The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters during the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 2 by live ammunition, 1 minor by a rubber-coated bullet, and others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also opened fire on Palestinians near Qalqilya; no injuries were reported. Elsewhere, Israeli forces delivered stop-work orders for 3 houses south of Bethlehem. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Tubas and al-‘Izzariya. In East Jerusalem, Israel extended the detention for PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Gheith for another 7 days. Gheith was arrested during a late-night raid on 7/19. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/24; PCHR 7/29)

In Israel, thousands of protesters demonstrated against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu outside of his official residence for the 4th time in a week. Protesters are demanding his resignation over his corruption charges and the government’s handling of the economy. (HA 7/24)

In the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, 1 rocket or mortar fired from Syria damaged 1 house and 1 vehicle in Majdal Shams. According to the Lebanese network Al Mayadeen, the incident was a response to an Israeli drone flying in Syrian territory. Israel subsequently fired missiles from helicopters at 3 different locations in southwestern Syria, injuring 2 and causing damage. (HA, HA, REU, REU 7/24)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian school in Hebron closes for the day after IDF troops shoot tear gas canisters onto school grounds amid minor clashes nearby. IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Ramallah and Jenin, and patrol near Tulkarm, Salfit, Qalqilya, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces issue an arrest summons to an Islamic Waqf guard during a raid at Haram al-Sharif. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khan Yunis. (MNA 2/8; PCHR 2/15)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions for the 2d of 3 days. (JP 2/8; OCHA 2/15)

Unidentified persons in Syria open fire on an Israeli drone flying over the Israelicontrolled Golan Heights. Errant bullets hit a home in Majdal Shams, causing minor damage. (HA, YA 2/8)

Off the n. coast of the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no casualties or damage to the boats. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages and al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron, and in 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Tulkarm at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Jericho in the morning, and in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Jericho at night. Also, IDF troops bulldoze a dozen houses and agricultural buildings in the s. Jordan Valley n. of Jericho, leaving around 50 Palestinians homeless. (MNA 12/2; PCHR 12/5)

Israeli Defense Ministry figures obtained by NGO Peace Now show that DM Moshe Ya’alon approved construction of 3,000 housing units in West Bank settlements during the 1st 4 mos. of his term (3–7/2013). (HA 12/2)

The General Union of Palestinian Teachers launches an open strike. The union’s demands include a 2.03% increase of the cost-of-living salary, which has been deducted since the beginning of 2013. Abdul-Ghani al-Uweiei, spokesperson for the PA’s atty. gen., says that the minister of education has asked the atty. gen. to proceed with legal measures against the secy.-gen. of the teachers’ union. (MNA 2/12)

The Israeli army fires into Syria after its troops were shot at in the occupied Golan Heights. The original gunfire came from the Syrian side of the border, nr. Qunaytra, but it is unclear if it was intentional. No casualties are reported on either side. Separately, a Syrian mortar shell lands in Majdal Shams in the occupied Golan Heights, causing no casualties. Meanwhile, UN human rights chief Navi Pillay says that evidence collected by UN investigators implicates Pres. Asad in the commission of war crimes. (HA, REU 2/12)

The Lebanese govt. authorizes the army to take charge of security in Tripoli for 6 mos., following frequent violent clashes between supporters and opponents of Syria’s Pres. Asad. The latest round of fighting saw 12 killed and more than 100 wounded. (AP 12/2)

On Naksa Day, commemorating the 1967 war, IDF troops open fire on 100s of unarmed Palestinian refugees and supporters inside Syria who try to cross a trench and earthen berm 150 m. on the approach to the border fence nr. the town of Majdal Shams in the occupied Golan Heights. Syrian authorities report 22 killed and more than 350 wounded, possibly marking the worst violence on the Syrian border since the 1973 war; Israel says the numbers are exaggerated, however. More protests are held inside Syria nr. the border at Qunaytra; the IDF fires tear gas and percussion grenades when protesters begin to march toward the border, but no injuries are reported. In the West Bank, the IDF clashes with up to 200 stone-throwing Palestinian protesters at the Qalandia crossing (using tear gas and percussion grenades to disperse them) and blocks Palestinian marchers fr. approaching Elon Moreh settlement nr. Nablus. In Gaza, Hamas-affiliated police block 10s (possibly 100s) of demonstrators fr. approaching the Erez crossing. Overall, protests are much smaller than the Nakba Day demonstrations on 5/13–15, with no protests reported in Egypt, Jordan, or Lebanon. Meanwhile, the IDF conducts morning patrols in 4 villages nr. Qalqilya, Salfit, and Tulkarm; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in ‘Azun and Nur Shams r.c. By this date, the IDF has also arrested Fatah PC mbr. Hussam Khader in a raid on Nablus. (AFP, AP, IsRN, KUNA, MNA, The Media Line [online] 6/5; NYT, WP, WT 6/6; PCHR 6/9; OCHA 6/10; WT 6/15; PCHR 6/16; OCHA 6/24)

On the anniversary of the Nakba, 1,000s of Palestinians fr. the West Bank, Gaza, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria stage marches (mostly nonviolent, though some stone throwing) toward the Israeli border. In Lebanon, though troops, riot police, and UNIFIL soldiers deploy to prevent marchers fr. reaching the border, a large group succeeds in reaching the border fence nr. Hizballah-controlled Maroun al-Ras village, where they throw stones at IDF troops. IDF troops open fire into Lebanon, leaving 10 Palestinians dead and at least 112 wounded. Palestinians refugees marching fr. Syria knock down the border fence into the Golan Heights, enter the Druze village of Majdal Shams, and rally in the village square, erecting Palestinian flags. IDF troops open fire to drive them back across the border, killing 4 Palestinians and wounding around 200. On the border with Jordan, Jordanian troops fired tear gas and scuffle with some 800 Palestinians, preventing them fr. reaching the border, leaving 14 demonstrators and 3 police officers lightly injured. In Egypt, govt. forces reinforce their border, preventing some 250 Palestinians fr. marching to the Rafah crossing. In Cairo, riot police fire tear gas, disperse protesters converging on the Israeli embassy, injuring around 120. On the Gaza border, IDF troops fire live ammunition and artillery at Gazans marching toward the border, wounding at least 125. In the West Bank, IDF troops fire tear gas, rubber-coated steel bullets to disperse around 1,000 stone-throwing Palestinians marching toward the Qalandia crossing (injuring 10s) and violently beat scores of Palestinians marching fr. Palestinian-controlled area A toward Israeli security-controlled area B in Hebron (injuring 10s). A large peaceful rally commemorating the Nakba is held in Ramallah. Numerous smaller and protests clashes are also reported in the West Bank and East Jerusalem; rights groups say some 185 Palestinians have been injured in these clashes over the past 3 days, 153 of them in Jerusalem. Netanyahu accuses the demonstrators of “incitement” and challenging “the very existence of Israel.” Other Israeli officials accuse Iran and Syria of instigating the Palestinians, noting that Syrian security did nothing to prevent Palestinians fr. approaching the border. (DS, IFM, IsRN, JAZ, JP, MA, YA 5/15; Christian Science Monitor, NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 5/16)

Unrelated to the “March to Palestine,” IDF troops fired across the border into Gaza, killing a Palestinian who allegedly was planting an explosive device. Inside Israel, an Israeli Palestinian drives his truck into several cars, a bus, and pedestrians in Tel Aviv, killing 1 Israeli and injuring 17 in what Israeli police say was a deliberate terrorist attack; the driver, who is arrested, strongly denies deliberately harming anyone, saying he lost control of his vehicle when a tire blew. The IDF also patrols in 2 village nr. Qalqilya (arresting 1 Palestinian teenager for throwing stones) and 2 nr. Tulkarm; sends undercover units into Nur al-Shams r.c. nr. Tulkarm late at night, surrounding and raiding a house and arresting 1 Palestinian; conducts other late-night arrest raids, house searches in and around al-‘Arub r.c. and Hebron, and nr. Salfit. Jewish settlers fr. Kiryat Arba settlement in Hebron throw 4 Molotov cocktails at a nearby Palestinian home, causing minor damage. Israel resumes transferring VAT taxes to the PA (see 5/1), having received PA assurances that none of the money would be accessible to Hamas under the new Fatah-Hamas unity deal, but warning that it would reconsider suspending transfers if Hamas was allowed to join a PA govt. (NYT 5/16; PCHR 5/19; OCHA 5/20)

At quarter’s end, fierce fighting is ongoing in Libya and NATO intervention continues. Rebel-held areas increasingly report shortages of food and medical supplies. No reliable figures on casualties are available since independent media access and communications are extremely difficult. Deaths are thought to be well into the 1,000s and perhaps as high as 10,000. (WP 5/16; REU 6/9)

Arafat makes 1-day trip to Cairo to consult with Pres. Mubarak on the peace process in light of the resumption of Syrian-Israeli talks. (MENA 12/14 in WNC 12/15)

Before departing for Washington, PM Barak meets with Golan settler leaders. Barak's entire cabinet, which is divided on negotiations with Syria, sees him off at the airport. (MM 12/14; NYT 12/15)

On the anniversary of the annexation of the Golan Heights, Druze residents of Majdal Shams, on the Golan, hold a rally in support of Syria in the upcoming negotiations with Israel. (WP, WT 12/15)

Arafat, Pres. Mubarak hold talks on the peace process in Alexandria. (RE 8/25 in WNC 8/26; RE 8/26 in WNC 8/27)

PM Netanyahu arrives in Japan. (IDF Radio, Kyodo [Tokyo] 8/25 in WNC 8/26; MM 8/26; MM, WP, WT 8/27, CSM 9/3, JP 9/6) (see 8/24)

Saying that the Oslo process must be "redefined," Israeli mayor of Jerusalem Ehud Olmert promises to build additional housing projects, including some in disputed territories. (WT 8/26)

In Bethlehem, the IDF fires tear gas, rubber bullets at Palestinians protesting the continued internal closure. When troops move closer to the PA-controlled area, PA police take up postitions behind walls, baracades. Only when troops pull back, do they intervene to disperse the protesters. (WP, WT 8/26)

IDF demolishes 2 Palestinian homes nr. Bethlehem, 2 nr. Jerusalem for allegedly being built without permits. (LAW 8/25; WP, WT 8/26; IDF Radio 8/26 in WNC 8/27; PR 8/29)

Israeli police, Shabak agents break into the Golan Heights home of Ilham Abu Salih--a Druze who heads a student organization at Damascus University, representing 400 Golani Druze students; arrest her on suspicion of being a Syrian spy. Druze in Majdal Shams stage protests, burning tires, waving Syrian flags. Syria complains to the UN. (al-Anwar 8/29 in WNC 9/4; NYT, WP 9/4; JP 9/6)

After much critism, Labor Chmn. Barak reverses the dismissal of Labor party personnel announced 8/21, saying he erred in abruptly laying off the workers. (MA 8/29 in WNC 9/2; JP 9/6)

As fighting continues in Lebanon, IAF fires rockets at PFLP-GC targets s. of Beirut, causing no injuries. Hizballah detonates a roadside bomb in s. Lebanon, injuring 1 SLA mbr. (QPAR 8/25 in WNC 8/26; CSM, WP 8/26)

IDF receives map specifying 1st line of withdrawal fr. Golan. Only Druze settlements of Majdal Shams, Mas'adah, Buq'ata would be turned over to Syria in 1st stage, no Israeli settlements uprooted, some IDF security outposts removed. Syrian govt. said to already have map. (ITV 10/4 in FBIS 10/5)

Israeli-PNA talks on elections, hit snag when Israel objects to letting mbrs. of radical groups vote or run. Rothschild says, "We are not going to establish a creature which will then fight us." Erakat says Israel is stymieing Palestinian democracy. PNA backs down on demand for separate exec., legislative councils, agrees to 1 council serving both purposes. (WT 10/5; NYT 10/6; MEI 10/7)

U.S. State Dept. issues annual report on Israeli settlements; says Israel spent $311.8 m. on nonsecurity settlement building in 1993, $95 m. of which served U.S. security interests, hence only $216.8 m. would be deducted fr. Israel's loan guarantees. (MEI 11/4)

DFLP concludes annual conference in Damascus, reelects Hawatmeh as SG. (Al-Sharq al-Awsat 10/5 in FBIS 10/5)

Palestinian police release 20 DFLP mbrs. arrested following attack on joint patrol 9/30, say 30 are still being detained. (VOP 10/5 in FBIS 10/5)

At Arab FMs meeting in Damascus, Syrian FM Faruq al-Shara' receives call from Secy. of State Christopher. FMs delay decision on resuming talks until after Arab League meeting 4/20. PM Rabin tells Israeli delegation to delay departure for Washington. (AFP, MENA, SANA 4/17 in FBIS 4/19; NYT, WP 4/18)

"Hundreds" of Druze in Majdal Shams, Golan Heights, demonstrate on Syrian independence day. Stonethrowers wound 11 Israeli police, dispersing the crowd with tear gas. (Qol Yisra'el 4/17 in FBIS 4/20)

Hizballah, Amal shell SLA positions in "security zone," killing 1 SLA soldier. Israel, SLA shell villages. (NYT 4/18)

Iraq vows "severe revenge" for 2/13 bombing of what Baghdad calls residential shelter; places death toll at about 400; demonstrators throw red paint on abandoned U.S. embassy in Baghdad; "outrage" over bombing is reported in Jordan, other Arab nations that back Saddam [AVP, APS 2/14, DUS 2/15 in FBIS 2/15; MEM 2/14; LAT, NYT, WP, WT 2/15].

U.S. reports significant gains in destroying Iraqi tanks and combat vehicles, saying more than 1,300 tanks have been destroyed; carrier USS America moves into Gulf in preparation for possible Marine amphibious landing [LAT, NYT, WP, WT 2/15].

UN Sec. Council, holding formal session behind closed doors for 1st time in 15 years, begins major debate over scope of Gulf war [WP, LAT 2/15].

Marking 9th anniversary of Israeli annexation of Golan Heights, hundreds of Syrians come to Ain Tine and shout with bullhorns greetings and words of encouragement to friends and family in Majdal Shams, now controlled by Israel [NYT 2/15].

In 1st collective statement of Gulf war since hostilities began, leaders of more than 20 major Protestant and Orthodox Christian denominations, join with 15 Roman Catholic bishops, and many other denominations in reaffirming opposition to war and calling for cease-fire. Statement from 32 denominations is made public by National Council of Churches [MEM 2/14; NYT 2/15].

Soviet press is becoming increasingly critical of Gulf war, following Pres. Gorbachev's recent statements that war may be exceeding UN resolutions [NYT 2/15].

Cuba and Yemen circulate new peace plan at UN Sec. Council closed-door meeting calling for halt to allied bombing and UN commission to study possible solutions to crisis [NYT 2/15].

Curfew is lifted in Gaza; 14 Palestinians are wounded in clashes with IDF troops, who fire live ammunition and tear gas into crowds [HAD 2/15 in FBIS 2/15].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Several cars are set afire in Jewish neighborhood in Jerusalem [WP 2/15]. Palestinian dies of injuries resulting from army beating in Gaza City [NYT 2/16]. Seventh leaflet signed by PLO and Unified National Command for the Uprising in the Occupied Territories begins circulating in occupied territories [FJ 2/21].

Other Countries: In Washington meeting to discuss new U.S. peace proposal, Israeli envoy Ehud Olmert warns U. S. State Dept. official Charles Hill that P. M. Shamir will never accept land for peace principle [WP 2/16]. In Cypriot port of Limassol, bomb blast kills 3 PLO officials [NYT 2/15].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Majdal Shams, 1,600 police use tear gas to disperse stonethrowing Druze demonstrating to protest 1982 Israeli annexation of Golan Heights; about 20 are arrested [WP 2/15]. Scattered demonstrations are reported in Gaza Strip, Jerusalem, Ramallah, Nablus, Bethlehem, and Jenin [WP 2/15; FJ 2/21]. Military seals off Nablus-area village of Burin following clash between villagers, settlers, and soldiers. Curfews are imposed in Halhul and Hebron [FJ 2/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Poice arrest 7 women during Jerusalem rally supporting prison hunger strike [FJ 4/12]. More than 10,000 Syrians and Palestinians join in unveiling of monument to Syrian nationalist leader Sultan Basha al-Atrash in Majdal Shams on the Golan Heights [FJ 4/12]. Attorney for families of 2 students killed in confrontation with Israeli troops last year demands Defense Ministry conduct thorough probe of 12/4 incident at Birzeit U. [FJ 4/12]. Estimated 100 members of Palestinian Family Reunification Com. demonstrate outside P. M. Shamir's office [FJ 4/12].

Arab World: In presence of Syrian military observers, six trucks of food and other supplies donated by Kuwait enter Burj al-Barajinah camp. Equal amounts were given to Amal for distribution to Shi'i residents of the area [GU 4/6]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Islamic Jihad for the Liberation of Palestine withdraws offer to trade U.S. hostages for 400 Arab prisoners held in Israel [BS 2/15].

Other Countries: Lebanese Pres. Jumayyil arrives in London after EEC ministers deny his request for financial support [LT 2/15].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli patrols use tear gas, rubber bullets to break up demonstrations in Nablus and Ramallah, arrest 18 students during protest at Hebron University. In Majdal Shams, hundreds of Druze youths gather for rally marking 5th anniversary of imposition of Israeli law on Golan Heights; 13 are arrested following violent clashes with Israeli police, 5 Israeli police injured UP 2/21; SG 2/15].

Arab World: Amal temporarily halts siege of Rashidiyyah refugee camp, south of Tyre, to permit UNRWA food trucks and ambulance to enter camp [CSM 2/17; NYT 2/15].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: The Reagan administration is reportedly quietly encouraging Israel to sell arms to Iraq, according to an unnamed report published in London [JP 3/21]. Several thousand Golan Heights Druze converge on Majd al-Shams to protest police confiscation of 2 tons of apples belonging to Druze growers who allegedly failed to submit income tax returns UTA, JP 3/24].

Arab World: Yasir Arafat is quoted as saying the United Arab Emirates has resumed financial aid to the PLO [BG 3/22].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli military officials state they have uncovered underground political cell in Golan town of Majd al-Shams responsible for attacks against IDF and civilians during the past 6 months [JTA 8/28]. Latest poll by Modi'in Ezrachi shows that if elections were held, Kach would be third largest party in the Knesset, getting 11 seats in the 120-seat parliament. Labor would get 51 seats and Likud 24 [PI, USN 8/28]. Curfews continue in Tulkarm and Jenin while investigations are conducted into 8/24 attacks on Israelis. [JP 8/28]. Chicago Tribune reports more than 70 Israeli-owned West Bank land offices are under investigation in unfolding land fraud scandal. Among those questioned are former senior officials in Agriculture Ministry involved in settlement activity, ex-officials in the West Bank military government, police authorities, and several land brokers, 4 of whom have been arrested [CT 8/27]. P. M. Peres says Chairman Afarat is directly responsible for attacks against Israelis, and Israeli govemment has evidence to prove it. He says 'Amman has been wamed of the consequences of letting the PLO station itself in 'Amman [DT 8/28]. Isramco, U.S. oil company with oil and gas interests in Israel, announces it is launching expanded program for oil and gas production in the Negev. Company plans to spend between $5-6 million by the end of the first quarter of 1986 UC 8/27].

Other Countries: First International Christian Zionist Congress convenes in Basel, Switzerland for three days, gathering 500 Christian lay leaders and theologians, active supporters of Israel. Congress is organized by the Intemational Christian Embassy in Jerusalem [JTA 8/22].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian in Qalqilya is shot as he tries to flee IDF patrol attempting to detain him and 2 others [JP 7/28]. The wounded man was hospitalized and the 2 arrested.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Nablus Chamber of Commerce submits memorandum to "civil administration" outlining city's urgent social and economic problems; no response from authorities. 19 Palestinians arrested for stone-throwing during MK Kahane's attempted entry into Umm al-Fahm (8/29). Israeli troops raid Qalandiya refugee camp, detain several youths suspected of commandeering bulldozer from nearby quarry and flattening Israeli-built barrier at camp entrance.

Arab World: Druze leaders meet in Majd al-Shams (Golan) to demand dismissal of 30 teachers accepting Israeli ID cards. Chrmn. Arafat meets with French FM Cheysson in Tunis.

Other Countries: Chrmn. Arafat cables Chrmn. Truong Chinh on occasion of Vietnam's nat'l. day. 2nd anniversary of Reagan Middle East peace initiative. US Navy announces Israel will lend 12 Kfir jets on no-cost 4-yr. lease for use in combat training; Israel Aircraft Ind. will maintain jets for "firm fixed price."

Military Action

Arab World: Palestinian & Lebanese resistance detonate remote-control bomb as IDF patrol near Marjayoun, S. Lebanon, destroying jeep, wounding occupants.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Arab World: General strike called in Majd al-Shams (Golan) protesting Israeli occupation of Lebanon and US interference in Lebanese affairs.

Other Countries: Hungarian state business representatives meet with Israeli businessmen in Jerusalem; in absence of diplomatic relations, talks remain on private level. Soviet delegation informs US Security Council that USSR will not approve UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon until US, British, French and Italian MNF withdraw permanently.

MILITARY ACTION:

Arab World: IDF soldiers wounded by mine explosion on road to Nabatiya.

Other Countries: 50 members of US Druze community demonstrate at State Dep't. against US policy in Lebanon. FM Kimche ends 4-day official visit to Singapore.