The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 2 with rubber-coated bullets. Palestinians continued protesting against the PA for the 4th day in a row after PA forces killed Nizar Banat, an outspoken critic of the PA, on 6/24. PA forces violently dispersed protesters in Ramallah, Hebron, and Bethlehem, beating several protesters. Israeli forces arrested 4 Palestinians during late-night raids in Anata and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested in Shu‘fat refugee camp and al-Tur. (AJ, WAFA 6/27; MEE, WAFA 6/28; MEE 6/29)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken met with Israel’s foreign minister Yair Lapid in Rome. Secretary Blinken also discussed Sudan’s normalization deal with Israel with Sudan’s prime minister Abdalla Hamdok via telephone. While in Rome, Foreign Minister Lapid also met with his Bahraini counterpart Abdullatif al-Zayani. (HA, HA, HA, REU 6/27; ALM, MEMO 6/28; ALM 6/30; PCHR 7/1)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized several Palestinian-owned vehicles in Huwwara. Israeli forces wounded 2 Palestinians during a house arrest in Jenin refugee camp; the Israeli army said the 2 were injured by explosives used by Israeli forces to open their door, but Palestinian eyewitnesses said the 2 were shot by live ammunition and were in critical condition; after the 2 injuries, clashes between soldiers and Palestinians erupted in the camp. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians during a raid near Ramallah; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Elsewhere, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian workers trying to enter Israel near the separation wall south of Qalqilya, injuring 3 with rubber-coated bullets. Israeli authorities announced that Israel had seized the ancient Roman ruins of Dayr Samaan near Kafr al-Dik along with land totaling 6 dunams (1.5 acres). 1 Palestinian was arrested at a military checkpoint south of Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrested 5 Palestinians, including 4 Waqf guards who were later released on condition of not returning to the Haram al-Sharif compound for 7 days, and 1 during a raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of Khan Yunis and east of Rafah; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 9/5; WAFA, WAFA 9/6; PCHR 9/10)

For the 11th week in a row, thousands of Israelis gathered in front of prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s official residence to demand his resignation over his corruption cases, Israel’s financial issues, and his government’s COVID-19 response. (AJ 9/5; HA, WAFA 9/6)

Along Gaza’s border, unidentified persons detonate 2 IEDs targeting an IDF patrol near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. Soon thereafter, the IAF bombs Hamas sites near Gaza City and Jabaliya refugee camp, injuring 1 Palestinian and causing moderate damage. An IDF spokesperson later alleges that the 2 devices were planted amid a recent border protest. (HA, JP, WAFA, YA 3/15; PCHR 3/22)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Ramallah, Hebron, and Jenin; and patrol near Tulkarm and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clash with Palestinians in al-‘Izzariya; 9 Palestinians are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (WAFA 3/15; PCHR 3/22)

At a fundraising conference in Rome, officials from 90 different countries collectively pledge $100 m. for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to address the budget shortfall caused by U.S. president Trump’s decision to cut U.S. aid to the agency in 1/2018 (see JPS 47 [3]). (JP, TOI, WAFA 3/15)

For the 2d day in a row, Israeli forces raid Haram al-Sharif in the morning, clearing the area for around 90 Jewish settlers to tour the sanctuary. Some Muslim worshippers throw stones and verbally confront the settlers, and Israeli forces use violent crowd-control measures to remove them from the space; 2 Palestinian journalists are lightly injured. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians and confiscate some of their personal property during raids in Jabal Mukabir and the Old City. In the West Bank, Israeli forces deliver stop-work orders to several Palestinian residential buildings under construction nr. Tubas. IDF troops arrest 3 Palestinians and confiscate 1 car during late-night raids and house searches nr. Ramallah and Bethlehem; and patrol during the day nr. Tulkarm, Hebron, and Salfit. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats in 2 separate incidents nr. Gaza City, causing no injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers, causing no injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 6/27; PCHR 6/30)

Israeli and Turkish officials in Rome officially announce the Israeli-Turkish reconciliation agreement outlined in the press on 6/26. The provisions largely resemble the preliminary agreement the 2 sides reached in 12/2015 (see JPS 45 [3]). (AnA, AP, HA, JP, TOI, YA 6/27; JP, MNA 6/28)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian man during a late-night arrest raid in Qalandia r.c. nr. Ramallah. Clashes then break out in the camp, with residents throwing stones and Israeli soldiers injuring around 30 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets and stun grenades. In response to Palestinian youth who were throwing stones and empty bottles at Israeli settlers’ vehicles nr. Nablus, IDF troopssurround a school and fire tear gas into its yard, causing no injuries. Israeli forces deliver stop-work notices in 2 villages nr. Hebron, both of which are outside the Gush Etzion settlement bloc. Shortly after, the soldiers clash with stone-throwing Palestinian youth in the area, dozens of whom suffer from tear gas inhalation. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Bethlehem, Jenin, Salfit, Tulkarm, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces deliver a demolition order to the Silwan home of the Palestinian man who is suspected of shooting right-wing Jewish activist Yehuda Glick on 10/29 and was killed on 10/30 by Israeli security forces. They had previously delivered an order to punitively demolish the home on 11/19, but the Israeli High Court of Justice froze the order. They also deliver a demolition order to a 19-person residence in the Old City. Separately, Israeli police detain 3 Palestinian children at Haram al-Sharif. (MNA, WAFA 12/15; HA, WAFA 12/16; PCHR 12/18)

Israeli PM Netanyahu meets with U.S. Secy. of State Kerry in Rome to discuss the rival draft UNSC res. being prepared by the Palestinians and the French. Netanyahu opposes both, saying, “We will not accept attempts to dictate to us unilateral moves on a limited timetable.” Kerry then meets with French FM Fabius, UK Foreign Secy. Hammond, German FM Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and EU foreign affairs chief Mogherini in Paris. Separately, Arab League secy.-gen. Nabil Elaraby meets with Fabius in Paris. Fabius hopes to persuade the Palestinians and the Arab League to back the French draft as a compromise, avoiding a U.S. veto. (AFP, HA, MNA, NYT, TOI, YA 12/15)

Iranian and U.S. diplomats hold bilateral talks over Iran’s disputed nuclear program ahead of negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 on 12/17. The 2 sides agreed to a 7-mo. extension to the talks on 11/24. (AFP 12/15)

In the Gaza Strip, 1,000s of Palestinians attend a Hamas military parade through Gaza City to mark its 27th anniversary. During the festivities, Hamas demonstrates a drone aircraft’s capabilities, prompting the Israeli Air Force (IAF) to fly 2 jets over Gaza. Meanwhile, the pharmacists’ union threatens to stop paying to import medicine after the PA Ministry of Finance decides to collect 2.5% of the total costs as a payment toward the Value Added Tax, which was recently raised from 14.5% to 16%. In the West Bank, Israeli authorities declare 100s of acres of land nr. Salfit as a nature reserve. The IDF delivers demolition notices to 6 Palestinians in a village s. of Hebron; conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Jenin, Tulkarm, and Salfit. Separately, Israeli troops arrest a Palestinian woman at Kisaout prison where she was visiting her incarcerated husband. In East Jerusalem, Israeli police and municipal officials deliver demolition notices to residences in Silwan and the Old City. Separately, Israeli security forces detain 2 Palestinians on raids in Shu‘fat r.c. and the Old City, as well as 3 Palestinian children for throwing stones at a bus. Israeli troops accompany a group of right-wing Jewish activists on a tour of Haram al-Sharif. (AP, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/14; MNA 12/15; PCHR 12/18)

Joining the 70 current participants, 30 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails go on hunger strike against Israel’s use of solitary confinement, its treatment of sick prisoners, and the treatment of Nahar al-Sa‘adi, who has been in solitary confinement and on hunger strike for 1 mo. (IMEMC, WAFA 12/14)

Senior PLO and Fatah leaders meet in Ramallah to discuss possible responses to the death of a senior PA official on 12/10, including ending security coordination with Israel. After the meeting, Pres. Abbas says that reconstruction of Gaza is the PA unity govt.’s primary concern, and the PLO announces that the Palestinian draft UNSC res. will be submitted on 12/17. (JP, MNA 12/14; WAFA 12/15)

In Rome, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets with Russian FM Lavrov about the French and Palestinian draft UNSC res. (MNA, REU 12/14)

The IDF makes a predawn raid on Tulkarm, sparking an exchange of gunfire that leaves 1 Hamas mbr. dead, arresting 3 Palestinians, including local Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) leader Nayif Jaradat; pulls bulldozers out of Bureij r.c., ending a 4-day operation that leveled 55 dunams (4 dunams = 1 acre) of Palestinian land. (HA, XIN 11/17; VOP 11/17 in WNC 11/19; NYT 11/18; PCHR 11/20)

Israeli PM Ariel Sharon meets secretly in Rome with U.S. National Security Council Middle East adviser Elliott Abrams, reportedly briefs Abrams on his plans for unilateral actions in the occupied territories. (HA, VOI 11/22 in WNC 11/25; HA, MM 11/24; WP 11/26)

In Jerusalem, U.S. spedal envoy Dennis Ross meets with Israeli FM David Levy to discuss progress on final status talks. Although they discuss differences btwn. Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) delaying the 2d stage of the 2d further redeployment (FRD) outlined in Wye II, Ross says the problem should be worked out btwn. the 2 sides. Later in the day, Ross meets with PA head Yasir Arafat (MM 11/16; WP 11/17; MEI 11/26)

In Amman, the PA-Jordanian joint Technical Comm. ends a 2-day mtg. on bilateral trade and economic ties. (al-Quds 11/16 in WNC 11/22)

Algeria says it will agree to establish diplomatic relations with Israel as soon as it withdraws fr. the Golan Heights, s. Lebanon, the occupied territories. (ANSA (Rome] 11/16; MM 11/19)

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) expels 300 Palestinians fr. the caves in which they reside nr. Yatta on the West Bank, after declaring the area a closed military zone. (Gush Shalom press release 1/25; NYT 2/22)

IDF troops clash with Islamic Jihad mbrs. in s. Lebanon, killing 2 mbrs. On 11/15, Lebanese PM Salim al-Huss warned Palestinian groups that it is not in Lebanon's interest for them to stage attacks on Israeli targets in or fr. Lebanese territory. (APP 11/16 in WNC 11/21; al-Quds, al-safir 11/16 in WNC 11/22; RL 11/19 in WNC 11/23)

In Cairo, Egypt, Saudi Arabia close 2 days of higher comm. mtgs., agree to reduce barriers to bilateral trade. (MENA 11/16 in WNC 11/21) 

In Rome, the UN Comm. for the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People opens 2-day conference in support of the PA's Bethlehem 2000 tourism, development plan. (Reuters [Internet] 2/18)

Kurdish demonstrations against Ocalan's capture abate in Europe, escalate in Turkey. In the past 3 days, Turkey has sent 10,000 troops into n. Iraq to attack Kurdish rebels, has arrested 750 Kurdish activists in Turkey. To contain the scandal over their involvement in Ocalan's arrest, Greece replaces its FM, 2 cabinet mbrs.; Kenya reshuffles its cabinet. (MM 2/18; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 2/19; MM 2/23) (see 2/18)

IDF fences off the Lebanese village of Arnun to expand its self-declared security zone; says action is meant to protect residents fr. Hizbullah attacks. Lebanon accuses Israel of testing its limits under the 1996 April understandings, aiming to convince the Israel-Lebanon Monitoring Group (ILMG) that occupation is legitimate if it prevents Hizballah fr. using civilian populated areas staging points for attacks, which is prohibited under the understandings. (VOL 2/18 in WNC 2/19; NYT, WP 2/19; SAPA [Johannesburg] 2/19 in WNC 2/22; WP 2/20; MM 2/25; JP, MEI 2/26; MM 4/21)

Hamas spiritual leader Shaykh Ahmad Yassin enters a Gaza hospital with chest pains, high fever. (WT 2/19)

Following talks with Sec. Baker, Kuwaiti Emir announces Kuwait's intention to provide $5 billion during 1990 to U.S. and Gulf states' military and economic campaign against Iraq [LAT, NYT, WP 9/8; MET 9/18]; New York Times reports that with other Gulf contributions and money raised by Treasury Sec. Brady on his tour, the sum "should not only cover the costs of America's involvement in the Gulf, but may even produce a profit for the Treasury" [NYT 9/8].

Sec. Baker flies to Abu Dhabi to meet with UAE Pres. Shaykh Ziyad, then to Cairo for meeting with Pres. Mubarak [MENA 9/7 in FBIS 9/10].

EC ministers meeting in Rome agree to contribute financially to U.S. plan to help Middle East countries hurt by trade embargo against Iraq, but decline to provide direct fi- nancial support for military buildup [LAT 9/8; MEM 9/10].

Dropping its longstanding objection to Soviet military presence in Middle East, U.S. says it would be "useful" for Soviets to contribute ground troops to multinational force in Saudi Arabia [NYT, LAT, WP 9/8].

Fighting between Fateh troops and supporters of Abu Nidal's Fateh Revolutionary Council claims at least 25 lives near Sidon, Lebanon [LAT, NYT, WP 9/8].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: F.M. Peres confirms he wrote Atty. Gen. Edwin Meese III in 1985 about Iraqi oil pipeline project [LAT 2/22]. Peres states continued support for intemational conference but rejects role for U.S.S.R. [LAT 2/22]. UN officials charge Jerusalem police and border guards conducted 2 extensive raids in Shu'fat 2/20 and 2/21, beating residents and damaging property [WP 2/22]. Police reinforcements are deployed in Jerusalem in preparation for Sec. of State Shultz's visit [LAT 2/22]. Palestinian youth from Galilee is fined IS 1,500 and sentenced to 3 months imprisonment for raising Palestinian flag and participating in illegal demonstration 12/21 [FJ 2/28].

Arab World: According to diplomats in Cairo, PLO has withdrawn threat to abandon Cairo declaration (promising not to attack Israelis outside of Israel and the occupied territories) [NYT 2/22].

Other Countries: Palestinian journalist Hanna Siniora travels to Rome to meet with PLO officials about lifting ban on talks with Shultz [NYT 2/22].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Dayr 'Ammar refugee camp near Ramallah, Palestinian is shot, killed; army says shots may have been fired by settlers [LAT 2/22]. Israeli soldiers shoot, wound Palestinian during apparent knife attack on Israeli patrol in Nablus; youth also allegedly involved in attack is killed and 4 others wounded. Army drops tear gas from helicopters to break up crowds at funeral [FJ 2/28]. At least 6 Palestinians are wounded by live ammunition during clashes in Jenin-area town of Qabatiyyah and Gaza's Khan Yunis camp [WP, LAT 2/22]. Khan Yunis is ordered under curfew. Gaza hospital officials report treating 50 for gunshot wounds, beating injuries [FJ 2/28]. Curfew remains in force in Idna; curfews are imposed in Faradis, Za'tara, and Ta'amrah villages in Bethlehem area [FJ 2/28].

Arab World: IDF units raid S. Lebanon village of Bayt al-Siyad in attempt to locate Lt. Col. William Higgins, U.S. marine kidnaped 2/17 [LAT 2/22]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel rejects UN resolution condemning planned deportation of 9 Palestinians from W. Bank and Gaza Strip [LAT 1/7]. Military welds shut 5 Jericho stores closed in observance of general strike [FJ 1/10].

Other Countries: Amnesty Intemational charges Israel with arresting Palestinians arbitrarily in W. Bank and Gaza and with quick military trials in violation of international standards [WP 1/7]. U.S. State Dept. denies U.S. vote against Israel in UN signals deterioration in U.S.-Israel relations [WP 1/7]. Curfews continue in Tulkarm, 'Azzah, and Khan Yunis refugee camps; military imposes curfews on Balatah and 'Askar camps and several neighborhoods in Qalqiliyyah after clashes between troops and demonstrators [FJ 1/10]. Delegation of 20 Greek lawyers leaves occupied territories, issues statement condemning "suppression of human rights" [FJ 1/10]. Michel Sabbah, 1st Arab Roman Catholic bishop of Jerusalem, is consecrated in Rome [FJ 1/10].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Tulkarm, Israeli troops use tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse rock-throwing crowd; Palestinian from Nur Shams refugee camp who stabsoldier is shot, wounded in chest [WP 1/7; FJ 1/10]. Clashes4 are also reported in Qalqiliyyah, Gaza City, Ramallah, Rafah, and several refugee camps [LAT 1/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Curfew is imposed on Ramallah after student protesters throw stones, molotov cocktail at troops. Curfew also ordered for Balatah and Tulkarm camps [FJ 4/12].

Arab World: Reports charge Jordanian Minister of Occupied Territories Affairs Marwan Dudin was involved in disappearance of funds [FJ 4/12].

Other Countries: Christian Science Monitor reports American Civil Liberties Union has filed lawsuit challenging use of McCarran-Walter Act in case of 7 Palestinians arrested by INS 1/26 [CSM 4/9]. Israeli F. M. Peres concludes 3 days of talks with Soviet representatives in Rome [NYT 4/10]. King Hussein and members of Jordanian government meet with British P. M. Thatcher to discuss possibility of Middle East peace conference [IN 4/10]. Israeli Pres. Herzog on state visit to W. Germany asks Bonn not to sell submarines to Saudi Arabia [LAT 4/10].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Military authorities impose curfews on 2 towns and 2 refugee camps on W. Bank after demonstrations in support of prison hunger strike [CSM 4/10].

Arab World: Four Israeli helicopters attack PLO positions in 'Ayn al-Hilwah in S. Lebanon, killing 2 and wounding 6 [NYT 4/10]. Syrian troops reinforce their posts around Beirut's Shatila and Burj al-Barajinah refugee camps; 47 wounded Palestinians are evacuated from Burj al-Barajinah [NYT, IN 4/10].

Military Action: 

PSP and LF exchange artillery fire in Chouf area to south of Beirut; with only sporadic shooting, Tripoli cease-fire holds; Syria says its forces confronted US reconnaissance jet over Metn mountains; IDFconvoy attacked with light arms near Nabatiyeh.

Casualties:

2 civilians killed, 6 wounded by artillery fire in Chouf.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: IDF intensifies patrols, roadblocks in West Bank, buses to travel with armed escorts or in convoy with military vehicles; windshields of Israeli buses driving near Nablus and Ramallah smashed by stones.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Gemayel travels to Rome for 3-day visit.

Arab Governments: Assad meets Ba'ath party leaders, is seen on television for first time since November 14.