The Palestine Chronology

Overnight, IDF helicopters rocket a residential area of Khan Yunis, killing 4 Palestinians, wounding 21, destroying 2 Force 17 buildings. This evening, AMB, Hamas gunmen jointly detonate a roadside bomb nr. a Jewish settler bus outside Emmanuel settlement nr. Nablus, then open fire on the bus, 2 cars traveling with it, the medical workers who come to the scene, killing 9 Jewish settlers, 1 Israeli border police officer, wounding 30; 1 Hamas mbr. is run over, shot dead by the IDF. In Gaza, 2 Hamas suicide bombers detonate devices outside a Jewish settlement, wounding 4. Sharon severs all contacts with the PA, declares Arafat "irrelevant," says Israel will no longer wait for the PA to "wipe out terror networks" but will do the job itself. The IDF immediately begins F-16 air strikes on targets in al-Bireh, Gaza City, Jinin, Nablus, Qalqilya, Ramallah, and Tulkarm, killing 1 Palestinian; tightens its encirclement of major Palestinian population centers; enters Jinin's area A with tanks, injuring 19 Palestinians before withdrawing; fires on a funeral procession in Khan Yunis, injuring 3. The Israeli inner cabinet agrees to "rapidly deploy" the IDF for "massive and continuous" operations "in cities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip." Arafat orders the closure of all Hamas, Islamic Jihad offices, schools, clinics. (AP, LAW, MEZ, PMC 12/12; AFP, AP, HA, HP, JP [Internet], MM, NYT, WJW, WP, WT 12/13; AFP, MENA, XIN 12/13 in WNC 12/14; ATL 12/13 in WNC 12/17; JP, JT [Internet], MM 12/14, 12/17, 12/18; JP, MEI 12/21)

Hamas suicide bomber detonates a device in a Haifa bus station, lightly injuring 11 Israelis. During a predawn arrest raid in Anabta that nets some 25 Islamic Jihad suspects, the IDF opens fire on 2 cars of PSF officers (1 marked, 1 civilian), killing 4 PSF officers, wounding 2; blows up 1 Palestinian home. The IDF also fatally shoots 1 Palestinian taxi driver at a crossing in Jinin; shells residential areas of Khan Yunis, Rafah. Palestinian gunmen ambush a car in the West Bank, seriously injuring a Jewish settler. (BBC, WP 12/9; MENA 12/9 in WNC 12/11; NYT, WP, WT 12/10; AYM 12/10 in WNC 12/12; LAW 12/12)

U.S. envoy Zinni convenes another unproductive trilateral security comm. mtg.; warns Israel, the PA that if they do not make serious efforts to implement a cease-fire within 48 hrs., he will call off his mission. In Gaza, the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade (AMB), Hamas, Islamic Jihad issue a signed statement offering to suspend suicide bombings and gunfire inside Israel, if Israel stops assassinations, bombardment of Palestinian areas. The IDF dismisses the offer. (BBC, HA 12/9; JP [Internet], MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/10; MM 12/11; AYM 12/11 in WNC 12/13; al-Quds 12/13 in WNC 12/14; MEI 12/21)

In a signal to the Palestinians, Sharon convenes his weekly cabinet mtg. at the IDF's West Bank headquarters. At his request the inner cabinet approves an escalation of attacks on PA security installations. (BBC, HA 12/9; WT 12/10; Guardian 12/19)

As U.S. envoy Zinni meets with PA officials, an Islamic Jihad suicide bomber detonates a device on a bus in Hadera, Israel, killing 3 Israelis, wounding 7. The bomber reportedly boarded the bus in the Israeli Arab town of Umm al-Fahm. A Palestinian gunman also kills 1 IDF soldier in a drive-by shooting at a West Bank checkpoint. The IDF opens fire on a Palestinian car at a Jordan Valley checkpoint, killing 2 Palestinians that "acted suspiciously" by making a U-turn to avoid the congested crossing. The IDF also opens fire on a French delegation (135 politicians, journalists, intellectuals) touring homes demolished by the IDF in Khan Yunis; seals Hebron; sets up more roadblocks, especially on the road to Bethlehem; tightens the closure on Tulkarm, bulldozing areas along the Green Line; raids a Palestinian factory nr. Qarni crossing, confiscating electrical equipment; directs heavy machine gun fire on residential areas of Jinin; shells residential areas of Khan Yunis. Jewish settlers, under IDF protection, place caravans on a new settlement site nr. Dayr al-Balah. (AFP, HP 11/29; AFP, AP, HP, MM, NYT, WT 11/30; al-Quds 11/30 in WNC 12/3; LAW 12/5)

Sharon arrives in the U.S. on an official visit, accuses Arafat of having built a "coalition of terror" against Israel. (MM 11/30; NYT 12/1)

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

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

IDF soldiers guarding Rachel's Tomb in Bethlehem open fire on stone-throwing Palestinian youths, killing a 13-yr.-old Palestinian boy. In retaliation for the 11/24 mortar attack on Kefar Darom, the IDF shells, destroys the PA military intelligence office in Khan Yunis, a naval police post in Sudaniyya, and a Fatah office in Dayr al-Balah, injuring 3; bulldozers demolish 3 Palestinian homes in Dayr al-Balah. The IDF also directs heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Bayt Lahia, Khan Yunis, Rafah, Tal Sultan. Palestinians fire 8 mortars at Gush Katif, causing no damage; detonate a roadside bomb nr. Hebron, causing no damage. (PMC 11/25; HP, HA, NYT, WT 11/26)

In Louisville, U.S. Secy. of State Colin Powell gives the 1st major policy speech on the Middle East by the George W. Bush admin., announcing plans to send 2 envoys (retired Gen. Anthony Zinni, Asst. Secy. of State for Near East Affairs William Burns) to the region to help broker an Israeli-Palestinian cease-fire based on the 6/11/01 Tenet cease-fire plan and the 5/20/01 Mitchell Comm. recommendations, which calls for a halt to violence, confidence building measures, a return to negotiations. (HA, MM 11/19; XIN 11/19 in WNC 11/20; AFP, MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/20; AYM, DUS, MENA, al-Quds, al-Ra'i, SA 11/20 in WNC 11/21; AYM 11/20, IRNA, QA 11/21, ATL, SA 11/22 in WNC 11/23; AYM 11/22 in WNC 11/28; MEI, MM 11/23; WP 11/25) (see Doc. D3 in JPS 122)

The IDF kills 2 Palestinians planting a roadside bomb in the West Bank; sends tanks into Rafah refugee camp to bulldoze 4 Palestinian homes, injuring 1 Palestinian; sends tanks, bulldozers into Bayt Hanun for several hrs. Palestinian gunmen fire on a vehicle nr. Shavei Shomron settlement, injuring 3 Jewish settlers. (NYT, WT 11/20; LAW 11/26)

An Islamic Jihad suicide bomber detonates a device outside Shluhot Kibbutz in n. Israel, killing 1 Israeli. In Hebron, where the IDF remains in area A, soldiers fatally shoot 1 Palestinian, wound 3. The PSF detains 2 more Islamic Jihad mbrs., says it is holding 6 Palestinians on Israel's wanted list. Jewish settlers set up a new enclave nr. Keddumim settlement, announce plans for a 2d enclave nr. Beit Hagai. (HP, WT 10/7; MENA 10/7 in WNC 10/9; JP [Internet] 10/8; MEI 10/12; LAW 10/13)

The U.S., with the assistance of commando units fr. Britain and France, begins air strikes on al-Qa`ida, Taliban positions in Afghanistan aimed at disabling their air defense capability. The U.S. says this initial stage of the sustained "antiterror campaign" should last several days. Bin Laden releases a statement vowing that "America will not live in peace until peace reigns in Palestine" and "not before all the infidel armies leave the land of Muhammad." The PA denounces Bin Laden's statement. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/8; NYT, WP 10/9; AYM, JT, Milliyet, al-Ra'i 10/9 in WNC 10/10; MM 10/10; al-Quds 10/10 in WNC 10/12; JP, MEI 10/12; XIN 10/12 in WNC 10/15)

The Israeli-Palestinian temporary cease-fire generally holds, though scattered violence is reported. Despite personal appeals by Arafat envoys, Hamas and Islamic Jihad say that they will continue to target Israeli occupation forces (i.e., troops, settlers) in the territories, though they will halt attacks inside Israel as long as Israel continues to suspend its assassination policy. A Force 17 mbr. is shot dead in Hebron. A 2d Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. Palestinian gunmen fire on the Jewish enclave in Hebron; in response the IDF shells a residential neighborhood in the Palestinian section of the city, injuring 9. Palestinians throw 6 hand-made grenades at an IDF post on the Rafah border causing no injuries; the IDF fires on residential areas of Rafah in response. A roadside bomb explodes outside Oranit settlement, injuring 2 settlement security guards. (AP 9/19; MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/20; WP 9/21; NYT, WT 9/23; HP 9/24; LAW 9/29)

Bush continues building an international coalition against Bin Laden, focusing on Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan as the primary land bases for any military operation. Bush admin. officials say that the 1st high-level quarrels have developed over the scope, timing of a military response to the 9/11 attacks, with some urging a focused attack on Bin Laden and the Taliban, others pressing for a broad military campaign that would also target other "countries of concern" such as Iraq. (NYT, WP 9/20; WP 9/21)

The IDF sends tanks into the Palestinian section of Hebron after a day of intense clashes, which leave 5 Palestinians seriously wounded. An explosive device detonates at the Golani Junction in the Galilee; Israeli police arrest 4 Israeli Arabs for staging the attack in collusion with tanzim mbrs. fr. Jinin. (WT 9/1; JP [Internet] 9/5)

The wk.-long UN World Conference Against Racism (WCAR) opens in Durban, South Africa. Of the 166 countries participating, only Canada, Israel, the U.S. do not sent high-level delegations to protest efforts by Arab states to condemn Israel's treatment of the Palestinians as racist. (HA 8/31; WP, WT 9/1; MENA, al-Quds 9/1 in WNC 9/4; WP 9/3; JP 9/7) (see Peace Monitor)

After talks with German FM Fischer, Arafat says he is prepared to hold cease-fire talks with Peres. Fischer also meets with Sharon, recommends that Peres and Arafat meet in Berlin. Even as Peres welcomes the idea, a small bomb explodes in West Jerusalem, causing no injuries; when Israeli police search the area, they find a much larger unexploded bomb. The Popular Army Front and Return Battalions claims responsibility. The IDF fires on residential areas of Hebron. (HA, MM 8/21; HA, LAW, MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/22; al-Quds 8/22, QA, SA 8/23 in WNC 8/24; MM 8/23; AYM 8/23 in WNC 8/27; JP 8/31)

Late this evening, Israeli-Palestinian violence escalates sharply, further dimming prospects for a German-led cease-fire initiative. IDF undercover units ambush, kill a Palestinian planting a roadside bomb outside a Jewish settlement nr. Nablus, then open fire on Palestinians attempting to retrieve the body, killing another 3, wounding 3. (LAW 8/22; NYT, WP, WT 8/23; MEI 8/21; LAW 8/22; AYM 8/23, AN 8/26 in WNC 8/27)

A Palestinian suicide bomber detonates a device at an IDF checkpoint in the West Bank, injuring 3 IDF soldiers. In retaliation for the killing of a settler on 8/7, the IDF places a curfew on `Ayn Bus, Jama'in; shells a Force 17 post, a PA military intelligence post in Salfit and a Force 17 office in Asira, destroying the buildings but causing no injuries. The IDF also directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Asira, Jericho; tightens closures on Khan Yunis, Qalqilya, Rafah; reinforces troops around al-Mahatin, Qalqilya; bulldozes 10 dunams of agricultural land in al-Qarara. (AP, HP 8/8; WP 8/9)

Israel eases the IDF's open-fire restrictions, allowing soldiers initiate fire if Palestinians who "appear to be preparing an attack." A Jewish settler is fatally shot outside Tzofim settlement. The IDF seals neighboring Qalqilya in response. The IDF also directs heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Bethlehem; tightens the closures on Jinin, Khan Yunis, Tulkarm. 2 roadside bombs explode nr. IDF convoys in the West Bank, causing no damage. (PMC, WP, WT 8/8)

The U.S. rejects PA requests to intervene with Israel to prevent the further deterioration of violence and to send international observers to the region immediately, instead dispatching Dep. Asst. Secy. of State Satterfield for a week-long tour of the region. He will discuss regional tensions with officials in Lebanon, Syria, Israel, and the West Bank and Gaza, but will not bring new initiatives. (NYT, WP, WT 8/8; NYT 8/10; JT 8/12 in WNC 8/14)

The IDF assassinates Hamas student activist `Amr Hadiri (also reported as Omar Madiri), firing missiles at his car as he drives in Tulkarm. Also nr. Tulkarm, the IDF fatally shoots a Palestinian allegedly planting a roadside bomb. A Palestinian opens fire outside the Israeli DMin. in Tel Aviv, wounding 8 IDF them soldiers, 2 Israeli civilians. He is wounded, captured in his attempt to flee and later dies of his injuries. Palestinians open fire on a Jewish settler family driving in the West Bank, killing 1 pregnant settler, seriously wounding her husband, lightly injuring 2 children. In response, the IDF seals Jericho, Nablus, Qalqilya, Ramallah, Tulkarm, and parts of Bethlehem, Hebron, Jinin. IDF helicopters shell the PSF headquarters in Rafah. The Israeli DMin. broadcasts a list of 7 wanted Palestinians (3 Islamic Jihad, 2 Fatah, 1 Hamas, 1 PFLP), vowing to take action against them if the PA does not arrest them immediately. (AFP [Internet], PMC, REU 8/5; AFP [Internet], JP [Internet], LAW, NYT, WP, WT 8/6; WJW 8/9; MEI 8/10)

Nr. Jinin, an explosion kills 6 Fatah mbrs., 3 of whom are on Israel's most-wanted list, 1 of whom is a PA military intelligence officer. Fatah says they were assassinated by IDF tank fire; Israel claims they were assembling a bomb when it exploded. After Palestinians fire a mortar at Kefar Darom settlement in Gaza, injuring 1 girl, IDF helicopters fire shells at the main PSF headquarters in Gaza City, destroying a building that Israel claims was a mortar factory, injuring 7 PSF officers. The IDF also fatally shoots a PSF officer and an Islamic Jihad mbr. nr. Qarni crossing; directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Hebron, Rafah. A small bomb explodes in a supermarket in Pisgat Ze'ev, and a roadside bomb explodes nr. a Jewish settler school bus nr. Ofra, neither causing injuries. Nr. Tulkarm, Palestinian gunmen fire across the Green Line at an Israeli border police car, injuring 3 officers. (AFP [Internet], BBC, NYT, REU, WP, WT 7/30; NYT, WP 7/31; SA 7/31 in WNC 8/1; LAW 8/6; MEI 8/10)

Israeli-Palestinian violence continues. The IDF says that overnight Palestinians threw 60 grenades at an IDF post in Rafah, where a Palestinian boy was killed on 7/7, but caused no damage. Following the boy's funeral today, Palestinians fire on the same IDF post, causing no injuries. Undercover IDF units kidnap senior Hamas mbr. Ayoub Sharawi, wanted by Israel for allegedly "dispatching terrorist cells," fr. Hebron. The IDF also directs machine gun fire at residential areas of Khan Yunis (injuring 2), Yibna; occupies 2 Palestinian homes in Nabi Salah as a military post, evicting residents and injuring 12, including 1 Palestinian woman who suffers a miscarriage; bulldozes 40 dunams Palestinian land nr. Netzarim settlement; sets fire to an olive grove along the Zawata-Bayt Ibia road; fires on a Force-17 post in Hebron. Palestinians detonate a roadside bomb nr. an IDF vehicle outside Hebron, injuring at least 1 soldier; fire on a Jewish settler bus nr. Ramallah, injuring 1 settler. Jewish settlers vandalize Palestinian property, severely beat 3 Palestinians in Hebron; vandalize Palestinian homes, cars in al-Sahla; bulldoze land, set fire to cattle pens, damage water wells in al-Musafir. 2 Palestinians are shot, wounded by snipers nr. Abraham Avino settlement in Hebron. The PA sentences Tahir Walid Jabir to life in prison with hard labor for collaborating with Israel. (PMC 7/8; HA, HP, NYT, PMC, WT 7/9; NYT 7/10; MEI 7/13)

After an Israeli cabinet mtg. on the security situation, DM Ben-Eliezer says Israel will ease its "policy of restraint," gauge its response to "terrorist attacks in terms of their potential to do violence, and not their results." The cabinet reportedly approves IDF Chief of Staff Shaul Mofaz's revisions to the IDF's 6/2 assault plan, entitled "The Destruction of the Palestinian Authority and Disarmament of All Armed Forces," which he recommends be implemented after the next big suicide bombing inside Israel that causes heavy casualties. (HA 7/8; MM 7/11; AFP [Internet], CBS News [Internet] 7/12; HA, WP 7/13; REU 7/14; WP 7/16; AN 7/16 in WNC 7/17)

With Sharon's permission, Peres meets with Palestinian Council (PC) speaker Ahmad Qurai` to discuss the cease-fire. (NYT 7/12; MA 7/17 in WNC 7/18; MM 7/19)

Nr. Rafah, IDF troops open fire on stone-throwing Palestinians, killing a 11-yr.-old Palestinian boy. 2 IDF soldiers are injured by a roadside bomb nr. Nablus. The IDF directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Bayt Lahia, Rafah, al-Sudaniyya; fire heavy machine guns at an PSF post in Bayt Sahur; open fire on Palestinians at al-Mintar crossing and in al-Bireh, Hebron, Khan Yunis, Tulkarm; occupy a Palestinian home in al-Khadir as a military outpost; seal an entrance to Tulkarm. Jewish settlers ambush a Palestinian taxi nr. Ramallah, shooting and wounding 4 Palestinians; set fire to 5 Palestinian cars, vandalize several homes in Hebron; vandalize homes on the Zatara-Nablus road; fire at Palestinians in Tulkarm; severely beat 3 Palestinians in Jinin. Arafat instructs the PSF to place a number of Palestinians wanted by Israel in "protective custody." (PMC 7/7; NYT 7/8; NYT, WT 7/9 NYT 7/11; HA 7/11; WJW 7/12)

The IDF directs shells/heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Rafah, Salim; tightens the closures on Salim, Tulkarm, several villages nr. Ramallah; places new checkpoints at 2 intersections outside Tulkarm, a new observation tower at al-Muntar crossing in Gaza; extends the curfews on PA-areas of Hebron for the 3d day, on Silat al-Dahir for the 8th day; imposes a curfew on Dayr Istya; opens fire on a PSF checkpoint at the entrance to Qalqilya, causing no injuries; conducts an arrest sweep in Abruqin; fires on Palestinian fishermen off the coast of Rafah. Palestinians fire on Jewish settlers in the West Bank, causing no damage; fire antitank grenades at an IDF post in Gaza and detonate a roadside bomb nr. an IDF patrol nr. Nablus, causing no injuries. Jewish settlers open fire on a bus transporting Palestinian workers, injuring 9; set fire to Palestinian trees in Dayr Istya. A Palestinian, possibly a collaborator, is found shot dead in Qalqilya; 1 Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. (HP, JT [Internet] 6/27; HP, NYT 6/28)

After a brief stop in Egypt to confer with Mubarak and urge him to press Arafat to halt violence, Powell opens mtgs. with Israeli, PA officials on strengthening their cease-fire. Powell reiterates that, while the U.S. does not believe that complete quite is likely or necessary for implementation of Tenet's plan to move forward, only Sharon can decide what level of violence is low enough. (MM 6/27; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/28; WP 7/1; MEI 7/13)

Survivors of the Sabra-Shatila massacre file a suit against Israeli PM Sharon in Lebanese court. (Daily Star [Internet] 6/28; JT 7/29 in WNC 7/30)

In Gaza, 2 IDF soldiers are killed, 1 is lightly wounded when a Hamas suicide bomber lures them toward his jeep and detonates a device, while snipers simultaneously fire on them. The IDF responds with tank, heavy machine gun fire, injuring 3 Palestinians; reimposes roadblocks in n. Gaza. The IDF enters a PA-controlled area of Gaza to demolish 3 Palestinian homes; directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Bayt Lahia; conducts an arrest raid in Silat al-Dahir. Jewish settlers block 3 West Bank roads, stoning Palestinian cars, setting fire to fields; open fire on Palestinian homes nr. Tulkarm, seriously injuring 1 Palestinian. (MM, PMC 6/22; LAW, NYT, WP, WT 6/23; MEI 6/29)

Shin Bet head Dichter gives PSF head Rajub a list of several dozen Palestinians whom he says the PA must arrest within 24 hrs. or Israel would act on its own to ensure its "self-defense." (NYT, WP, WT 6/25; MEI 6/29)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue at a low level, prompting Israel, the PA to exchange accusations that the other has violated the cease-fire agmt. Islamic Jihad detonates 2 roadside bombs nr. IDF patrols in the West Bank and Gaza, causing no injuries. IDF soldiers fire on Palestinian demonstrators in Khan Yunis, killing a 12-yr.-old Palestinian boy. However, the IDF pulls back troops fr. sensitive points in Gaza; Israeli, PA security teams conduct joint patrols for the 1st time in mos.; IDF, PSF cmdrs. in Gaza jointly oversee IDF efforts to dismantle roadblocks, remove tanks fr. Netzarim Junction. (NYT, WP, WT 6/18; AKH 6/18 in WNC 6/19)

In Ramla, Israel, Israeli police demolish an Israeli Arab home built without a permit. (HA 6/21)

Sharon refuses a UN request to allow FM Peres to joint a mtg. btwn. Arafat, UN Secy.-Gen. Annan in Ramallah today, saying there can be no PA-Israeli negotiations without a complete cessation to Palestinian violence. Sharon's decision sparks a sharp exchange with Peres, who supports holding the mtg., during a Knesset session. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/18)

Syrian troops continue their redeployment fr. posts in and around Beirut. (al-Quds 6/17, al-Ra'i 6/18 in WNC 6/19; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/18; RMC 6/19 in WNC 6/20; MEI 6/29)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes abate slightly but are still at a relatively high level, leaving 1 Israeli civilian (a worker on a road crew nr. Ariel settlement) dead in a West Bank shooting. Bush phones Arafat, Sharon to urge both sides to contain violence. Sustained gun battles are reported nr. Gilo settlement outside Jerusalem, in Rafah. Palestinians fire 4 mortars, 12 homemade grenades at targets in Gaza; detonate a roadside bomb in the West Bank. IDF tanks enter 4 PA-controlled areas nr. Khuza in Gaza to bulldoze agricultural land, shell a PSF post; conduct an arrest sweep in Atil village. The PSF arrests the Palestinian owner of an iron-casting company on charges of manufacturing mortars. (AP 5/23; WP, MM, NYT, PCHR, WT 5/24)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes escalate after several days of diminution, with the most severe exchanges nr. Qarni crossing and in Qalqilya, Ramallah. The IDF directs shelling, heavy machine gun fire residential areas nr. Khan Yunis, at PSF posts nr. Dayr al-Balah, Jabaliyya; bulldozes 15 dunams of Palestinian land in Khan Yunis, 23 dunams in Rafah. Jewish settlers attack Palestinian property in Haris. A roadside bomb explodes nr. a Jewish settlement in Gaza, injuring 1 IDF soldier, 1 settler. The IDF says that in the coming days, it will ease the closure, allow 11,000 Palestinians to return to their jobs in Israel. Israeli, PA security officials hold a round of unproductive talks on halting violence. (al-Quds 4/27 in WNC 4/30; WP, WT 4/28; LAW 5/4)

Sharon, Peres meet to draft a formal response to the Jordanian-Egyptian initiative. Sharon says he has "serious reservations about almost every aspect" of the proposal and "substantial changes" must be made before Israel can accept it. (al-Ra'i 4/27 in WNC 4/30; NYT, WP, WT 4/28)

A car bomb explodes in Or Yehuda, outside Tel Aviv, lightly injuring 4 Israelis. The PFLP claims responsibility (see 4/2). In the West Bank and Gaza, Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Palestinian dead; a 2d Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. The PSF claims to fire antitank weapons at 7 IDF tanks, 2 bulldozers, foiling their attempt to reenter Rafah to demolish more homes (see 4/14). A roadside bomb explodes outside Ariel settlement, causing no damage. At a funeral for a PSF officer in Gaza, a 12-yr.-old Palestinian boy is shot dead, 14 Palestinians are wounded when settlers, IDF soldiers at a nearby settlement open fire thinking the PA's 21-gun salute is gunfire aimed at them. The IDF also directs heavy machine gun fire at Gaza airport. (AP 4/23; Interfax 4/23, MENA, al-Quds 4/24 in WNC 4/25; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/24)

PA and Israeli security officials hold a round of "constructive" talks at the U.S. amb.'s residence in Israel, with CIA participation (see 4/4). Arafat makes a public statement in Arabic that he does not "agree to any form of attack on Israeli or Palestinian civilians." (AP 4/23; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/24; AP, NYT 4/25; SA 4/25 in WNC 4/26; DUS 4/27 in WNC 4/30; WJW 5/3)

Iran sponsors an NGO conference in support of Palestinians' human rights in Tehran. Attendees call on states to take actions in support of the Palestinians (such as providing aid, boycotting Israel) instead of making statements of support. (IRNA 4/23 in WNC 4/25)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Palestinian dead. A 2d, ailing Palestinian dies at an IDF checkpoint that she was barred fr. crossing to reach a hospital in Nablus. Palestinians detonate 2 roadside bombs nr. IDF convoys in Gaza, wounding 1 soldier. The IDF shells residential areas nr. Bayt Hanun; bulldozes Palestinian land nr. Khan Yunis, Netzarim Junction, Shaykh Ajlin. YESHA settlers council call on the government to assassinate or expel Arafat. (HP 2/26; NYT, WT 2/27; WT 2/28; WJW 3/1; AYM 3/3 in WNC 3/8; MEI 3/9)

The Labor party central comm. votes (67% to 32%, with more than half of the 1,675 mbrs. not voting) to join a unity government led by Likud's Sharon. Likud says it offered Labor 8 cabinet posts (including DM, FM), equal say in determining security and diplomatic policy. (MM 2/26; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/27; HA, MM 2/28; al-Ra'i 2/28 in WNC 3/2; MEI 3/9)

U.S. Secy. of State Powell stops in Saudi Arabia, then heads to Damascus to meet Pres. Hafiz al-Asad, who agrees to funnel Iraq's revenues oil transported through Syria's pipeline to the UN oil-for-food program. (MM 2/26; NYT, WP, WT 2/27; MM 2/28; SA 3/4 in WNC 3/5; MEI 3/9; JT 3/9 in WNC 3/11)

The State Dept.'s annual human rights report criticizes Israel for using "excessive force," committing "numerous serious human rights abuses" against Palestinians; faults PA forces for participating in, or at least failing to prevent, violence. (NYT, WP 2/26; WT 2/28; AYM 2/28 in WNC 3/5; WJW 3/1; MM 3/14)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes intensify, leaving 1 Palestinian dead. After Palestinians fire 4 homemade mortars at Dugit, Aley Sinai settlements in Gaza overnight, the IDF seals the Strip, blocks roads across Gaza to divide the Strip in half, punitively destroys 2 PA Preventive Security Force (PSF) outposts. Later in Gaza, 2 large roadside bombs explode on roads used by IDF convoys, lightly injuring 1 soldier. The IDF shells Palestinian residential areas in Bayt Lahia (destroying 1 PSF outpost, severely damaging a 2d), al-Bireh, Jinin; bulldozes Palestinian land nr. Bayt Lahia, Nablus, Netzarim Junction; conducts arrest sweeps in Surif. Israel says it plans to ease the closure on the West Bank, Gaza further (see 2/20) by allowing food and medicine in, letting agricultural goods out, facilitating the transportation of patients for medical care in Israel. Israel, however, denies exit visas to several Palestinian Council (PC) mbrs. who are scheduled to attend an Arab parliamentary conference in the UAE. (HA, HP 2/23; WP, WT 2/24; LAW 3/1)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Jewish settler dead. Jewish settlers place trailers in new locations, establishing new settlement enclaves. Palestinians step up attacks on Jewish settlements, firing on Gilo fr. Bayt Jala for the 1st time in more than a mo., detonating a roadside bomb nr. an IDF convoy outside Kefar Darom settlement, but causing no injuries. IDF soldiers return to Mawasi, "advise" 22 Palestinian families to leave immediately before bulldozers arrive to demolish their homes, seal the area (see 2/10); bulldozers arrive but leave after several hrs. when residents refuse to evacuate. (Gush Shalom press release, NYT, WP 2/12; NYT 2/13)

A PA military court sentences to death West Bank PSF officer Hassan Musallam for abetting the IDF by passing information to Israeli soldiers, deliberately firing on IDF soldiers to provide them with a pretext to retaliate. (LAW, NYT 2/12)

Labor MK Peres says he would be willing to serve as FM in a unity government under Sharon. Labor MKs Yossi Beilin, Ben-Ami, Yael Dayan denounce his position; Uzi Baram resigns fr. the party in protest, ending a 25 yr. Knesset career. (Guardian [Internet] 2/12)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 2 Palestinians dead; 1 dies en route to the hospital by car after the IDF bars an ambulance fr. reaching the scene. Nr. Jinin, IDF soldiers fire 3 warning shots toward a marked Vatican car carrying the Catholic Bishop Boulos Marcuzzo. A roadside bomb explodes nr. an IDF post outside Jabaliyya, causing no damage; in response, the IDF shells residential areas of Jabaliyya, destroying 1 building. The IDF also shells residential areas in Khan Yunis (damaging 7 Palestinian homes, killing livestock), fires on a Red Crescent ambulance nr. Gaza City, delays a 2d ambulance fr. reaching a wounded Palestinian for 20 mins. The IDF also begins work on a new 100 m. settlement road to link Kefar Darom with its greenhouses, bulldozing 72 dunams of Palestinian agricultural land and dividing a Palestinian farm in half. (Latin Patriarchate press release, LAW 1/9; IsRN, WT 1/10; NYT, PCHR 1/12; WJW 1/18)

Israeli, PA security officials agree to resume low-level security contacts. Arafat, Israel's Shahak meet to discuss reviving negotiations in light of progress on security. (HA, MA [Internet], YA 1/10; SA 1/10 in WNC 1/11; NYT 1/12)

The Mitchell Comm. technical staff arrives in Israel to begin their research. The staff refuses to sign an Israeli document requiring them to have an Israeli rep. present at all stages of testimony, to coordinate any planned tours of Israel or the PA areas with the FMin. (YA 1/9) (see 12/10)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes subside slightly, though at least 1 Palestinian is killed. When 2 roadside bombs explode nr. Dugit settlement in Gaza, injuring 1 IDF soldier in a passing convoy, the soldiers fire at "suspicious points" in the area, killing a Palestinian farmer working his field. Palestinian snipers fire on a vehicle nr. Ramallah, injuring 2 Jewish setters. IDF troops in Gaza bar the passage of 2 ambulances to al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City. The IDF also shells residential areas of Bab al-Zawiyya, Bir al-Hummus, al-Mighraqa, al-Shaykh; bulldozes 75 dunams of agricultural land nr. Bayt Lahia, 35 dunams nr. Kefar Darom settlement; demolishes at least 1 Palestinian home. (NYT 1/3; AYM 1/4 in WNC 1/8; PCHR 1/6; Guardian [Internet], MEI 1/12)

Arafat arrives in Washington, meets with the Egyptian, Saudi Arabian ambs. before entering 2 rounds of talks with Clinton, who presses Arafat to accept his 12/23 proposals and focuses on what the PA can do to halt the clashes. Arafat also meets with CIA Dir. George Tenet, agrees to resume the tripartite (Israel, PA, U.S.) security comm. (REU 1/2; AYM 1/2 in WNC 1/3; AP, HA, NYT, WP, WT 1/3; AYM 1/3, 1/4, SA 1/7 in WNC 1/8; JT, MA, QA, SA 1/4 in WNC 1/5; MEI 1/12)

A Lebanese gunman fire across the blue line at an IDF post, injuring an Israeli workman, the 1st Israeli civilian injured in a crossborder incident since the IDF withdrew fr. Lebanon in 5/00. (NYT 1/3)