The Palestine Chronology

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)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian late at night after he allegedly attempts to stab an Israeli soldier at Qalandia checkpoint nr. Jerusalem. During the day, the IDF patrols in Yatta and 1 village each nr. Ramallah and Hebron. (MNA 7/10; PCHR 7/15)

Israel’s Defense Ministry lifts its gag order on the news of 2 Israeli civilians—a Palestinian bedouin and a Jewish Ethiopian—allegedly being held in Gaza. The Israeli govt. holds Hamas responsible for the men and reportedly lifts the order in the hope that it might lead to negotiations over their release. Hamas does not confirm it is holding the men. (HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, YA 7/9; TOI, YA 7/10)

A senior Israeli official says that the Israeli govt. has changed its position on cooperating with the ICC’s preliminary examination on alleged war crimes committed in the oPt. The govt. will now begin opening contacts with ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda to make its position clear to the court, but only on the subject of jurisdiction. (HA 7/9; AFP 7/10)

U.S. secy. of state John Kerry delivers a statement on the status of the P5+1/Iran negotiations in Vienna. He says that the negotiations will continue, but does not set a new deadline. U.S. chief negotiator Wendy Sherman briefs Israel’s national security adviser Cohen on the talks. Sherman last briefed Cohen at the end of 6/2015. (HA 7/9; AP, HA 7/10; JP 7/11)

In the West Bank, an Israeli officer shoots and kills a stone-throwing Palestinian youth during clashes nr. the Qalandia checkpoint s. of Ramallah. There are no other serious injuries. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against the Israeli occupation in 6 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih, Silwad, Jalazun r.c., and outside Ofer Prison), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 1 Palestinian is seriously injured. The IDF also patrols in 4 villages nr. Ramallah, ‘Ayn al-Sultan r.c., and 1 village nr. Jericho. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian vehicles nr. Nablus, causing damage. Following yesterday’s crackdown on Hamas mbrs., the PASF arrests 21 Palestinian youths affiliated with Hamas’s student organization at an-Najah National University nr. Nablus. (MNA 7/2; HA, MNA, NYT 7/3; TOI, WAFA 7/4; PCHR 7/9; EI [video] 7/13)

In Egypt, SPIS fires 3 Grad rockets into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. (AFP, MNA 7/3; HA 7/4)

The UNHRC votes, 41–1, with 5 abstentions, to adopt a res. welcoming the report produced by the Council’s commission of inquiry, which was published on 6/22. The U.S. casts the lone vote in opposition and India, Kenya, Ethiopia, Paraguay, and Macedonia abstain. (HA, JTA, MEE, MNA, REU, YA 7/3; JP 7/4; YA 7/5; TOI 7/6; JTA 7/7)

The IDF continues its assault on the Gaza Strip by land, sea, and air, killing 66 Palestinians. Armed Palestinian groups fire more than 80 rockets into Israel, with 16 intercepted by Iron Dome batteries. Palestinian fighters kill 2 Israeli soldiers in Gaza. Across the West Bank, there are large demonstrations against the attack on Gaza in Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus, Ramallah, Salfit, Tulkarm, and other locations. IDF troops kill 7 Palestinians as clashes break out during the protests. In one of the clashes, at Hawara checkpoint, an Israeli settler kills a Palestinian, bringing the day’s total to 8. In addition, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries, except in Bil‘in, where 1 is injured by a bullet, and Ni‘lin, where 2 are injured by bullets. In addition, Jewish settlers attack 2 Palestinians in Bayt Hanina, seriously injuring 1. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces clash with Palestinians after worshippers under the age of 50 are banned from entering Haram al-Sharif, injuring around 40. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, YA 7/25; PCHR 7/26)

Meanwhile, in the early afternoon the Israeli cabinet rejects a draft of cease-fire principles proposed by U.S. Secy. of State Kerry, which he based partly on consultations with reps. of Qatar and Turkey. A senior Israeli official reportedly later described the proposal as a “strategic terrorist attack.” Later, Secy. Kerry meets with the UN’s Ban and Arab League Secy.-Gen. al-‘Arabi to discuss the latest developments in Gaza. Kerry also meets with Egyptian FM Shoukri. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, JP 7/25; HA 7/28)

In the evening, the UN, U.S., Egypt, and the Arab League call for an extendable 12-hour humanitarian cease-fire. PM Netanyahu tells Secy. of State Kerry that Israel will observe the humanitarian pause the following day, but the IDF will continue working to locate “terror tunnels.” Hamas spokesperson Abu Zuhri says that al-Qassam Brigades and other factions will observe the humanitarian pause. (AFP, AP, JP, MNA, YA 7/25)

The IDF continues its assault of the Gaza Strip, killing 64 Palestinians, primarily in the s. Khan Yunis area. The IDF says that it is hitting “concealed rocket launchers, terror tunnels, militant compounds, and terror activity posts located within the premises of al-Wafa hospital.” Severe shortages in electricity, water, and medical supplies continue to affect Palestinians in Gaza, with the UN estimating that the total number of displaced has risen to 118,300. Palestinians kill 3 Israeli soldiers inside the Gaza Strip, and severely wound another 2, in an attack claimed by al-Quds Brigades. Armed Palestinian groups fire rockets into s. Israel at a diminished rate relative to previous days, causing no damage and killing 1 Thai worker nr. the border fence. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill 1 Palestinian man during clashes that break out after a protest in Husan village nr. Bethlehem. Clashes also break out in Silwad, and IDF troops injure 2 Palestinians with rubber-coated metal bullets. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Nablus. (AFP, AP, JP, MNA, REU, YA 7/23)

The FAA extends the previous day’s ban on U.S. airline flights to Ben-Gurion Airport for an additional 24 hours. (AFP, AP, JP 7/23)

In a televised speech from Doha, Hamas leader Mish‘al responds to the international calls for a cease-fire, saying that Hamas “cannot accept any proposal that does not include the lifting of the siege.” Mish‘al also calls for a “humanitarian truce” of a few hours “to evacuate the wounded and assist in the relief.” (AFP, AP, HA, MNA 7/23)

In response to an Israeli request on 7/20, the U.S. Defense Dept. agrees to resupply the IDF with arms from the War Reserves Stockpile based in Israel. Details of the sale are not reported until 7/30. (AFP, AP 7/23; Guardian 7/30)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry holds talks with UN Secy.-Gen. Ban in Jerusalem, their 2d meeting of the week. Kerry says afterward that “we have certainly made some steps forward, but there is still work to be done.” Kerry also meets with Pres. Abbas in Ramallah and then with Israeli PM Netanyahu in Tel Aviv, before returning to Cairo with no sign of an imminent breakthrough that might enable a cease-fire. (HA, JP, MNA, YA 7/23)

The UN Human Rights Council in Geneva passes a res., 29–1–17, condemning Israel’s occupation and the current assault on Gaza, as well as commissioning an investigation into potential war crimes committed during the current Gaza conflict, with the U.S. casting the sole “no” vote. Israeli PM Netanyahu calls the vote a “travesty,” while Israel’s Justice Minister Tzipi Livni responds on Facebook with the comment: “Get lost.” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay says that there is a “strong possibility” Israel is committing war crimes in the Gaza Strip. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, YA 7/23)

During the day, the IDF launches multiple strikes on targets across the Gaza Strip, killing 21 Palestinians, except during a 5-hour humanitarian cease-fire. After the humanitarian pause, Palestinian groups resume rocket fire into Israel, launching 105 projectiles, 20 of which are intercepted by Iron Dome batteries. One Israeli soldier nr. the border is wounded by a mortar shell just before the end of the pause. Meanwhile, 13 armed Palestinians enter Israel through a tunnel, but their attack is halted by IDF troops. Reports differ on whether or not 1 Palestinian is killed during the attack. Palestinians also launch a drone into s. Israel, which IDF troops shoot down nr. Ashqelon. UNRWA announces that 20 rockets were discovered in an unused school in Gaza, and condemns those responsible for a “flagrant breach” of international law. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU 7/17; AJ, PCHR 7/18)

At approximately 10:30 P.M., the IDF launches a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip, beginning with heavy artillery shelling of Bayt Hanun and Bayt Lahiya in the n. and incursions nr. the border fence to expand the buffer zone. IDF spokesperson Peter Lerner says the invasion has 2 objectives: “to strike Hamas . . . so they do not have the motivation to continue” and “to strike the terrorist infrastructure, the rockets, the tunnels.” During the invasion, 1 Israeli soldier is killed by friendly fire. Israeli media report that the ground invasion is initiated largely in response to the tunnel attack early in the day. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU 7/17; AJ, PCHR 7/18)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot a Palestinian farmer nr. Nablus, shoot and injure 1 resident during clashes in al-Fara’a r.c. nr. Tubas, and shoot and injure 2 residents during clashes nr. Ramallah. IDF troops also shoot and injure 7 Palestinians during a demonstration at Qalandia checkpoint. The IDF conducts house searches, arrest raids in 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night; patrols in 3 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Salfit in the afternoon. Meanwhile, armed Palestinians open fire on IDF troops at a checkpoint nr. Ramallah, causing no injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces raid Haram al-Sharif and assault worshippers protesting a visit by rightwing Jewish activists. Israeli forces also detain approximately 36 Palestinians. Meanwhile, police charge 3 Jewish Israelis with the murder of Abu Khdeir. (AFP, AP, HA, JP, MNA, REU 7/17; AJ, PCHR 7/18)

UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Serry requests a 5-hour humanitarian cease-fire and it is observed. An unnamed Israeli defense official tells the media that the cease-fire is for Palestinians in Gaza to see the damage wrought by Israel thus far. (AFP, AP, HA, REU 7/17)

Hours before the ground invasion starts, the U.S. Senate agrees to a nonbinding res. condemning the rocket fire against Israel and reiterating Israel’s right to defend itself. The res. has 78 cosponsors and the support of many U.S.-based, pro-Israel groups, including AIPAC. (AFP, AP, JP 7/17; AJ 7/18)

A Freedom Flotilla II boat manages to depart from Corsica but is detained before it reaches international waters. Unidentified Palestinians fire a rocket fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In retaliation, the IDF makes an air strike on a smuggling tunnel on the n. Gaza border with Israel, causing no reported injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in Hebron and 3 villages nr. Qalqilya during the day, without incident; patrols in Tulkarm in the afternoon, randomly stopping and searching Palestinian vehicles; patrols in ‘Azun in the afternoon, detaining 2 Palestinian teenagers for several hours; patrols in Bayt Liqya at night, firing rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades at stone-throwing Palestinians who confront them, causing no serious injuries. (AFP 7/3; WP, WT 7/4; JP 7/6; PCHR 7/7; OCHA 7/8)

Fayyad says the PA will pay government employees only half their salaries for 7/2011 because of “the failure of donors, including our Arab brothers, to fulfill their pledges.” He calls the situation “without a doubt, the worst financial crisis the [PA] has ever faced.” (NYT 7/4; 7/28)

The IDF conducts arrest raids in Hebron (targeting the AMB), Jenin (targeting Islamic Jihad), Ramallah (targeting the AMB). Israeli border police fatally shoot a bedouin driving in the Negev when he refuses orders to stop; the Israelis suspected him of transporting illegal workers fr. the occupied territories; 10s of angry local residents demonstrate, damage police cars, throw stones at police officers. Unidentified assailants attempt to assassinate PA military intelligence chief Maj. Gen. Musa Arafat, firing a rocket-propelled grenade at his office; the grenade misses, hits a prison, injuring 13 inmates. Israel announces that the Jewish settler population has increased by 5,415 during the 1st half of 2003. (HA, MM 7/24; AFP, WP 7/25; JP 7/27 in WNC 7/30; PR 7/30; PCHR 8/7)

IDF fatally shoots Islamic Jihad mbr. Mu`ammar Daraghma, as he drives nr. Jenin in what is likely an assassination. The IDF raids, shuts the admin. offices of al-Quds University in Jerusalem, confiscating files, computers; seals the office of university pres. Sari Nusseibeh, who is also the PLO official in charge of Jerusalem affairs. In Jerusalem's old city, an exchange of gunfire btwn. an Israeli police officer, a Palestinian motorist stopped for an ID check leaves 1 Palestinian bystander dead, the police officer wounded. The IDF also demolishes 6 Palestinian homes in Rafah, severely damages 2 others; reoccupies Bayt Rima, ordering all men to surrender for questioning; imposes a curfew on Husan; conducts arrest raids in Bayt Awa, Bethlehem, Nur al-Shams r.c., Qalqilya, Tafuh, al-Til, Tulkarm r.c. Jewish settlers under IDF protection take control of 1,400 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Jaba', outside Jerusalem.(HP 7/9; LAW, MM, NYT, PCHR, WP 7/10; MA 7/10 in WNC 7/11; WJW 7/11; AFP 7/11 in WNC 7/15; MA 7/11 in WNC 7/16; MA 7/15 in WNC 7/17; MM 7/17, 7/19)

A group of 400 Jewish immigrants fr. the U.S. and Canada arrive in Israel; 75% of them will live in Beit Shemesh, Jerusalem. They arrive as part of a new Jewish Agency program to encourage entire established Jewish communities in N. America to immigrate to Israel with their rabbis. American Evangelical Christians representing the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ) donated $5,000 to each of the 400 to help finance the move. Another group of 130 is expected to arrive in the next few mos. (JP 7/9; Trenton Times 7/10; WJW 7/11; MEI 7/26) (see 6/22)

At Camp David, MD, Arafat, Barak, Clinton open their 3-way summit on final status issues under a media blackout. According to the State Dept., Clinton 1st holds brief 1-on-1 mtgs. with Arafat, Barak. Then the 3 men meet briefly together. Then the Israeli, PA, U.S. teams hold a short opening session. Later in the evening, Clinton holds 2 mtgs. with Arafat, 1 with Barak. (MM, CSM 7/11; White House press briefing 7/11, 7/12; XIN 7/11, Le Monde, al-Quds 7/12 in WNC 7/13; CSM, JP [Internet], MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/12; MM, WJW 7/13; MEI 7/14)

During their 1-on-1 talks, Barak informs Clinton that Israel has suspended the sale of an AWACS technology to China. (MM, NYT, WJW, WP, WT 7/13; AFP, Zhongguo Tongxun She [Hong Kong] 7/13 in WNC 7/17; Le Monde, SA 7/14 in WNC 7/18; JP 7/21)

In Nablus, and Ramallah, 100s of Palestinian refugees hold a rally to urge Arafat not to back down on the refugees' right of return at the Camp David summit. In Jerusalem, 1,500 Israelis rally to support Barak's decision to go to Camp David. (MM, NYT 7/12)

A U.S. federal judge orders Iran to pay $327 m. to the families of 2 Americans killed in a suicide bombing in Israel on 2/25/96, saying the evidence shows that fmr. Iranian officials aided Hamas in staging the attack. This is the 4th time that a U.S. judge has ordered Iran to pay damages under a 1996 act that allows American victims of terrorist acts abroad legal recourse in U.S. courts. (WP 7/12; WJW 7/13)

A joint mtg. of the donors's Joint Liaison Comm., Local Aid Coordination Comm. is held in al-Barid, nr. Jerusalem. (AYM 6/30 in WNC 7/1; AYM 6/30, 7/1 in WNC 7/6)

Arafat meets with King Abdallah in Amman for talks on the peace process, coordinating positions in advance of final status talks; also reportedly undergoes medical checkup. (RMC 6/29 in WNC 6/30; al-Ra'i 6/20 in WNC 7/2)

In Washington, Egyptian pres. Mubarak meets with Secy. of State Albright, encourages U.S. to support 7/14-15 mtg. of the signatories to the Fourth Geneva Convention. U.S. says it still opposes the mtg. (NYT, WT 6/30; MEI 7/16)

IDF Chief of Staff Shaul Mofaz announces that outgoing DM Arens has issued instructions to the IDF to ignore the 1996 April understandings, suspended Israel's participation in the Israel-Lebanon Monitoring Group (ILMG), claiming that Hizballah's 6/24 rocket attacks on n. Israel voided the 4/96 agmt. The April understandings, which ended Israel's 1996 Grapes of Wrath campaign against Lebanon, called on all parties in s. Lebanon to avoid harming civilians. (RL, RMC 6/29 in WNC 6/30; MM, WT 6/30; RL 6/30 in WNC 7/1; RL 7/3 in WNC 7/6; MM 7/5; JP 7/9)

Turkish court finds PKK leader Ocalan guilty of treason, a charge that automatically carries a death sentence and is automatically appealed. Turkey has not carried out an execution since 1984. Public response is muted as the verdict was widely expected. (AFP, ATL, La Une Radio [Brussels], LPA, MTI [Budapest], NTV [Moscow], RAI Televideo [Rome], RNE-1 Radio [Madrid], SAPA [Johannesburg], Xinhua [Beijing] 6/29 in WNC 6/30; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/30) (see 6/21)

After wks. of debate, PM Netanyahu, senior advisers make final decision not to hold a national referendum on the FRD issue, despite polls that found that 62% of the public support such a vote. Netanyahu says that he will decide on holding a referendum only after an FRD agmt. has been reached. (CSM 6/25; ITV 6/25 in WNC 6/29; MM 6/26; ITV 6/28 in WNC 6/30; NYT 6/30)

In Cairo, the Arab League holds an emergency session to discuss Israel's plan for to expand Jerusalem's municipal boundaries, urges EU intervention. (RE 6/15 in WNC 6/16

In Amman, Iran, Jordan discuss expanding bilateral relations. (IRNA 6/25 in WNC 6/26)

Israel airlifts last 60 (of 3,900) Ethiopians of Jewish descent fr. Addis Ababa to Tel Aviv. (WP 6/26)

After 10 mos. of negotiations, Hizballah turns over body of IDF soldier killed in a raid on s. Lebanon 9/5/97. In exchange, Israel returns to Lebanon the bodies of 40 Amal, Hizballah mbrs. (including body of Hizballah leader Shaykh Hassan Nasrallah's son Hadi). (MM, WT 6/25; AFP, RL, RMC 6/25 in WNC 6/26; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/26; al-Watan al-Arabi 6/26 in WNC 6/29; AFP 6/26 in WNC 6/29; WJW 7/2; MEI 7/3; JP 7/4)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah detonates a roadside bomb, killing 2 IDF soldiers, wounding 4. (MM 6/25; AFP, VOL 6/25 in WNC 6/26; NYT, WP 6/26)

In Ramallah, Arafat holds mtg. with Netanyahu atty. Molho discuss Israeli arrest of 3 PA policemen 7/15, resumption of security coordination, hopes for resumption of negotiations. (MA 7/22 in WNC 7/23)

At EU special envoy Moratinos's invitation, Israeli FM Levy, PA Planning M Shaath meet to discuss possible confidence-building measures as part of EU bid to advance the stalled peace process ahead of a mtg. of EU FMs 7/22. The pair also discusses Israeli allegations regarding 3 PA policemen (see 7/17). (WT 7/21; JP 7/26)

Israeli cabinet approves legislation (opposed by Arabs, human rights groups) to block compensation to Palestinians wounded by the IDF, the families of those killed during the intifada. The Knesset must now vote on the measure. (WT 7/23; MEI 7/25; MM 7/29)

Israeli Infrastructure M Sharon proposes amendment to the direct-election law that would reduce fr. 80 to 61 the number of MKs needed to oust the PM without dissolving the Knesset. Netanyahu denounces the proposal. (ITV 7/20, QY, YA 7/21 in WNC 7/22; MEI 7/25) (see 7/18)

On Arafat's orders, the PSF arrests 4 PA policemen--including Col. Jihad Musaymi, Col. Nafiz Musmar--based on Israel's claim that Musaymi, acting on orders fr. Gaza police chief Brig. Gen. Ghazi Jabali, sent squads under his command to carry out unspecified anti-Israeli attacks. (AFP, MA 7/20 in WNC 7/22; MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/21; MEI 7/25; JP 7/26)

Abington returns to Washington after 4 yrs. as U.S. consul gen. in Jerusalem. Jason Walles will serve as acting consul gen. until a new person can be appointed. (WT 7/21)

In Amman, University of Jordan students stage an on-campus procession to denounce the 7/19 Daqamsa verdict, settler provocations in Hebron. (MM 7/21; JT 7/21 in WNC 7/22)

In Washington, PA Local Government M Erakat meets with Undersecy. of State Thomas Pickering; says that the U.S. is working on a new initiative, based on a "package deal," to help restart peace talks. Pickering later meets with PM Netanyahu's political adviser Uzi Arad to discuss issues pertaining to Iran, Syria. (MM, WT 7/21; MM 7/22; WJW 7/24; MEI 7/25)

In Nablus, PA court opens the trial of 3 mbrs. of Force 17, 1 civilian on charges of kidnapping, collaboration with Israel. The prosecution charges that the 4 men, under orders fr. Israeli intelligence, kidnapped, assaulted several Nablus residence in a bid to "wreck the reputation of the [PA] security forces." Evidence is not made public. (AFP 7/19 in WNC 7/29) (see 7/3)

Syria halts broadcasts, closes offices of the Voice of Iraq Iraqi opposition radio, which has operated in Damascus for 17 yrs. (AFP 7/20 in WNC 7/29; SA 7/24 in WNC 7/25; MEI 8/8) (see 7/13)

Jordanian military court finds Daqamsa guilty of killing 7 Israeli girls, wounding 7 on 3/13 but rules out premeditation (which caries the death penalty); sentences him to life in prison with hard labor. (NYT, WT 7/20; MM 7/21; JP 7/26) (see 6/16)

Jordan's CPPA adopts decision to boycott 11/97 elections. All assn. reps. attending (Agronomists Assn., Bar Assn., Engineers Assn., Dentists Assn., Contractors Assn., Geologists Assn., Nurses Assn., Veterinarians Assn., Pharmacists Assn., Physicians Assn., Writers League) approve the decision. Reps. of the Auditors Assn., Press Assn. do not attend. (al-Ra'i 7/20 in WNC 7/22; MM 7/22) (see 7/15)

Mtg. at Egyptian amb. Muhammad Basyuni's home in the presence of U.S. Amb. Martin Indyk, Israeli DM Mordechai, PA Planning M Nabil Shaath make some progress toward expediting operations at Rafah airport; resuming talks on construction of Gaza port, safe passage. (MM 7/10; PR 7/18; JP 7/19)

PA police use tear gas to break up a brawl at a soccer match in al-Bireh, the cause of which was not known. (PR 7/18)

Having concluded that Jordan's new voting system, increasingly authoritarian executive, and recent curbs on freedom of expression make it "futile" for the opposition to try to use parliament to influence state policy, the Muslim Brotherhood announces that it will boycott the 11/97 parliamentary elections. The Brotherhood's political affiliate, the IAF, will decide whether or not it will follow suit at its next session 7/12. (al-Dustur, JT, 7/9 in WNC 7/10; RJ 7/9, al-Dustur, JT, al-Ra'i 7/10 in WNC 7/11; MM 7/10, 7/14; MEI 7/25)

Under pressure fr. the Gulf states (which have poured millions of dollars into rebuilding Beirut's stadium, and Lebanon in general, after its civil war), Lebanon denies visas to Iraqi athletes due to compete in the 8th Arab Games, which open in Beirut 7/12. (MM 7/9, 7/11; AFP 7/11 in WNC 7/14; MM 7/14)

IDF abducts Lebanese journalist Roger Nahra, 2 relatives fr. Nahra's home in s. Lebanon. Netanyahu adviser Bar-Ilan says Nahra has been taken to Israel for interrogation on suspicion of participating in "terrorist" activity. The 2 relatives are taken to al-Khiyam prison. (MM 7/10; WT 8/13)

In Hebron, Palestinians protest posters depicting the Prophet Muhammad as a pig. IDF soldiers shoot rubber bullets at protesters, injuring 1; arrest settler for distributing the posters. In Jerusalem, Palestinians protest Israel's failure to release prisoners, scuffle with IDF soldiers. (WT 6/29; al-Quds 6/30, AFP 7/1 in WNC 7/2; al-Ra'i 7/2 in WNC 7/3; PR 7/4; TJT 7/4 in WNC 7/8; MEI 7/11; JP 7/13)

Reversing his 7/16 decision, PM Rabin promises Rachel's tomb will remain under full Israeli control, Jews will have access to Machapela Cave (Hebron), Joseph's tomb (Nablus), comm. of MKs fr. religious parties will be set up to advise Israeli negotiators on holy sites in West Bank. (MM 7/25; JP 7/25 in FBIS 7/25; MA, QY 7/26 in FBIS 7/26; JP 8/5)

U.S. Amb. to Israel Indyk holds prescheduled mtg. with MKs Arye Deri, David Levi, Moshe Qatzav, Nisim Zvili, Gedalya Gal. (MM 7/26; HA 7/28 in FBIS 7/30)

At Tulkarm checkpoint, Palestinian workers upset by delays in entering Israel despite their permits begin riot. IDF shoots, wounds 2. (PR 8/4)

PA police arrest 20 Hamas mbrs. in connection with 7/24 attack. (AFP 7/25 in FBIS 7/26)

Knesset approves establishment of 1-man breakaway faction fr. Moledet named Right of Israel. Party head MK Sha'ul Gutman will keep his seat, likely align with Kach. (JP 7/25 in FBIS 7/26) (see 7/19)

U.S. immigration (INS) officials detain, strip search Hamas mbr. Abu Marzuq, his wife, and 6 children on entry to the U.S. at Kennedy airport. While out of the country, Abu Marzuq, a permanent U.S. resident who has lived in Virginia for 14 yrs., was placed on the INS terrorism watch list on suspicion of being a Hamas decision maker, fund-raiser for Hamas. He may either be tried in the U.S., extradited to Israel (if requested), or deported to the UAE (his point of departure for the U.S.). (WP 7/27; NYT, WT 7/28; MEI 8/4) (see 5/31)

In s. Lebanon, 1 SLA mbr. killed, 3 wounded when Hizballah mbrs. detonate roadside bomb.

Israel, PA reach tentative accord on transfer of West Bank agriculture, labor, local administration spheres; agree to table water issues for now. (CSM 7/13)

Israel, PA scrap idea of moving talks fr. Egypt to Italy because of Egypt's protests, Arafat's strong preference to keep negotiations in the region; say talks will resume in Egypt or Israel 7/14. PA Economic M Qurai` thanks Italy for hosting "three sessions of negotiations [that] have taken place in Italy in recent days, far from the media"--leading to speculation secret talks are being held. (QY 7/12 in FBIS 7/12; AFP, VOP 7/12 in FBIS 7/13; AFP 7/13 in FBIS 7/17; al-Majd 7/17 in FBIS 7/18) (see 7/10, 7/11)

In Damascus, U.S. envoy Ross holds follow-up mtg. with Syrian FM al-Shara`; returns to Israel, briefs PM Rabin; meets with Arafat in Gaza, assures him U.S. attaches importance to the conclusion of an agmt. on the next stage of self rule. (SARR 7/12, QY 7/13 in FBIS 7/13; al-Hayat 7/14 in FBIS 7/17)

Arafat meets with Russian charge d'affaires on Russia's decision to open a liaison mission to the PA; briefs Turkish consul general on current status of talks with Israel. (VOP 7/12 in FBIS 7/13)

PA Local Government M Saeb Erakat meets with EU rep. Thomas Dupla about EU supervision of elections; briefs U.S. Consul Gen. Abington on latest events in the peace process. (VOP 7/12 in FBIS 7/13)

15 prominent Orthodox rabbis call on IDF soldiers to disobey any orders to redeploy, remove army bases fr. the West Bank. PM Rabin says appeal is a call for "anarchy," asks atty. gen. to see whether rabbis should be prosecuted. (MM 7/12; QY 7/12 in FBIS 7/13; MM, NYT, WP 7/13; CSM, WT 7/14; CSM 7/17; WJW 7/20; MEI 7/21; JP 7/22)

Shin Bet tells PM Rabin that Hamas has shown no signs of trying to carry out attacks for 3 wks, they suspect the slowdown is a product of Hamas aspirations to take part in elections. (IDF Radio 7/12 in FBIS 7/14)

In keeping with call by settler leaders 7/10, 100s of settlers block West Bank highway, try to move trailers into Hazayit hill to expand Efrat settlement; 42 are arrested by IDF. (MM 7/12; QY 7/12 in FBIS 7/12; NYT 7/13; JP 7/22)

Monthly 2-day mtg. of the  task force of the Multilateral Working Group on Economic Development opens in Cairo. (al-Hayat, MM 5/16; al-Sha`b 5/19 in FBIS 5/23)

In Tel Aviv, PA, Israel hold 1st talks on expanding self-rule, marking 1st time talks have been held inside Israel. Sides agree to transfer 5 more spheres (energy, insurance, labor, postal services, trade and industry) by 7/1. (AFP, MENA, VOP 5/16 in FBIS 5/17; JP 5/27)

In Washington, Syrian FM Faruq al-Shara`, Amb. to U.S. Walid Mu`allim meet with special Middle East envoy Dennis Ross, National Security Council (NSC) adviser Mark Parris; discuss peace process. (RMC, SARR 5/16 in FBIS 5/17)

In continuing crackdown, PA arrests 10 Hamas mbrs., bringing total detained in past 48 hrs. to 20. (AFP 5/16 in FBIS 5/17; MM 5/17)

Steve Abrams, frmr. dep. council for the House Comm. on International Relations, becomes AIPAC's senior lobbyist on economic and trade issues. "For me," he says, "this is coming home." (JP 7/27)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Detainees at Ansar 3 prison (also known as Ketziot) begin 2-day hunger strike demanding improved conditions [JP 7/20].

Arab World: In Baghdad Bassam Abu Sharif, spokesman for Yasir Arafat, tells Agence France Presse that Yitzhaq Shamir, through Romanian intermediaries, offered to let PLO take control of parts of the territories [NYT 7/19].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Petah Tikva 22-year-old Palestinian from Jit is shot dead by Israeli soldier [FJ 7/24]. In Nablus Palestinian is shot in the chest during demonstration [FJ 7/24]. In Kafr Haris settlers cut down 35 trees [FJ 7/24].

Arab World: 3 men convicted of taking part in the 1981 assassination of Pres. Anwar Sadat of Egypt escape from a maximum security prison outside Cairo [NYT 7/20].