza City; conducts arrest raids in Beitunia, Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, al-Khadir, Nablus, Qalqilya, Ramallah, Tulkarm; fires on residential areas of Beitunia, Ramallah, Tulkarm town and r.c.; demolishes 4 Palestinian homes s. of Rafah, 1 in Bayt Furik, 1 in Tal. Palestinians fire Qassam rocket at Sederot, causing no damage or injuries. While driving in Ramallah, Force 17 officer Mahmud Zayid is fatally shot, possibly in an internal Palestinian dispute; the PA says it has no proof he was deliberately shot by the IDF, though he may have been hit by crossfire. Late in the evening, Palestinian gunmen fire on a Jewish settler bus in Hebron, lightly injuring 1 Jewish settler. A Palestinian dies of injuries received on 5/27. (HA, HP 5/28; YA 5/28 in WNC 5/29; HA, LAW, PCHR 5/29)

A day after Hamas detonated a roadside bomb under a tank, killing 4 Israeli soldiers, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announces plans to crack down on Hamas in Gaza. In Gaza City, 6 senior Hamas mbrs. are killed, 3 bystanders are wounded when a car laden with explosives blows up; Hamas accuses Israel of remote detonating the device, assassinating the men. The IDF clashes with Palestinians in Nablus during a raid on an office building, leaving 3 Palestinians dead, 23 wounded; senior Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) mbr. and PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. Taysir Khalid, three other Palestinians are arrested in the raid. The IDF also fires on Palestinians in Jabaliya, killing 2 Palestinians, wounding 9; conducts arrest raids in Beitunia (targeting Hamas), Tulkarm (targeting Islamic Jihad, the tanzim); bulldozes 42 dunams (4 dunams 1 acre) of Palestinian land, 3 structures nr. Aley Sinai settlement. The Palestinian Authority (PA) says that Palestinians in n. Bethlehem have received notices fr. the IDF that 14 dunams of their land, including the Rachel’s Tomb area and 40 Palestinian homes, will be annexed to Jerusalem as part of the security fence construction. (AP, HA, REU 2/16; VOI 2/16, AYM 2/17 in WNC 2/19; HA, MM, NYT, PM, WP 2/17; LAW, WT 2/18; HA, LAW, PR, WT 2/19; LAW, PCHR 2/20; MEI 2/21; MM 2/24, 2/25; HA 2/28)

The IDF raids Nablus, fatally shooting a wanted tanzim mbr. in what may be an assassination, arresting 6 others; raids Qalqilya, encounters a stone-throwing mob, opens fire on the protesters, killing an 8-yr.-old Palestinian boy, wounding 9; fatally shoots a armed Palestinian nr. Kissufim crossing in Gaza; demolishes a Palestinian home in Rafah; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Jenin town and r.c.; conducts arrest raids targeting Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Beitunia, Husan, Jenin, Kafr Qalil; fires on residential areas of al-Qarara, Rafah. A PFLP gunman fatally shoots an IDF officer in Manger Square in Bethlehem; the IDF sends tanks into the city, declares it a closed military zone. Late this evening, the IDF fatally shoots 2 Palestinians nr. Dugit settlement. Israeli police arrest an Israeli DMin. supervisor responsible for overseeing construction of a section of Israel’s new security fence on charges of collaborating with building contractors to uproot Palestinian olive trees, sell them for profit inside Israel. (HA 2/11; HA, NYT, PR, WP, WT 2/12; VOI 2/12 in WNC 2/13; PCHR 2/20)

IDF helicopters fire 11 missiles a metal workshop in Gaza City, destroying it; 2 of the missiles are duds that go astray hitting, damaging an Anglican church, a hospital. The IDF also demolishes 1 Palestinian home in the city. In response, Hamas fires 3 Qassam rockets fr. n. Gaza into the Israeli border town of Sederot, lightly injuring 1 Israeli. Late in the evening, the IDF begins demolish 4 bridges on the main roads linking Bayt Hanun to Gaza City; says the demolitions will facilitate its “control over main transportation axes,” ability to prevent Palestinians fr. firing rockets, mortars into Israel; the IDF clashes with local Palestinians protesting the demolitions, killing 1 Palestinian, wounding 14. The IDF fires on a group of Palestinians traveling close to a settler bypass road nr. Bayt Iba checkpoint nr. Nablus, killing 2 Palestinians; fires on residential areas of Beitunia, Ithna, Jenin; demolishes at least 14 Palestinian homes in Rafah. The IDF also fatally shoots 2 AMB mbrs. involved in the fatal shooting of 3 IDF soldiers nr. Hebron on 1/23, wounds and captures a 3d, while the 4^th escapes. A Haifa district court convict senior Islamic Jihad mbr. Tabith Mardawi of responsibility for the deaths of 21 Israelis in several attacks. (AP, HA, MM 1/24; AFP 1/24 in WNC 1/25; AP, HA, NYT, WT 1/25; LAW, NYT, WT 1/26; LAW, PCHR 1/29)

The IDF fires on stone-throwing Palestinians in Aida r.c., killing a 15-yr.-old Palestinian, wounding 2; blows up a Palestinian home in Nablus; fires on residential areas of, bulldozes land outside Khan Yunis; conducts arrest raids in Bayt Kahil, Beitunia, Hebron, Jenin, Tamun. The IDF also shuts the Nablus DCO, leaving the only functioning West Bank DCO in Jericho, the only town not reoccupied by IDF troops. (HA 1/10; HA, WT 1/11; LAW, PCHR 1/15)

The IDF reoccupies Bethlehem following Christmas celebrations, reimposes a 24-hr. curfew on residents; assassinates local AMB head Jamal Yahya in Tulkarm; assassinates Hamas mbr. Bassam Ashqar, ambushing his car in Ramallah, also killing a Palestinian bystander; raids Qabatiyya, assassinating local Islamic Jihad leader Yusif Abu Rub, demolishing his family house, arresting local Izzeddine al-Qassam Brigades head Natzir Nazal, senior Hamas mbr. Talal al-Baz; sends undercover units into a hospital in Ramallah, fatally shooting wanted Palestinian Samir al-Shamali, who was working there as a guard, in what may be an assassination, sparking demonstrations, clashes with local residents that leave 1 Palestinian stone thrower dead; fatally shoots 2 Palestinians “approaching” Netzarim settlement; fires on demonstrators protesting the curfew in Nablus, killing 1 Palestinian, wounding 20; raids a village n. of Ramallah, firing stun grenades, causing an elderly Palestinian to suffer a fatal heart attack; imposes a curfew on Beitunia, sends 30 tanks into the town; conducts house-to-house searches, arrest raids in Qalqilya; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis. The PA accuses Israel of stepping up attacks on Palestinians in an effort to scuttle Fatah-Hamas talks in Cairo. The IDF also announces that it has begun building 300-yd.-wide buffer zones around several Jewish settlements in the West Bank (see Quarterly Update in JPS 126). Palestinians fire 2 mortars at a Jewish settlement in Gaza, causing damage but no injuries. This evening, Israeli DM Shaul Mofaz orders the IDF to step up pressure on militant groups in the territories. (HP, LAW, PCHR, PM 12/26; HA, NYT, WP, WT 12/27; AYM, Interfax, ITAR-TASS, al-Quds 12/27, De Standaard 12/28 in WNC 12/31; NYT, WT 12/28; LAW, PCHR 1/1)

The IDF makes an incursion into Rafah r.c., demolishing 3 Palestinian homes, directing shells and heavy machine gun fire at residential areas, killing 2 Palestinian teenagers, injuring 12 others (ages 14+n72); holds an amublance transporting an ill child at an army checkpoint for 90 mins. (the child eventually reaches the hospital); bulldozes 66 dunams of land s. of Khan Yunis. additional land nr. the Egyptian border with Rafah. 4 Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem plead guilty to direct involvement in a series of bombings in the city, including the 7/31/02 Hebrew University attack. (LAW, PCHR, PR, WP, WT 11/6; PRCS press release 11/10)

After failing to bring the right-wing National Uniton+nYisrael Beitunia faction into his coalition, Sharon dissolves the Knesset, calls early elections for 2/03. (HA, MM 11/5; al-Quds 11/5 in WNC 11/8; MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/6; MEI 11/8; MA 11/8 in WNC 11/12; MM 11/9; JPI 11/15)

The IDF clashes with Islamic Jihad gunmen in, shells residential areas of Nablus and Balata r.c., leaving 1 IDF soldier dead, 3 buildings afire; fires on stone-throwing youths, killing 2 Palestinian boys ages 10 and 12, injuring 25; confiscates video footage of clashes fr. a Reuters cameraman. The IDF also fires on residential areas of Hebron, Gaza City (killing 1 Palestinian); conducts arrest raids in of Beitunia, Burkin, Hebron (reportedly detaining 5 mbrs. of a cell that has staged roadside bombings in the area), Qabatya, Tulkarm, al-Yamun; fires tank shells at residential areas of Gaza, leaving 1 Palestinian woman clinically dead (the IDF claims it was responding to mortar fire). In Ramallah, the IDF surrounds, fires shells a building where it claims some of the wanted Palestinians who hid in Arafat's offices during the siege are located; demands their surrender. (HA 9/30; HA, NYT, WP, WT 10/1; LAW, MM, PCHR 10/2; PCHR 10/3; MEI 10/11)

Bush signs the FY 2003 Foreign Relations Authorization Act, which requires the admin. to identify Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Bush says that he interprets the wording on Jerusalem as a "sense of Congress," not as binding on U.S. policy. The bill also urges the pres. to impose sanctions on the Palestinians if they do not comply with signed agmts.; withholds $10 m. of $35 m. in economic aid to Lebanon for failing to assert its authority over Hizballah; provides an additional $300 m. in aid to Israel, including $100 m. for munitions; rejects equivalent aid for Egypt. (Israel says the other $200 m. is going to be used to cover shortfalls in the defense budget.) (HA, JP, LAW, NYT, WP, WT 10/1; MM, NYT, PR, WT 10/2; Gulf Times [Doha], MENA, al-Quds 10/2 in WNC 10/3; MM 10/3; al-Quds 10/3 in WNC 10/4; AYM, MENA 10/4 in WNC 10/7; PR 10/9; MEI 10/11)

The IDF bars the transportation of an ailing Palestinian infant to a hospital in Hebron, allowing her to die; fires live ammunition at stone-throwing Palestinian youths in Khan Yunis, wounding 2; demolishes a Palestinian home in Bayt Wazzan; conducts arrest raids in Beitunia, Burqa. A Palestinian gunman opens fire on Jewish settlers nr. the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron, killing 1 Jewish settler, wounding 3. Palestinians in Ramallah defy the curfew for a 3d day to protest the IDF's ongoing siege of Arafat's headquarters. (HA 9/23; AFP, al-Quds 9/23 in WNC 9/24; MM, NYT, WP 9/24; LAW, PCHR 9/25; PRCS press release 9/27)

The IDF raids Beitunia, imposes a curfew, fires on and raids the local PA General Intelligence office, killing wanted Palestinian Mahmud Harfush, wounding 2 General Intelligence officers; conducts arrest raids in Dahariyya, Nablus; fires on Palestinian stone throwers in Yatta nr. Hebron, injuring 11; demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in Jenin. (LAW, PCHR 9/11; PCHR 9/18)

The PC opens debate on approving the new Executive Authority (EA or cabinet) appointed by Arafat in 6/02; the vote confidence is not held for lack of time. Many PC mbrs. argue that they should reject the EA to underline the need for substantive change of PA policy and style and because several of EA mbrs. have been cited for corruption. (HA, MM, WT 9/10; NYT, WT 9/11)

The IDF enters Khan Yunis, fires on residential areas, bulldozes land; raids Wadi Burkin, demolishing a Palestinian home, arresting 2 Palestinians; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Jenin; bulldozes land in Beitunia; directs heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Bayt Lahia. Jewish settlers attack Palestinian home in Hebron, setting 2 rooms on fire. (LAW, PCHR 7/31)

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 Beitunia, Bethlehem, Dahaysha r.c.; expands bases there and in Jenin, Qalqilya; conducts raids into Halhul, Tulkarm town and r.c.; raids Shaykh Ajlin, bulldozing Palestinian land, firing on Palestinians working the fields, killing a Palestinian boy; fires on residential areas of Birzeit. The IDF issues a limited call-up of reservists, bars Palestinian workers fr. entering Jewish settlements. In Jenin town, IDF troops evacuate and vandalize a hospital admin. building, throwing a grenade in the foyer, blowing up a safe, spraying the building with heavy machine gun fire, breaking doors, destroying $13,600 of equipment; fire on, seriously damage 2 fire trucks. The IDF reportedly has transferred more than 600 Jenin r.c. residents to Salim detention center for questioning; some 150 are released today, sent to Romani village, are told to stay there for 2-4 wks. Late this evening, a PFLP gunman, retaliating for the arrest of PFLP 2d-in-command Malluh on 6/11, attacks a home in Itamar settlement, killing 4 Jewish settlers and 1 settlement guard, wounding 2 settlers and 2 border policemen before being shot dead. A pregnant Palestinian woman is fatally hit by stray IDF gunfire in her home in Qalqilya. In Gaza, 1,500 unemployed Palestinians who have been cut off fr. their jobs in Israel since 9/00 hold a "March of Hunger," protesting Israeli closures, lack of support fr. the PA. (AFP, AP, HA, LAW, WP, WT 6/20; MA 6/20 in WNC 6/21; XIN 6/20 in WNC 6/24; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/21; PRCS press release 6/24; LAW 6/26; PCHR 6/27)

In Jerusalem, Sharon, Israeli pres. Moshe Katsav address a "Transfer Now" conference hosted by the right-wing Moledet party. (Peace Now press release 6/20; MA 6/21 in WNC 6/24)

The IDF continues its attack on the PA's Ramallah compound, flattening 6 buildings (including an intelligence office, jail) leaving 1 Force 17 mbr., 1 PA intelligence officer dead. Troops reportedly are "poised and ready" to capture or kill Arafat, but pull back and out of Ramallah before dawn, after Sharon promises Bush he will not harm the PA leader. The IDF pulls out of Jenin, Nablus in the evening; sends tanks into Beitunia, arrests 6 Palestinians. A Palestinian gunman fatally shoots a Jewish settler driving nr. Shiloh settlement. (AP, MM, WT 6/6; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/7; al-Quds 6/7 in WNC 6/10)

Mubarak meets with U.S. VP Dick Cheney, Secy. of State Colin Powell, mbrs. of Congress. (MENA 6/6 in WNC 6/7; MENA 6/6, 6/7 in WNC 6/10; MM, WP 6/7)

Rep. Hilliard loses a tight run-off election to a candidate backed with $1.4 m. fr. AIPAC. (AP 6/26; MEI 7/12) (see 6/5)

Early in the morning, IDF tanks enter Jenin town, troops clash with residents, fatally shooting 1 Palestinian (who is allowed to bleed to death over 3 hrs.), detaining wanted Hamas mbr. Rami Awad and Islamic Jihad spokesman Khalid Hawaj, bulldozing 1 home; troops withdraw to the outskirts of Jenin by midday. IDF operations continue in the Bethlehem area, where troops resume sniper positions around Church of the Nativity, patrol Manger Square, search and vandalize the al-Rowwad Cultural Center. The IDF also detains Palestinian mayor of Jerusalem Jamil Nasir for several hrs. of questioning; conducts arrest raids in Alar, Bayt Anan, Beitunia (arresting senior Hamas mbr. Hassan Yusif), Hebron, Qalqilya, Ramallah, Saida. At least 1 Palestinian gunman infiltrates Itamar settlement, fatally shoots 3 Jewish settlers before being shot dead. Other Palestinian gunmen fatally shoot a Jewish settler driving nr. Ofra settlement. Jewish settlers set fire to 10s of dunams of Palestinian land nr. Nablus. The Israeli High Court approves the IDF's confiscation of 300 dunams of Palestinian land in Bayt Lahia nr. Aley Sinai settlement, effective retroactively to 5/1/02. (HP, MEZ, WP 5/28; GS, HA, HP, LAW, NYT, WP, WT 5/29; PCHR 5/30; MEI 5/31)

Arafat ratifies the Basic Law (the PA's constitution). (HA 5/28; WT 5/30; AFP, Interfax 5/30 in WNC 5/31; NYT 5/31; WT 6/1; AYM 6/1 in WNC 6/3)

The Knesset House Comm. votes (12-5) to restrict the movement of Israeli MK Ahmad Tibi for the remainder of his term, arguing that his works promote the interests of the PA and the residents of the occupied territories. Tibi was vocally critical of Operation Defensive Shield, participated in many peace marches. (Adalah press release 5/29)

Israeli-Palestinian violence continues at a moderate level. The Israel Defense Force (IDF) continues to surround all major Palestinian population centers in the West Bank, barring travel btwn. towns and villages except through heavily guarded checkpoints. The IDF raids Beitunia, assassinating a wanted Preventive Security Force (PSF) officer Ahmad Ghanem, arresting 3 others; makes arrest raids in al-Irsal nr. Ramallah; conducts house-to-house searches in Tallusa nr. Nablus; bulldozes 20 dunams (4 dunams = 1 acre) of Palestinian agricultural land in Gaza. 1 Palestinian dies of injuries received on 4/30. Late this evening, troops make incursions into al-Bireh, Tulkarm refugee camp (r.c.) and city. (LAW 5/16; AP, NYT, WP, WT 5/17; NYT, WP, WT 5/18; LAW 5/22)

Palestinian Authority (PA) head Yasir Arafat pledges to hold presidential, parliamentary elections within 6 mos., provided that Israel makes a substantial withdrawal fr. the West Bank and Gaza so that Palestinians can move freely to the polls. (HA, MM 5/16; XIN 5/16 in WNC 5/17; NYT, WP, WT 5/17; QA 5/18, MA 5/20 in WNC 5/21)

Before dawn, the IDF sends tanks into Jenin r.c., meeting heavy resistance, leaving at least 6 Palestinians (including 1 doctor), 1 IDF reservist dead. 1 Israeli wounded in the 3/27 Netanya bombing dies bringing that toll to 24. The IDF reoccupies Nablus; reports operations in Beitunia, Dahaysha, Qalqilya, Salfit, Tamun, Taysir, Tubas, Tulkarm. In Ramallah, the IDF raids, confiscates files of PA ministries, the PC. The International Comm. of the Red Cross (ICRC) criticizes the IDF for hampering relief operations in Bethlehem; the PRCS estimates that 14 Palestinians have died in the city since 4/1, including 5 killed today. 10s of Christian clergymen, including Latin patriarch of Jerusalem Michel Sabbah, attempt to walk to Bethlehem to mediate a resolution to siege of the Church of the Nativity and other holy sites, but they are blocked by the IDF. Israeli police use tear gas, batons to disperse 2,000 Israeli, Palestinian peace activists attempting to cross al-Ram checkpoint in Jerusalem to bring food, medicine to Ramallah, injuring 20. (HA, MM, NYT 4/3; NYT, WP, WT 4/4)

Early this morning, IDF helicopters, tanks attack the PSF West Bank headquarters in Beitunia, where some 200 PSF officers and staff have encamped since 3/30, setting the building ablaze. The CIA intervenes to secure the safe evacuation of the staff, surrender of 180 officers, but some refuse to leave. In Ramallah, the IDF continues house-to-house searches, stumbling upon 22 PSF officers hiding in an apartment, fatally shooting 2 though none resist arrest; raids, shuts Ramallah's al-Quds Educational TV, arresting 2 employees; revokes the credentials of 2 Abu Dhabi TV journalists, threatens legal action against CNN and NBC for broadcasting fr. Ramallah; confiscates 3 ambulances, detains 9 paramedics. PRCS suspends services in Ramallah, noting the IDF now has 15 medical workers in custody. This afternoon, the IDF lifts the Ramallah curfew for 3 hrs. so residents can buy food, bury those killed since 3/29 (bodies have been double-stacked in morgues, with no electricity). In Bethlehem, IDF troops order all men age 14-45 to surrender; fight their way to the doorway of the Church of the Nativity, where some 200 Palestinian gunmen, civilians have now sought refuge; fire on 20 journalists on the balcony of the Star Hotel, injuring 1; fire a warning shot at a clearly marked Reuters car. Palestinians also take refuge in Bethlehem's Omar Mosque, Santa Maria Church, the Russian Orthodox Church and hospice; the IDF surrounds those holy sites, occupies Bethlehem University as its main staging area. In Aida and Dahaysha, the IDF orders Palestinian women age 15-25, men age 14-45 to surrender. A Palestinian suicide bomber detonates a device at an IDF checkpoint into Jerusalem, killing only himself, causing no injuries. At least 7 Palestinians are killed today, including 2 motorists ambushed by settler vigilante group Tears of the Orphans and Martyrs (see 3/5) nr. Tulkarm, a mother and son shot by the IDF and allowed bleed to death, a woman shot dead by an IDF sniper as she left a Ramallah hospital (troops fire on medical workers attempting to retrieve her body). 3 Israelis injured in the 3/27 Netanya attack die, bringing the toll of the bombing to 23; 1 Israeli injured in the 3/31 Haifa attack dies, bringing that toll to 16. Israel expands its list of "wanted" Palestinians to include some of Arafat's top aides, including intelligence chief Tawfiq Tirawi, PSF 2d in command in Gaza Rashid Abu Shabak, Fatah tanzim leader Marwan Barghouti, but not PSF heads Dahlan or Rajub. (AP, HA, PRCS press release, NYT, WP, WT 4/2; MENA 4/2 in WNC 4/3; NYT, WP, WT 4/3; WP 4/4; QA 4/4 in WNC 4/5; MEI 4/5)

Sharon tells envoys of EU, Russia, UN they may meet with Arafat if they agree to escort him into exile. Peres proposes that Arafat "voluntarily" leave the territories asylum in foreign country. (AP, HA, MM 4/2; AFP 4/2 in WNC 4/3; NYT, WP 4/3)

Before dawn, IDF tanks, troops take over Bayt Jala, Beitunia (surrounding the offices of PSF West Bank head Jibril Rajub). The IDF shells buildings in the PA compound; later, restores electricity to Arafat's offices and allows the PRCS to bring Arafat and around 100 of his men food, bottled water, cell phone batteries. Most other areas of Ramallah remain without water, electricity. In Tel Aviv, an AMB suicide bomber detonates a device in a restaurant, injuring more than 30 Israelis. IDF soldiers fatally shoot 2 AMB mbrs. reportedly armed with explosives, trying to enter Israel. The IDF raids numerous buildings in Ramallah, in 1 instance wounding, then executing 5 PSF officers, raising the confirmed toll in Ramallah for the past 2 days to 12 Palestinians. The IDF detains 10s of Palestinians in Ramallah, including, DFLP dep. secy. gen. Qays Abu Layla, PSF dir. of operations Yunis Alass, Fatah Central Comm. mbr. Sakhir Habash, and around 12 paramedics and nurses, confiscating 3 ambulances; searches a Ramallah hospital for weapons, wounded fighters; orders all Palestinian men in al-Bireh, Ramallah age 15-45 to surrender; takes over al-Watan TV, airs pornographic material (reports confirmed by U.S. Consulate). In Tulkarm, the IDF assassinates senior Islamic Jihad mbr. Ahad Ajaj, his cousin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities search the home of Mufti Ikrima Sabri, detain him for questioning; arrest senior Fatah mbr. Salah Zhikiyya; fire on Palestinians protesting outside al-Aqsa Mosque, injuring 5. More than 15,000 Palestinians demonstrate in Gaza City; other protests are held in Bayt Jala, Bayt Sahur. (LAW, Mezan, REU 3/30; AFP, ANSA, ATL, IRNA, ITAR-TASS, MENA, XIN 3/30 in WNC 4/1; NYT, Observer, WP, WT 3/31; HA 4/2; MEI 4/5)

The UNSC approves (14-0, with Syria abstaining) Res. 1402, demanding that Israel withdraw fr. Ramallah, but (at U.S. insistence) without giving a deadline. In his 1st statement on Israel's new campaign, Bush says that the U.S. supports Israel's right to "defend itself," that Arafat "can do a lot more" to prevent attacks on Israelis. (MENA, XIN 3/30, JT, MENA 3/31 in WNC 4/1; HA, Independent, NYT, WP, WT 3/31; AN, AFP 3/31 in WNC 4/1; XIN 4/1 in WNC 4/2; AKH 4/1 in WNC 4/3; SA 4/1 in WNC 4/4; MEI 4/5)

Just before Zinni arrives, Israel begins pulling back gradually fr. Ramallah. The U.S., PA say that is not enough, with the State Dept. publicly stating, "We want to see a full withdrawal" fr. area A, including all Palestinian towns, refugee camps. During the day, at least 5 Palestinians are killed in Ramallah, 1 Palestinian dies of injuries received on 3/5; 2 explosions nr. Tulkarm kill 6 Palestinians (including senior AMB mbr. Mutasim Makhluf) in what are thought to be assassinations; 2 Palestinian collaborators are killed by Fatah Hawks mbrs. in Bethlehem. In an incident similar to that on 2/14, Palestinian assailants detonate a powerful roadside bomb in Gaza, destroying a Merkava tank, killing 3 IDF soldiers, wounding 2; the AMB, PFLP each claim responsibility. In al-Bireh and nr. Ramallah, Palestinians fire RPGs at 2 tanks, damaging them. Palestinian gunmen fire on Gilo settlement, causing no damage. In retaliation, the IDF sends tanks into the heart of Bethlehem, firing repeatedly at a Catholic maternity hospital and orphanage, which houses 16 patients and 50 children ages 5 and younger, causing damage but no injuries. IDF shelling, heavy machine gun fire are also reported in `Ayn Arik, Beitunia, al-Irsal, al-Tira, Umm al-Sharayit. The IDF demolishes 15 Palestinian homes in al-Mighraqa village in Gaza; makes arrest raids into onto al-Naqura, Shu`fat. Jewish settlers fr. Ma'ale Mikhmas, guarded by IDF soldiers, attack and drive off several bedouin families camping nr. the settlement. (AFP 3/13, MA, QA, XIN 3/14 in WNC 3/15; HP, LAW, MM 3/14; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/15; Die Presse [Vienna] 3/15, al-Quds 3/16 in WNC 3/18; LAW 3/20; MEI 3/22)

Zinni meets with local reps. of the quartet--an ad hoc diplomatic formation of the EU, Russia, UN, U.S. employed at times when presenting a united international front may more effectively press Israel and the PA to take a desired course of action. He then meets with Sharon. (XIN 3/14 in WNC 3/15; MM, NYT, WT 3/15; MEI 3/22)

The IDF raids Jabaliya refugee camp in Gaza, killing 18 Palestinians, injuring 10s. Another 6 Palestinians are killed elsewhere, including 2 killed in the ongoing incursion into Qalqilya, where soldiers conduct predawn house-to-house searches. IDF troops are also reported in Gaza's Bureij refugee camp, the West Bank's Amari r.c., Beitunia. The IDF bulldozes the Jabaliya house of the family of a Palestinian gunman who killed 5 settlers on 3/7; blows up several workshops the IDF claims manufactured mortars, rockets; shells Gaza sites fr. the sea. To date, the IDF reportedly has rounded up over 2,000 Palestinian men aged 15-45 in the refugee camps, writing numbers on their arms to facilitate their processing; only 6 of those detained were on Israel's wanted list; many have been released (e.g., 66 of 500 detained in Tulkarm are still being held). Sharon says Arafat may leave Ramallah, but forbids him to travel outside the West Bank, Gaza. (AFP, AP, HA, HP 3/11; AFP, AP, BBC, HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/12; MENA 3/12 in WNC 3/13; MENA 3/12, al-Quds 3/13 in WNC 3/14; LAW, MM, WP 3/13; MEI 3/22)

In response to the 2 suicide attacks on 3/9, the IDF destroys Arafat's Gaza City headquarters, firing 30 missiles at the compound fr. the air, sea. IDF sends 50 tanks, APCs into Qalqilya; continues operations in Dahaysha (demolishing at least 4 Palestinian houses); directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Beitunia, Hebron, Jabaliya, Jalazone, Khan Yunis, Tal al-Sultan; blows up the house of senior AMB mbr. Yahya Dahamsa in Artas, demolishes 2 other homes in Dayr al-Balah; bulldozes agricultural land in Bayt Hanun; masses troops around refugee camps nr. Ramallah. In Ashdod, a Palestinian opens fire, wounding 1 Israeli before being captured. Another Palestinian gunman fatally shoots an IDF soldier outside Netzarim settlement, is shot dead by a settlement guard. At least 6 Palestinians are killed during the day: The brother of a senior Fatah leader is killed when IDF helicopters fire a missile at his car in what is thought to be a botched assassination attempt. The IDF fires on a car nr. Sur al-Bahir, killing 2 Palestinians allegedly en route to stage a bombing in Jerusalem; fatally shoots an 11-yr.-old Palestinian boy at an IDF checkpoint nr. Ramallah, 2 Palestinians nr. Nablus. Late this evening, the IDF shells Bethlehem, Dahaysha. (HP, LAW, NYT, PMC, REU, WP 3/10; AFP 3/10 in WNC 3/11; NYT, WP, WT 3/11; LAW 3/13)

The IDF cuts electricity to Gaza City, Ramallah; sends tanks and F-16s to shell the control tower at Gaza airport, the PA headquarters in Gaza City and Ramallah (Arafat is unharmed), the PA naval police offices in Bayt Lahia, and PSF and Fatah offices nr. Gaza City, Ramallah, and Jinin; blows up the main radio, TV transmitters in Ramallah; bulldozes the Palestinian Media Center offices in Ramallah; occupies the home of Fatah tanzim leader Marwan Barghouti (who is not there at the time); makes incursions into PA-controlled areas of Bayt Hanun, Bayt Lahia, Beitunia, Jinin, Nablus, Ramallah, Sudaniyya, Tulkarm, al-Zahra; bulldozes Palestinian land in Rafah. A total of 4 Palestinians are killed during the day; shells strike the Friends Boys School, damaging 3 classrooms. In Gaza City, 2 Israeli missiles land nr. a mosque while Hamas spiritual leader Shaykh Yasin, Hamas spokesman Mahmud Zahar are inside. Israel declares that the Zinni cease-fire talks are over, though Zinni had already planned to leave on 12/14 for Jordan and Egypt, then return to Washington. (AP, HP, MM, NYT, WP 12/13; MENA 12/13 in WNC 12/14; JP, HA, HP, NYT, WP, WT 12/14; HA 12/16; LAW, PCHR 12/19; MEI 12/21)

Upon his return fr. the U.S. Sharon meets with his security cabinet, then his full cabinet to discuss how to respond to the 12/1+n2 attacks. The full cabinet votes to declare the PA "an entity that supports terrorism," adds Force 17 (Arafat's "presidential guard") to its list of terrorist groups, authorizes Sharon to escalate military action. FM Shimon Peres, other Labor MKs walk out of the cabinet mtg. in protest but do not formally withdraw fr. the governing coalition. (AP, CNN, HA, MM 12/3; MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/4; MM, WJW 12/6; MEI 12/7; MA 12/7 in WNC 12/12; WP 12/9)

While the cabinet meets, the PSF continues to arrest mbrs. of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, risking confrontations with hostile Palestinian crowds. Arafat also orders the arrest of Hamas spiritual leader Shaykh Ahmad Yasin, but when PSF officers arrive around midnight, crowds of Palestinians force them to retreat. The PSF says it has arrested more than 100 Palestinians since 12/2. Arafat asks Peres for a 4-day grace period, during which he vows he would crack down on opposition groups. Israel refuses, dismissing the arrests as a "show for international consumption." The U.S. says the PA must "root out the infrastructure of the groups that support terrorists." (HA 12/3; NYT, WP, WT 12/4; AKH 12/4 in WNC 12/5; MEI 12/7; MA 12/7 in WNC 12/11; WT 12/10)

Soon after the cabinet mtg., the IDF launches air raids against Arafat's headquarters and other PA sites around Gaza City, destroying the PSF barracks, Arafat's 2 personal helicopters, injuring 12 Palestinians; sends tanks into Gaza airport to bulldoze runways; sends troops into Ramallah to surround the PA's West Bank headquarters, where Arafat is staying. In Jinin, U.S.-supplied F-16s destroy the Palestinian governate building, jail, PSF headquarters. The IDF also fatally shoots 1 Palestinian nr. Jinin; raids Beitunia, attacking several homes and arresting an Arafat adviser, several Islamic Jihad mbrs. In Bethlehem, Fatah mbrs. Rafat al-Bajali and Nidal al-Dirbani, both on Israel's wanted list, are killed in a mysterious explosion thought to be an IDF assassination. The White House spokesman Ari Fleischer says Israel "obviously has the right to defend itself. The president understands that very clearly." (AFP, AP, CNN, HA 12/3; XIN 12/3 in WNC 12/4; MENA 12/3, AN, MA 12/4 in WNC 12/5; HA, HP, NYT, WP, WT 12/4; HP, LAW 12/5; AYM 12/5 in WNC 12/7; AYM 12/6, al-Safir 12/7 in WNC 12/11; MEI 12/7; WJW 12/14; MEI 12/21)

In response to the 11/29 Hadera bombing, Israeli DM Benjamin Ben-Eliezer authorizes the IDF to step up assassinations, tighten blockades on PA areas. The IDF encircles, takes up positions just inside PA-controlled areas of Jinin, Nablus, Tulkarm; directs machine gun fire at residential areas of Beitunia, Nablus; sends bulldozers into al-Bireh, temporarily occupy the roof of the PA Min. of Planning and International Cooperation while land in front of the building is razed; conducts an arrest raid in Hebron. 1,000 Palestinians demonstrate in Ramallah, 8 are injured when the IDF fires on the crowd. (MM 11/30; PMC, NYT, WP, WT 12/1; LAW 12/5)

At least 1 PFLP gunman assassinates Israeli tourism M Ze'evi in an East Jerusalem hotel, shooting him at point blank range, using a pistol equipped with a silencer, escaping undetected. The PFLP says it is retaliating for the assassination of PFLP secy. gen. Mustafa on 8/27; also takes responsibility for a suicide car bombing in Gaza that wounds 2 IDF soldiers. Arafat immediately condemns the assassination, orders the PSF to arrest the killers. The PSF quickly arrests 3 PFLP mbrs. but releases them after questioning. (AP, HA, HP, JP [Internet], MM, REU 10/17; AFP, ATL, XIN 10/17 in WNC 10/18; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/18; al-Quds 10/18 in WNC 10/19; Tehran Times 10/20 in WNC 10/22; WJW 10/25)

Meanwhile, Hamas mbr. Iyad al-Akhras is killed in an explosion in his Gaza home in what may be an assassination. The IDF also fires a missile at a Palestinian car in Nablus, but the rocket misses, 3 Palestinians escape unharmed. The IDF makes a predawn incursion into al-Qarara, firing heavy machine guns at homes, bulldozing 10s of dunams of cultivated land for construction of a settler bypass road; directs machine gun fire at residential areas of Gaza City, Jinin, Rafah; bulldozes secondary Palestinian roads around Ramallah. Palestinian gunmen reportedly fire at Neve Dekalim, wounding 2 Jewish settlers. In East Jerusalem, Jewish settlers angry over Ze'evi's murder attack, beat Palestinians. (HP 10/17; WT 10/18)

After a lengthy Israeli inner cabinet mtg., Sharon issues an ultimatum to the PA: arrest and extradite Ze'evi's killers and the PFLP's current leaders and "dismantle terror organizations" or face a response more severe than any recent reprisal. Sharon then convenes a special session of the Knesset (boycotted by Arab MKs), where he declares, "We will wage all-out war on the terrorists" and "those who collaborate with them." National Union+nYisrael Beitunia MKs suspend their resignations to see how Sharon responds. The IDF sends tanks, troops 2.5 mi. into area A around Jinin; reimposes tight closures on, places 24 hr. curfews on, and directs shells and heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Azariyya, al-Bireh, Jinin, Nablus, Ramallah; deploys helicopters to hover over major Palestinian population centers; bars Arafat fr. using Gaza airport. (HP, MM 10/17; AFP, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/18; JP [Internet], WP 10/29)

Powell phones Sharon to urge Israel to use restraint. The White House calls on the PA to "immediately find and bring to justice those who committed this murder," saying Arafat must "take vigorous action against terrorists." (MM, WP 10/18; Interfax, MENA, QA 10/18 in WNC 10/19)

The IDF withdraws fr. Palestinian areas of Hebron, vandalizing several homes, cars before leaving. The National Union and Yisrael Beitunia bloc (led by Tourism M Rehavam Ze'evi, Infrastructure M Avigdor Lieberman) quits the governing coalition in protest, leaving Sharon with control of 76 of the Knesset's 120 seats. As troops withdraw, Jewish settlers attempt to storm the vacated Palestinian neighborhoods, also vandalize several homes and shops, but are halted by soldiers, who arrest 21 (all released later in the day). The IDF also eases passage through roadblocks in a handful of areas, including Ramallah, and expands fishing areas off Gaza, in keeping with cease-fire steps. (HA, MM, WP, WT 10/15; AFP, MM, NYT, WP,WT 10/16; MA 10/16 in WNC 10/17; LAW 10/17)

Meanwhile, however, Hamas mbr. Hamad Marshud is killed when a flechette device, apparently planted by the IDF, explodes in a car outside his Nablus office. The State Dept. reiterates the U.S.'s strong opposition to Israel's assassination policy. The IDF also maintains closures on most West Bank, Gaza areas; surrounds, seals Bayt Umar; conducts arrest raids in Dayr Istya; begins building a bridge to link the Gaza settlements of Gush Katif, Kissufim, confiscating 150 dunams of Palestinian land; hands eviction orders to 250 tradesmen at a market area nr. Tulkarm; conducts arrest raids in Bayt Surik, Dayr Istya. Nr. Ramallah, armed Jewish settlers bar Palestinians farmers fr. reaching their olive groves, firing on them, beating them, burning cars. In Jerusalem, Israeli authorities raid the offices of several Palestinian lawyers, architects; search, photograph, destroy company files. (HP 10/15; MENA 10/15 in WNC 10/16; HP, NYT, WP, WT 10/16; LAW, WT 10/17)

In London, Arafat meets with British PM Tony Blair, who calls for the creation of a "viable Palestinian state, as part of a negotiated and agreed settlement, which provides peace and security for Israel." (AP, NYT 10/15; London Press Association, MENA, SA 10/15 in WNC 10/16; MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/16; AN, MENA 10/16 in WNC 10/17)

IDF troops fatally shoot 2 Palestinian gunmen during a 6-hr. battle in PA-controlled Hebron. The IDF also demolishes a Palestinian home in Khan Yunis; directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Beitunia, Khan Yunis, Silat al-Tahir; seals Jinin. (AP, WP 9/2; PMC, WT 9/3)

The IDF demolishes a Palestinian apartment building under construction in Bayt Hanina, East Jerusalem, destroying 8 empty apartments, a kindergarten, and 6 stores; shells residential areas of Beitunia, Bethlehem, Rafah; bulldozes land along the Egyptian border nr. Rafah, in al-Arub; places a closure on al-Jalma village on the Green Line nr. Jenin; reinforces the closures on Jenin, Qalqilya; flies low-level F-16 sorties over Gaza. The Temporary International Presence in Hebron withdraws its forces fr. the Jewish enclave of the city because of ongoing attacks on their vehicles by Jewish settlers. Jewish settlers also place new caravans on Palestinian property in nr. Yatta in the Hebron district. IDF soldiers occupy 2 Palestinian houses in the Hebron area, 3 nr. Netzarim Junction as observation points; bulldoze Palestinian land in al-Dura, west of Hebron. (HP 8/20; WT 8/21; LAW 8/22; HA 8/26)

German FM Joschka Fischer, in the region on a 3-day visit aimed at securing a cease-fire, discusses with Israeli FM Peres the idea of a phased truce, which would "eventually" be followed by implementation of the Mitchell Comm. recommendations. The U.S. welcomes Germany's involvement. (HP 8/20; MENA 8/20 in WNC 8/21; NYT, WT 8/21; NYT, WT 8/22; AYM 8/22 in WNC 8/24)

The IDF attempts to assassinate Fatah tanzim mbr. Ahmad Bisharat in Jenin, phoning him to set up a bogus mtg., attempting to shoot him when he leaves his home. The IDF also shells residential areas of Beitunia, Khan Yunis; fires on a taxi parked at an IDF checkpoint, seriously wounding a Palestinian infant. Jewish settlers fire on a Palestinian bus nr. Pisgat Ze'ev, injuring 2 Palestinians; stone a car nr. Hebron, causing an accident that kills the Palestinian driver. (al-Quds 8/18 in WNC 8/21; HP 8/19; LAW 8/22)