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  • February 15, 2018

    In the West Bank, Israeli forces seal the entrances to Beita near Nablus with dirt mounds as collective punishment after reports of stonethrowing in the village. They also fire on a Palestinian...

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  • January 15, 2017

    Along Gaza’s border, unidentified Palestinians open fire on Israeli forces doing maintenance work on the border fence nr. Rafah, hitting a military vehicle and causing minor damage. In response,...

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  • December 17, 2016

    Hundreds of Palestinians attend a funeral in Bayt Umar nr. Hebron for a Palestinian whose corpse was returned by the Israeli authorities on 12/16. After the funeral, Palestinian youths throw...

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  • June 3, 2016

    Reps. of 29 countries gather in Paris for a French-organized conference aimed at establishing a framework for a new round of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. Conference participants agree to push...

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  • June 2, 2016

    In the 2d attack this week, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at a checkpoint nr. Tulkarm after she allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli soldier. No Israelis are injured. Meanwhile, around...

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  • April 28, 2016

    Amid continuing heightened tension across the oPt during Passover, Israeli forces escort hundreds of Israeli settlers to Joseph’s Tomb outside Nablus and to Solomon’s Pools outside Bethlehem in...

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  • September 10, 2015

    In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault and arrest 1 Palestinian at an entrance to Haram al-Sharif while 30 right-wing Jewish activists tour the sanctuary. Another Palestinian is arrested in the...

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  • August 18, 2015

    As tension escalates in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces deploy heavily in the Old City and deny a number of Palestinians entry to Haram alSharif, arresting 1 woman. During raids in the Old City and...

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  • March 7, 2015

    IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Khan Yunis fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers nr. the border fence, causing no injuries. A Palestinian is moderately injured when he triggers Israeli...

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  • January 16, 2015

    In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops e. of Jabaliya r.c. open fire on a group of Palestinians, moderately injuring 1. Also, 100s of Palestinians pray outside the Rafah border crossing, protesting its...

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  • December 15, 2014

    In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian man during a late-night arrest raid in Qalandia r.c. nr. Ramallah. Clashes then break out in the camp, with residents throwing stones and...

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  • November 20, 2014

    In the Gaza Strip, IDF troopsstationed along the border arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to enter Israel. In the West Bank, IDF troops enter e. Nablus on a raid and clash with Palestinians,...

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  • September 19, 2014

    In the Gaza Strip, unexploded Israeli ordnance kills 3 Palestinians and injures 2 others in e. Gaza City. IDF troops open fire at gravel collectors nr. the border fence e. of Bayt Lahiya, injuring...

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  • September 15, 2014

    In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Salfit, and in Nablus; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah, and 1 village each nr. Hebron,...

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  • July 26, 2014

    In the Gaza Strip, the IDF continues its assault on the Gaza Strip, killing 151 Palestinians, except during a 12-hour humanitarian cease-fire. There are no Israeli strikes during the pause, but...

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  • February 20, 2014

    Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Rafah, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, while separately, Israeli forces fire 2 missiles that land close to the Egypt border fence,...

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  • February 19, 2014

    Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Rafah, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing damage but no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest...

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  • January 12, 2014

    In the West Bank, IDF troops clash with residents in Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem, causing no serious injuries. At night, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 4 nearby...

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  • October 21, 2013

    In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian fishermen nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. Also, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion nr. Gaza City to level land close to...

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  • September 12, 2013

    In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion along the border fence nr. Khan Yunis to level land, before withdrawing. In the West Bank, the IDF opens fire on Palestinians protesting...

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  • September 8, 2013

    In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian fishermen nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli troops clash with residents in Bayt Umar village nr....

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  • May 20, 2013

    U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry leaves for Oman, on a Middle East trip that will also take him to Jordan, Israel, and the occupied Palestinian territories, his 4th visit to the latter in recent mos...

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  • April 24, 2013

    IDF soldiers demolish a residential building and 3 shops in the al-Tur neighborhood of East Jerusalem on the grounds that they lacked construction permits. In the West Bank, IDF soldiers demolish...

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  • November 10, 2004

    At 9:30 P.M. EST (3:30 A.M. on 11/11 local time), Arafat dies in a Paris hospital. The PA declares a 40-day mourning period; immediately begins preparations to hold a state funeral in Cairo on 11/...

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  • October 31, 2004

    The IDF continues operations in Jenin, fatally shooting a wanted Palestinian in an exchange of fire during an arrest raid, firing on stone-throwing Palestinian youths. The IDF closes the Rafah...

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  • October 29, 2004

    The IDF continues operations in Jenin for a 3d day, firing on stone-throwing youths, conducting arrest raids and house searches; demolishes 7 Palestinian homes in Rafah; confiscates 308 d. of...

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  • October 28, 2004

    IDF undercover units assassinate senior AMB mbr. Ibrahim Issa in Qalqilya. The IDF continues operations in Jenin town and r.c., firing on stone-throwing youths, searching homes. Late in the...

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  • October 27, 2004

    The IDF imposes a curfew on Jenin town and r.c., closes off all access roads leading to the city, conducts arrest raids and house searches, fires on residential areas; withdraws fr. Bayt Hanun,...

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  • December 11, 2000

    Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. In Nablus, IDF soldiers assassinate senior Islamic Jihad mbr. Anwar Mahmud Hamran. A 2d Palestinian dies of wounds received earlier. Jews...

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  • May 6, 1998

    PM Netanyahu meets with inner cabinet to discuss U.S. proposal for Washington talks 5/11, asks the U.S. to send special envoy Ross back to Israel for further talks before 5/10 cabinet...

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In the West Bank, Israeli forces seal the entrances to Beita near Nablus with dirt mounds as collective punishment after reports of stonethrowing in the village. They also fire on a Palestinian driving near the village, damaging his car. IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians during latenight raids in and around Nablus, sparking minor clashes; 4 Palestinian youths are injured. They also patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron during the day. Israeli settlers vandalize several Palestinian cars near Nablus overnight, leaving price-tag graffiti on nearby walls. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage and injuries. (MNA, WAFA 2/15; PCHR 2/22)

In Paris, Israel’s economy minister Eli Cohen meets with the PA’s national economy minister Abeer Odeh. “Promoting joint economic projects is in the interest of both sides and has security and political importance beyond the economic dimension,” Cohen says. (JP 2/18)

Along Gaza’s border, unidentified Palestinians open fire on Israeli forces doing maintenance work on the border fence nr. Rafah, hitting a military vehicle and causing minor damage. In response, IDF troops and artillery fire on a Hamas post along the border, causing an unspecified amount of damage. Earlier in the day, Israeli forces conducted a limited incursion to level land nr. Khan Yunis. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently suppress a Palestinian demonstration in Bethlehem calling for the Israeli authorities to return the corpses of slain Palestinians; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest 14 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Ramallah and Hebron, and patrol nr. Hebron and Qalqilya during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 9 Palestinians during raids in Jabal Mukabir and Hizma, and assault and arrest 2 Palestinian youths in Silwan. Israeli settlers smash furniture and other personal property outside a Palestinian home in Silwan. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 1/15; PCHR 1/19)

Representatives from more than 70 countries, including U.S. secy. of state Kerry, gather in Paris for a conference aimed at restarting Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. After reportedly intense negotiations, the conferees unanimously agree to a joint declaration calling on both the Palestinians and Israelis to officially restate their commitments to a 2-state solution and to demonstrate that commitment through policies and actions. Conferees also welcome the prospect of closer cooperation between the Middle East Quartet and the Arab League; and agree to meet again within a year; inter alia. (BBC, GDN, HA, JP, MNA, REU, TOI, WAFA, WP, YA 1/15; HA 1/20)

The Israeli govt. and the PA agree to restart the Joint Water Comm. after 6 years of inactivity. The comm. will discuss allocating additional water to the West Bank and Gaza, increasing water sources with new drilling, environmental issues, agricultural water use and other hydrological matters. The agreement also gives the PA autonomy to deal with select water projects in the West Bank. (JP, YA 1/15; JP 1/17)

Israel’s security cabinet grants Israeli banks dealing with Palestinian banks immunity from terrorism-related lawsuits in Israel and indemnity from similar suits filed abroad. Two Israeli banks have threatened to end partnerships with Palestinian banks because of the prospect of litigation in the U.S. (HA, TOI 1/22)

Hundreds of Palestinians attend a funeral in Bayt Umar nr. Hebron for a Palestinian whose corpse was returned by the Israeli authorities on 12/16. After the funeral, Palestinian youths throw stones at IDF troops at the village’s entrance, sparking minor clashes; there are no serious injuries. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during raids nr. Hebron and Bethlehem, and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus during the day. In East Jerusalem, an argument between Israeli settlers and Palestinian youths escalates into a fistfight in Silwan. Israeli forces in the area violently disperse the fight, lightly injuring 1 Palestinian. Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians and issue 3 arrest summons during raids in the neighborhood after the incident. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmlands nr. Khan Yunis, causing no serious damage or injuries. (MNA 12/17; PCHR 12/22)

French amb. to the UN François Delattre confirms that Paris is postponing the peace conference originally planned for 12/21 to sometime in 1/2017. “After nearly a year of efforts, France will hold during [1/2017] an international conference bringing together all the states [seeking] peace,” he says (YA 12/17)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing for passage in both directions for the 1st of 3 planned days. (MNA, WAFA 12/17)

Reps. of 29 countries gather in Paris for a French-organized conference aimed at establishing a framework for a new round of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. Conference participants agree to push for another international conference by the end of 2016, release a joint statement reaffirming the 2-state solution as their goal, express “alarm” at the current situation, and state that“the status quo is not sustainable.” The nonbinding statement also acknowledges both Israeli settlements and acts of violence as obstacles to peace (see Update). (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 6/3; HA, JP 6/4)

IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, separation wall, and settlement in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Silwad, and Nabi Salih), 1 nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border; 3 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, the IDF arrests 1 Palestinian and issues 2 arrest summons during raids in Bethlehem and Hebron; and patrols nr. Hebron throughout the day. In 3 separate incidents off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya and Rafah, injuring 2 fishermen. (MNA 6/3; MNA, WAFA 6/6; PCHR 6/9)

The Egyptian authorities keep the Rafah border crossing in Gaza closed. It had been open on 6/1–2.

In the 2d attack this week, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at a checkpoint nr. Tulkarm after she allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli soldier. No Israelis are injured. Meanwhile, around 4,000 Jewish settlers pray at Joseph’s Tomb nr. Nablus, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and stone-throwing Palestinian residents; 10 Palestinians are injured (1 will succumb to his injuries on 6/6). Meanwhile, IDF troops conduct raids and house searches in Silwad and Kafr Malik villages nr. Ramallah, issuing 2 Palestinians arrest summons and sparking minor clashes in which a Palestinian is mildly injured. IDF troops patrol nr. Hebron throughout the day. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries or damage. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. al-Bureij r.c. For the 2d day in a row, the Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing to traffic in both directions. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 6/2; MNA 6/3; OCHA, PCHR 6/9)

Israel’s Justice Ministry releases a list of 27 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that might be affected by the so-called NGO Transparency Bill, which is currently under discussion in the Knesset. Twenty-five of the 27 NGOs are distinctly left-wing human rights groups, including B’Tselem and Yesh Din. This lends credence to accusations that the Transparency Bill is simply an attempt to silence opponents of the right-wing govt. (HA 6/3)

French FM Jean-Marc Ayrault announces 2 main goals for the international peace summit in Paris on 6/3: the parties agree to meet again by the end of 2016, with Israeli and Palestinian participation, and they agree to form several working groups to facilitate resolutions on various final status issues, such as Israeli security and economic incentives for both sides. (JP, TOI 6/2)

Amid continuing heightened tension across the oPt during Passover, Israeli forces escort hundreds of Israeli settlers to Joseph’s Tomb outside Nablus and to Solomon’s Pools outside Bethlehem in the morning, sparking clashes in Nablus with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 1 Palestinian is injured. Also, around 200 right-wing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif; 5 are removed from the area when they attempt to perform religious rites. Israeli authorities close the Kerem Shalom crossing with Gaza, indicating that they plan to keep it closed through 4/30. Elsewhere along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian at a checkpoint nr. Ramallah after he and another Palestinian allegedly attempt to stab an Israeli soldier. They also conduct raids nr. Bethlehem, issuing arrest summons to 3 Palestinians; patrol nr. Hebron, Salfit, and Jericho. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 4/28; PCHR 5/5)

Israeli PM Netanyahu’s office releases a statement formally rejecting the French peace initiative, including the peace conference planned for 5/30 in Paris. “Israel is ready immediately to begin direct negotiations with the Palestinians without any preconditions,” it reads, adding that “any other diplomatic initiative distances the Palestinians from the table of direct negotiations.” Meanwhile, a U.S. State Dept. spokesperson reiterates that the Obama admin. has not yet taken a position on the French initiative. (HA, TOI, USSD 4/28; MNA 4/29)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault and arrest 1 Palestinian at an entrance to Haram al-Sharif while 30 right-wing Jewish activists tour the sanctuary. Another Palestinian is arrested in the Old City. Off Gaza’s s. coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct house searches and raids in Hebron and nr. Salfit, arresting 4 Palestinians and damaging some furniture. Similarly they patrol nr. Tulkarm, Hebron, and in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron. (MNA 9/10; PCHR 9/17)

The UNGA approves a res., 119–8, with 45 abstentions, to allow non-mbr. observer states— Palestine and the Vatican—to raise their flags outside the UN’s headquarters and offices (an official flag-raising ceremony will take place on 9/30). (MNA, NYT 9/10; HA, MNA 9/11)

The European Parliament passes a symbolic motion, 525–70, with 31 abstaining, that supports the labeling of products imported from Israel’s settlements. (HA, JP, TOI, YA 9/10)

In Paris, PA FM al-Maliki and French FM Fabius sign 5 agreements on politics, finance, and French-funded development projects in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt). They also discuss updates on the French initiative to restart Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations, including a possible UNSC res. (MNA, WAFA 9/10)

As tension escalates in East Jerusalem, Israeli forces deploy heavily in the Old City and deny a number of Palestinians entry to Haram alSharif, arresting 1 woman. During raids in the Old City and al-‘Izzariya, they assault and arrest a Palestinian photographer and arrest 8 other Palestinians. Israeli forces also erect mobile checkpoints in Issawiyya, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths and arresting 2. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 17 Palestinian structures in a village nr. Jericho, leaving 127 Palestinians homeless in the largest-scale demolition in 3 years. IDF troops conduct house searches and raids nr. Hebron, Jericho, and Ramallah, issuing arrest summons to 2 Palestinians; patrol nr. Ramallah, Hebron, and Jericho. Israeli settlers assault 2 Palestinians with stones in the Old City of Hebron. Palestinian youths throw stones at a bus in al-Tur, injuring 4 Israeli teenagers and 1 Palestinian. (MNA, WAFA 8/18; HA 8/19; PCHR 8/20)

In Paris, French FM Laurent Fabius meets with Palestinian Authority (PA) FM Riyad al-Maliki to discuss the French initiative to renew Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations, including the possibility of a new UNSC res. (JP 8/19)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Khan Yunis fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers nr. the border fence, causing no injuries. A Palestinian is moderately injured when he triggers Israeli unexploded ordnance nr. Rafah. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse over 1,000 Palestinians, mostly women, demonstrating nr. Qalandia to mark International Women’s Day, moderately injuring 4. They also violently disperse Palestinian activists as they are removing a metal gate installed at the entrance to a village nr. Bethlehem and a group protesting land expropriation in a village nr. Hebron. Israeli soldiers accompanied by Israeli settlers violently disperse Palestinians nonviolently protesting s. of Hebron. The IDF conducts patrols and house searches in a village nr. Hebron, arresting 2 Palestinians. The PASF raids Balata r.c. nr. Nablus, sparking a brief firefight with the wanted Palestinian; 2 bystanders are injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct house searches and raids nr. the Old City, arresting 8 Palestinians; disperse a group of Palestinian youth throwing stones at the Jerusalem Light Rail in Shu‘fat, arresting 2. Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian man in Silwan, moderately injuring him. (AP, JP, MNA, WAFA 3/7; MNA 3/8; PCHR 3/12)

In Cairo, Islamic Jihad’s delegation departs after 6 days of negotiations with the Egyptian authorities on opening the Rafah border crossing. According to sources close to the talks, the Egyptians have agreed in principle to completely open the crossing once the violence in the Sinai Peninsula subsides, the PA unity govt. has staffed the crossing, and Hamas commits to not to interfere in Egyptian affairs. Also, Egyptian officials announce that the Rafah crossing will open on 3/9–10. (AFP, MNA 3/7)

In Paris, French FM Laurent Fabius, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry, UK Foreign Secy. Philip Hammond, German FM Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini meet to review recent progress in their negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program. (TOI 3/6, 3/7; DPA 3/8)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops e. of Jabaliya r.c. open fire on a group of Palestinians, moderately injuring 1. Also, 100s of Palestinians pray outside the Rafah border crossing, protesting its closure since 12/23. Meanwhile, police officers dismantle a 1,000 kg piece of unexploded Israeli ordnance left in Gaza City after OPE. Late at night, unknown persons vandalize the French Cultural Center, leaving slogans criticizing French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo’s recent publication of a cartoon featuring a likeness of the Prophet Muhammad. Also, the Gaza power plant resumes operation of a 3d turbine (out of 4 total), following the receipt of aid from the Qatari govt. for additional fuel. Daily scheduled power outages in Gaza decrease from 18 to 12 hours. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), and nonweekly demonstrations in Surayf village nr. Hebron and outside Ofer detention center. In total, 10 Palestinians are seriously injured (2, Bil‘in; 7, Kafr Qaddum; 1, Surayf). Also, IDF troops conduct house searches and arrest raids nr. Ramallah, Qalqilya, and in al-‘Arub r.c.; patrol nr. Jenin; arrest a Palestinian man at a border crossing n. of Jenin. Separately, a Palestinian throws stones at Israeli settlers’ vehicles between Jerusalem and Ramallah, injuring 1. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian in al-‘Izzariya. Meanwhile, 100s of Palestinians gather at Haram al-Sharif after Friday prayers to protest the Charlie Hebdo cartoon. In s. Israel, Palestinian bedouin residents of Rahat observe a general strike called for by the Arab High Follow-Up Comm. in protest of the 1/14 killing of Sami al-Ajar by Israeli police. The comm. also called for a strike on 1/18. (MNA 1/16; AFP, TOI 1/17; +972 1/19; PCHR 1/22; OCHA 1/23)

ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda opens a preliminary examination into the situation in Palestine to cover the time period since 6/13. Meanwhile, the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women Rashida Manjoo cancels her fact-finding mission to the oPt because Israeli authorities refused to give her a visa. (MNA, TOI 1/16; EI, MNA, WAFA 1/17)

Speaking at a joint press conference, U.S. Pres. Obama affirms that he will veto any new sanctions legislation that the new Republicanled Congress may pass, and UK PM David Cameron criticizes the sanctions proposals. Meanwhile, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets with Iranian FM Zarif in Paris and discusses the negotiations over Iran’s disputed nuclear program, as U.S. and Iranian officials meet in Geneva for bilateral talks. Zarif also meets with French FM Fabius. (AFP, AP, MNA, TOI 1/16)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian man during a late-night arrest raid in Qalandia r.c. nr. Ramallah. Clashes then break out in the camp, with residents throwing stones and Israeli soldiers injuring around 30 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets and stun grenades. In response to Palestinian youth who were throwing stones and empty bottles at Israeli settlers’ vehicles nr. Nablus, IDF troopssurround a school and fire tear gas into its yard, causing no injuries. Israeli forces deliver stop-work notices in 2 villages nr. Hebron, both of which are outside the Gush Etzion settlement bloc. Shortly after, the soldiers clash with stone-throwing Palestinian youth in the area, dozens of whom suffer from tear gas inhalation. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Bethlehem, Jenin, Salfit, Tulkarm, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces deliver a demolition order to the Silwan home of the Palestinian man who is suspected of shooting right-wing Jewish activist Yehuda Glick on 10/29 and was killed on 10/30 by Israeli security forces. They had previously delivered an order to punitively demolish the home on 11/19, but the Israeli High Court of Justice froze the order. They also deliver a demolition order to a 19-person residence in the Old City. Separately, Israeli police detain 3 Palestinian children at Haram al-Sharif. (MNA, WAFA 12/15; HA, WAFA 12/16; PCHR 12/18)

Israeli PM Netanyahu meets with U.S. Secy. of State Kerry in Rome to discuss the rival draft UNSC res. being prepared by the Palestinians and the French. Netanyahu opposes both, saying, “We will not accept attempts to dictate to us unilateral moves on a limited timetable.” Kerry then meets with French FM Fabius, UK Foreign Secy. Hammond, German FM Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and EU foreign affairs chief Mogherini in Paris. Separately, Arab League secy.-gen. Nabil Elaraby meets with Fabius in Paris. Fabius hopes to persuade the Palestinians and the Arab League to back the French draft as a compromise, avoiding a U.S. veto. (AFP, HA, MNA, NYT, TOI, YA 12/15)

Iranian and U.S. diplomats hold bilateral talks over Iran’s disputed nuclear program ahead of negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 on 12/17. The 2 sides agreed to a 7-mo. extension to the talks on 11/24. (AFP 12/15)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troopsstationed along the border arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to enter Israel. In the West Bank, IDF troops enter e. Nablus on a raid and clash with Palestinians, injuring 3 with live ammunition and tear gas. IDF troops enter an area e. of Yatta nr. Hebron and seize a tractor and 4 water tanks; demolish several mobile homes in a village e. of Ramallah; deliver stop-work notes to several construction sites nr. Jericho and demolition notices for 6 wells in Qusra village in the n. West Bank, where Israeli settlers later attack Palestinian property; 2 of the settlers are detained. Separately, around 100 settlers from Adi Ad gather nr. al-Mughir village, but IDF troops intervene before they can attack the residents. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces enter Jabal Mukabir to deliver demolition orders to the homes of the Palestinians who attacked a synagogue and were killed on 11/18, then raid a mourning tent set up for them; 5 Palestinians are injured in the ensuing clashes. There are further clashes in Abu Dis, and 37 Palestinians are injured. In Sur al-Bahir, Silwan, and al-Tur, undercover Israeli military officers raid multiple homes, sparking more clashes; approximately 35 Palestinians suffer effects of tear gas inhalation and 12 are injured with rubber-coated metal bullets. Israeli security forces also conduct arrest raids on several homes in the Old City. Late at night, 4 Israeli girls from Yitzhar settlement in the West Bank attack a Palestinian taxi driver with pepper spray. (IMEMC, MNA, WAFA 11/20; MNA 11/21; PCHR 11/27)

Israel’s FM announces that it will return its amb. to Sweden on 11/29, after Amb. Isaac Bachman was recalled in the wake of Sweden’s recognition of Palestine as a state on 10/30. (JP, YA 11/20)

After meeting with UK Foreign Secy. Philip Hammond in London, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry travels to Paris for meetings with French FM Laurent Fabius and Saudi FM Saud al-Faisal, then to Vienna to join the P5+1 negotiating team ahead of the 11/24 deadline. Meanwhile, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Yukiya Amano, calls on Iran to increase its cooperation with the agency, saying that the govt. has not been transparent about some aspects of its research. (AP, NYT, REU, TOI 11/20)

In the Gaza Strip, unexploded Israeli ordnance kills 3 Palestinians and injures 2 others in e. Gaza City. IDF troops open fire at gravel collectors nr. the border fence e. of Bayt Lahiya, injuring 2. Separately, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land close to the border fence nr. Khan Yunis. The IDF patrols in Jericho and 2 nearby villages, 2 villages nr. Ramallah, and 1 village nr. Hebron. Also, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, Nil‘in, and Wadi Fukin), 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara) and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries. (MNA 9/19; PCHR 9/25)

French Pres. Hollande meets with PA Pres. Abbas in Paris to discuss Abbas’s plans to go to the UN and ICC. In a joint press conference, Hollande says that a “solution to the conflict” between the Israelis and Palestinians will be put to the UNSC. (AFP, HA 9/19)

Reps. of Iran and the P5+1 group meet in New York for talks on Iran’s disputed nuclear program, with just weeks to go until the 11/24 deadline for a deal over Iran’s nuclear program to be reached. It is the 1st round of talks since the 7/20 deadline was extended. Participants suggest that the parties are close, but with difficult final issues still to resolve. Meanwhile, the IAEA reports that Iran is continuing to take action in compliance with the interim agreement. (AFP, AP, REU 9/19)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Salfit, and in Nablus; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah, and 1 village each nr. Hebron, Salfit and Tulkarm. (PCHR 9/15\)

At a rally in Jenin marking the anniversary of the Sabra and Shatila massacre, PA Pres. Abbas reiterates that the Palestinians will head to the UN to “achieve our goals.” Meanwhile, PA FM Riyad al-Maliki says that Abbas will use his upcoming meeting with French pres. François Hollande on 9/19 in Paris to ask for official recognition of Palestinian statehood and French support for a proposed UNSC res. demanding Israel’s withdrawal from the occupied Palestinian territories. (MNA, WAFA 9/15)

UN peacekeepers withdraw from their posts along the Syrian side of the border with Israel. The relocation of hundreds of mbrs. of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) occurs following recent clashes between Syrian govt. forces and opposition groups in the area (see 9/4, 9/8, 9/11, 9/12). (AFP, REU 9/15)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF continues its assault on the Gaza Strip, killing 151 Palestinians, except during a 12-hour humanitarian cease-fire. There are no Israeli strikes during the pause, but IDF troops continue to destroy tunnels. During the pause, residents of Gaza stock up on supplies and inspect the damage done to property. The armed Palestinian groups fire rockets into Israel both before the 12-hour humanitarian cease-fire and immediately after, causing no serious damage or injuries. The IDF announces that 2 soldiers died of their wounds. In the West Bank, IDF troops clash with Palestinians nr. Hebron, at the funeral for a man killed the previous day in al-‘Arub r.c., causing no serious injuries. IDF troops shoot and wound 6 Palestinians with live ammunition in n. Bethlehem, during clashes nr. Rachel’s Tomb. In Bayt Furik nr. Nablus, IDF troops injure 5 with live ammunition during clashes with residents. The IDF also conducts house searches and arrest raids in al-Bireh in the morning. (AFP, AP, MNA, REU, WAFA 7/26; PCHR 7/27)

In the morning, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry and senior European diplomats, including the FMs of France, Britain, Germany, and Italy, as well as their counterparts from Qatar and Turkey, meet in Paris and call for an extension of the 12-hour humanitarian cease-fire. French FM Fabius, speaking for the group, says that they all “want to obtain, as quickly as possible, a durable, negotiated cease-fire that responds both to Israeli needs in terms of security and to Palestinian needs in terms of the socialeconomic development and access to the territory of Gaza.” (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU, WAFA 7/26)

In the evening, the Israeli security cabinet responds to the calls from the international community and decides to unilaterally extend the humanitarian cease-fire for 4 hours, then an additional 24 hours, though IDF troops will continue seeking out and destroying tunnels. Al-Qassam Brigades and other Palestinian groups do not agree to the extension, and fire rockets into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. (AFP, AP, MNA, REU, WAFA 7/26)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Rafah, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, while separately, Israeli forces fire 2 missiles that land close to the Egypt border fence, causing no injuries. Separately, off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Jewish settlers attack a school in Burim village nr. Nablus. The settlers, along with IDF troops, subsequently clash with Palestinians, leaving 6 villagers injured. Separately, a Molotov cocktail is thrown at a settler’s car in the same area. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Dahaysha r.c. in Bethlehem and Al-‘Ubaydiyya village nr. Bethlehem at night; patrols in 3 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Hebron at night. (MNA 2/20; PCHR 2/27)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry and PA Pres. Abbas meet for a 2d day in Paris. An unnamed State Dept. official characterizes the talks as “constructive.” PA spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudayna tells Palestinian media that there can be no agreement, whether framework or final, that does not include Arab positions based on international resolutions, in a reference to the 2002 Arab League peace initiative. Meanwhile, senior Palestinian official Nabil Shaath says that he held separate, and secret, meetings with diplomats from Italy, Norway, Austria, and the UK, to discuss the ongoing negotiations. (AFP, AP, MNA, REU 2/20)

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports that amounts of enriched uranium in Iran’s stockpile have decreased significantly for the 1st time in 4 years, and also confirms that Iran is meeting its commitments under the 6-mo. interim agreement signed in 11/2013. Meanwhile, representatives of Iran and the P5+1 countries end talks with a framework for future negotiations and an agreement to hold their next meeting in Vienna on 3/17. However, little progress is made in this most recent meeting on the question of identifying Iranian concessions to be exchanged for a reduction in sanctions. Separately, the UK and Iran resume diplomatic relations, which were severed in 11/2011 when students ransacked the British embassy in Tehran. Bilateral relations will now be conducted directly “through non-resident charge d’affaires and officials,” according to a UK Foreign Office spokesperson. (AFP, AP, REU 2/20)

Egyptian military forces kill 10 suspected militants in a raid on Shaykh Zuwayd in n. Sinai, a death toll that officials claim includes senior mbrs. of Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis. (AP 2/20)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Rafah, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing damage but no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 4 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night; patrols in 3 villages nr. Hebron at night. Jewish settlers attack Burin village nr. Nablus, throwing stones at schoolchildren, and assaulting a Palestinian man. Israeli forces arrive and fire rubber-coated metal bullets at villagers, causing no injuries. Meanwhile, Jewish settlers destroy 700 newly planted olive tree saplings nr. Ramallah, and in another incident, Jewish settlers demolish a Palestinian-owned agricultural shed nr. Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 30 Palestinian-owned vehicles nr. Bayt Safafa are vandalized, with racist “price tag” graffiti left at the scene. (MNA, WAFA 2/19; PCHR 2/20)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets with PA Pres. Abbas in Paris to discuss the ongoing peace negotiations. The meeting was attended by Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erakat, PA spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudayna, and PLO Amb. to France Hayel Fahoum. State Dept. spokesperson Jen Psaki says that the “few hours” spent together were focused on “narrowing the gaps between the parties on a framework for negotiations.” State Dept. dep. spokesperson Marie Harf also says that Kerry expresses concern in the meeting about recent remarks made by Erakat about a potential boycott of Israel. Both before and after the meeting, Palestinian officials sound pessimistic about the prospects for a breakthrough, with an unnamed official describing the talks as facing a “real crisis.” While in Paris, Kerry also meets with Jordanian FM Nasser Judeh. (JP 2/18; AFP, AP, JP, YA 2/19)

On the 2d day of talks in Vienna, Dep. FM Abbas Araghchi tells Iranian media that representatives of Iran and the P5+1 countries have agreed on an agenda for negotiations and will meet again in Vienna at some point during the 2d half of 3/2014. Earlier, the U.S. State Dept. describes the 2d day of talks as “constructive and useful.” Meanwhile, Israeli media reports that a U.S. delegation will visit Israel to brief the Israeli govt. on the ongoing talks with Iran. (HA, REU 2/19)

Two suicide bombers attack the Iranian cultural center in Beirut, killing 8 and wounding dozens more. The attack is claimed by the al-Qa‘ida-linked Abdullah Azzam Brigades, which says the bombing was a response to Hizballah’s involvement in the Syrian conflict on the side of the govt. (AP, DS, REU 2/19)

In the West Bank, IDF troops clash with residents in Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem, causing no serious injuries. At night, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 4 nearby villages, 1 village each nr. Jenin and Ramallah, and in Nablus; patrols in 6 villages nr. Nablus and 2 villages each nr. Hebron and Ramallah. (PCHR 1/16)

PA security forces clash with residents outside Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah, leaving more than 100 demonstrators and 40 police officers wounded. The confrontations begin when police try to reopen roads blocked as part of protests against the UNRWA employees’ strike that began 12/3. (HA, REU 1/12)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets with Arab League foreign ministers in Paris to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Those attending include PA FM Riad al-Maliki, along with the foreign ministers of Bahrain, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt, and Morocco. (JP, ToI 1/12)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian fishermen nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. Also, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion nr. Gaza City to level land close to the border fence. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Tubas in the morning, and in 2 villages nr. Salfit, and 1 village each nr. Jenin and Ramallah at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Jenin and Salfit in the afternoon, and in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Jenin and Ramallah, and in Qalqilya at night. In East Jerusalem, an Israeli security guard is stabbed in Silwan, prompting Israeli security forces to patrol the community and clash with residents. (MNA 10/21; PCHR 10/24)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry says that IsraeliPalestinian talks are intensifying with “core issues . . . on the table.” He makes the remarks in a joint press conference with Qatari FM Khaled al-Attiyah after meeting with Arab League officialsin Paris. It is also announced that Qatar has agreed to provide $150 million in debt relief to the PA. Kerry praises what he calls the Arab League’s “remarkable commitment” to advancing the peace process. (AFP, REU 10/21)

Syrian pres. al-Asad says that “the factors are not yet in place” for an international peace conference known as “Geneva 2” intended to secure a political transition and settlement to the civil war. Asad, talking to Lebanese television, questions what groups will be present and their claims to be legitimate reps. of the Syrian people. Meanwhile, chief of the OPCW Sigrid Kaag says in Damascus that the Syrian govt. has thus far “fully cooperated” in the destruction of its chemical weapons arsenal. (AFP 10/21–22)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion along the border fence nr. Khan Yunis to level land, before withdrawing. In the West Bank, the IDF opens fire on Palestinians protesting the arrival of 1,400 Jewish worshippers at Joseph’s Tomb in Nablus, injuring 7. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the afternoon; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, and in 1 village nr. Jenin at night. The IDF also demolishes 4 Palestinian-owned commercial structures in Barta‘a village nr. Jenin. (HA, MNA 9/12; PCHR 9/19)

PA Pres. Mahmud Abbas meets with EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton in Paris, as well as French pres. Francois Hollande, discussing with both the peace process. (WAFA 9/12)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets Russian FM Sergey Lavrov in Geneva to discuss Moscow’s proposal of securing and destroying Syria’s chemical weapons stockpile, talks that were described by Kerry afterward as “constructive.” Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Yuval Steinitz expresses cautious support for the plan, speaking to Israeli media. Meanwhile, 3 stray mortar shells land in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. (AFP, AP, JP, REU 9/12)

Egyptian interim pres. Adly Mansour extends a nationwide state of emergency for a further 2 mos. On the Rafah border, 2 Egyptian army tanks cross the initial border fence on the Egyptian side for the 1st time. Meanwhile, Egyptian authorities close the Rafah crossing for the 2d day due to unrest in the Sinai. (AFP, AP, MNA 9/12)

Iranian Amb. to the IAEA Reza Najafi says that Tehran will cooperate with the agency to “overcome existing issues once and for all,” speaking at his 1st board meeting. Distinct from the P5+1 (permanent mbrs. of the UNSC plus Germany) talks, the IAEA has held 10 rounds of talks since early 2012 to resume inspections into suspected weapon research. (REU 9/12)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian fishermen nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli troops clash with residents in Bayt Umar village nr. Hebron during a patrol, with 2 Palestinians wounded by shrapnel of a sound bomb and a bullet respectively. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Nablus in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Salfit and 1 village each nr. Bethlehem and Ramallah at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin at night. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces fire rubber-coated metal bullets and tear gas at Al-Quds university students in Abu Dis after staff prevented soldiers from entering the campus. (MNA 9/8; PCHR 9/12)

U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry meets with Palestinian pres. Mahmud Abbas in London, their 1st such talks since direct negotiations recommenced. Earlier, Kerry holds talks with Arab League officials—including the FMs of Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia—in Paris, after which Kerry affirms the “commitment” of both sides to “continuing the talks.” The Arab League’s Peace Initiative Cmte. also expresses support for U.S. efforts to promote the direct talks. Meanwhile, Israeli officials protest Palestinian media leaks concerning the talks in complaints made to Washington. (AFP, JTA 9/8)

Following discussions in Paris, U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry says that Arab League ministers have agreed on the need for an international response to the alleged use of chemical weapons by the Asad regime. Kerry says that a number of countries immediately signed the statement produced at the G20 talks, but only names Saudi Arabia. (AFP 9/8)

Egyptian forces continue their Sinai offensive, killing 11 suspected Islamist fighters and arresting 10. (AP 9/8)

U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry leaves for Oman, on a Middle East trip that will also take him to Jordan, Israel, and the occupied Palestinian territories, his 4th visit to the latter in recent mos. The focus of Kerry’s trip is the possible Syria peace conference as well as the Palestinian-Israeli peace process. As Kerry departs, Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erakat says that they are making every effort for peace talks to succeed, revealing that in the previous 2 mos. Kerry met with Pres. Abbas 5 times, Erakat 3 times, and that there are almost weekly telephone conversations. (AFP, AP, REU 5/20)

Israel cancels an official visit by a UNESCO delegation, scheduled to inspect historical sites in Jerusalem’s Old City. The fact-finding commission was set to spend 5 days in Jerusalem before submitting a report at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. Israel’s Foreign Ministry claims that the visit has been postponed because the Palestinian side “tried to make it into a political event.” The visit originated in a 4/23 decision by Israel, the PA, and UNESCO to remove 5 resolutions critical of Israeli actions from the agency’s agenda in exchange for the delegation’s visit. (MNA 5/16; HA 5/20)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in Tulkarm, Balata r.c. in Nablus, and 1 village each nr. Hebron and Jenin at night, patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah in the morning, 1 village each nr. Jenin and Qalqilya in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Salfit, 1 village each nr. Jenin and Ramallah, and in Nablus at night. (PCHR 5/23)

Unidentified gunmen open fire at a police camp and al-Awja border crossing in the Sinai, causing no casualties. Egyptian police deploy reinforcements in the area. Seven security officials remain kidnapped. (AFP, AP 5/20)

IDF soldiers demolish a residential building and 3 shops in the al-Tur neighborhood of East Jerusalem on the grounds that they lacked construction permits. In the West Bank, IDF soldiers demolish 3 homes in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron. In the Jordan Valley, IDF soldiers inform 100 families in Wadi alMalih that they must temporarily relocate to make space for military training. IDF forces also open fire on 2 Palestinians trying to damage the separation wall nr. Jalbun northeast of Jenin, injuring 1. The IDF patrols in Jenin and 2 villages nr. Jenin in the morning, 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in Jenin, 1 village nr. Hebron, and 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night. IDF troops conduct house searches and arrest raids in Hebron, 1 village nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Jenin, and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. Meanwhile, the IDF makes a brief incursion into northern Gaza nr. Bayt Hanun to level land and clear lines of sight along the border fence. (MNA, WAFA 4/24; PCHR 4/25)

The PA agrees to postpone the presentation of 5 resolutions condemning Israeli policies to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) executive board in Paris. As part of the Russia and U.S.-brokered agreement between the PA and Israel (with the help of Jordan and Brazil), UNESCO experts will survey a number of sites in Jerusalem. (JP 4/24)

At 9:30 P.M. EST (3:30 A.M. on 11/11 local time), Arafat dies in a Paris hospital. The PA declares a 40-day mourning period; immediately begins preparations to hold a state funeral in Cairo on 11/12, followed by his “temporary” burial in his Ramallah compound (the Muqata) later in the day. Earlier this afternoon, in anticipation of Arafat’s passing, the PLO Exec. Comm., the PA national security council, Fatah Central Comm., senior PC mbrs. meet in Ramallah to discuss leadership transitions, intentions to hold elections within 60 days of Arafat’s death, in keeping with the unratified Basic Law. (MM 11/10; AFP, JAZ, MENA, VOP 11/10 in WNC 11/12; BBC, CSM, HA, JAZ, MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/11; AFP, ATL, DS, Interfax, IRNA, ITAR-TASS, JAZ, JT, MENA, VOI, VOP, XIN 11/11 in WNC 11/13; NYT, WP 11/12; PCHR 11/18; JPI 11/19)

The IDF reinforces troops around, further restricts Palestinian access to East Jerusalem; raids, kills 2 Palestinian gunmen in an exchange of fire nr. Bayt Hanun; fatally shoots a Palestinian swimming in a prohibited zone off the coast of Gaza; bulldozes 50 d. nr. Khan Yunis. Palestinians fire 3 mortars at Neve Dekalim, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, VOI, VOP 11/10 in WNC 11/12; PRCS, WP 11/11)

The IDF continues operations in Jenin, fatally shooting a wanted Palestinian in an exchange of fire during an arrest raid, firing on stone-throwing Palestinian youths. The IDF closes the Rafah crossing to Egypt; fires on residential and agricultural areas nr. Netzarim, seriously wounding a 52-yr.-old farmer in his field; bulldozes 15 d., shells residential areas nr. Rafah; bulldozes 4 d. outside Einav settlement nr. Tulkarm; raids 20 homes, a mosque during evening prayers in Hebron, holds those in the mosque for 3 hrs. of interrogation; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Dura. In Hebron, 2 Palestinians are killed in a mysterious explosion. The AMB distributes leaflets across the territories warning the Palestinian leadership not to give up armed struggle or compromise on Palestinian national rights now that Arafat is in Paris for treatment. (PRCS 10/31; WT 11/2; PCHR 11/4)

The IDF continues operations in Jenin for a 3d day, firing on stone-throwing youths, conducting arrest raids and house searches; demolishes 7 Palestinian homes in Rafah; confiscates 308 d. of Palestinian land in Shufa nr. Tulkarm for military purposes; bulldozes 31 d., 3 wells nr. Rafah; conducts arrest raids, house searches in ‘Ayn Bayt al-Ma’, al-‘Aza, al-Khadir. Armed Jewish settlers fr. Shvut Rachel chase Palestinian olive harvesters away fr. their groves; the IDF intervenes, allowing Palestinians to continue the harvest. (HA, PM 10/29; VOI 10/29 in WNC 10/30; PRCS 10/30; PCHR 11/4)

Arafat arrives at a military hospital in Paris. Before leaving Ramallah, he authorizes Abbas, who is secy. gen. of the PLO Exec. Comm. and the dep. secy. of the Fatah Central Comm., to assume responsibility for day-to-day affairs of the PLO and Fatah in the territories. (Technically, Faruq Qaddumi, as secy. of the Fatah Central Comm., automatically becomes Fatah chmn. in Arafat’s absence, but since he based in Tunis, Abbas, as dep. secy., assumes his duties in the territories.) (BBC, HA, MM, WT 10/29; AFP, HJ, Interfax, ITAR-TASS, JAZ, al-Quds, PSCT, VOI, VOP 10/29 in WNC 10/30; NYT, WP, WT 10/30; MM 11/1; WJW 11/4; MEI 11/5)

IDF undercover units assassinate senior AMB mbr. Ibrahim Issa in Qalqilya. The IDF continues operations in Jenin town and r.c., firing on stone-throwing youths, searching homes. Late in the evening, IDF troops in Jenin r.c. shoot, critically wound a Palestinian teenager for no apparent reason, bar his transportation to a hospital, and take him into custody, where he dies. The IDF also directs heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Khan Yunis, fatally shooting a 7-yr.-old Palestinian girl walking to school; fires on residential areas of Dayr al-Balah, Rafah; fire on stone-throwing youths in Nablus; demolishes 6 Palestinian homes, bulldozes 15 d. nr. Rafah, leaving 131 people homeless; conducts arrest raids, house searches in ‘Ayn Bayt al-Ma’ r.c., Dahaysha r.c., al-Khadir. Palestinians fire mortars at Morag, wounding 5 Jewish settlers. Jewish settlers fr. Pdu’el harvest olives on nearby Palestinian land to which Palestinian farmers have been barred access by the IDF; Jewish settlers fr. Otniel harvest, damage Palestinian olive trees nr. Yatta; Jewish settlers fr. Avi Gayel outpost attack Palestinians harvesting olives nr. Qawawis nr. Yatta. The IDF also halts construction of a Palestinian apartment building nr. a settler bypass road outside Bayt Sahur, claiming the apartment complex (which has been under construction with Israeli permits since 1994, is home to 250 residents) is not within the Bayt Sahur municipal boundaries and is therefore illegal. ( JTA 10/28; VOI, VOP, YA 10/28, VOI 10/29 in WNC 10/30; PRCS 10/30; WP 10/29; PM 11/1; PCHR 11/4)

Arafat’s condition stabilizes overnight, but he remains critically ill. Doctors, speculating that he may have a potentially fatal blood disorder, order his transport to Paris for further tests. (BBC, HA, MM 10/28; ATL, HA, JAZ, MENA, PSCT, VOI, VOP 10/28 in WNC 10/30; NYT, WP, WT 10/29; PR 11/3)

The IDF imposes a curfew on Jenin town and r.c., closes off all access roads leading to the city, conducts arrest raids and house searches, fires on residential areas; withdraws fr. Bayt Hanun, having leveled 100 d. of citrus groves since 10/26, 1 Palestinian home,5wells. Palestinians fire a Qassam rocket at the Negev, causing no damage or injuries. Jewish settlers fr. Shilo attack, chase off a group of Palestinians harvesting olives in nearby al-Mughayyir village. Israeli sources confirm that the West Jerusalem municipality has completed plans for construction of a new 280-unit Jewish settlement quarter in Abu Dis in East Jerusalem following completion of the separation wall through Abu Dis. A Palestinian dies of injuries received on 10/2 during the IDF attack on n. Gaza. In Gaza, scores of Palestinians protest increasing crime, kidnappings, violence in Gaza and demand security, legal reforms. (HJ, al-Quds, VOI, VOP 10/27 in WNC 10/29; PCHR, PRCS 10/28; PRCS 10/30; PR 11/3; PCHR 11/4)

An Israeli court rules that Palestinian residents of Jerusalem have the right to register any child under age 12 without having to apply for family reunification even if 1 parent holds a West Bank ID. Previously, the Israeli Interior Min. asserted that any such children not registered by age 1 would have to apply for family reunification. (PR 11/3)

Arafat collapses in his Ramallah headquarters and deteriorates dramatically during the day, reportedly lapsing in and out of consciousness. His personal doctor is summoned fr. Amman, a medical team fr. Egypt, and his wife fr. Paris, raising speculation that he is nearing death. (AP, BBC, CNN, HA, REU 10/27; JAZ, JP, LBC, MENA, PSCT, VOI, VOP, YA 10/27 in WNC 10/29; AP, BBC, HA, MM, NYT, REU, WP, WT 10/28; PR, WT 11/3; MEI 11/5)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. In Nablus, IDF soldiers assassinate senior Islamic Jihad mbr. Anwar Mahmud Hamran. A 2d Palestinian dies of wounds received earlier. Jews settlers stone Palestinian cars outside Ofra settlement, destroy several Palestinian cars in Hawara, bulldoze 7 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Khan Yunis. Israel moves the Beitar Forest checkpoint marking the Green Line btwn. West Bank, Israel 300 m. to the east, effectively annexing a 5-dunam area to Israel. The IDF directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas in Aida, Bayt Jala (damaging 8 homes), Bayt Jibrin, Dahaysha camp, al-Khadir, Khan Yunis (cutting off electricity), Rafah; bulldozes Palestinian land nr. Dugit and Gush Katif settlements, Nablus, Ramallah. (LAW 12/11; BDL, NYT, WT 12/12; PCHR 12/18; HA 12/19; JP 12/22; WJW 12/28)

Israeli FM Ben-Ami flies to Paris to meet with 1 or more senior Arab officials in advance of U.S. special envoy Ross's meeting with Arafat in Rabat tomorrow. (MA [Internet], MM, NYT, WT 12/12; MA [Internet] 12/13; JT [Internet] 12/14; NYT 12/15)

PM Netanyahu meets with inner cabinet to discuss U.S. proposal for Washington talks 5/11, asks the U.S. to send special envoy Ross back to Israel for further talks before 5/10 cabinet mtg. (ITV 5/6, 5/7 in WNC 5/8; MM, NYT, WP 5/7)

House mbrs. led by Rep. Gingrich condemn the administration for pressuring Israel to accept its 13.1% FRD plan. Letter signed by 221 of 435 reps. is sent to Clinton urging him change course. Pres. Clinton says that his purpose was to revive the peace talks while giving Netanyahu what he wants--immediate accelerated final status negotiations. (MM, WP, WT 5/7; ITV 5/7 in WNC 5/8; MEI 5/8; WP 5/14)

In 3.5 hr. conference call, CPMAJO censures Secy. Albright for giving an "ultimatum" to Israel, "micromanaging" the peace process, breaking fmr. Secy. of State Warren Christopher's pledge to let Israel decide when and how far to redeploy. Albright denies issuing diktat. (WP 5/7; WJW 5/14)

1st lady Hillary Clinton states in television interview that the creation of an independent Palestinian state would hasten peace in the Middle East. White House says statement reflects personal opinion, not policy. (MM, WP 5/7; MM, NYT, WT 5/8; IDF Radio 5/8 in WNC 5/11; WT 5/10; MENA 5/11 in WNC 5/12; Tishrin 5/12 in WNC 5/15; WJW 5/14; JP 5/16; WP 5/19)

In Paris, PA Local Government M Erakat briefs French FM Vedrine on 5/4-5 London talks. France calls on Israel to adopt the U.S. formula. (Radio France Internationale 5/7 in WNC 5/8)

In Washington, Israeli Finance M Neeman ends 2-days of talks on restructuring U.S. aid to Israel. (Globes [Internet] 5/7 in WNC 5/8; JP 5/9)

PA Atty. Gen. Fayiz Abu Rahma resigns. (PCHR 5/6; MEI, PR 5/8; JP 5/9)

In n. Israel, an IDF soldier shoots, wounds a 22-yr.-old Jordanian tourist. Jordan, Israel say incident is under investigation, offer no details. (al-Dustur 5/8 in WNC 5/11)

In East Jerusalem, a rabbinical student is stabbed to death by unknown assailant. Israeli police suspect a Palestinian attacker. In a separate incident nr. the West Bank settlement of Eli, a settler shoots and kills a Palestinian who allegedly tried to stab him. (MM 5/6; WP 5/7; LAW 5/8; JP 5/16)