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  • May 25, 2017

    In the West Bank, an Israeli settler driver allegedly rams a Palestinian youth nr. Hebron, causing serious injuries. Israeli settlers and IDF troops surround a Palestinian school in Tuqu‘ village...

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  • July 1, 2016

    Amid a 2d day of deadly violence in the West Bank, unidentified assailants open fire on an Israeli settler vehicle nr. Hebron, killing 1 settler and injuring 3 (1 critically). Meanwhile, IDF...

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  • May 17, 2007

    The IDF makes at least 6 air strikes on Gaza, killing 9 Palestinians, wounding 10s. Air strikes target an ESF barracks outside the Interior Min. (killing 1 ESF mbr., wounding at least 21...

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  • February 9, 2006

    In Gaza, 1 AMB mbr., 1 PRC mbr. are fatally shot when they jointly attack the IDF post at the Erez crossing with gunfire and grenades, causing no injuries; the IDF shuts the Erez crossing in...

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  • December 5, 2005

    An Islamic Jihad suicide bomber fr. Kefar Rai (btwn. Jenin and Tulkarm) detonates a device outside a shopping mall in Netanya, killing 5 Israelis, wounding 31 (4 seriously). Islamic Jihad says the...

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  • March 28, 2002

    A Hamas gunman infiltrates Elon Moreh settlement, kills 4 Jewish settlers. 1 Israeli injured in the 3/27 Netanya attack dies. The IDF closes main roads across Gaza, cutting the Strip into 3...

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  • March 27, 2002

    In Netanya, in n. Israel, a Hamas suicide bomber detonates a device in a hotel restaurant were Israelis are holding Passover dinner, killing at least 19 Israelis, wounding around 100. The PA...

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  • March 9, 2002

    Israel shells, sends troops into Dahaysha; conduct air raids (including F-16s) against targets across Gaza and in Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah. The IDF continues operations in Bethlehem, coming within...

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  • May 18, 2001

    In Netanya, Israel, a Hamas suicide bomber kills 5 Israelis, injures 110. After dark, Israel sends F-16s to drop 1,100-lb. bombs on PA security targets in Gaza City, Nablus, Ramallah, and Tulkarm...

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  • April 29, 2001

    Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. A Palestinian suicide bomber detonates a car bomb nr. a Jewish settler school bus in the West Bank, killing himself but causing no other injuries...

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  • March 28, 2001

    Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving a total of 6 Palestinians, 2 Israelis dead. A Palestinian suicide bomber detonates a nail bomb at a bus stop just inside Israel, nr....

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  • March 4, 2001

    In Netanya, a Palestinian suicide bomber kills himself and 3 Israelis, injures 66. Afterward, Israelis seize, beat any Arabs they find, leaving 1 in serious condition. Hamas claims responsibility...

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  • January 1, 2001

    Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, killing 5 Palestinians. A car bomb explodes in the Israeli town of Netanya, lightly injuring 39, seriously injuring 1 (the suspected perpetrator...

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  • February 23, 2000

    In a speech to the Knesset, Israeli FM Levy, using particularly violent language, threatens Lebanon that if n. Israel is attacked, the IDF will retaliate "blood for blood, soul for...

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  • February 21, 1994

    PLO-Israel security comm. resumes talks in Cairo to settle details of Gaza-Jericho autonomy plan.  Civilian affairs comm. also expected to resume sessions.  (MENA 2/21 in FBIS 2/22; CSM 2/23)...

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In the West Bank, an Israeli settler driver allegedly rams a Palestinian youth nr. Hebron, causing serious injuries. Israeli settlers and IDF troops surround a Palestinian school in Tuqu‘ village nr. Bethlehem. The soldiers arrest 2 teachers and 1 student who allegedly threw rocks at the settlers. IDF troops raid a printing shop in Ramallah, seizing $18,000 worth of equipment. They also arrest 2 Palestinians during a late-night raid nr. Ramallah, patrol during the day nr. Hebron and Qalqilya; and violently disperse Palestinian and international activists at a protest encampment outside Yatta village nr. Hebron; there are no serious injuries. The IDF injures 4 Palestinians in further clashes at a checkpoint nr. Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians during violent raids in Issawiyya and Hizma. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya and Gaza City; there are no serious injuries or damage. (MNA 5/25; PCHR 6/1)

The Palestinian man seriously injured on 5/23 in a confrontation with Israeli forces in Netanya succumbs to his injuries. (MNA 5/25)

PA pres. Abbas meets with U.S. special rep. for international negotiations Jason Greenblatt in Ramallah to discuss the Dignity Strike. “We asked the American side to intervene in guaranteeing [our] prisoners’ rights and achieving their humane demands,” Abbas later tells the Fatah Central Comm. (JP, TOI 5/25)

Greenblatt also meets with Israeli PM Netanyahu to follow up on U.S. pres. Trump’s visit to the region on 5/22–23. The PM’s office then denies a report that the U.S. is pushing for Israel to transfer parts of Area C to Area B, increasing Palestinian control of the West Bank, as a goodwill gesture. (JP 5/26)

The IDF’s Coordinator of Govt. Activities in the Territories (COGAT) Yoav Mordechai says that the Israeli govt. will acquiesce to the PA’s 4/27 request to reduce the electricity supply to Gaza (see JPS 46 [4]). The PA, which typically pays NIS 40 m. (approx. $11.2 m.) per mo. for Israel to transfer electricity to Gaza, will reduce its monthly payments to NIS 25–30 m. (BBC, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 5/25; AP 5/31)

Hamas forces execute the 3 Palestinians convicted of crimes related to the assassination of senior Hamas cmdr. Fuqaha on 3/24 (see JPS 46 [3]). (JP, NYT 5/25; EI 5/26)

Amid a 2d day of deadly violence in the West Bank, unidentified assailants open fire on an Israeli settler vehicle nr. Hebron, killing 1 settler and injuring 3 (1 critically). Meanwhile, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian in c. Hebron after she allegedly attempts to stab Israeli officers at a security checkpoint. The alleged attacker was from Bani Na‘im, the home village of the Palestinian killed nr. Hebron on 6/30. The IDF then locks down Bani Na‘im village completely. Earlier, the IDF locks down Shwayka village nr. Tulkarm, the hometown of the Palestinian killed in Netanya on 6/30. Israeli troops conduct raids in Shwayka overnight, threatening punitive demolition of the attacker’s home. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops fire tear gas at Palestinians throwing stones in frustration over long wait times at the Qalandia checkpoint; 27 Palestinians are lightly injured. Palestinian paramedics are temporarily prevented from treating those affected, and 1 Palestinian suffers a heart attack and dies. The Israeli authorities say 3 Israeli soldiers are injured as well. (EI, HA, JP 7/1; PCHR 7/14)

In response to the day’s violence in and around Hebron, the IDF places the region under a general closure (the closure will be in place in some form through most of 7/2016): All crossings in and out of the city are closed, except for humanitarian cases, and the entrances to at least 9 nearby villages are also blocked off. Furthermore, a news leak, quoting senior Israeli sources, says that Israeli PM Netanyahu and DM Lieberman approve the construction of 42 new housing units in the Kiryat Arba settlement nr. Hebron, where a settler youth was killed on 6/30. The same Israeli sources that leak this also say that the political leadership has decided to establish a special graveyard for Palestinians killed during or after committing serious crimes against Israelis, which they think can end the conflict over withholding these Palestinian bodies. (HA, MNA, TOI 7/2)

Late at night, Palestinian fighters fire a rocket from Gaza into Israel. It lands in Sderot, causing minor damage to 1 building and lightly damaging several others. In response, the IAF launches air strikes on at least 9 Hamas and PIJ military sites in Gaza City, nr. Bayt Lahiya and Bayt Hanun, causing substantial damage and 1 minor injury. An Egyptian power line is damaged in the strikes, causing extended blackouts (it will be repaired on 7/2). (HA, YA 7/1; JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/2)

Across the oPt, Israeli forces arrest 9 Palestinians during raids and house searches nr. Tulkarm, Hebron, and East Jerusalem; and conduct 15 patrols in the Hebron area during the day. They also violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday demonstrations against Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih), Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border nr. al-Bureij r.c.; 3 Palestinians are injured. In East Jerusalem, Palestinians throw stones at Israeli security forces nr. the Old City, causing no injuries. More than 3,000 Israeli police are deployed in the city today. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, YA 7/1; TOI 7/2; MNA 7/5; PCHR 7/14)

The Middle East Quartet releases a report on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the steps taken by both sides that have made a 2-state solution less viable. Both the Israeli and Palestinian leaderships criticize the report. (AFP, HA, NYT, YA 7/1)

The IDF makes at least 6 air strikes on Gaza, killing 9 Palestinians, wounding 10s. Air strikes target an ESF barracks outside the Interior Min. (killing 1 ESF mbr., wounding at least 21 Palestinians, including at least 10 bystanders); a civilian car (apparently mistaken for a Hamas vehicle) driving nr. Rafah, killing 2 Palestinian children, wounding their father, 2 siblings; a trailer used to house ESF mbrs. guarding Interior Min. spokesman Khalid Abu Hilal’s home, killing 1 ESF mbr., wounding 4; a Hamas base e. of Gaza City nr. Qarni, killing 4 Hamas mbrs., 1 bystander and wounding 4 Hamas mbrs., 2 bystanders; a car in Gaza City, in an apparent attempt to assassinate Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades (IQB) cmdr. Imad Shabanah and a 2d senior Hamas mbr., wounding them, 4 bystanders. The IDF reoccupies an area of prime Palestinian agricultural land northeast of Bayt Hanun and northwest of Bayt Lahiya to expand its n. Gaza buffer zone, declaring the area off limits to Palestinians farmers, leveling land; deploys an artillery battery on the n. Gaza border, shelling areas nr. Bayt Lahiya and in Jabaliya r.c. (targeting Islamic Jihad mbrs.), causing no injuries; sends tanks into n. Gaza to conduct “limited ground operations” to halt Palestinian rocket fire, occupying buildings in Bayt Lahiya, and later Bayt Hanun and Jabaliya r.c. (The U.S. supports Israel’s “right to defend itself.”) A Palestinian teenager is injured in Jabaliya r.c. when he accidentally triggers unexploded IDF ordnance (IDF UXO). Palestinians fire at least 17 rockets fr. Gaza into Israel, wounding several Israelis and damaging a synagogue, high school, and industrial building. (The Israeli DMin. evacuates 900 residents fr. Sederot, where most rockets have hit, taking them for a “weekend respite” at a recreation center in Netanya; about half of the town’s 24,000 residents have left.) In the West Bank, the IDF conducts arrest raids, house searches in and around Salfit, Tulkarm (firing on stone-throwing Palestinians who confront them, wounding 2) and in Hebron (also raiding a wedding in Hebron, interrogating celebrants and arresting 3), Nablus; sends troops to patrol in Bayt Fajjar nr. Bethlehem, firing on residential areas and stonethrowing youths who confront the troops, killing 1 Palestinian teenager, wounding a 2d. Meanwhile, a new Hamas-Fatah ceasefire significantly reduces violence in Gaza, though at least 6 Palestinians are killed in clashes during the day. The dead include a Hamas mbr. kidnapped, executed by Fatah; a Hamas mbr. killed by a Fatah sniper; 4 Hamas supporters killed, 14 wounded when Fatah forces ambush a funeral for 2 ESF mbrs. killed on 5/16. Hamas mbrs. also attack PA national security forces (NSF) and PSF headquarters in n. Gaza. With the PA security forces unable to guarantee his security, Abbas delays plans to go to Gaza today to discuss the interfactional fighting. (AP, HA, REU 5/17; IFM, NYT, WP, WT 5/18; PCHR 5/21; OCHA 5/23; PCHR 5/24)

In Gaza, 1 AMB mbr., 1 PRC mbr. are fatally shot when they jointly attack the IDF post at the Erez crossing with gunfire and grenades, causing no injuries; the IDF shuts the Erez crossing in response. The IDF also fatally shoots a Palestinian laying a roadside bomb nr. the n. Gaza border fence; conducts arrest raids, house searches nr. Bethlehem, in Nablus, in and around Hebron. In Gaza City, unidentified Palestinian gunmen ambush, kidnap Egyptian military attache Hussam al-Musali ´ ; no group claims responsibility or issues demands; Hamas denounces the action. The PA releases 39 Islamic Jihad prisoners, 7 AMB mbrs. held in its Jericho jail since arrest sweeps following the 12/5/05 Islamic Jihad suicide bombing in Netanya. (IMEMC, XIN 2/9; NYT 2/10; PCHR 2/16; AFP 2/22)

An Islamic Jihad suicide bomber fr. Kefar Rai (btwn. Jenin and Tulkarm) detonates a device outside a shopping mall in Netanya, killing 5 Israelis, wounding 31 (4 seriously). Islamic Jihad says the attack is retaliation for the IDF’s 10/24 assassination of 2 of its leaders. The IDF immediately imposes closures on the West Bank and shuts pedestrian crossings in Gaza (keeping the Qarni crossing open for goods); announces that it is preparing for a wide-scale retaliation operation in northern Gaza and will step up assassinations and arrest campaigns in the West Bank, with DM Mofaz stating that the IDF had “decided to operate in a much broader, much deeper and more intensive manner against the Islamic Jihad infrastructure” and would make an effort to keep fr. drawing Hamas into the fighting. Later in the evening, the Israeli security cabinet authorizes the IDF to “adopt a harsher response” to rocket fire fr. Gaza, targeting built-up areas of Gaza as well as launch sites in uninhabited areas. During the day, the IDF also shells uninhabited areas in n. Gaza and in s. Gaza nr. Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries; makes 5 mock air raids over Gaza, breaking the sound barrier; fires on residential areas of Aida r.c., wounding 2 Palestinians; conducts arrest raids in and around Hebron and in Bethlehem, Jenin (targeting Hamas, including detaining 2 candidates in the 12/15 municipal elections, 1 candidate in the 1/25 parliamentary elections), Ramallah; bulldozes 5 d. of Palestinian land in Silwan for construction of a parking lot for Jewish settlers. Palestinians throw 2 pipe bombs at an IDF patrol nr. Bethlehem and fire on an IDF checkpoint nr. Nablus, causing no damage or injuries. PA police fire at Palestinians in Jenin rallying in support of the Netanya bombing. Israeli police round up another 500 Palestinians working in Israel without permits (see 12/4). (BBC, HA, IDF Radio, IMEMC, XIN, YA 12/5; CSM, DS, HA, IMEMC, JAZ, NYT, REU, WP, WT, YA 12/6; AFP, PCHR 12/8)

A Hamas gunman infiltrates Elon Moreh settlement, kills 4 Jewish settlers. 1 Israeli injured in the 3/27 Netanya attack dies. The IDF closes main roads across Gaza, cutting the Strip into 3 sections. The PSF arrests senior Hamas, Islamic Jihad mbrs. in Bethlehem, Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah. Arafat issues an urgent appeal for an unconditional cease-fire. Sharon convenes his cabinet to discuss the escalating Palestinian attacks. U.S. Secy. of State Colin Powell phones Sharon to urge against exiling Arafat. The cabinet agrees to "totally isolate" Arafat, calls up 20,000 IDF reserves in preparation for a major assault. (HA 3/28; XIN 3/28 in WNC 3/29; MM, NYT, REU, WP, WT 3/29; NYT 3/30; WT 4/1; MEI 4/5; WP 5/6)

The Arab summit unanimously adopts the Saudi initiative, pledges $480 m. aid to the Palestinians, urges against a U.S. attack on Iraq. (CNN 3/28; al-Quds, XIN 3/28 in WNC 3/29; HA, NYT, WP, WT 3/29; al-Majallah 3/30 in WNC 4/1; HA 4/4; MEI, MM 4/5)

In Netanya, in n. Israel, a Hamas suicide bomber detonates a device in a hotel restaurant were Israelis are holding Passover dinner, killing at least 19 Israelis, wounding around 100. The PA denounces the bombing, sends PSF branches a list of senior Hamas activists it wants arrested. The IDF shells Palestinian residential areas of Hebron; enters, directs heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Brazil. (AP, CNN, HA, PCHR 3/27; MM, NYT, PMC, WP, WT 3/28; ITAR-TASS 3/28 in WNC 3/29; MA 3/31 in WNC 4/1; JP, MEI 4/5)

The Arab summit opens in Beirut. Crown Prince Abdallah presents his 2/17 initiative for consideration. (HA, MM 3/27; AFP, MENA, QA, RMC, SA, XIN 3/27 in WNC 3/28; AKH 3/27, QA, al-Quds 3/28 in WNC 3/29; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/28; HA 4/4; MEI 4/5)

Israel shells, sends troops into Dahaysha; conduct air raids (including F-16s) against targets across Gaza and in Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah. The IDF continues operations in Bethlehem, coming within a mile of the Church of the Nativity; raids a village nr. Rafah, ordering Palestinian men age 15+n45 to surrender; makes incursions into Birzeit, Jifna. The IDF attempts to assassinate senior AMB mbr. Samir Awais, firing missiles a his car, killing his brother, the car's only occupant, by mistake. Late this evening, 2 AMB gunman open fire and throw grenades in the Israeli coastal city of Netanya, killing 2 Israelis, 1 Israeli Arab, wounding 24 before being shot dead. Hrs. later, a Hamas suicide bomber detonates a device in a Jerusalem cafe, killing 11 Israelis, wounding 50. The IDF reportedly has detained some 600 Palestinian men, teenage boys in Tulkarm r.c. since 3/8. (BDL, HP 3/9; NYT, WP, WT 3/10; JP [Internet], MM 3/11; LAW 3/13)

In Netanya, Israel, a Hamas suicide bomber kills 5 Israelis, injures 110. After dark, Israel sends F-16s to drop 1,100-lb. bombs on PA security targets in Gaza City, Nablus, Ramallah, and Tulkarm, killing 12 Palestinians, wounding 90--marking Israel's 1st use of warplanes against the Palestinian areas since the 1967 war. (Sharon makes the decision to use F-16s in a mtg. with FM Shimon Peres and DM Benjamin Ben-Eliezer; he has not met with his security cabinet in 3 wks.) An IDF officer is also killed when his car is ambushed in the West Bank. Britain, European Union (EU), Russia, the UN, the U.S. condemn the sharp escalation; urge PA, Israeli leaders to bring violence to a halt. (AP, BBC, HA, JP [Internet], MM, REU 5/18; AFP, Interfax 5/18, al-Quds 5/19, JT, MA, RMC 5/20 in WNC 5/21; LAW, PCHR, NYT, WP, WT 5/19; QA 5/19, El Pais (Madrid) 5/22 in WNC 5/23; HP, NYT, WT 5/20; al-Ra'i 5/20, MA 5/21 in WNC 5/22; MM 5/21 PCHR 5/24; LAW 5/25; MEI 6/1)

The UN Security Council (UNSC) accepts UN Secy.-Gen. Kofi Annan's 5/2 proposal for a staged reduction of UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) troops. (UN press release 5/18)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. A Palestinian suicide bomber detonates a car bomb nr. a Jewish settler school bus in the West Bank, killing himself but causing no other injuries. Palestinians also fire 2 mortars at a Kefar Darom settlement in Gaza. Inside the Green Line, Israeli police find, safely detonate a bomb in Netanya. The IDF shells a PSF office in Gaza, residential areas of Khan Yunis; bulldozes Palestinian land in Khan Yunis; conducts an arrest sweep in Jalazun. Jewish settlers set fire to a Palestinian olive grove in Salfit, destroying 50 trees. (WP 4/30; LAW 5/4)

Arafat orders the popular resistance comms. to disband and their mbrs. (most of whom are Fatah mbrs., some of whom are PSF officers) to "return to their original security positions," calls senior PSF officer Yasir Zanun (a Fatah mbr. and a leader of the resistance comms.) in for questioning, has the PSF arrest Hamas spokesman `Abd al-`Aziz Rantisi for statements accusing Arafat of treason for resuming security talks with Israel. Fatah tanzim leader Barghouti, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, the PFLP strongly oppose disbanding the resistance comms. (WP 4/30; AYM 5/1 in WNC 5/3; WJW 5/3; SA 5/3 in WNC 5/4; MEI 5/4 WP 5/7; MEI 5/18)

Israeli FM Peres presents Israel's response to the Jordanian-Egyptian proposal to Mubarak in Cairo, Jordanian FM Khatib in Amman. Egypt, Jordan say they will study Israel's reservations and proposed changes, but they are not willing start a new process of "talks about talks." (MENA 4/29 in WNC 4/30; HA, NYT, WP 4/30; HA, MM 5/1; AYM 5/1 in WNC 5/3; MM 5/2; MEI, MM 5/4)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving a total of 6 Palestinians, 2 Israelis dead. A Palestinian suicide bomber detonates a nail bomb at a bus stop just inside Israel, nr. Qalqilya, killing 2 Israelis, wounding 4. Hamas, and a previously unknown group named the Popular Army Front Return Battalions claim responsibility. Israeli sappers disarm bombs in the Israeli cities of Petah Tikva, Netanya. This evening, after the Arab summit ends, Sharon orders air, land, sea strikes against Force 17 targets in Dayr al-Balah, Jabaliyya, Khan Yunis, Rafah, Ramallah, killing 3 Palestinians, injuring 62. Nr. Beitunia, a Palestinian woman is shot dead by IDF troops. In Rafah, a Palestinian boy is killed when he triggers unexploded IDF ordnance. The IDF reinforces its troop presence around Abu Sunayna in Hebron with 8 tanks, 15 troop carriers, numerous military jeeps and 3 new outposts; shells residential areas in Nablus; confiscates 28 dunams of Palestinian land in Beitunia to expand an IDF post; bulldozes Palestinian land in Mount Jarzim, Wadi Silqa. Israel issues demolition orders for 19 Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem for construction of the "ring road" linking the Jewish settlements around Jerusalem; 658 dunams of Palestinian land is slated to be bulldozed for the project. Jewish settlers attack Palestinians and their property in Bayt Furik, Hebron, Silat Dahir. Settlers fr. Ma'ale Adumim, Kefar Atsion reportedly move into the Israeli controlled section of Hebron to reinforce settlers there. In Hebron, the PSF arrests a local Fatah mbr. for the 3/26 shooting that killed a settler baby. (BBC, CNN, HP, MM, REU 3/28; AFP, ATL 3/28 in WNC 3/29; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/29; AFP, Interfax, MENA, al-Quds 3/29 in WNC 3/30; LAW, MM, WP 3/30; MA, MENA, al-Safir 3/30 in WNC 4/2; MM 4/3; JP, MEI 4/6; al-Quds 4/15 in WNC 4/16; WP 4/23; al-Ahram [Internet] 4/26)

The Arab League summit closes. Arab states approve a $240 m. emergency aid for the PA over the next 6 mos. (MM 3/28; HJ 3/28 in WNC 3/29; MM, NYT, WP 3/29; JT 3/29 in WNC 3/30; HJ 3/29 in WNC 4/3; al-Ra'i 3/30, Star 3/31, JT 4/1 in WNC 4/2; JP, MEI 4/6; al-Quds 4/10 in WNC 4/12)

In Netanya, a Palestinian suicide bomber kills himself and 3 Israelis, injures 66. Afterward, Israelis seize, beat any Arabs they find, leaving 1 in serious condition. Hamas claims responsibility. Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue in the West Bank and Gaza, leaving 1 Palestinian dead. Palestinians fire 2 homemade mortars at Netzarim settlement causing no injuries. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/5; AFP 3/5 in WNC 3/6; WT 3/6; JP [Internet], NYT, WT 3/7; MEI 3/9; MM 3/12; HA 3/13; JP 3/16; Toronto Star 4/30)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, killing 5 Palestinians. A car bomb explodes in the Israeli town of Netanya, lightly injuring 39, seriously injuring 1 (the suspected perpetrator); Hamas claims responsibility. Israel shuts Gaza airport completely, tightens the internal closure on the West Bank, Gaza. The IDF demolishes 3 Palestinian homes nr. Kefar Darom settlement as part of work on a new settler bypass road; bulldozes agricultural land nr. Morag settlement; fires on residential areas of al-Matahin Junction, Rafah. 1,500 Jewish settlers blockade several West Bank roads, occupy a hilltop nr. where Kahane's car was ambushed on 12/31 to set up a "protest encampment." (AP, HA, JP [Internet], MA [Internet], UPI 1/1; LAW, NYT, WP, WT 1/2; PCHR 1/6; WT 1/10)

The White House announces that Arafat, Clinton will meet in Washington on 1/2 to discuss Clinton's parameters. (MENA 1/1 in WNC 1/2; NYT, WP, WT 1/2; AYM, SA 1/2 in WNC 1/3)

According to British government files made public today, on 9/19/70, King Hussein of Jordan asked, through Britain and the U.S., for Israeli air raids on the Syrian army, which was supporting Palestinian factions during the Black September revolt. Israeli PM Golda Meir's response is not noted, but intervention by the Israelis was ultimately unnecessary, when Jordanian forces defeated the Palestinians. (NYT 1/2; WT 1/3; WJW 1/4)

In a speech to the Knesset, Israeli FM Levy, using particularly violent language, threatens Lebanon that if n. Israel is attacked, the IDF will retaliate "blood for blood, soul for soul, child for child." Israeli Arab and leftist MKs, Arab leaders denounce his statements. (MM, NYT 2/24; MENA 2/24 in WNC 2/28; WP 2/26; AYM 2/26 in WNC 2/29; JP, MM 3/3; JP, MEI 3/10) (see 2/16)

Israeli security officials say that in recent wks., Israel and the PA have arrested several Hamas mbrs. on charges of plotting to blow up a building in Jerusalem. Some of those arrested are also charged with planning the failed attacks in Natanya (11/7), Hadera (1/17). (MM 2/23; NYT 2/24)

PLO-Israel security comm. resumes talks in Cairo to settle details of Gaza-Jericho autonomy plan.  Civilian affairs comm. also expected to resume sessions.  (MENA 2/21 in FBIS 2/22; CSM 2/23)

UN holds talks in Geneva with France, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and United Kingdom on training Palestinian police force.  (MM 2/24)

FM Peres, speaking to Knesset Economics Comm. names Egypt, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, and Tunisia as Arab countries working to end Arab boycott of Israel.  Peres observes "the Arab boycott is the Arab world's problem, no less than ours."  (MM 2/21; Qol Yisra`el 2/21 in FBIS 2/24)

Syrian Interior M Muhammad Harba, speaking to Damascus conference on drug trafficking, says Syria rejects Israeli proposal for secret negotiations, calls Israeli proposal for referendum on Golan Heights an obstacle to peace.  (MM 2/21)

Settlers block West Bank roads with rocks, burning tires in continuing protests over killing of Zipporah Sasson.  Blockade coincides with "rush hour" of Palestinians going to work in Israel.  IDF prevents clashes by turning away Palestinian cars before they reach settler roadblocks.  Ballistics tests reportedly link weapon in Sasson killing to killing of Shin Bet officer previous week and 4 Israelis in 12/93.  (MM 2/21; CSM 2/22)

Lawyer for imprisoned Hamas leader Shaykh Ahmad Yasin says his client's "life is under threat," but Israeli Prisons Authority spokesman says "there is no deterioration" in Yasin's condition.  Yasin is serving 15-yr. sentence in prison nr. Netanya for ordering killings of collaborators.  (MM 2/21)

Hamas issues leaflet warning Druze, Bedouin citizens of Israel to leave IDF "which has killed the sons of your people."  Hamas claims IDF replacing Jewish units in Gaza with Druze- and Bedouin-manned units.  (MM 2/21)