The Palestine Chronology

Dozens of Gazans gather nr. the border for a 2d day, protesting the Israeli killing of 7 Gazans on 10/9. IDF troops open fire on the protesters, killing 2, injuring 26, and arresting 5 of the 70 who cross into Israel. Meanwhile, unidentified Palestinians fire a rocket toward Ashqelon, Israel, and it is intercepted by an Iron Dome missile defense battery. IAF jets launch retaliatory air strikes on Hamas military sites in s. and c. Gaza, killing 1 pregnant Palestinian and her young daughter and injuring 5 others. Off the coast nr. Jabaliya r.c., Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 10/10; PCHR 10/15)

Stabbing attacks continue in East Jerusalem, with 2 such incidents today. First, Israeli police shoot and kill a Palestinian youth nr. a gate to the Old City after he allegedly stabs and injures 2 Israelis. Later, Israeli police shoot and kill a Palestinian after he stabs and injures 2 policemen nr. the same gate (a 3d police officer is injured by friendly fire), and clashes break out following the attack. After a funeral for the Palestinian killed in Shu‘fat r.c. on 10/8, Israeli forces clash with and violently disperse stone-throwing Palestinians. Israeli forces also arrest 2 Palestinians in a hospital in al-Tur and clash with stone-throwers, injuring at least 29 Palestinians. (MNA, WAFA 10/10; MNA, YA 10/11; PCHR 10/15)

In the West Bank, undercover Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian youth and detain 4 others in overnight clashes nr. Jenin; the IDF will conduct raids in the village during the day, confiscating computers and arresting 1 Palestinian. Throughout the day IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian stone-throwers and protesters across the West Bank, injuring 34 Palestinians and 1 Israeli soldier. The IDF also conducts raids and patrols throughout the region, arresting 4 Palestinians and confiscating a vehicle. Israeli settlers continue attacking Palestinians and their property, clashing with Palestinians outside the Kiryat Arba settlement; Israeli forces violently disperse the gathering. Palestinian shops in and around Hebron observe a general strike in the morning, protesting the killings of Palestinians from the area by Israeli forces on 10/7 and 10/9. In Israel, around 1,500 Palestinian citizens peacefully march through Nazareth in protest of the recent Israeli attacks and restrictions on access at Haram al-Sharif. A similar demonstration in Ramla turns violent, and the Israeli police arrest 10 Palestinians accused of stone-throwing. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/10; HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 10/11; TOI 10/12; PCHR 10/14)

Israeli PM Netanyahu approves the deployment of 16 reserve companies of border police—as many as 2,000 troops—in Palestinian cities across Israel, in Jerusalem, and along major highways (the cabinet will approve the proposal on 10/11). (JP, TOI 10/10)

For the 2d day in a row, stabbing incidents continue in Israel and the oPt. First, a Palestinian stabs and injures an Israeli in Shaykh Jarrah, East Jerusalem. In response, Israeli forces raid the suspected attacker’s home in Shu‘fat r.c., sparking clashes with stone-throwers; 1 Palestinian is killed and 42 are injured. Then, as a “preventative measure,” Israeli forces install metal detectors at checkpoints around the Old City. In Tel Aviv, Israeli police shoot and kill a Palestinian after he stabs and lightly injures 4 Israelis, including 1 soldier, and Israeli forces then arrest the suspected attacker’s father and uncle in their home in East Jerusalem. Later, a Palestinian stabs an Israeli soldier and a civilian in Afula (Israeli civilians assault the Palestinian and he is arrested), and another Palestinian stabs and seriously injures an Israeli settler outside the Kiryat Arba settlement nr. Hebron; Israeli forces kill the alleged suspect. In response to the recent attacks, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat calls on Jewish citizens with gun permits to carry their weapons when in public, saying that it is “like doing reserve duty” due to Israel’s compulsory military service. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/8; PCHR 10/15)

Meanwhile, hundreds of right-wing Israelis gather in Jerusalem to protest the Israeli govt.’s alleged inaction, and minor clashes ensue when Israeli police block them from entering Silwan (4 are arrested). In Nazareth, Israeli police violently disperse dozens of Palestinian youths protesting Israeli restrictions on access at Haram al-Sharif, injuring several Palestinians and arresting 16. Meanwhile, dozens of Jewish Israelis attack 3 Palestinian citizens in Netanya, injuring 1 (5 of the assailants will be arrested on 10/10). Clashes erupt between IDF troops and Palestinian protesters across the West Bank, injuring at least 50 Palestinians, including 2 photojournalists (1 Palestinian will succumb to his injuries on 10/10). The IDF patrols across the region, arresting 27 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 3. Israeli settlers continue assaulting Palestinians and their property, smashing the car windows of the PA minister of telecommunications nr. Nablus and injuring at least 2 Palestinians throughout the day. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/8; MNA, YA 10/9; MNA, PIC, TOI 10/10; PCHR 10/14)

In Gaza, a 30-year-old Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained in Khan Yunis on 11/8/ 2000, during the 2d intifada, when IDF troops shot him in the back, paralyzing him. (HA, MNA, WAFA 10/8)

The Israeli PM’s office clarifies that the recent ban on politicians’ visits to Haram al-Sharif applies to both Jewish and Palestinian MKs, after the media reported that the ban only applied to Jewish politicians. (HA, JP, NYT, TOI, YA 10/8)

2 Palestinians shot dead by IDF during protests against Hebron massacre. (NYT, WP 3/1)

PM Rabin calls on PLO to return to talks, hints he would allow an "international presence" in Gaza and Jericho. PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. Yasir 'Abd-Rabbuh says PLO sending 2 envoys to Washington to discuss talks' resumption. PLO demands international presence in o.t. to protect Palestinians, disarmament of all settlers, barring settlers fr. Palestinian cities and population centers, dismantling some settlements, including Qiryat Arba. U.S. rejects adding restrictions on settlers to negotiating agenda, but is willing to discuss international presence. (Tunisian TV 2/28 in FBIS 3/1; NYT, WP 3/1; NYT 3/2)

PM Rabin denounces extremist settlers in speech to Knesset, saying "You are not part of the community of Israel.... You are not partners in the Zionist enterprise. You are a foreign implant. ... a shame on Zionism and an embarrassment to Judaism." State Dept. spokesman Michael McCurry calls Israeli measures against settlers "unprecedented," says U.S. govt. "commended" steps. (MM 2/28; MM, NYT 3/1)

Mbrs. of Israeli commission of inquiry to investigate Hebron massacre named. Panel is chaired by Chief Justice Meir Shamgar and includes 1 Palestinian, Israeli-Arab Judge 'Abd alRahman Zuabi of the Nazareth district court. (MM 2/28; NYT 3/1)

UNSC continues debate on Hebron massacre, fails to agree on resolution because of differences on "international presence," reference to Jerusalem. (NYT 3/1)

Syria, Jordan confirm delegations not returning to Washington talks with Israel, but govts. say they are still committed to peace process, Syrian FMin. spokesman saying boycott "applies only to this session." (NYT, CSM 3/1)

IDF kills 3 Palestinians-1 each in Jerusalem, Tulkarm, and Gaza Strip-protesting Hebron massacre. 50 Palestinians wounded. Demonstrations throughout o.t. and in Israeli-Arab towns of Jaffa, Ramla, and Nazareth and in Galilee villages. 40 Israeli Arabs arrested in Nazareth, 10 in Ramla. Closure imposed on West Bank Palestinians and total curfew on Hebron; IDF guards posted at entrance to Qiryat Arba settlement. Qiryat Arba settlers travel under IDF escort. (Qol Yisra'el 2/26 in FBIS 2/28; NYT, WP, WT 2/27; WP 2/28)

PLO Chmn. Arafat demands international protection for Palestinians in o.t. Israel-PLO talks in Cairo, Taba postponed pending decision of PLO leaders. Arafat recalls PLO negotiators fr. Cairo, Paris, and Washington for consultations, emergency mtg. of PLO Exec. Comm. Israeli FM Peres accepts Pres. Clinton's invitation to shift talks to Washington, but rejects international presence in o.t. (MENA 2/26, 2/27 in FBIS 2/28; NYT, WP, WT 2/27)

UNSC debates Hebron massacre for 5 hours, takes no action. PLO, Organization of the Islamic Conference request international protection for Palestinians. U.S. delegation opposes monitors. (NYT, WP 2/27; NYT 2/28)

Demonstrations against Hebron massacre in Palestinian r.c.s throughout Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. King Hussein declares 3 days of mourning. (NYT 2/27)

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].