The Palestine Chronology

In the Gaza Strip, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops open fire on Palestinians throwing stones at their position nr. the border fence, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF soldiers open fire on demonstrators in Hebron, wounding 2 with rubber-coated metal bullets, including a 14-year-old child who was blinded as a result. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Aida refugee camp (r.c.), Dahaysha r.c., and 1 village nr. Bethlehem at night; patrols in Qalqilya and 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 3 villages nr. Jericho, 2 villages nr. Ramallah, and 1 village nr. Hebron at night. Israeli settlers destroy 58 trees nr. Bethlehem. Meanwhile, IDF troops demolish an unauthorized structure in the Jewish settlement outpost Givat Assaf nr. Beit El. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at a weekly demonstration 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). There are no serious injuries, except in Kafr Qaddum, where 1 is wounded by a rubber-coated metal bullet. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently disperse a group of Palestinians in Issawiyya protesting the killing of 2 teenagers the previous day. Fifteen are injured with rubber-coated metal bullets. (MNA, YA 5/16; PCHR 5/22)

Talks between reps. of Iran and the P5+1 powers in Vienna end with no results. Senior Iranian nuclear negotiator Iran’s and Dep. FM Abbas Araghchi says that the meeting made “no progress.” An unnamed U.S. official claims there was “great difficulty” in moving toward a consensus, and reports “significant” differences in positions. Due to the lack of progress, Iran’s FM Mohammad Zarif and EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton did not hold a concluding press conference as on previous occasions. Araghchi says there are further meetings planned in 6/2014, but gives no further details. Meanwhile, in comments given after a meeting with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, U.S. Defense Secy. Chuck Hagel says that the U.S. is committed to “ensuring Iran does not get a nuclear weapon.” (AP, HA 5/16)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces kill a senior Islamic Jihad operative in an air strike on Jabaliya r.c., wounding 2 (including a child). The Israeli military claims the targeted operative was responsible for rocket fire. Two other Israeli air strikes cause some damage but no injuries. Islamic Jihad say that strikes on Gaza may lead to the end of the cease-fire broadly observed since 11/2012. Separately, Israeli forces open fire on Palestinian farmers close to the border fence nr. Bayt Hanun, causing no injuries. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, 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 2 villages each nr. Hebron and Ramallah, Jenin and 1 nearby village, and in Nablus at night; patrols in 3 villages nr. Jenin in the morning, and in Hebron and 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nearby, and in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Tulkarm at night. (MNA, REU 1/19; PCHR 1/23)

Israel’s Justice Minister Livni and Special Envoy Yitzhak Molcho depart for Washington to meet with U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry, to discuss details of his draft framework for a peace agreement. Other attendees of their meeting include Israeli amb. to the U.S. Ron Dermer and U.S. mediator Martin Indyk. Meanwhile, Israeli radio reports that Netanyahu has told Kerry that he intends to annex a 4th bloc of settlements, adding Beit El-Ofra-Psagot to the Etzion, Ma’ale Adumim and Ariel blocs. (AFP, HA, JP 1/19)

UN Secy.-Gen. Ban Ki-moon says that he invited Iran to the Syria peace talks in Switzerland and held discussions with Iranian FM Zarif about the constructive role the country could play. In response, the U.S. says the invitation should be withdrawn unless Tehran states its support for the 2012 agreement establishing a Syrian transition govt. (i.e., the 6/30/12 Geneva Communiqué). Meanwhile, the Islamic Front opposition alliance rejects participation in the talks. (AP, HA, REU 1/19)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire a rocket into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. Off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the n. West Bank, a Palestinian dies at a checkpoint en route to work inside Israel, apparently caused by overcrowding. In Bethlehem, Palestinians throw a pipe bomb at Rachel’s Tomb, lightly injuring 1, while separately, Palestinians throw an improvised explosive device at a military base nr. Bethlehem, causing no damage or casualties. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 1 nearby village, in Nablus and nearby Balata r.c., and in 1 village each nr. Tubas and Tulkarm at night; patrols in 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Tulkarm in the morning, and in Tulkarm and 1 village each nr. Hebron and Ramallah at night. Jewish settlers attack a school and water reservoir in Urif village nr. Nablus, provoking clashes with Palestinian residents. Israeli forces arrive and fire tear gas at the Palestinians. Separately, Jewish settlers attack Palestinians nr. Mitzpe Yair in the s. Hebron hills, prompting clashes that leave 4 Israelis and 1 Palestinian lightly injured. (JP, MNA, ToI, YA 1/6; PCHR 1/9)

Israeli authorities publish plans for the construction of 272 new settlement homes in the West Bank, including the 1st ever master plan for Ofra, a settlement located 15 km (9 mi.) from the Green Line. PM Netanyahu holds a meeting with Likud MKs and tells them that he opposes evacuating settlements in Hebron and Beit El, despite their location outside the major blocs. Meanwhile, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry departs the region for Washington, assuring that progress has been made. (AFP, HA, JP, REU 1/6)

In the West Bank, IDF troops open fire on Palestinians in Aida r.c., wounding 1 child with a rubber-coated metal bullet to the leg. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron at night; patrols in 1 village each nr. Bethlehem and Hebron in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Hebron at night. Jewish settlers torch 3 Palestinian vehicles nr. Beit El settlement in the Ramallah region, leaving “price-tag” graffiti. (MNA 12/31; PCHR 1/2)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian child outside Jalazun r.c. nr. Ramallah, in response to a group of Palestinian youth throwing stones at Beit El settlement. The 14-year-old was shot in the back, and witnesses say that he was not participating in the stone throwing. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron, Qalqilya and Ramallah, and in Jenin, and Jenin r.c. at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Salfit in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Hebron, 1 village each nr. Qalqilya and Ramallah, and in Tulkarm at night. Also in the West Bank, Jewish settlers attack a Palestinian house and its residents in c. Hebron, causing some damage before Israeli forces intervene. Meanwhile, Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists participate in a demonstration in Nabi Salih to mark the 2nd anniversary of the killing of Mustafa al-Tamimi, a local resident. Israeli forces violently disperse the demonstrators, injuring 1 Palestinian with a live bullet to the jaw. In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops fire shells at Palestinian farmers nr. Bayt Hanun, causing no injuries. Meanwhile, media reports say that 3 rockets fired from inside Gaza land inside the territory, causing no casualties. (AFP, MNA 12/7; PCHR 12/12)

U.S. Pres. Obama says that the chances of reaching a comprehensive deal with Iran over its disputed nuclear program are 50-50 or worse, in comments made at the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution. (See document D1 in JPS 171 for extended excerpts of Obama’s remarks.) Meanwhile, IAEA spokesperson Behrouz Kamalvandi says that Tehran is proceeding with testing more efficient uranium enrichment technology, in remarks quoted by state news agency IRNA. (AP, IRNA, REU 12/7)

In Israel, security forces in Petah Tikva shoot and kill a Palestinian worker from a village nr. Nablus, during a police-led search for Palestinians without permits. In the West Bank, IDF troops clash with residents in 1 village nr. Jenin during a raid. In 1 village nr. Ramallah, Jewish settlers attack property and residents who in turn fight back with stone-throwing. As a result, Israeli forces fire tear gas grenades at the Palestinian villagers, causing no serious injuries. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 3 villages nr. Jenin at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village each nr. Qalqilya and Ramallah at night. In Sur al-Bahir, East Jerusalem, a Palestinian family demolishes 3 apartments in an effort to avoid the charges associated with a demolition conducted by the municipality. (MNA 11/30; PCHR 12/5)

Thousands of demonstrators protest against the proposed Prawer Plan in several locations across Israel, including the Negev village Hura, Haifa, nr. Highway 444 in the “Triangle,” Jerusalem, and Jaffa, with a total of 34 arrests nationwide. The largest protest is in Hura, where protesters throw stones and the police retaliate. Israeli FM Lieberman harshly attacks the protesters, and says the govt. is “fighting for the lands of the Jewish people.” Solidarity protests also take place nr. Ramallah, where Palestinians clash with Israeli forces nr. Beit El settlement, and in Gaza City. (HA, JP, MNA, REU, YA 11/30; ToI 12/2)

Egypt’s 50-mbr. constituent assembly votes on 138 articles of the 247-article draft constitution, limiting the scope of Shari‘a law and allowing the army to try civilians in military tribunals. Meanwhile U.S. Defense Secy. Chuck Hagel calls DM Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to express concern about a new law curbing protests, according to a statement by Dept. of Defense spokesperson Carl Woog. Also in Egypt, security forces kill 3 mbrs. of al-Tawhid walJihad, a militant group, in the n. Sinai nr. Shaykh Zuweid. (AP, NYT, MNA 11/30)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians fire 1 rocket into s. Israel which causes no damage or injuries. In addition, Israeli troops fire upon a demonstration that approaches the border fence, as part of protests in solidarity with Palestinians facing restricted access to al-Aqsa mosque, injuring 5. In the West Bank, hundreds of Palestinians clash with Israeli troops as part of demonstrations marking the 13th anniversary of the 2d intifada. In al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron, the IDF opens fire with rubber-coated metal bullets, hitting a child and blinding her in 1 eye. In c. Hebron, more than 200 Palestinians throw stones at Israeli soldiers, who injure 23 Palestinians with live ammunition and rubber-coated metal bullets. There is also a protest outside Ofer prison nr. Ramallah, and in the Nablus area at Hawara checkpoint (where 1 person is injured with a rubber-coated metal bullet to the head). The IDF also conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin and Hebron at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, and in 2 villages nr. Ramallah at night. Jewish settlers set fire to 2 Palestinian vehicles nr. Beit El settlement n. of Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Palestinian youths smash a hole in the separation wall in Abu Dis before Israeli forces arrive and violently disperse them. Outside the Old City nr. Damascus Gate, Palestinians throw stones at police officers. (JP, MNA, NYT 9/28; PCHR 10/3)

Diplomats from the Quartet meet on the sidelines of the UNGA in New York and issue a statement calling on both sides to take “every possible step” to make the current negotiations a success. Envoy Tony Blair says that the meeting heard of initiatives accompanying peace talks to boost the Palestinian economy. The Quartet reps. were also joined by Tzipi Livni and Saeb Erakat in their capacities as lead negotiators for their respective sides. (AP, JP 9/28)

The UNSC votes unanimously for a res. that will see Syria’s chemical weapons stockpile secured and destroyed. Kerry says that the res. shows diplomacy is able to “peacefully defuse the worst weapons of war,” adding that destruction of the arsenal will begin in 11/2013 and run through to mid-2014. The council also backs a road map for political transition in Syria, and calls for an international conference to be convened “as soon as possible.” (AP, ToI, REU 9/27)

U.S. Pres. Obama and Iranian pres. Ruhani speak on the telephone, the highest-level contact between the 2 countries since 1979. Obama, in comments at the White House, and Ruhani, via a Twitter account, said that both are committed to solving the nuclear issue. (REU 9/27)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Qalqilya and 1 village nr. Hebron at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night. Jewish settlers from Beit El nr. Ramallah throw stones at Palestinian vehicles, while in a separate incident, settlers uproot some 40 Palestinian olive trees in the s. Hebron hills. In East Jerusalem, Jerusalem municipality-owned bulldozers level lands to make a trench between Issawiyya village and French Hill settlement, at the request of the latter’s residents. (MNA 9/9; PCHR 9/12)

Palestinian official Nabil Shaath tells the media that U.S. Secy. of State Kerry had “guaranteed us in writing” that talks would start from the 1967 lines, with State Dept. spokesperson Marie Harf subsequently denying such a document. (NYT 9/9)

The EU announces a €52 million assistance package to help PA development schemes, such as municipal infrastructure projects and private sector-led economic initiatives. The aid is the final part of the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument assistance, with the total contributed to the Palestinians in 2013 now standing at €300 million. (MNA 9/9)

Russian FM Sergey Lavrov makes a statement calling for military action against Syria to be averted through a plan for the internationally coordinated destruction of Damascus’s chemical weapons’ arsenal. The dramatic intervention is welcomed as a possible breakthrough by Pres. Obama, who faces opposition in Congress and among the public to any U.S. military intervention. Democratic Senate leader Harry Reid postpones a scheduled test vote for lawmakers to assess the Russian plan. Syrian FM Walid Muallem welcomes the Russian proposal as a way of preventing “an American aggression.” (AFP, AP, REU 9/9)

The Egyptian military’s offensive in the Sinai continues, with security forces killing a further 9 militants and arresting 10 nr. Rafah. In 2 separate incidents in c. Sinai, gunmen open fire and wound 3 soldiers. In addition, Egyptian forces destroy 6 smuggling tunnels under the Egypt-Gaza border located n. of Rafah, with an Egyptian official claiming that more than 90% of the smuggling tunnels have now been destroyed. As part of the operation, Egypt’s military claims to have seized caches of weapons including a mortar belonging to Palestinian Islamic Jihad. (AFP, AP, MNA, REU 9/9)

In the West Bank, the IDF shoots and injures a number of Palestinians in various clashes. Outside al-Jalazun refugee camp (r.c.) nr. Ramallah, Palestinians throw stones over the perimeter fence in the direction of the Beit El settlement, and IDF troops shoot and wound 9 with live ammunition, none seriously. In the Abu Dis neighborhood of East Jerusalem, Palestinians open a small hole in the separation wall during protests marking Nakba Day (5/15), and IDF troops respond by opening fire with rubber-coated metal bullets, causing a few, non-serious injuries. In al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, IDF troops shoot and wound 2 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets after residents throw stones at an army patrol. In Bayt Umar village nr. Hebron, the IDF shoots and wounds 1 Palestinian with a rubber-coated metal bullet, in clashes sparked by an army patrol. In addition, there are also clashes between Jewish settlers and Palestinians, after the settlers set fire to lands of Nablus area villages. Separately, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron in the morning and patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron at night. Israeli soldiers also attack regular demonstrations by Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and the occupation in al-Shakara area and 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, Budrus, Ni‘lin), 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum) and 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara), causing no serious injuries. (MNA 5/17; AFP 5/18; PCHR 5/23)

Egyptian police close the Rafah crossing with the Gaza Strip in protest at the abduction of 3 of their colleagues along with 4 soldiers the previous day (5/16). (MNA 5/17)

Israel’s Justice Minister Tzipi Livni meets with U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry in Rome, following a meeting last week in Washington that discussed the possibility of reviving Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. U.S. Pres. Barack Obama speaks with PM Benjamin Netanyahu by phone to discuss the peace process. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities approve construction of 296 new settlement housing units in Beit El settlement nr. Ramallah. (JP 5/8; JP, MNA 5/9)

In Jerusalem, Jewish settlers accompanied by Israeli security forces enter the al-Aqsa Mosque compound for the second consecutive day, preventing Muslim worshippers from freely accessing the site. Meanwhile, Israeli police detain Jerusalem Mufti Mohammed Hussein for a few hours over his role in clashes the previous day.

In the West Bank, IDF forces demolish 3 Palestinian homes in al-Auja village nr. Jericho. IDF undercover units conduct a raid nr. Jenin, arresting PA Preventive Security officer Mohammed Ahmed Zakarna, who received an amnesty a few years ago for his participation in the al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron in the morning, and in 1 village nr. Tulkarm at night. IDF troops conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 1 village nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Jenin and in Tulkarm at night. IDF forces make 2 brief incursions into Gaza to level land and clear lines of sight along the border nr. Jabaliya and Bayt Hanun. (AFP, MNA 5/8; PCHR 5/9)

Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem publishes a report that says Israel killed 87 Palestinian civilians in Operation Pillar of Defense in 11/2012, 80% of whom died in the second half of the operation. (JP 5/9)

Egyptian theologian and prominent Islamist cleric Yusuf al-Qaradawi enters the Gaza Strip on a high-profile official visit to the Hamas government, welcomed and hosted by PM Ismail Haniyeh (AFP 5/8)

Jordan’s parliament votes in favor of petitioning the government to expel Israeli amb. Daniel Nevo and recalling Jordan’s amb. to Israel to protest recent unrest involving Jewish settlers entering the al-Aqsa Mosque compound (see 5/7) Ultimately, Jordan’s Interior Min. Hussein al-Majali only summons Nevo to convey an official protest. (AFP 5/8)

Professor Stephen Hawking of Cambridge University pulls out of a conference in Israel in 6/2013 hosted by Pres. Shimon Peres, citing the Palestinian boycott call. Israeli FM spokesman Yigal Palmor says that ‘‘never has a scientist of this stature boycotted Israel.’’ (NYT 5/8)

The UN relocates peacekeepers from an observation post in the al-Jamla area of the Golan Heights cease-fire zone, following the most recent abduction of Filipino troops on 5/7. (AFP 5/8)

U.S. State Dept. spokesperson Victoria Nuland says that Secy. of State John Kerry, appointed on 2/1, is working to try to free up almost $700 m. in aid for the PA held up in Congress. Separate from that figure is an additional $100 m., which has been released but can only be used on anti-narcotics and law enforcement. (AFP 2/11)

Hamas says that the Egyptian army is flooding tunnels between the Gaza Strip and Sinai used for smuggling, and that there is a reinforced troop presence on the border. Meanwhile, Turkish media reports that Israel has agreed to allow Turkish trucks to bring building materials into Gaza for the construction of a hospital that will be opened by PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan. (HA 2/11)

Israeli NGO Peace Now says that Israel has given final approval to 90 new homes in Beit El settlement nr. Ramallah. (AFP 2/11)

Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the Gaza coast nr. al-Waha, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF destroys 3 structures, including a home, in Bayt Awa village nr. Hebron. The demolitions prompt clashes with residents, and 1 Palestinian is injured from a tear-gas canister to the leg. The IDF patrols in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Tulkarm in the morning; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Bethlehem and nearby Aida r.c., Tulkarm, 2 villages nr. Hebron, and 1 village each nr. Nablus, Qalqilya, and Tulkarm at night. (MNA 2/11; PCHR 2/14)

Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and West Bank start registering to vote in preparation for legislative and presidential elections, the dates for which have not been set. Once the process is completed, an election could theoretically be called for 3 mos. later. (REU 2/11)

Two Israeli companies sign an agreement to acquire a 30% stake in exploration rights for gas and oil off Cyprus’s s. shore to be carried out by U.S. company Noble Energy. Cypriot commerce min. Neoclis Sylikiotis says the deal marks a ‘‘new era of Cyprus-Israeli strategic cooperation.’’ (AFP 2/11)

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)

Kadima head Shaul Mofaz arrives in Washington for his 1st official visit as Israel’s vice PM in charge of overseeing peace process issues. He meets with U.S. secy. of state Hillary Clinton and U.S. security officials and urges the U.S. to support reviving peace talks with the Palestinians, stating that the greatest threat to Israel is not Iran but a Palestinian demographic majority. He presents his own peace plan (1st unveiled in 2009 and not endorsed by Netanyahu), which calls for the creation of an interim Palestinian state with temporary borders on 60% of the West Bank, land swaps making up for the other 40%, and Israel’s permanent control over most settlement areas. (WP 6/20)

Israeli drones and warplanes carry out another 5 air strikes across Gaza, leaving at least 2 armed Palestinians and 1 Palestinian child dead and 10 Palestinians (2 armed, 8 civilian) wounded. The strikes include (1) an air strike on Gaza City targeting 2 members of the Salafist Tawhid and Jihad (TAJ) group whom Israel now alleges were involved in the 6/18 attack on Israel from the Sinai (1 TAJ member is killed, 1 is wounded; a family picnicking nearby is also hit, leaving a 13-yr.-old Palestinian boy dead, and 4 mbrs. of his family, including 3 children, seriously injured); (2) 2 missiles fired at a rocket-launching team in Rafah (1 armed Palestinian killed, 1 wounded); (3) air strikes on 2 IQB training camps in Jabaliya r.c. and Nussayrat r.c. (injuring 5 bystanders in nearby homes). Meanwhile, Palestinians fire more rockets fr. Gaza into Israel, damaging a house but causing no injuries. Since 6/17, Israel has carried out at least 17 air strikes on Gaza, and Palestinians have fired more than 100 rockets and mortars. By late evening, Hamas officials in Gaza say that Gaza’s factions have agreed to an Egyptian-brokered cease-fire with Israel to end 3 days of cross-border violence. In addition, Israeli naval vessels fire on and detain 3 Palestinian fishing boats off the n. Gaza shore, questioning 6 fishermen (all released on 6/21). In the West Bank, the IDF conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in Salfit, and nr. Hebron and Jenin; conducts late-night patrols in Jericho. (YA 6/20; NYT, PCHR, WP 6/21; PCHR 6/28; OCHA 6/29)

Overnight, the YESHA settlers’ council reaches a deal with the Israeli government to peacefully evacuate Ulpana outpost in exchange for a promises that 300 new housing units will be built in neighboring Beit El settlement and that the deal would not be used as a precedent for deciding the fate of other unauthorized settlement outposts. Meanwhile, some 1,000 Israeli police officers undergo special training to prevent violence and injuries during the Ulpana evacuation. (NYT 6/20)

Several U.S. representatives from both parties testifying before the House Armed Services Comm. recommend that the Pentagon begin preparing for military action against Iran, including expediting deployment of bunker-busting munitions that could target Iran’s underground facilities. (WP 6/21)

The IDF conducts late-night patrols in 1 village each nr. Jericho and Ramallah; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Jenin. (PCHR 6/7, 6/14; OCHA 6/15)

The Knesset votes down (69–22) a resolution that would have retroactively legalized unauthorized settlement outposts built on private Palestinian land. Hundreds of right-wing settlers gather outside the High Court in Jerusalem to protest. The decision clears the way for implementation of a High Court order to demolish Ulpana outpost by 7/1/12 and Migron outpost by 8/1/12 (see QU in JPS 164 for background). In 4/2012, Netanyahu had urged the government to find a solution that would legalize Ulpana, but knew this draft bill would not pass legal muster with Israel’s High Court and had urged MKs to defeat the measure. Instead, he vows to have the Ulpana buildings physically moved to neighboring Beit El settlement and to build 300 new housing units inside Beit El. At the same time, the Israeli Housing Min. announces plans to build another 551 new settlement housing units in various other West Bank settlements. (NYT, WT 6/7; JPI 6/15)

The International Israel Allies Caucus Foundation hosts members of Congress and some 100 evangelical Christians for a prayer breakfast to mark ‘‘the reunification of Jerusalem in 1967.’’ Nine Republican House reps. [Michele Bachmann (MN), John Fleming (LA), Trent Franks (AR), Louie Gohmert (TX), Randy Hultgren (IL), Doug Lamborn (CO), Steve Stivers (OH), Joe Walsh (IL), Allen West (FL)] attend and speak at the session, all calling for moving the U.S. emb. to Jerusalem. (WJW 6/14)

In an op-ed in the New York Times, former lead Israeli peace negotiator Gilead Sher, former Israeli Security Agency head Ami Ayalon, and Israeli entrepreneur Orni Petruschka (organizers of a new group called Blue White Future) argue that since serious Israeli-Palestinian peace talks are unlikely to resume soon, Israel should adopt a “radically new unilateral approach” (which they term “constructive unilateralism”): openly “strive . . . to establish facts on the ground” that would impose a 2-state solution based on 1967 borders with Israel’s desired land swaps “regardless of whether Palestinians leaders have agreed.” The proposed borders would be based on Israel’s separation wall. At the same time, Israel would cease settlement expansion in areas that it does not intend to keep and prepare a plan to relocate settlers (they estimate 100,000) from settlements that would fall under permanent Palestinian control. Relocation would not take place, and the IDF would remain deployed in the West Bank, until the Palestinians signed a formal final-status agreement recognizing Israel’s fait accomplis. They argue that the plan meshes well with the Palestinians’ own constructive unilateralism of late (i.e., Abbas’s mission to gain UN recognition of Palestinian statehood), since it would be easier for Israel to negotiate with the Palestinians state to state. (NYT 4/24)

Netanyahu’s special ministerial panel examining the future of 3 unauthorized West Bank settlement outposts legalizes the outposts of Bruchin (pop. 350) and Rachelim (pop. 240) in the north, and Sansanna (pop. 240) in the south, stating that “these communities were founded in the 1990s based on the decisions of a past government.” The panel also calls on the Israeli High Court to put off the 5/1/12 deadline to evacuate 30 homes in Ulpana outpost (constructed on private Palestinian land), which the government describes as a “neighborhood of Beit El” settlement. UN. Secy.-Gen. Ban Ki-Moon calls the decision “illegal under international.” U.S. State Dept. spokeswoman Victoria Nuland says: “We don’t think this is helpful to the [peace] process, and we don’t accept the legitimacy of continued settlement activity.” (Forward, HA, JTA 4/24; NYT, WP 4/25; WP 4/28)

Israeli naval vessels fire on Palestinian fishing boats off the n. Gaza coast, forcing them to return to shore. They surround and confiscate 1 boat, detaining 2 fishermen. In the West Bank, the IDF bulldozes a Palestinian barnyard nr. Bethlehem; conducts morning patrols in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (2 synchronized) and 1 nr. Jericho; afternoon patrols in 3 villages nr. Jenin, Jericho, and Qalqilya; and late-night patrols in al-Bireh, 2 villages each nr. Qalqilya and Ramallah, and 1 nr. Jenin. Jewish settlers, escorted by IDF troops, enter Balata village nr. Nablus in the morning to pray at Joseph’s Tomb. (PCHR 4/26)

Israeli and Palestinian officials confirm that discussions are underway for a high-level meeting between Israeli PM Netanyahu and PA PM Salam al-Fayyad after Passover ends on 4/13. Fayyad plans to hand Netanyahu a letter from Abbas, which in its current draft includes Palestinian conditions for a return to negotiations (including Israel halting settlement expansion and accepting 1967 lines the basis for talks) and an enumeration of Israeli actions that the Palestinians find counterproductive to peace. (NYT 4/5)

Israeli security forces evict Jewish settler families fr. a house in Hebron that they occupied ca. 4/2/12. Meanwhile, Netanyahu calls on Israel’s atty. gen. to “find a solution” for the unauthorized outpost of Ulpana (which he terms a neighborhood of Beit El settlement) in Hebron that an Israeli court ordered demolished by 5/1/12. He also says that he plans to convene a meeting with DM Barak to seek the permits retroactively to legalize 3 other unauthorized settlement outposts (Bruchin, Rachelim, and Sansanna). Separately, Israel’s Housing Min. issues bids for construction of 800 new settlement housing units in Har Homa settlement in East Jerusalem. (NYT, PCHR, WT 4/5; OCHA 4/13)

Israel allows a small shipment of diesel fuel for Gaza’s power plant allowing 1 turbine to restart for the 1st time since 3/25/12, but rolling blackouts remain up to 16 hrs./day across the Strip. IDF troops on the n. Gaza border fire into the abandoned Erez industrial zone late at night, causing no reported injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning and another late at night; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in Kafr Qaddum (arresting 20) and nr. Tulkarm. (PCHR 4/5; PCHR 4/12)

Unidentified assailants armed with heavy weapons and explosives enter s. Israel fr. the Egyptian Sinai and stage coordinated attacks on a bus, several cars, and an IDF patrol, killing 7 Israelis (1 IDF soldier, 6 civilians) and wounding up to 40, marking the deadliest attack on Israel since 3/2008. The attacks begin at midday with gunfire on a bus nr. Elat carrying mostly soldiers fr. a nearby army base; when an IDF unit arrives on the scene, it is quickly ambushed and hit with explosive devices. Within the hour, at least 3 reports of mortar fire fr. Egypt and attacks on civilian vehicles with antitank weapons are reported in the Elat area. Israeli security forces engage in firefights with the infiltrators over the next several hours, killing at least 7 attackers, noting that 3 of the bodies were booby trapped. At one point, IDF troops pursue the attackers into Egypt and clash with Egyptian border guards, killing an Egyptian military officer and 2 Egyptian border police and injuring 2 others. Israel accuses Hamas of sending terrorists fr. Gaza through the Rafah smuggling tunnels into Egypt and then on to Israel, and criticizes Egypt’s inability to secure its borders. The IDF quickly launches 12 air strikes on s. Gaza in retaliation, primarily targeting the Popular Resistance Committees (PRCs)—an umbrella group comprising mbrs. of all Gaza factions, including Fatah and Hamas. In total, 7 Palestinians (including 2 children) are killed and at least 23 Palestinians (including 7 children, 6 women) are wounded. Among the dead are 5 senior PRC members who were targeted for assassination, including PRC leader Kamal Abu Abed al-Nairab, PRC chief military cmdr. Imad Hamad, and a PRC rocket expert. Later in the evening, gunfire erupts again in Elat, killing 1 Israeli border policeman and critically injuring another. The PRCs fire 4 rockets (including at least 1 manufactured Grad rocket) fr. Gaza into Israel, where at least 3 are intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system; no damage or injuries are reported. By late evening, the Israeli DMin. reports no further fire, but says assailants may still be on the loose. Hamas and the PRCs deny any part in the attacks. Egyptian and American analysts (e.g., NYT, WT 8/19) say that “it is not a remote possibility for [Egypt’s radical militant elements] to cross the border and launch attacks against Israeli targets. It makes a lot of sense” given Egypt’s recent crackdown on al-Qa‘ida-inspired Islamist militants in the n. Sinai (see 8/13). (AHR, AP, HA, IFM, JP, JTA, MNA, REU, WAFA, YA 8/18; NYT, OCHA, WP, WT 8/19; al-Masri al-Yawm 8/20; JAZ 8/21; PCHR 8/25; OCHA 8/26)

Meanwhile, in the West Bank, the IDF patrols in Bayt Liqya nr. Ramallah during the day and in Jenin, Jericho, and 2 villages nr. Ramallah and Salfit. Jewish settlers fr. Beit El nr. Ramallah enter nearby Dawar al-Qare’ village and set fire to 2 cars. (PCHR 8/25)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in Tulkarm and in 5 villages nr. Qalqilya, 2 each nr. Jenin and Salfit, and 1 each nr. Jericho, Nablus, Ramallah, and Tulkarm; conducts a late-night raid on the Hebron home of Hamas-affiliated PC mbr. Muhammad al-Tal, arresting him. Palestinian, Israeli, and international activists march to the IDF’s Beit El checkpoint outside Ramallah and demand its removal; IDF soldiers fire tear gas, rubber-coated steel bullets, and stun grenades at the protesters, seriously injuring 1 Palestinian. Jewish settlers fr. Yitzhar settlement nr. Nablus burn and uproot at least 20 Palestinian olive trees nr. Madama village. (PCHR 12/30; OCHA 12/31)

Under U.S. pressure, Israel announces that the IDF will conduct an internal investigation of the 5/31 flotilla incident and eases the Gaza blockade slightly, allowing in the 1st shipments of jam, juice, halva, shaving razors since 6/07 and saying that spices such as coriander and cardamom will be allowed in as of 6/10. IDF troops on the c. Gaza border e. of Gaza City fire warning shots at Palestinians scavenging aggregate fr. destroyed buildings nr. the no-go zone, wounding 1 Palestinian. In the West Bank, the IDF demolishes 2 building foundations in Beit El settlement, built in violation of the temporary settlement freeze; settlers throw stones, light bulbs full of paint at Israeli police, who respond with tear gas and arrest 4 protesters. The IDF also conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in Jenin. (WP 6/9; NYT, PCHR, WJW 6/10; OCHA 6/11)

Israeli naval vessels fire on Palestinian fishing boats off the Bayt Lahiya coast, lightly injuring the occupants of a boat that catches fire. Unidentified Palestinians fire 2 rockets or mortars into Israel, causing no reported injuries or damage. (PCHR 9/3; WJW 9/3)

In the West Bank, IDF troops fire on Palestinian youths who allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail at their observation tower nr. Beit El settlement n. of Ramallah, killing 1 teenager with 3 gunshots to the chest and arresting 4 others; fire sound bombs and tear gas to disperse Palestinians and medical workers who approach the area, injuring a paramedic and an UNRWA worker. The IDF also conducts late-night raids, house searches nr. Ramallah, Nablus, Qalqilya, in and around Hebron, arresting 6 Palestinians (including 1 teenager). (OCHA Humanitarian Monitor 8/09; OCHA, PCHR 9/3)

Israel announces that it has arrested (on 8/10, not previously reported) and indicted 23-yr.-old Israeli Palestinian Rawi Fuad Sultani for taking part in a Hizballah-orchestrated plot to assassinate IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi. Israel alleges that Sultani, who worked out at the same gym as Ashkenazi, was recruited by Hizballah to monitor Ashkenazi’s movements and routine. (WJW 9/3; JPI 9/10; NYT 9/12; JR 9/29)

In the West Bank, the IDF fires on Palestinian youths who allegedly try to throw Molotov cocktails at the gate of Beit El settlement nr. Ramallah, killing 1 Palestinian teenager and wounding another; opens fire on Palestinian, Israeli, and international activists taking part in weekly nonviolent demonstrations against the separation wall in Bil‘in, killing 1 Palestinian (hitting him in the chest with a high-velocity tear gas round at a distance of 20 yds.); sets up a military checkpoint outside the entrance to Sebastia nr. Nablus and checks Palestinian ID cards, withdrawing late in the evening. Beit Haggai settlement guards fatally shoot a Palestinian teenager in disputed circumstances: settlers say the teen, whose family house and property abut the settlement, crossed a fence into the settlement and tried to stab them; local Palestinians believe settlers shot the boy, unarmed and in his yard, and carried his body into the settlement. The IDF also vacates the house in Tura al-Gharbiyya occupied on 4/16. (NYT 4/18; OCHA 4/22; PCHR 4/23)

In the West Bank, the IDF fires on stonethrowing Palestinians in Jalazun r.c. leaving a funeral for the teenager killed nr. Beit El on 10/14, fatally shooting 1 Palestinian; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Jenin, Tulkarm. (PCHR 10/16; NYT 10/17; OCHA 10/22; PCHR 10/23)

Egyptian border police blow up 10 smuggling tunnels along the Rafah border, causing no reported injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF fatally shoots a Palestinian teenager nr. Beit El settlement nr. Ramallah, claiming that he was preparing to throw a Molotov cocktail; bulldozes the Palestinian home in Hebron where PA security forces claimed to find a tunnel on 10/13. Jewish settlers fr. Ma’on nr. Hebron assault a group of Palestinian children near the settlement. (OCHA, WT 10/15; PCHR 10/16; see also ICG 9/11)

Maj. Gen. Gadi Shamni, head of the IDF Central Command, warns the Israeli cabinet that Jewish settler violence is in danger of spinning out of control, stating, “an extreme incident could happen at any time. These people are conspiring against the Palestinians and against the [Israeli] security forces.” Shamni reports that in the past few wks. settlers have set a dog on an IDF reserve cmdr., broken the arm of a dep. battalion cmdr., slashed tires on IDF vehicles. In Hebron, he says settlers attacked an IDF officer who tried to stop settler children fr. throwing stones at Palestinians. (WP 10/15)

IDF troops on the Gaza border fire on Palestinian agricultural areas e. of Khan Yunis, sparking a fire that destroys a wheat field; discover, disarm a roadside bomb nr. the former Kissufim crossing e. of Khan Yunis. The Israeli navy fires on Palestinian fishing boats off the Bayt Lahiya coast, forcing them to return to shore. In the West Bank, the IDF makes a predawn raid on Nablus, firing on residential areas and exchanging fire with Palestinian gunmen who confront them, shooting and wounding a pregnant Palestinian woman inside her home, causing her to lose her baby; 2 armed Palestinians, 1 IDF soldier are also wounded. The IDF also conducts arrest raids, house searches nr. Bethlehem (targeting the AMB) and in Balata r.c., Tulkarm; issues stop-work orders for 10 Palestinian homes, a mosque in villages nr. Negohot settlement w. of Hebron that would constrain eventual expansion of the settlement. Israel’s Jerusalem Construction and Planning Comm. approves plans to build 3 new ultra-Orthodox settlements on the outskirts of occupied East Jerusalem to create territorial unity btwn. Jerusalem and Gush Etzion s. of Bethlehem and btwn. Jerusalem and Beit El n. of Ramallah; the plans call for 20,000 housing units in the new settlements, plus 500 new units for settlers in Abu Dis. Abbas deploys 3,000 PA security forces under his control in Gaza City and n. Gaza as part of a new, high-profile “law and order” campaign meant to undermine Hamas. In Bureij r.c, unidentified gunmen fatally shoot a Fatah mbr. in a drive-by attack on a Fatah base. Unidentified assailants ambush, kidnap a PA colonel driving in Nussayrat r.c.; no group claims responsibility. (PLONAD 5/10; MM, NYT 5/11; OCHA 5/16; PCHR 5/17)

The IDF continues to shell the n. Gaza no-go zone; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Dayr al-Ghusun nr. Tulkarm, Jenin town and r.c. (firing on stone-throwing youths who confront troops, wounding 9), al-Til, Yatta; removes without incident 3 unauthorized settlement outposts nr. Beit El, Kiryat Arba, Shvut Rachel. Some 100 PA policemen occupy the Rafah border terminal to protest the death of a policeman on 12/29; EU monitors shut the crossing, leave the area for several hrs., until the demonstration breaks up. In Gaza City, a Palestinian clan attacks a PA police station, trades gunfire with police for a 2d day in an attempt to force them to free a jailed relative; a 14-yr.-old Palestinian is fatally shot in the crossfire. During the day, the AMB, Hamas hold separate rallies in Gaza protesting the kidnapping of 3 Britons on 12/28; the Britons are released late in the evening; just before freeing them, a group calling itself the Brigades of the Mujahiddin (reportedly connected to Fatah) issues a videotaped statement claiming responsibility, calling on Britain to take a harder line with Israel. (IMEMC, JAZ, YA 12/30; NYT, WP, WT 12/31; HA 1/1; PCHR 1/5)

The IDF fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis, fatally shooting an 18-mo.-old Palestinian child playing outside his home; fatally shoots a Hamas mbr. scouting, according to Hamas, a n. Gaza Jewish settlement for an attack; fatally shoots a mentally disabled Palestinian nr. Khan Yunis when he allegedly fails to obey orders to stop when approaching an IDF roadblock. Wanted senior Hamas mbr. Amin Manzalawi is killed in a mysterious explosion in Zawata; Hamas claims the IDF assassinated him. An IDF vehicle hits a civilian car in Tulkarm, killing 1 Palestinian, injuring 2. A group of 20 armed Jewish settlers attack 10 Palestinian farmers, 2 Israeli and 5 international peace activists plowing a field nr. Eli settlement; IDF soldiers intervene, tell Palestinians and internationals to leave. Jewish settlers break ground for 72 new housing units in Beit El. (HA, ISM press release 5/7; NYT, PCHR 5/8; PR 5/14; PCHR 5/15)

The IDF pulls out of the n. Gaza “security zone” it reoccupied on 3/7, having bulldozed at least 314 dunams of land, demolished 2 Palestinian homes in Bayt Lahia. The IDF fatally shoots 2 AMB mbrs. planting roadside bombs outside Kefar Darom settlement; shells residential areas of Hebron, killing 1 Palestinian, destroying his home; demolishes 1 Palestinian home in Bayt Hanun, 1 in Jenin, 1 in al-Qarara; bulldozes 10 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Kiryat Arba settlement in Hebron; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Bayt Hanun. A Palestinian gunman ambushes an IDF patrol nr. the Tomb of the Patriarchs/ al-Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, killing 1 IDF soldier, wounding 5, taking refuge in an apartment building; Hamas, the PFLP each take responsibility; the IDF evacuates the building, shells and bulldozes it, killing the gunman. A Beit El military court sentences a Fatah mbr. to 4 consecutive life terms for planning a 3/21/02 suicide bombing in Jerusalem. The AMB and military wings of Hamas, Islamic Jihad, the PFLP in Nablus issue a letter warning the IDF to withdraw fr. Nablus and other PA areas in 2 wks. or they will resume military operations inside Israel. (HA 3/10; VOI 3/10 in WNC 3/11; HA, MM, NYT 3/11; NYT, PR, WP 3/12; LAW, PCHR 3/13)

The Reston Connection (Reston, VA) reports that at a private function last wk. in Virginia, Rep. James Moran (D-VA) said, “If it were not for the strong support of the Jewish community for this war with Iraq, we would not be doing this [i.e., planning for war]. The leaders of the Jewish community are influential enough that they could change the direction of where this is going, and I think they should.” Jewish orgs. condemn his comments as “reprehensible and anti-Semitic.” House minority leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) says Moran’s comments “have no place in the Democratic party.” (HA, WP 3/11; WJW 3/13; WP 3/15; MEI 3/21; WJW 4/10)

The IDF lifts the comprehensive curfew on the occupied territories imposed on 1/26; fatally shoots 1 Palestinian shepherd who leads his flock too near IDF bulldozers leveling 400 dunams of Palestinian crops nr. Jabaliya r.c.; bulldozes land around, fires on residential areas of Tal al-Sultan, wounding 18 Palestinians; reportedly finds, disables 2 bombs planted nr. a Jewish settlements in Gaza, inside a PSF station in Hebron. A Palestinian gunman fires at a Jewish settler vehicle nr. Beit El settlement, wounding 2 Jewish settlers. A 2d Palestinian gunman shoots, lightly injures an IDF soldier outside a Jewish settlement in Gaza; soldiers fire on residential areas nearby in response, wounding 19 Palestinians. A Palestinian dies of injuries received during the IDF’s 1/25 attack on Gaza City. Jewish settlers attack 2 international peace activists who approach Itamar settlement to investigate Palestinian claims that settlers had taken over Palestinian farmland. Settlers beat the activists: steal their phone, camera; take their jackets, shoes, socks, wallets, passports; forcibly take them to Itamar. The IDF arrests the activists for trespassing on settler property. An Israeli court authorizes Israel’s seizure of over $9 m. fr. the PA’s frozen funds to pay the Ayalon insurance company to cover claims for cars stolen btwn. 1996 and 2000, allegedly with the PA’s knowledge and cooperation. (HA, International Solidarity Movement press release, LAW, PCHR 1/29; HA, NYT 1/30; PR 2/5)

Arafat calls on Sharon to immediately resume peace talks in light of his election victory, but Sharon says he will not deal with Palestinians “involved in terror.” (HA 1/29; NYT 1/30)

Bush phones Sharon to congratulate him on his election victory. Also calling to congratulate Sharon are Egyptian Pres. Husni Mubarak, who invites him to reopen peace talks with the Palestinians in Cairo after his new government is formed, and European Union (EU) pres. Romano Prodi who urges him to take action on the road map quickly, now that elections are over. (HA, MM 1/30, 1/31; MM 2/5; MEI 2/21)

The IDF continues Operation Vanguard in Jenin, arresting Islamic Jihad mbr. Fayiz Tubasi, wanted for plotting the 10/21 suicide bombing; conducts arrest raids in Ramallah, Tulkarm (where troops search a school); shells residential areas of Khan Yunis; razes 219.5 dunams of land nr. Bayt Hanun. An AMB gunman fires on an IDF patrol nr. Beit El, is fatally shot by the soldiers. IDF soldiers nr. Tulkarm bar an ambulance fr. transporting a patient to the hospital, search the vehicle, order paramedics to return fr. where they came. (HA 11/1; LAW, PCHR 11/6; PRCS press release 11/10)

After the mandatory 48 hr. waiting period, Labor party resignations take effect, leaving Sharon with a right-wing minority coalition of 55 of 120 Knesset seats. Sharon invites Likud party rival and fmr. PM Benjamin Netanyahu to take the position of FM, fmr. IDF chief of staff Shaul Mofaz to take the position of DM. (HA 11/1; NYT, WP 11/2)

The IDF continues Operation Vanguard in Jenin, conducting arrest raids, house-to-house searches, blowing up 4 Palestinian homes; fatally shoots a mentally handicapped Palestinian who strays too close to the Rafah border fence; fires on Palestinians who stray too close to Beit El settlement, killing 1 Palestinian, wounding 2; fires on Palestinians waiting at a Khan Yunis checkpoint (injuring 1), residential areas nr. Neve Dekalim settlement (injuring 8, including 1 woman, 4 children), a group of children at the entrance to Tulkarm r.c. (injuring 1), Palestinians outside the Qabatya municipal buidling (injuring 4, 3 of whom are detained for several hrs. without medical attention); conducts arrest raids in Hebron, Tulkarm; demolishes a Palestinian home nr. Kefar Darom settlement; bulldozes13 dunams of land nr. Aley Sinai settlement. In Gaza City, 3 Hamas mbrs. are killed in an explosion; Hamas spokesman `Abd al-`Aziz Rantisi acknowledges the men were probably making a bomb. Hamas mbrs. attack journalists who arrive to cover the scene, destroying 2 cameras, lightly injuring a Reuters cameraman and reporter; the main Palestinian journalists union in Gaza orders a boycott of coverage of all Hamas activities in protest; Hamas apologizes. Some 22 Jewish settlers attack the Za’tara mayor, municipal surveyor, an a surveying team, destroying their equipment, maps, documents. A Jewish settler confiscates Palestinian land nr. Dayr al-Balah, razes the area, sets up greenhouses. (HA, NYT, WT 11/1; LAW, PCHR 11/6; PR 11/13)