The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized Palestinian-owned property in al-Sawiya, slashing tires on 12 cars and writing racist graffiti on houses. Israeli forces delivered demolition orders for 1 park, 1 unpaved road, retaining walls, 1 playground, and 1 storage space in Haris; for several residential structures, 1 barn, and 1 water well south of Hebron; demolished and seized residential shacks and tents south of Hebron; and demolished and seized 1 greenhouse in Sawahara al-Sharqiyya. Thousands of Palestinians protested in Ramallah against Israel’s planned annexation of parts of the West Bank. 7 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around al-‘Izzariya, al-Khadir, Bayt Fajjar, and Qabatiya. In East Jerusalem, 21 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in al-Tur, Wadi al-Juz, Silwan, Issawiyya, and the Old City; during a raid in al-Tur, Israeli forces seized 1 vehicle. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian agricultural lands east of al-Maghazi; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/8; PCHR 6/11)

PLO secretary general Saeb Erakat, in an op-ed in Haaretz, called on the international community to begin imposing sanctions on Israel to force Israel to back away from annexing parts of the West Bank. (HA 6/8)

In an interview with the New York Times, Hussein al-Sheikh, head of the PA’s general authority of civil affairs, said that if Israel moves ahead with annexing parts of the West Bank the financial repercussions for the PA would mean it would have to cut its $105 million a month in payments for salaries and medical expenses in Gaza. Al-Sheikh also said that the PA forces no longer would extradite Israelis arrested in PA controlled areas and that these would be tried in PA courts. (NYT 6/8)

An Israeli border police officer was convicted of assault and reckless use of a weapon after a court found that she had shot a Palestinian man using a rubber-coated bullet in the back “for fun.” (HA 6/8)

Russian pres. Putin meets with PA pres. Abbas in Ramallah and tours holy sites in Bethlehem. Putin calls the Palestinian conditions on resuming negotiations with Israel ‘‘responsible’’ and reiterates that Russia would recognize a Palestinian state. (WT 6/27) 

Jewish settlers begin evacuating Ulpana outpost, moving into new mobile homes placed on an Israeli border police base next to neighboring Beit El settlement. Meanwhile, Israel’s Jerusalem planning comm. approves construction of 180 new housing units for Armona Hanatsiv settlement on 67 d. of confiscated Palestinian land in Sur Bahir. (NYT, WP 6/27)

Unidentified Palestinians fire 4 Grad rockets fr. Gaza into Israel, causing light damage in 1 instance but no injuries; 2 of the rockets are intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome antimissile system. Israeli naval vessels fire warning shots at Palestinian fishing boats off the c. Gaza coast forcing them to return to shore. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in Hebron, and nr. Bethlehem and Jenin. The IDF also makes a late-night raid into Salfit, searching the offices of Hamas-affiliated Palestinian Council (PC) mbrs. Omar ‘Abd al-Raziq and Nasser ‘Abd al-Jawwad as well as a nearby house. OCHA reports that in the previous week, the IDF demolished another 3 residential structures, 9 animal pens, and 1 portable kitchen in Wadi al-Malih village in the Jordan Valley nr. Tubas (an area designated as an IDF firing zone), where several structures were demolished on 6/5/12. (JP 6/26; PCHR 6/28; OCHA 6/29)

As civil war escalates in Syria, Palestine Liberation Army (PLA) col. Ahmad Salih Hassan is shot dead near Damascus. The PLA is technically a wing of the PLO but is incorporated into the Syrian army. Government sources blame the Free Syrian Army (FSA) for Hassan’s killing, whereas opposition groups claim he was killed by government forces for refusing orders to target the FSA. Hassan is the 6th PLA officer to be killed since 1/2012. A new charity funded by 3 Russian Jewish billionaires and comanaged with the Israeli government plans to offer a $1-m. ‘‘Genesis Prize’’ for excellence in any field. The prize is intended to ‘‘honor those who attribute their success to Jewish values’’ and to ‘‘recognize the role of Jewish identity in encouraging universal achievements.’’ (NYT 6/27)

An Iranian detained in Kenya ca. 6/20 on charges of plotting an attack on Israelis there says that he was interrogated by Israeli agents. Israel’s amb. to Kenya refuses to comment other than to say the matter is an internal Kenyan issue. (WT 6/28)

Within hrs. of Arafat’s death, the PC, in keeping with the Basic Law, formally swears in PC speaker Rawhi Fattuh as interim head of the PA until elections are organized within the next 60 days;Qurai‘ maintains the position of PM, responsible for daily PA operations. Qaddumi is elected as head of Fatah by the 15-mbr. Fatah Central Comm. Abbas is voted head of the PLO by the PLO Exec. Comm. The State Dept. says that it is prepared to help the Palestinians hold elections if asked; says that Israel still must carry out Gaza disengagement. France sends Arafat’s body off to Egypt with full military honors. Throughout the day, Palestinians across the territories rally, demonstrate in honor of Arafat. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/11; JAZ, VOI, VOP 11/11 in WNC 11/13; MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/12)

The IDF raids Shaykh Ajlin, exchanging fire with armed Palestinians (leaving 1 Palestinian dead), shelling residential areas (killing 2 Palestinian civilians, wounding 7), bulldozing 120 d.; fatally shoots an Egyptian who apparently infiltrated into Gaza fr. Egypt; fatally shoots 3 Palestinians (at least 2 of them armed) s. of Netzarim; fires on stone-throwing Palestinians in Bayt Omar nr. Hebron, killing 1 Palestinian, wounding 10; fires on stone-throwing Palestinians protesting the separation wall nr. Jayyus, wounding 2 with live ammunition; fires on residential areas of Rafah; conducts arrest raids, house searches in and around Nablus. Some 100 AMB mbrs. (some armed and masked) outside Arafat’s headquarters in Ramallah call for an investigation into Arafat’s death and rumors he was poisoned by Israeli agents, chant slogans denouncing Abbas, fmr. PA security chief Muhammad Dahlan as agents for the CIA. Israeli border police disperse 100s of Palestinians conducting nationalist marches in East Jerusalem in memory of Arafat. In Haifa, Israeli police disperse some 100 Israeli Palestinians holding a candlelight vigil for Arafat, detain a woman carrying a Palestinian flag. ( JP, VOI, YA 11/11 in WNC 11/13; HA 11/17; PCHR 11/18)

In Ramallah, the IDF blows up 6 buildings (including the 4-story PA Interior Min.) in the PA compound in Ramallah, destroys 11 caravans that temporarily house PSF offices, leaving the building in which Arafat is taking shelter the only structure in the compound still intact; digs a trench around the Arafat's building and fires on, demolishes staircases inside to keep him confined to 1 floor; another 20 Palestinians surrender to the IDF, but Israel says none of them are among the wanted Palestinians; an IDF sniper fatally shoots a PSF officer nr. the compound. The IDF makes a predawn raid on an area of Gaza City, fatally shooting 2 Palestinians, blowing up 6 metal workshops, damaging 2 nearby workshops, 5 stores, and 10s of houses. In response, Palestinians detonate a roadside bomb nr. an IDF patrol in Gaza, injuring 1 IDF soldier, 1 border policeman. The IDF also raids Rafah, firing live ammunition and tanks shells at residential areas, killing 2 Palestinian boys; closes PLO Jerusalem affairs adviser Sari Nusseibeh's offices in Jerusalem as well as offices of a Palestinian sports team union and the Jerusalem Society of Culture and Art, confiscating computers; conducts arrest raids in Burqa. A Scottish teenager injured in the 9/19 Tel Aviv bombing dies of his injuries, bringing that toll to 6. (HA, NYT, PM, WP 9/20; AFP, MENA 9/20, QA 9/21 in WNC 9/23; MEZ, NYT, WP, WT 9/21; LAW, PCHR, PR 9/25; MM 9/26; MEI 9/27)

At the weekly PA Executive Authority (EA), PLO Exec. Comm. meeting, the executive urges Palestinians to reclaim confiscated land in the West Bank, Gaza; advocates "popular confrontation" every time "Israeli bulldozers appear on Palestinian land"; vows to support such Palestinian resistance politically and financially. (MEI 12/6) (see 11/18)

Israeli Infrastructure M Ariel Sharon draws up plans for construction of 900 housing units for settlers on the Golan Heights as the 1st stage in a program to add 2,500 new residences over the next 3 yrs. Under this "Golan 2000" plan (as yet unapproved by the government), the buildings would be considered extensions of existing settlements, though they would be at a distance fr. built-up areas. The settler population would increase fr. 16,000 to 25,000; currently, 18,000 Druze live on the Golan. (MM 11/22; YA 11/22 in WNC 11/25; NYT, WP 11/23; ITV 11/24 in WNC 11/26; MM 11/25; WJW 11/28; PR 11/29; JP 11/30; MEI 12/6)

PA says it will give out up to 15 video cameras to Palestinians living nr. Israeli checkpoints so they can record any abuses of Palestinians by Israeli border police. (WP 11/23) (see 11/19)

Crowds in Gaza, Jericho awaiting arrival of PLO police clash with settlers, IDF. In Gaza, settlers kill 16-year-old Palestinian during stone-throwing at Neve Deqalim settlement. 2,000 Palestinians awaiting police nr. Rafah crossing stone IDF. Over 40 wounded by IDF stun grenades and rubber bullets. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 5/10)

Rightist settlers led by NRP MK Hanan Porat stage sit-in protest at Jericho's Shalom Al Yisrael synagogue despite IDF closure of Jericho area. Porat says group will establish yeshiva, settlement in Jericho. (MM 5/10)

Israeli Brig. Gen. Yom Tov Samia and PLO police cmndr. Maj. Gen. Nasr Yusuf announce agreement on arrival of police contingent in Gaza. (NYT, WP, WT 5/10)

"Jerusalem Day," marking capture of East Jerusalem by IDF in 1967 war, observed by c. 50,000 participants. 2,000 police, Border Police deployed to provide security. (MM 5/9)

PLO, UNDP sign agreement on development in o.t. (Jerusalem Times 5/20)

PM Rabin, speaking to AIPAC annual conference in Washington, asserts "Jerusalem will remain united under Israel's sovereignty." Rabin meets Secy. of State Christopher, proposes to speed up transfer of administrative powers to Palestinians in o.t. Christopher reportedly urges Rabin to consider PLO proposals for Palestinian police presence in Hebron. Admin. sources say Christopher did not endorse PLO proposals but that U.S. is not adverse to them. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/16)

40,000 Israelis demonstrate in Tel Aviv for retention of o.t. settlements. Moledet leader Rehavam Zeevi, frmr. PM Yitzhak Shamir, Likud leader Binyamin Netanyahu, and Hebron settlement leader Rabbi Moshe Levinger address rally. (MM, WP, WT 3/16)

Police chain shut Jerusalem offices of Kach and Kahane Chai, order them sealed for 6 mos. (MM 3/16)

4 Gaza Fateh officials meet Labor MKs in Jerusalem to discuss restarting Israel-PLO talks. (MM, WT 3/16)

Israeli human-rights group B'Tselem issues report charging that IDF, police, and courts have failed to enforce law on crimes committed by settlers against Palestinians. Report notes that 62 Palestinians were killed by settlers between 1988 and 1993 but only 1 settler convicted of murder and in only 7 cases were settlers' lives threatened. IDF does not dispute report. (MM 3/15; CSM, NYT, WP 3/16)

Border Police shoot dead Palestinian, later identified as PFLP mbr., in Gaza after he fires at patrol. (WP 3/16; MEI 4/15)

UNGA passes resolution drafted by Israel, PLO, and U.S., expressing "full support" for Israel-PLO peace talks. Resolution 1st in 2 decades on Middle East peace not to criticize Israel. 2 other resolutions, calling Israeli rule over Jerusalem and Golan Heights illegal, also pass, 85 countries abstaining on Golan resolution. (MM, NYT, WP 12/15)

Israeli Industry and Trade M. Micha Harish announces Morocco has been removed from list of "hostile" countries barred from trade with Israel. Harish says he expects Tunisia to be taken from list next. (MM 12/15)

PLO Chmn. Arafat begins 1st official visit to Britain, lasting 2 days, with mtgs. with PM Major, frmr. PM Thatcher, Archbishop of Canterbury, MPs, and Foreign Office officials. (MM 12/14; NYT 12/16)

1 Hamas mbr. killed, 2 escape when Israeli border police stop stolen car rigged with explosives in Gaza City. Husam al-Bakri, 20, fatally wounded when IDF opens fire on stone-throwers at Hamas mbr.'s funeral. (MM 12/14; WP, WT 12/15)

PM Rabin heckled by right-wing protesters at dedication of Modi'in, a new planned city. Demonstrators call Rabin "traitor," throw bottles, coffee at him. (WP, WT 12/15)

Conference in Tripoli, Libya grouping Arab radical groups opens. Invited are PFLPGC and FRC ("Abu Nidal" faction). (WT 12/16)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli inquiry into killing of 5 Palestinians in Nahalin (4/13) finds border police opened fire without restraint, action may be taken against 7 soldiers, 4 officers [NYT, LAT 5/5]. Israeli military prosecutor accuses Birzeit University professor Sari Nusaybeh of planning financial, operational aspects of intifadah [NYT 5/5].

Arab World: In response to Arafat's declaration that PLO Charter is "null and void," DFLP leader Nayif Hawatmah states that PLO's current program supersedes all previous positions [FBIS 5/4].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Hebron resident is shot, killed by troops at IDF roadblock inside green line [FBIS 5/4, FJ 5/8]. Israeli settlers set fire to full mosque, shoot, wound 5 Palestinians in Hebron [LAT 5/5]. At least 3 Palestinians from Gaza are shot by troops [FJ 5/8].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Hungarian foreign minister Kovacs visits Israel, discusses bilateral relations [FBIS 4/18]. Jewish immigration to Israel increases 23% in the first 3 months of 1989 compared to same period last year [FBIS 4/19].

Other Countries: According to Bush administration official, U.S. is attempting to block PLO campaign for full membership in World Health Organization (WHO), other UN bodies. 38 Senators led by Patrick Leahy, Robert Kasten send letter to Sec. of State Baker threatening to cut off U.S. aid to U.N. agencies that recognize State of Palestine [WP 1/14].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli border police kill 5 Palestinians during pre-dawn raid on Nahalin; at least 30 Palestinians are wounded in raid. In Bethlehem troops open fire, injuring 4 Palestinians. At least 10 Palestinians are injured during clashes in Gaza [FJ 4/17].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Jerusalem, hundreds of demonstrators throwing stones and carrying portraits of slain PLO official Khalil al-Wazir clash with border police near al-Aqsa Mosque; several are wounded, and at least 30 demonstrators are arrested [NYT, WP 4/23]. A

rab World: In Damascus PLO leaders, including Faruq al-Qaddumi, George Habash, and Nayif Hawatmah, meet with Syrian vice president 'Abd al-Halim Khaddam [LAT, WP 4/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Idna village, near Hebron, soldiers shoot, kill Palestinian who army says attacked patrol with nail-studded club. Palestinian demonstrator is killed by army gunfire inKhan Yunis refugee camp; another is shot dead in Gaza village of Bani Suhayla. At least 13 are shot, woundeduring clash with Israeli troops in Jabalya refugee camp [NYT, WP 4/23].

Arab World: Israeli warplanes attack 2 PFLP-General Command bases midway between Beirut and Sidon [NYT, WP 4/23].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Military authorities order Gaza's Islamic University closed for 10 days [FJ 2/27].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Grenade explodes during changing of Israeli border guard at Jerusalem's Damascus Gate, wounds 12 soldiers, at least 2 Israeli citizens, 3 Palestinians. PLO claims responsibility [FJ 2/27]. Explosion destroys soldiers' hitchhiking station at entrance to new Jewish settlement town of Efrat, midway between Jerusalem and Hebron [JP 2/27]. At Jalazun refugee camp near Ramallah troops use tear gas to disperse protestors who had blocked roads, thrown stones. Merchants strike in Gaza City to protest continued detention of over 135 university students [FJ 2/27].

Arab World: Syrian troops enter W. Beirut [BG 2/23].