An AMB suicide bomber fr. Nablus detonates a device in a supermarket in Rosh Ha’ayn, just across the West Bank border, inside Israel, killing 1 Israeli, wounding 10; the area was already on alert...
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August 12, 2003
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December 23, 2002
The IDF assassinates wanted Hamas mbrs. Shaman Subuh, Mustafa Baqash in Jenin; demolishes 8 Palestinian homes, 3 brick factories, a dairy farm and damages 18 other homes in Rafah; demolishes 1...
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October 27, 2002
A Hamas suicide bomber is discovered outside a café in Ariel settlement, captured and pinned down by 3 IDF soldiers, fatally shot by 2 Jewish settlers; the gunfire triggers the bomber’s explosives...
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March 7, 2002
Israel's air, land, and sea assaults continue, leaving at least 16 Palestinians dead, more than 70 injured. The IDF enters Tulkarm r.c. and Nur al-Shams r.c., meeting fierce resistance. In Tulkarm...
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February 9, 2002
Palestinian gunmen fire on a settler vehicle nr. Ariel, killing 1 Jewish settler, wounding another. The IDF shells residential areas of Tulkarm; occupies a commercial building in al-Bireh as an...
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May 23, 2001
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...
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April 28, 2001
Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue to escalate, leaving 1 Palestinian, 1 Jewish settler dead in separate shooting incidents. Claiming revenge for the death of Fatah mbrs. on 4/25, a group...
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April 23, 2001
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...
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March 8, 2001
Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. A Palestinian woman stabs, injures an Israeli policeman in Jerusalem. The IDF directs shells, heavy machine gun fire on residential areas of al-...
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January 29, 2001
Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Palestinian, 1 Jewish settler dead. The IDF detains 5 Palestinians traveling in a minibus outside Khan Yunis, takes them to Netzarim settlement for...
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October 29, 2000
With Israeli-Palestinian clashes showing no sign of abating, IDF chief of staff Gen. Shaul Mofaz announces that the army will begin initiating attacks on Palestinian targets, especially Fatah...
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April 22, 1999
Israel announces it will close PLO offices at Orient House, calling 4/21 briefing for diplomats a PA "provocation." PA accuses PM Netanyahu of trying to ignite an incident in...
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April 15, 1999
2 day Euro-Med conference opens in Stuttgart, Germany. (MENA 4/15, al-Quds 4/17 in WNC 4/19; MM 4/16; al-Ayyam 4/17 in WNC 4/21; PR 4/23; al-Wasat 4/26 in WNC 4/...
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June 11, 1998
Arafat appeals to PC to delay no-confidence motions over government mismanagement set for 6/15, agrees to reshuffle the EA. (WP 6/12; MEI, PR 6/19; PR 6/26; MEI 7/3) (see 6/9)
IDF grants...
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March 7, 1994
IDF kills 2 Palestinians, 25 and 16, in Hebron after army jeep stoned. 4 other Palestinians wounded in separate clashes in o.t. IDF soldier, police officer wounded in Gaza by Palestinian gunman. (...
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March 1, 1994
Israel releases 500 Palestinian prisoners in gesture to bring PLO back to negotiations. PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. Samir Ghawsha calls action "cosmetic surgery." Exec. Comm., Palestinian negotiators...
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July 16, 1992
Israeli govt. declares 1-week freeze on signing contracts for govt.-subsidized housing, including those affecting construction i the o.t. Freeze also is called on planning and early proceedings of...
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June 18, 1989
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel bans membership in Islamic Resistance Movement, Islamic Holy War, Hizballah; membership is punishable by up to 10 years in prison...
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May 30, 1989
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Labor party leader Shimon Peres states that Israel must give up Gaza as part of peace process [FBIS 6/1]. Soviet F. M. Shevardnadze...
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January 25, 1989
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Settlers from Ariel distribute "Appeal No. 1" waming W. Bank residents against continuing the uprising. Curfews are in effect in Tulkarm...
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February 15, 1985
SociaUEconomic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: 3,000 demonstrate in Nazareth in solidarity with Palestinians in occupied territories [FJ 2/22].
Arab World: Fateh Deputy-in-...
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September 9, 1984
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Kinneret Research Laboratory reports Sea of Galilee [source of 40% of Palestine's drinking water] reaching dangerous pollution levels....
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November 21, 1982
Military Action:
Several hundred Lebanese Shiite followers of Hussein Mousavi (who broke from Amal organization headed by Nabih Berri) storm Baalbek's town hall, and take over city, say...
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An AMB suicide bomber fr. Nablus detonates a device in a supermarket in Rosh Ha’ayn, just across the West Bank border, inside Israel, killing 1 Israeli, wounding 10; the area was already on alert after the PA informed Israel of reports of a pending attack. Soon after, a Hamas suicide bomber fr. Nablus, retaliating for the IDF killing of 2 Hamas mbrs. on 8/8, detonates a device at a bus stop outside Ariel settlement, killing 1 Jewish settler, wounding 3. Israel freezes the release of another 76 Palestinian prisoners who were to be freed today; seals Azun and Qalqilya to conduct searches for Palestinians who may have aided the bombers, arresting several persons; places a closure on Nablus; otherwise says it will not respond. Abbas, in Qatar, cuts short his visit to the Gulf, heads to Amman, where he condemns the bombings but also Israeli provocations. The IDF demolishes a Palestinian home in the Jabal Mukabir area of East Jerusalem. (BBC, HA, MM 8/12; Interfax, MENA, XIN 8/12 in WNC 8/14; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/13; JP, MA, VOI, YA 8/13 in WNC 8/15; NYT, PCHR, WP 8/14)
The IDF assassinates wanted Hamas mbrs. Shaman Subuh, Mustafa Baqash in Jenin; demolishes 8 Palestinian homes, 3 brick factories, a dairy farm and damages 18 other homes in Rafah; demolishes 1 home, 3 blacksmith shops in Hebron; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis; bulldozes part of the Silwan Sports Club in East Jerusalem; makes arrest raids in Anabta, Nablus. Israel lifts the curfew on Bethlehem for Christmas, says it will provide free public transportation to any Christian Arabs in Israel or the territories who want to visit the city in the next few days. (HA 12/23; LAW, NYT 12/24; AFP 12/25 in WNC 12/26; LAW, PCHR 12/25)
The Israeli Housing Min. issues tenders to construct 232 new housing units in the ultra-Orthodox West Bank settlement of Emmanuel, even though the settlement is losing residents at the rate of 5% a year. Housing Min. figures show that 1,688 (75%) of the 2,178 tenders for public construction issued between 1/02 and 9/02 were for housing in the territories. Tenders for 28 units in Beitar Ilit, 102 units in Efrat's Givat Hazayit, 76 new units in Ariel, all in the West Bank, were also issued recently. (HA 12/24)
A Hamas suicide bomber is discovered outside a café in Ariel settlement, captured and pinned down by 3 IDF soldiers, fatally shot by 2 Jewish settlers; the gunfire triggers the bomber’s explosives, killing the 3 soldiers restraining him, wounding 18 soldiers and settlers. After hearing news of the bombing, Jewish settlers fr. Itamar attack Palestinians, international peace activists harvesting olives outside Yanun, injuring 6 activists, including 2 Americans (ages 68 and 74), 2 Israelis. IDF troops fatally shoot 2 Islamic Jihad mbrs. in an apparent assassination in Nablus, wounding a 7-yr.-old boy; fatally shoot 1 Palestinian checking the water tank on his roof in Jenin during the curfew; fatally shoots a Palestinian youth standing outside his home in Jenin r.c.; bulldozes 7 Palestinian homes in Rafah; bulldozes water wells, greenhouses in Muraj. A PA security court sentences a Palestinian to life with hard labor for collaborating with Israel. (al-Quds 10/27 in WNC 10/31; MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/28; MA 10/28 in WNC 10/28; LAW, PCHR 10/30; JPI, MEI 11/8)
Israel's air, land, and sea assaults continue, leaving at least 16 Palestinians dead, more than 70 injured. The IDF enters Tulkarm r.c. and Nur al-Shams r.c., meeting fierce resistance. In Tulkarm r.c., IDF fire kills 2 Palestinian ambulance workers, wounds 4 others, plus 10s of Palestinians. IDF soldiers halt an ambulance in Salem, abduct a wounded Palestinian. After a Hamas gunman sneaks into a Atzmona settlement in Gaza and opens fire, killing 5 Jewish settlers and wounding 23 before being shot dead, the IDF sends 10s of tanks and armored personnel carriers (APCs) into Aida, Bethlehem, Dahaysha, 2 neighboring villages, meeting little resistance; soldiers cut electricity, conduct house-to-house searches, occupy numerous homes and schools as observation and staging posts. F-16s bomb PA security offices in Bethlehem, destroying the Force 17 headquarters, a clinic. A PFLP suicide bomber detonates a device in Ariel settlement, lightly injuring 5 settlers; another Palestinian with a large bomb in a backpack is captured, disarmed in a Jerusalem cafe. A Palestinian gunman seriously wounds a Jewish settler nr. Nablus. IDF gunboats shell PA government buildings, political offices, intelligence headquarters, and a PSF compound in Gaza City, injuring 13 PSF officers and leaving only 2 of 25 buildings in the compound standing. The IDF also sends tanks into Jenin; shells PSF offices in Halhul, Hebron, Yatta; shells, destroys the PFLP headquarters in Bayt Hanun; invades the Jerusalem Chamber of Commerce, confiscating files related to Palestinian land, property ownership; demolish 2 Palestinian homes in Tayasir, Jenin; fire on a Palestinian school in Hawara. Some 150 Israeli intelligence officers, border police, troops seal off the Jabal Mukabir section of East Jerusalem, where they surround the home of human rights activist Khader Shkirat, briefly take him into custody, search his home. (AP, CNN, HP, LAW, NYT, WP 3/7; AFP 3/7 in WNC 3/8, 3/11; LAW, MM, NYT, WP 3/8; MA 3/8 in WNC 3/11; LAW 3/13, 3/20; MEI 3/22)
U.S. Pres. George W. Bush orders U.S. special envoy Anthony Zinni back to the region to attempt to secure an Israeli-Palestinian cease-fire. (AP 3/7; NYT, WP, WT 3/8; MM 3/11; AYM 3/12 in WNC 3/14; MEI 3/22)
Palestinian gunmen fire on a settler vehicle nr. Ariel, killing 1 Jewish settler, wounding another. The IDF shells residential areas of Tulkarm; occupies a commercial building in al-Bireh as an outpost. (NYT, WP 2/10; LAW 2/9; PCHR 2/13)
The EU endorses a draft plan by France, based on the Peres-Qurai` ideas, that calls for Palestinian elections and the immediate creation of a Palestinian state followed by state-to-state negotiations on an Israeli withdrawal, final settlement. Israel rejects the idea; the PA accepts it. (CNN 2/9; AFP 2/9, MENA 2/10 in WNC 2/11; NYT, WT 2/10; MM 2/11; AN 2/11 in WNC 2/12; JP [Internet] 2/12; MM, WP 2/15; MEI 2/22; WP 2/25)
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 continue to escalate, leaving 1 Palestinian, 1 Jewish settler dead in separate shooting incidents. Claiming revenge for the death of Fatah mbrs. on 4/25, a group calling itself the Four Martyrs fires mortars at a Kefar Darom, Netzer Hazani, and Nissanit settlements in Gaza, wounding 5 settlers (1 seriously) in Netzer Hazani. Fatah denies any connection to the group; Israel blames Arafat directly. The IDF directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential aras of Khan Yunis; bulldozes 100s of dunams of Palestinian nr. Dugit settlement, Khan Yunis; detains 7 Palestinian fishermen at sea. Armed Jewish settlers bar the entrances of Haris, attempt to enter the village, but are blocked by international peace activists who hold them off until Ariel settlement security officers take them away. (NYT, WP, WT 4/29; International Solidarity Movement press release 5/1; LAW 5/4; MEI 5/4)
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. A Palestinian woman stabs, injures an Israeli policeman in Jerusalem. The IDF directs shells, heavy machine gun fire on residential areas of al-Bireh, Burqa, Hebron, Nablus, al-Zababdi; tightens the closure around Anza, Aqaba, Hebron, Ramallah, Silat al-Dahir, Tulkarm, Yabad; bulldozes 117 dunams of Palestinian land along the Green Line nr. Rafah. Jewish settlers move 6 caravans onto a new settlement site nr. Jinin; uproot an olive grove, bulldoze Palestinian land around Shaked settlement; open fire on Palestinians in nr. Ariel, Susia settlements. (HP 3/8; LAW 3/17)
Arafat sends a letter to Sharon congratulating him on his swearing in on 3/7, urging him to resume negotiations. Sharon says he might agree to a face-to-face mtg. with Arafat if the relative calm of recent days holds. (MM, WT 3/9; NYT 3/10; JT 3/11, ITAR-TASS 3/12 in WNC 3/13)
Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Palestinian, 1 Jewish settler dead. The IDF detains 5 Palestinians traveling in a minibus outside Khan Yunis, takes them to Netzarim settlement for interrogation, after which 1 is arrested, 4 are released. The IDF also shells Palestinian residential areas nr. Erez (destroying a PSF building, a gas station), in Khan Yunis, nr. Netzarim settlement. Jewish settlers bulldoze Palestinian land around Ariel settlement, move the settlement fence to incorporate the new land. (AP 1/29; MEZ, NYT, WP 1/30; al-Ahram [Internet] 2/1; LAW 2/3; ADM 2/5)
With Israeli-Palestinian clashes showing no sign of abating, IDF chief of staff Gen. Shaul Mofaz announces that the army will begin initiating attacks on Palestinian targets, especially Fatah leaders, and using more force against demonstrators. During the day, 5 Palestinians are killed, over 100 injured; a 6th Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. Nr. Qarni crossing in Gaza, IDF tanks fire on Palestinian demonstrators, killing 2, wounding 25. Also in Gaza, Palestinian gunmen fire on and detonate a small bomb nr. a bus carrying Jewish settlers under IDF escort, causing no injuries. In drive-by shooting in East Jerusalem, Jewish settlers wound a Palestinian security guard outside Agusta Victoria hospital. Armed settlers also open fire on Palestinians in Haris, wounding 3. Other hot spots are nr. Jinin, Nablus, Ramallah. Nr. Ariel settlement, the IDF bulldozes Palestinian olive groves. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/30; AYM 10/30 in WNC 11/1; NYT, WP 10/31; AIC 11/2; al-Quds 11/9 in WNC 11/13)
A day before the Knesset reconvenes, Barak and Sharon are still unable to reach an agmt. on forming a unity government despite 7 days of talks. The Shas party, which pulled out of Barak's coalition in 7/00, before the Camp David talks, says it will give Barak a 1-mo. safety net against no-confidence votes. In return, Barak suspends plans for secular social reforms (see 8/20). (MM, NYT, WT, YA 10/30; MM, WT 10/31; MM 11/1; WJW 11/2; MEI 11/10)
Israel announces it will close PLO offices at Orient House, calling 4/21 briefing for diplomats a PA "provocation." PA accuses PM Netanyahu of trying to ignite an incident in Jerusalem before the 5/17 Israeli elections; claims that mtg. was a PLO event, not a violation of the ban on PA diplomatic activity in Jerusalem. (MM, WP, WT 4/23; AFP 4/23 in WNC 4/26; al-Quds 4/23, MENA, RJ 4/24, MENA 4/25 in WNC 4/27; WJW 4/29; PR 4/30)
In Damascus, Jordan's King Abdallah holds final round of talks on bilateral ties, regional issues with Pres. Asad before returning to Amman. (MM 4/22; JT, JTV 4/22 in WNC 4/23; WT 4/23; al-Ra'i 4/23 in WNC 4/26; Petra-JNA 4/25 in WNC 4/27; JP 4/30; MEI 5/7; MM 5/12; al-Watan al-Arabi 5/14 in WNC 5/18)
Russian FM Ivanov arrives in Israel on 1st leg of regional tour aimed at reviving the peace process. Israeli candidates, vying for votes fr. Israel's Russian immigrants, who make up 14% of the electorate, queue to meet him. (MM 4/22; ITAR-TASS 4/22 in WNC 4/23; WT 4/23; AFP 4/23 in WNC 4/26; JP 4/30; MEI 5/7; WP 5/8)
IDF closes Palestinian school nr. Ariel settlement in the West Bank following stone throwing incidents nearby. (IDF Radio 4/22 in WNC 4/23)
2 day Euro-Med conference opens in Stuttgart, Germany. (MENA 4/15, al-Quds 4/17 in WNC 4/19; MM 4/16; al-Ayyam 4/17 in WNC 4/21; PR 4/23; al-Wasat 4/26 in WNC 4/30)
Most of the 81 diplomatic missions in Israel, including the EU and U.S., decline an invitation fr. Israeli FM Sharon to participate in a 2 hr. "study tour" of the West Bank on 4/16 to gain a better understanding of Israeli security needs in advance of final status talks with the PA. (MM 4/15)
In response to death of IDF soldier 4/12, IDF reoccupies Arnun, outside its self-declared security zone, this time setting up SLA camp inside the village. Lebanese PM Salim al-Huss asks France, the UN, the U.S. to intervene with Israel. U.S. suggests that Lebanese army be deployed in Arnun, but Huss refuses, saying army will not be used as a "screen to defend" the IDF. (RL 4/15, AFP, IRNA 4/16 in WNC 4/19; MM, NYT 4/16; NYT, WP 4/17; RL, Xinhua 4/20 in WNC 4/21; MM 4/21; MEI 4/23, 5/7) (see 2/28)
Shas head Deri is sentenced to 4 yrs. in prison. Analysts believe the ruling could improve PM Netanyahu's chances for reelection by rallying Shas supporters to his cause; one of Netanyahu's campaign promises has been to aid Israelis who feel marginalized by what he describes as the "elites," including judges. Deri will remain free pending appeal, may remain party leader even if jailed. (MM 4/15; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/16; JP, MEI 4/23) (see 3/17)
3 UN comms. on Iraq (disarmament, sanctions, missing-in-action issues) present their first reports to an informal mtg. of the UN Security Council (UNSC). UNSC mbrs. are still divided on how best to proceed with monitoring (e.g., whether or not to lift sanctions, dissolve UNSCOM). (MEI 4/23)
IDF begins clearing 300 dunams of Palestinian land, olive groves held by Bayt Dujn, al-Sawiyya villages for construction of new bypass road to Ariel settlement. In other incidents, settlers place 8 trailers on hilltop nr. Karnei Shomron settlement, begin expansion of Elkana settlement onto some 200 dunams of Palestinian land held by Mashah village. (al-Ayyam 4/16 in WNC 4/23)
Arafat appeals to PC to delay no-confidence motions over government mismanagement set for 6/15, agrees to reshuffle the EA. (WP 6/12; MEI, PR 6/19; PR 6/26; MEI 7/3) (see 6/9)
IDF grants Ariel settlement nr. Nablus "city status," making it the 2d Israeli "city" in the West Bank after Ma'ale Adumim; grants permission for establishment of civil guard units in the West Bank (which basically allows settlers to form paramilitary units). (MM 6/12; PR 6/19; PR 7/10)
In s. Lebanon, Hizballah shells SLA convoy, killing 1 SLA mbr., wounding 1. (RL 6/12 in WNC 6/15)
IDF kills 2 Palestinians, 25 and 16, in Hebron after army jeep stoned. 4 other Palestinians wounded in separate clashes in o.t. IDF soldier, police officer wounded in Gaza by Palestinian gunman. (MM, WP, WT 3/8)
Hamas threatens suicide attacks on settlements of Qiryat Arba, Gush Qatif, Qadumin, Taqua, and Ariel (total population 24,000) if not evacuated by 3/15. Israeli Housing Min. reports 10 families have left QiIyat Arba. (NYT, WP, WT 3/8)
7 SLA mbrs. killed in 3 Hizballah bomb explosions in southern Lebanon. At least 2 SLA officers, 4 soldiers wounded. 2 other Lebanese kidnapped, killed by Hizballah. (NYT, WP, WT 3/8)
PLO Chmn. Arafat meets Israeli PM Rabin's advisers Jacques Neriah and Amos Gilad in Cairo to discuss resumption of peace talks, 1st such mtg. since Hebron massacre. (NYT, WP, WT 3/8)
57-mbr. Israeli-Arab delegation led by MK 'Abd al-Wahhab Darawsha arrives in Damascus in 1st visit by Israeli elected official. Group travels on Egyptian documents obtained in Cairo. Delegation met by Damascus Mayor Maj. Gen. Walid Hammamiya and PSF head Khalid al-Fahum. (MM 3/7)
Israel releases 500 Palestinian prisoners in gesture to bring PLO back to negotiations. PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. Samir Ghawsha calls action "cosmetic surgery." Exec. Comm., Palestinian negotiators continue consultations for 3d day. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 3/2)
Israeli govt. says it will pay compensation to families of victims, but that final amount will be less than that paid to families of Israelis killed by Palestinians. Social security official Yosef Tamir says discrepancy due to lower standard of living in o.t. as compared to Israel. (NYT 3/2)
Israeli Police M Moshe Shahal says "less than 100" settlers targeted for disarming, administrative detention. (NYT, WP, WT 3/2)
IDF accidentally shoots dead Ariel settler nr. West Bank town of Bidya. (MM, NYT 3/2; CSM 3/4)
Secy. of State Warren Christopher, testifying to House Appropriations Comm. subcomm. on foreign operations, says PLO Chmn. Arafat "indispensable" to peace process, calls him "the flag and 'The Star-Spangled Banner' all wrapped up into 1 person" for Palestinians. Asst Secy. of State for Near Eastern Affairs Robert Pelletreau tells House Foreign Affairs Comm. subcomm. on Europe and Middle East Israel must go "beyond tokenism" in restraining militant settlers, terms settlements "a complicating factor," not "an obstacle to peace." (NYT, WP, WT 3/2)
PLO Chmn. Arafat meets Greek FM Karolos Papoulias, Russian Dep. FM Igor Ivanov to discuss international response to Hebron massacre. (MM, NYT 3/2)
Israeli govt. declares 1-week freeze on signing contracts for govt.-subsidized housing, including those affecting construction i the o.t. Freeze also is called on planning and early proceedings of new roads in o.t. About 3,000 units in early stages in o.t. are affected by the freeze, and govt. is still unsure about what to do with 4,000 completed units unattached to infrastructure, 12,000 in various stages of construction, and about 500 completed units that have been populated in the o.t. About 60% of these 16,500 scheduled units are in "political settlements." Financial incentives encouraging settlement will be ended. (Qol Yisra'el, HaAretz 7/16 in FBIS 7/16; MM, NYT, WP 7/17)
The Jerusalem Report states that 100 of the 142 settlements in the o.t. are "political settlements" according to PM Rabin, and can therefore expect significant cuts in govt. aid. These include all 16 settlements inthe Gaza Strip, as well as large W. Bank settlements of Qedumim, Elqana, and possibly Ariel. (Likud MK and Ariel mayor Ron Nahman claims freeze will have "opposite result" in his settlement, plans to increase its pop. from 11,000 to 20,000 in a year.) (Al Hamishmar 7/16 in FBIS 7/16; HaAretz 7/17 in MM 7/17)
Fateh gunman shoots, wounds 3 unarmed Hamas supporters in Rafah, Gaza. Hamas gunmen shoot, wound 1 unarmed Fateh supporter. Some 1,000 Fateh supporters then raid mosque in Yibna camp, Hamas gunmen inside open fire, wound 8. IDF troops impose curfew on Yibna. Two-week total for Fateh-Hamas violence is 1 dead, about 150 wounded. (MM, WP 7/17)
Palestinians throughout o.t. stage commercial strike called for by PLO-backed UNLU to protest seige at al-Najah University. Palestinian-Israeli leaders including all 6 MKs meet to discuss strategy, form delegation to meet with PM Rabin concerning al-Najah. Some 250 prominent Palestinians begin hunger strike in Nablus to protest siege. (MM 7/16, 17; Qol Yisra'el 7/16 in FBIS 7/17)
U.S. State Dept. calls for "restraint" from Israel in its handling of situation at al-Najah University, Nablus. IDF soldiers continue to surround campus, searching all students who leave; students refuse to leave until army withdraws. (WP 7/17)
Faisal Husseini announces Israeli defense establishment proposal to deport wanted men in al-Najah University for 3 years as step to lifting siege; Palestinians are drafting counter-proposal, and have sent a letter to PM Rabin to lift siege and curfew of Nablus. (Qol Yisra'el 7/16 in FBIS 7/17)
PLO representative calls on UN Secy. Gen. Butrus Ghali to provide int'l. protection for Palestinians in o.t., implementation of res. 681 to deal with siege at al-Najah University. (Radio Algiers Network 7/16 in FBIS 7/17)
PM Rabin agrees to meet with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo after U.S. Secy. of State Baker's upcoming visit; meeting would be first such visit since 1986. (WP 7/17)
Palestinian "rejectionist" groups - Hamas and the Palestine National Salvation Front (PFLP-GC, Fateh Uprising, Communist Revolutionary Party, and Sa'iqa) - meet in Damascus to discuss strategy of blocking the peace process and escalating the intifada. (MM 7/16)
King Hussein arrives in Damascus for visit with Pres. Asad. (Syrian Arab Republic Radio 7/16 in FBIS 7/16)
Islamic Resistance attacks Israeli, SLA roadblock in Kafr Huna, S. Lebanon. Israel overflies Arqub region, strengthens positions in al-Qantara, al-Tayyiba with armored vehicles. (Radio Lebanon 7/16 in FBIS 7/17)
Syrian VP 'Abd al-Halim Khaddam says Syria will not withdraw to eastern Lebanon in September, states that Taef accord requires withdrawal within 2 years of constitutional adoption of political reforms. (VOL 7/16 in FBIS 7/16)
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel bans membership in Islamic Resistance Movement, Islamic Holy War, Hizballah; membership is punishable by up to 10 years in prison [NYT 6/19].
Arab World: Muhammed Milhem, member PLO executive committee in charge of O.T. affairs, states that PLO accepts election proposal as long as elections are conducted with superpower guarantees [FBIS 6/16].
Military Action
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jewish settler is found stabbed to death outside Ariel [FBIS 6/19, NYT 6/20]. Israeli troops shoot, kill 17-year-old Palestinian in Nablus [NYT 6/19, FJ 6/26]. Soldiers shoot, kill 20- year-old Palestinian in Nablus [FJ 6/26]. In Gaza Palestinian shoots at Israeli soldier, kills Palestinian bystander [NYT 6/19].
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Labor party leader Shimon Peres states that Israel must give up Gaza as part of peace process [FBIS 6/1]. Soviet F. M. Shevardnadze calls Israel's plan for elections in O.T. "interesting" [FBIS 5/30]. D. M. Rabin states that standard of living in O.T. has dropped 40% due to uprising [FBIS 6/1]. Palestinian workers in W. Bank settlement, Ariel, must wear badges identifying them as foreign workers [NYT, FBIS 6/1].
Military Action
Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Tulkarm soldiers open fire, wound 4 Palestinians. In Nusayrat troops seriously wound Palestinian [FBIS 5/31]. Arab World: SLA troops open fire, kill guerrilla in south Lebanon; SLA soldier is injured [FBIS 5/31].
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Settlers from Ariel distribute "Appeal No. 1" waming W. Bank residents against continuing the uprising. Curfews are in effect in Tulkarm, Bayt Surik, Hablah, Dhannabah, Ramin, and Maghazi, Dayr al-Balah camps [FJ 1/30].
Arab World: Israel expels 40 Lebanese from Israeli-controlled portion of southern Lebanon two days after demonstration against Israel [CSM 2/9].
Military Action
Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Gaza at least 4 Palestinians are shot, injured during confrontations with troops. In Jenin a Palestinian is shot by troops. Troops destroy 3 Palestinian homes, seal 2 [Fl 1/30].
SociaUEconomic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: 3,000 demonstrate in Nazareth in solidarity with Palestinians in occupied territories [FJ 2/22].
Arab World: Fateh Deputy-in-command Khalil al-Wazir denies PLO has given "mandate to anyone" to speak on its behalf [WP 2/16]. UNIFIL cmdr. Gen. Callaghan strongly protests IDF's 2/14 confrontation with French UN troops at Burj Rahhal, S. Lebanon [DT 2/16].
Other Countries: Gush Emunim movement, Israel Aliyah Center begin immigration drive in 5 US cities offering American Jews memberships inW. Bank settlements of Ariel, Elon Moreh, Kedumim and Kiryat Arba for $1,000 [JW 2/15].
Military Action
Arab World: IDF liaison office building fired upon, SLA patrol attacked in Nabatiya, S. Lebanon; no injuries [JTA 2/15].
Social/Economic/Political
Occupied Palestine/Israel: Kinneret Research Laboratory reports Sea of Galilee [source of 40% of Palestine's drinking water] reaching dangerous pollution levels. Mapam Party votes to end its political partnership with Labor Alignment to protest Labor/Likud accord and proposed cabinet post for Ariel Sharon.
Arab World: At Beirut rally, Nabih Berri encourages suicide attacks on Israeli occupiers in S. Lebanon.
Other Countries: PLO Political Dept. Chrmn. Qaddoumi holds press conf. in Malta. About 150 Jews & Arabs protest appearance of Meir Kahane at Silver Spring, MD (US) Jewish Community Center.
Military Action:
Several hundred Lebanese Shiite followers of Hussein Mousavi (who broke from Amal organization headed by Nabih Berri) storm Baalbek's town hall, and take over city, say immediate purpose is to prevent celebration of Independence Day and denounce Gemayel administration; later leave city hall but retain control of and rename central square after Khomeini, set up checkpoints, express support for Islamic state similar to Iran; Chouf area tense but calm.
Casualties:
Israeli military commission report, approved by Cabinet, says Tyre building collapse was accident caused by unexplained leaking of bottled gas on first floor of building and faulty construction, although original Army report had cited booby-trapped car as cause.
Political Responses:
IsraeL/ Occupied Territories: Defense Ministry drops demand that foreigners teaching in Occupied Territories sign anti-PLO "loyalty pledge" (instead, will issue one-year work permits to be withdrawn if holder "gives aid or support to the PLO or any other hostile organization"); Molotov cocktail thrown at Israeli fuel tank in Jenin; 21 Palestinians arrested after bomb blast near railway station north of Tel Aviv wounds one IDF soldier; Bruce Kashdan, foreign ministry representative in Beirut, tells Commission of Inquiry that US envoy Draper had warned him Friday, September 17, of "horrible results" if Phalange forces entered West Beirut, that he received a second call from Draper at 10 AM Saturday, September 18, telling him a massacre had occurred at Shatila and Sabra camps and asking a message be passed to Sharon that "You must stop the massacres. They are obscene. I have an officer in the camp counting the bodies. You ought to be ashamed. This situation is rotten and terrible. They are killing children. You are in absolute control of the area and therefore responsible for that area," that Draper's second call was first information about massacre and that he passed information on to Sharon's office, that the IDF claimed Phalange entered camps from north and not through IDF lines, that he passed his and Draper's reports to Ariel Kenet and David Kimche; Lt. Col. Azriel Nevo, Begin's military secretary, denies having received call from Hanan Bar-On on Friday evening, backing up Begin's assertion of no knowledge of massacre until late Saturday; Agriculture Minister Aharon Uzan, in interview, says he favors unilateral iDF withdrawal from Chouf and to 30-mile line from border (follows similar position adopted last week by Energy Minister Modai); Cabinet sources reaffirm these as minority views, claim they undermine Israel's negotiating stance.
Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO official Ahmed Sidki Dajani, after meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Hassan Ali, who gives conditional approval for first visit in five years, says Arafat plans to visit Egypt in near future; Gemayel, in address to soldiers on eve of Independence Day, calls for vigilance toward dangers of dissidence; Saeb Salam meets Habib to discuss withdrawal of foreign forces; Jumblatt meets Habib to discuss increasing violence in Chouf.
Arab Governments: Syrian Information Minister Iskandar says Syrian forces will not withdraw until after last IDF soldier does.
US and Other Countries: Pentagon team, headed by Andrew Marshall, Defense Department's Director of Assessment, arrives in Tel Aviv to meet with Sharon, Eitan and other senior officers to finalize agreement on sharing information, evaluating performance of US/USSR weapons and lessons gained from Israeli invasion of Lebanon.