The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, stone-throwing Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians in Asira, injuring 1 Palestinian. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinian shepherds east of Yatta; no major injuries were reported. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers vandalized Palestinian-owned olive trees in Jalud. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. In Israel, 1 Israeli teenager was killed during a confrontation between Israeli and Palestinian teenagers near Afula. (HA, WAFA, WAFA 10/24; PCHR 10/29; HA 10/30)

In Israel, thousands of protesters continued the weekly demonstrations against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demanding his resignation. This marked the 18th Saturday in a row that thousands of Israelis have been protesting outside of Netanyahu’s official residence. (HA 10/24)

Former Sudanese prime minister and leader of the country’s biggest political party Sadiq al-Mahdi denounced Sudan’s planned normalization with Israel announced on 10/23, saying that the deal “contributes to the elimination of the peace project in the Middle East and to preparing for the ignition of a new war.” Many other Sudanese parties and politicians spoke out against the normalization deal. (AJ, HA, REU, WAFA 10/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers sprayed racist graffiti on several structures, including a mosque, and punctured the tires of 3 vehicles in Kafr Malik near Ramallah. Israeli settlers also uprooted 30 olive trees near Bani Na‘im. Israeli forces arrested 16 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, Nablus, and Ramallah. Israeli authorities also approved cutting down around 2,000 olive trees south of Bethlehem. In Gaza, 5 Palestinians were hospitalized after suffering from tear gas inhalation east of Rafah. In the Israeli city of Afula, local Jewish Israelis, including the city’s mayor, protested the sale of a home to a Palestinian-Israeli family. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/16; HA, WAFA, WAFA 6/17)

The Israeli Jerusalem municipality approved naming streets in the Silwan neighborhood in East Jerusalem after Jewish rabbis. (HA 6/17)

The chairman of Qatar’s National Committee for the Reconstruction of Gaza Mohammed al-Emadi met Israeli and Palestinian officials in Israel and Gaza to discuss the implementation of the cease-fire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas in May. The Qatari delegation also delivered $20 million for vulnerable Palestinians in Gaza and for humanitarian projects. Some 108,000 families will receive $400 in 4 $100 payments. (HA 6/16; HA 6/17)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled a sign for a planned community in the Golan Heights called Trump Heights, named after U.S. president Donald Trump. Netanyahu decided to dedicate a settlement construction project to President Trump after Trump unilaterally recognized Israel’s annexation of the Syrian Golan Heights. (HA 6/16)

U.S. special representative for international negotiations Jason Greenblatt told The Jerusalem Post that the U.S. administration may delay the unveiling of the U.S. peace plan until November 2019 because of the upcoming Israeli elections in September. In the interview, Greenblatt also said that he supports U.S. ambassador to Israel David Friedman’s statement from 6/8 that Israel has a right to annex parts of the West Bank. (AJ, HA 6/16)

In the West Bank, thousands of Israeli settlers gather at the illegal Netiv Ha’avot settlement outpost near Bethlehem to protest the impending evacuation and demolition of 15 homes therein. The High Court of Justice initially ordered the outpost demolished by early 3/2018 in response to a petition from the Israeli NGO Peace Now in 2016. The court then allowed a three-month delay to give the government time to facilitate a smooth relocation process for the residents. Separately, settlers enter Burin village near Nablus, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and Palestinian residents; 2 Palestinians are injured. The Israeli authorities issue stop-work orders to a Palestinian home under construction in al-Khadir village near Bethlehem. IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids in Hebron and Nablus, and patrol in and around Tulkarm, Salfit, and Hebron. Along Gaza’s border fence, unidentified Palestinians fly incendiary kites and balloons across the border fence, sparking a number of small fires in southern Israel. Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Dayr al-Balah and open fire on Palestinian farmland nearby, causing no damage or injuries. In north Israel, Israeli police arrest a West Bank Palestinian after he allegedly stabs and injures an Israeli civilian in Afula. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, YA 6/11; TOI 6/12; PCHR 6/14)

The IDF maintains, for a 2d day, the closure of Araqa where 2 Palestinians were killed on 2/14; declares it a closed military zone. They conduct raids in the village, arresting 2 Palestinians. Meanwhile, IDF troops conduct raids in al-Am‘ari r.c. nr. Ramallah, arresting 2 Palestinians and sparking clashes with stonethrowing and armed youths; 42 Palestinians and 1 Israeli soldier are injured. Late at night, they escort 17 busloads of Israelis to Joseph’s Tomb outside Nablus to perform religious rites, sparking more clashes with stone-throwers; there are no serious injuries. Israeli forces demolish 20 residential structures in a village nr. Nablus; deliver stop-work orders to 2 homes under construction in Qalqilya. Throughout the day, the IDF conducts raids and house searches in 2 villages each nr. Jenin and Salfit and 1 nr. Bethlehem, as well as in Qalqilya and Hebron, arresting 11 Palestinians and issuing an arrest summons to 1; patrols in 3 villages nr. Hebron and 1 nr. Tulkarm. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City, causing no damage. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers nr. Khan Yunis, causing no injuries. Meanwhile, the Egyptian authorities keep the Rafah border crossing open for a 3d and final day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault and arrest a Palestinian youth outside the Old City after they search and find a knife on her person. They also arrest 1 Palestinian on a raid in Issawiyya. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 2/15; TOI 2/16; OCHA, PCHR 2/18)

Palestinian hunger striker al-Qiq refuses an Israeli court offer to transfer him from Emek Medical Center in Afula to a hospital in East Jerusalem, demanding to be treated at a Palestinian hospital in the West Bank. Al-Qiq has been on hunger strike since 11/24, days after he was captured from his Ramallah home and held under administrative detention. (MNA 2/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli soldiers shoot and injure a Palestinian youth at a checkpoint nr. Jenin after he allegedly attempts to stab them. IDF troops raid Birzeit University overnight, destroying admin. and student property largely belonging to mbrs. of the Hamas-affiliated student bloc. IDF troops conduct late-night raids and house searches in 1 village nr. Tulkarm, ‘Aqabat Jabir r.c. nr. Jericho, Nablus and 1 nearby village, Jenin and 1 village nearby, and 2 villages nr. Hebron, arresting 10 Palestinians and issuing arrest summons to 1; patrol in 2 villages each nr. Ramallah and Jericho. Dozens of Israeli settlers perform religious rituals at Joseph’s Tomb nr. Nablus overnight, sparking clashes between their IDF escort and stone-throwing Palestinians in the area; there are no serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian accused of throwing stones in Hizma village; arrest 4 Palestinians on late-night raids in al-Tur. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (JP, TOI, WAFA 1/11; PCHR 1/14)

The organization Physicians for Human Rights–Israel, which has been working on the case of Palestinian hunger striker al-Qiq, requests that the Israeli Prison Service appoints an independent physician to assess his condition. There are conflicting press reports that the medical team at Emek Medical Center in Afula, where al-Qiq is being held, are preparing to forcibly feed him. (MNA 1/12; PHRI 1/20)

Stabbing and other small-scale attacks continue in Israel and Jerusalem. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians attack a group of Jewish Israelis on an Israeli bus in Jabal Mukabir, killing 2 and injuring at least 10 (a 3d Israeli will succumb to injuries sustained in the attack on 10/27). Israeli police shoot the 2 Palestinians, killing 1 and seriously injuring the other. In West Jerusalem, a Palestinian driver rams an Israeli pedestrian, then gets out of his car and stabs 5 other Israelis (1 Israeli will succumb to his injuries later in the day). Israeli police shoot and critically injure the Palestinian before arresting him (the Palestinian succumbs to his injuries later in the day). In Israel, Israeli police shoot and seriously injure a Palestinian after he stabs and moderately injures an Israeli in Ra’anana, n. of Tel Aviv. Later, a Palestinian stabs and injures 4 Israelis in the same city. Several Jewish Israelis assault and detain him as he attempts to flee, including 1 Israeli driver who rams the man with his vehicle. An Israeli man attacks a Palestinian citizen of Israel in Netanya, lightly injuring him. In Kiryat Ata nr. Haifa, a Jewish Israeli stabs and moderately injures another Jewish Israeli, mistakenly identifying him as a Palestinian. Following the morning’s attacks, Israel’s security cabinet meets and decides not to return the bodies of Palestinians shot and killed by Israeli forces after carrying out attacks on Israeli citizens. Instead of returning the bodies to their families, they will bury them secretly. The cabinet also decides to revoke the residency status of Palestinian attackers, bar any homes punitively demolished from being rebuilt, and allow the police to “impose a closure on, or to surround, centers of friction and incitement in Jerusalem, in accordance with security considerations”. (HA, JP, NYT, TOI 10/13; EI, HA, MNA, NYT 10/14; HA 10/27)

For the 5th day in a row, IDF troops open fire on hundreds of Palestinians protesting along Gaza’s border fence e. of al-Bureij r.c. and nr. the Erez border crossing, injuring 51. They also disperse and drive back around 30 Palestinians who cross the s. border. The Israeli authorities close the Erez crossing shortly after the clashes. Later, Palestinians open fire on Israeli forces patrolling along the border fence e. of Khan Yunis, causing no damage. Off the coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI 10/13; HA 10/14; PCHR 10/15; PCHR 10/22)

Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops clash with and violently disperse Palestinians protesting and throwing stones throughout the region, killing 1 Palestinian in Bethlehem and injuring at least 33. Israeli forces raid the Jenin home of the Palestinian who allegedly stabbed and injured an Israeli soldier in Afula on 10/8, preparing for a possible punitive demolition. The IDF also conducts raids and house searches nr. Hebron, Nablus, and Tulkarm, arresting 13 Palestinians. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian drivers nr. Nablus and nr. Hebron, injuring 1 Palestinian in the former and sparking minor clashes in the latter. Israeli settlers also assault and moderately injure a Palestinian youth outside a settlement e. of Jerusalem; assault 4 Palestinian farmers working nr. Ramallah. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/13; PCHR 10/15; PCHR 10/22)

In Israel, many schools, public institutions, and businesses in predominantly Palestinian cities go on strike, and around 20,000 Palestinian citizens of Israel and solidarity activists march through Sakhnin protesting the recent Israeli restrictions at Haram al-Sharif and violations in the oPt. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 10/13; EI, HA 10/14; PCHR 10/15; PCHR 10/22)

Three errant mortar shells launched from Syria land in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, causing no damage or injuries. In response, the IDF fires artillery shells at 2 Syrian army targets nr. the border, causing damage. (HA, JP, TOI 10/13)

For the 1st time since the wave of violence began, Gazans gather en masse to protest the recent Israeli violence. Israeli forces open fire on more than 3,000 protesters in 5 locations along the border fence, killing 6 Palestinians and injuring 67 others (2 more Palestinians will succumb to their injuries on 10/10 and 10/16, respectively). Late at night, unidentified Palestinians fire 3 rockets toward Israel. After the rocket fire and the morning’s deadly clashes, the IDF deploys Iron Dome missile defense batteries nr. Beersheba and Ofakim. (HA, MNA, TOI, YA 10/9; HA, MNA 10/10; PCHR 10/15)

Stabbing incidents continue in the West Bank, Jerusalem, and Israel, with 3 such incidents throughout the day. First, Israeli forces shoot a Palestinian after he stabs an Israeli border police officer outside the Kiryat Arba settlement nr. Hebron (the Palestinian attacker will succumb to his injuries later in the day). After the attack, Israeli settlers assault Palestinians and their property across Hebron and Nablus, including several journalists. In c. Jerusalem, a Palestinian stabs and lightly injures an Israeli youth with a vegetable peeler, then Israeli police arrest him. In Israel, an Israeli youth stabs and injures 4 Palestinians, including 1 bedouin employee of the municipal govt., in Dimona. Relatedly, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian woman claiming that she stabbed an Israeli security guard in Afula. (After a video of the incident is released, the Israeli Justice Ministry will find [10/28] that she had no intention of attacking Israelis.) After the incident in Afula, Palestinian youths protest throughout the surrounding areas, throwing stones at Israeli police. Similarly, a private security officer shoots and injures a Palestinian at a settlement outpost, then the IDF detains the Palestinian when they find a knife and gun on his person. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, NYT, YA 10/9; PCHR 10/14; MNA 10/28)

Meanwhile, IDF troops clash with and violently disperse hundreds of Palestinians throwing stones and protesting throughout the West Bank and East Jerusalem, killing 1 Palestinian and injuring hundreds more. Palestinians throw stones at Israeli vehicles nr. Ramallah, lightly injuring 5 Israelis. The IDF also conducts raids and patrols in the Hebron area and East Jerusalem, arresting 11 Palestinians including 1 journalist. Meanwhile, the Israeli authorities bar Palestinian men under 45 from Haram al-Sharif today and close all but 5 entrances to the sanctuary in an effort to deter clashes at the site amid rising tensions in the oPt. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, NYT, TOI, YA 10/9; HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 10/10; PCHR 10/14; MNA 10/16; MNA 10/28)

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)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on and wound Palestinians in 2 separate incidents; 1 nr. Khan Yunis, a civilian close to the border fence, and 2 nr. al-Musaddar, hitting a farmer. IDF troops also conduct a limited incursion in the c. Gaza Strip to level land close to the border fence. In Israel, a Palestinian from Jenin stabs to death an Israeli soldier on a bus in Afula, later telling investigators that he was motivated to avenge the imprisonment of his relatives. In the West Bank, the IDF shoots and injures a Palestinian with live ammunition during clashes nr. Rachel’s Tomb in Bethlehem. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon (that of the killer of an IDF solider on the bus), and in Hebron and 2 nearby villages, and 2 villages nr. Jenin at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron in the morning, Hebron and 1 nearby village in the afternoon. Jewish settlers set fire to a Palestinian home nr. Ramallah and leave “price-tag” graffiti, in reference to the earlier killing of an Israeli soldier. (HA, MNA 11/13; PCHR 11/14)

The Palestinian negotiating team resign in protest at Israeli settlement construction, Pres. Abbas announces. Negotiator Mohammed Shtayyeh says that the move had not yet been accepted by Abbas. An unnamed Palestinian official says that there are no immediate plans for new peace talks, in light of the development. In response, U.S. State Dept. spokesperson Jen Psaki notes that Abbas remains committed to a 9-month time frame peace process. Meanwhile, the Knesset Finance Cmte. authorizes NIS 36 million by way of compensation to settler councils for the 2009 construction freeze. (AFP, HA, MNA, REU 11/13)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry and VP Joe Biden brief the Senate Banking Cmte. and ask them to hold back on new sanctions targeting Tehran to allow talks with Iran to proceed in a productive atmosphere. (AP 11/13)

The IDF withdraws troops fr. the outskirts of Gaza City, where residents find the bodies of another Hamas mbr. and a 13-yr.-old Palestinian killed during recent clashes, 9 Palestinian homes completely demolished, 16 partially destroyed, at least 80 d. of agricultural land razed; conducts an air strike destroying a shed nr. the Rafah border allegedly hiding a smugglers tunnel. Palestinians fire rockets fr. Gaza into Israel, lightly wounding 2 Israelis. In the West Bank, the IDF sends troops into Azun nr. Qalqilya, fires on stone-throwing youths who confront them, wounding 1; conducts arrest raids, house searches nr. Bethlehem. (NYT, WT 7/29; PCHR 8/3)

The IDF continues air and artillery strikes across Lebanon, including making about 70 air strikes on Baruk in the central Biqa‘ valley, hitting a convoy of civilian vehicles evacuating Rmaysh in s. Lebanon, wounding a journalist. Ground fighting continues in Bint Jubayl, where the IDF claims at least 26 Hizballah mbrs. are killed; 6 IDF soldiers wounded. Hizballah for the 1st time fires 2 Khaybar-1 rockets (range up to 50 mi, payload up to 200 lb), striking Afula, 30 mi inside Israel, just n. of the West Bank; fires more than 100 rockets into n. Israel during the day, wounding 14 Israelis and hitting targets in Carmiel, Ma’a lot, Nahariya, Safad, Tiberias. (AP, ICRC press release 7/28; NYT, WP, WT 7/29)

A female suicide bomber, Hiba Daraghma, detonates a device in an Afula mall, killing 2 Israeli Jews, 1 Israeli Arab, wounding 48; the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade (AMB) and Islamic Jihad each claim responsibility, indicating they may have jointly planned the operation. In Gaza, a 2d Palestinian suicide bomber on a bicycle detonates a device as he passes an IDF jeep outside Kefar Darom, lightly injuring 3 IDF soldiers. The IDF fatally shoots a 13-yr.-old Palestinian boy in Jabaliya r.c.; continues bulldozing land in Bayt Hanun (nearly 800 dunams have been razed since 5/15); demolishes 1 Palestinian home in Hebron, 1 in central Gaza; fires on a high school in Bayt Furik, wounding 1 student; conducts arrest raids in Bethlehem, Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah. Palestinians fire 2 Qassam rockets (1 at Sederot, 1 at a Jewish settlement in Gaza), causing no damage or injuries. Israeli police arrest 8 East Jerusalem Palestinians for membership in Hamas and plotting to hijack a bus, kidnap an IDF soldier. (HA, MM 5/19; Interfax, MENA, VOI 5/19 in WNC 5/20; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/20; HP 5/21; QA 5/21 in WNC 5/22; LAW, PCHR 5/22; MEI, NYT 5/30)

IDF undercover units assassinate AMB Tulkarm cmdr. Fayiz Jabber , also killing a 2d AMB mbr., wounding 8 bystanders. In Hebron, the IDF conducts arrest raids targeting the AMB, raiding and searching 3 police stations, several homes and offices (including the Hebron governate, al-Quds university, Islamic charities), closing radio and TV stations, bulldozing stalls in the Hebron market, blocking roads with earthen barriers. The IDF also fatally shoots 3 Palestinians allegedly attempting to fire a Qassam missile into Israel; demolishes 5 Palestinian homes, a sports center, 2 wells serving 1,000s of Palestinians in Rafah, damaging 27 homes; demolishes a Palestinian home in Tamun, sparking clashes with local Palestinians, injuring 17; bulldozes 31 dunams of land in Dayr al-Balah; fires on residential areas of Jabaliya, Khan Yunis; conducts arrest raids in Dayr al-Balah. An Israeli court sentences 2 Israeli Arabs fr. Nazareth to 5 yrs. in prison for plotting to smuggle arms, stage a suicide bombing in Afula. (HA 1/30; HA 1/31; LAW, PCHR, PR 2/5)

The IDF makes a failed assassination attempt on wanted Hamas mbrs. Muhammad Abu Shammala, Ra’id al-Attar, firing missiles fr. a helicopter at their car as they drive past a hospital in Khan Yunis, killing 2 Palestinian bystanders, wounding 1; the wanted men escape unharmed. 2 Palestinian gunmen infiltrate Moshav Gadish nr. Afula, inside Israel, killing 1 Israeli civilian, wounding 1 civilian, 3 border police, before being killed by police. Nr. the s. Negev town of Nitzana, 3 gunmen infiltrate the Israeli border, fatally shooting 1 Israeli, wounding 3, before 2 gunmen are shot dead by IDF troops and 1 escapes; the IDF says the gunmen may have come fr. Egypt. A senior Islamic Jihad mbr. is killed, a 2d Islamic Jihad mbr. is wounded in a mysterious explosion in a home in Nussayrat r.c.; the IDF claims they were building a bomb. A 12-yr.-old Palestinian dies of injuries received on 12/24/02. The IDF also bulldozes 10 dunams of land n. of Rafah; occupies an empty house nr. Dayr al-Balah, demolishes a nearby poultry farm. Jewish settler guards escorting an oil tanker nr. Hebron fatally shoot 1 Palestinian. Palestinian children playing in Askar r.c. accidentally trigger unexploded IDF ordnance, leaving 4 of them injured. In response to raids on Bayt Hanun, Khan Yunis on 1/11, Hamas fires 3 mortars (possibly Qassam rockets) at the Negev town of Sederot, injuring 2 Israelis “very lightly.” Palestinians in Gaza note that there has been a sharp increase in the cost of fuel (up 9%) and basic foodstuffs (flour up 53%, cooking oil up 24%, bread up 17%) since 1/1/03; urge the PA to subsidize prices. Hamas spiritual leader Shaykh Ahmad Yasin says Hamas will consider kidnapping Israelis to hold them in exchange for the release of Hamas mbrs. in Israeli custody. (HA, PCHR 1/12; LAW, MM, NYT, PCHR, WP 1/13; HA 1/14; LAW, MM, PCHR 1/15)

The IDF demolishes 1 Palestinian home in Tamun; clashes with Palestinians in Silat al-Haratiyya, injuring 9; fires on residential areas of Jenin; conducts house-to-house searches in Juhur al-Dik nr. Gaza City, detaining more than 100 Palestinians, taking them to Neve Dekalim settlement for interrogation (all but 6, who are taken to jail in Israel, are released after 9 hrs.). IDF soldiers discover a package bomb at a gas station in Afula; the device is disarmed; no group claims responsibility. Palestinians throw an explosive device and an IDF vehicle nr. Askar r.c., lightly injuring 1 soldier. Jewish settlers fr. Tapuach nr. Hebron harvest Palestinian olive trees while Palestinian residents are under curfew, shoot at international peace activists who attempt to intervene. Israel says it has arrested alleged West Bank ALF leader Rakad Salim on charges of paying families of Palestinian suicide bombers, other Palestinians wounded or killed during the intifada on behalf of Iraq. (HA, LAW, PCHR, Rabbis for Human Rights press release 10/2; HA 10/3; PCHR 10/9)

Israel backs off plans to expel to Gaza 21 male relatives of suspected Palestinian militants (see 7/19). Sharon tells his cabinet that he will abide by Atty. Gen. Rubinstein's ruling that family mbrs. would have to have been directly involved in supporting the attacks in order to be deported. A small remote controlled bomb explodes underneath a commuter train in Rehovat nr. Tel Aviv, slightly injuring the driver; no one takes responsibility. The IDF conducts arrest raids in Jenin; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis. A Jewish settler driving in Hebron deliberately runs over a Palestinian man, seriously injuring him. (MM, NYT, WT 7/22; MM 7/23; PCHR 7/24; LAW 7/31)

Sharon, Housing M Natan Sharansky announce plans to create 14 new Jewish localities in the Negev and Galilee to strengthen Jewish control of the land, create a security buffer btwn. Jenin and Afula (the site of numerous Palestinian attacks). (HA 7/22; Between the Lines 8/02)

A Palestinian suicide bomber detonates a device in an Afula bus station, injuring 1 patrolman, when he is stopped by Israeli police for a security check. The IDF conducts arrest raids into Tulkarm, Zabuna nr. Jenin; shells residential areas nr. Khan Yunis. (MM 5/20; NYT, WT 5/21; LAW 5/22)

Israeli-Palestinian violence continues to escalate, leaving 1 Israeli civilian, 1 Jewish settler, at least 6 Palestinians dead. A package bomb planted by a Jewish vigilante group called Revenge of the Innocent Babes (in reference to the 3/2 Beit Israel attack) explodes on a playground at a Palestinian school in East Jerusalem, injuring 2 teachers, 24 children. In response to the 3/4 AMB attack in Tel Aviv, IDF F-16s rocket Palestinian targets across Gaza and in Bethlehem, Nablus, Ramallah, Tulkarm; helicopters fire a missile at a car in Ramallah, killing 3 Palestinians, including 2 wanted AMB members, Muhannad Abu Halawa and Fawzi Murrar. The IDF also makes incursions into Palestinian areas nr. Bayt Lahia, Jabaliya, Khan Yunis, Tamun; direct shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Bethlehem, al-Khadir, Qalqilya; demolishes greenhouses in Issawiyya. Nr. Gush Etzion settlement, Palestinian gunmen fire on a Jewish settler vehicle, killing 1 settler. A Palestinian suicide bomber detonates a devices on a bus in Afula, Israel, killing 1 Israeli. Palestinians also launch 2 Qassam-2s fr. Gaza into Israel, for the 1st time hitting an apartment building in Sederot, injuring 2 children. Jewish settlers attack a PSF post in Qalqilya, stone a Palestinian car nr. Ramallah. (HP, MM 3/5; XIN 3/5 in WNC 3/6; LAW, MM, NYT, PCHR, PMC, WP, WT 3/6; MA 3/6 in WNC 3/7; AYM 3/7 in WNC 3/8; MEI 3/8; JP 3/15)

     Sharon convenes his inner cabinet, then his full cabinet to discuss how to respond to the 3/4 Tel Aviv attack. Participants reportedly debate launching massive "mopping-up" operations in refugee camps, incursions into a list of villages in areas A and B, escalating attacks on Ramallah (including removing Arafat). The cabinet gives the IDF "free rein to further intensify military pressure on the PA, especially in Ramallah," bars all Palestinian vehicular traffic in the West Bank. (MM 3/5; NYT, PMC, WP, WT 3/6) quote in PMC 3/6

In Afula, Israel, 2 Palestinian gunmen (1 fr. Islamic Jihad, 1 fr. the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade [AMB]) open fire on a crowd, killing 2 Israelis, wounding 14 before being shot dead. Sharon, taking U.S. envoys Burns and Zinni on a helicopter tour of the West Bank and Gaza at the time, redirects the chopper to overfly the scene of the attack. Later, a Palestinian sniper fatally shoots a Jewish settler driving in Gaza, wounds 3 others, is then killed by the IDF. The PA condemns the attacks; PA head Yasir Arafat issues a statement pledging to make a "100% effort" toward achieving a cease-fire. Meanwhile, the IDF steps up strikes on residential areas of Khan Yunis; tightens access to Jerusalem. (HP, MM 11/27; AP, HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/28; AFP, AYM, al-Quds 11/28 in WNC 11/29; JP 12/7)

A Palestinian gunman dressed in an IDF paratrooper uniform opens fire at the Afula bus station inside Israel, killing 3 Israelis, wounding 7 before being fatally shot by police. In Hebron, the IDF fatally shoots 1 Palestinian, wounds 3 others; shells residential areas of the PA-controlled section of the city. The IDF also directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Bayt Lahia, al-Qarara (where soldiers occupy a residential building as an outpost). In Bethlehem, a mysterious explosion seriously injuries senior Fatah mbr. Rami Kamel. (HA, IGPO 10/4; HP, LAW, NYT, WP, WT 10/5; MEI 10/12; LAW 10/13)

Angered by continued U.S. pressure on Israel to exercise restraint toward the Palestinians while Washington builds its coalition against Bin Laden, Sharon accuses the U.S. of sacrificing Israel to "appease the Arabs" the way Britain sacrificed Czechoslovakia to Hitler in 1938. The Israeli cabinet authorizes the IDF to "take all necessary measures" to defend Israeli citizens. (BBC 10/4; AFP, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/5; MA, NYT 10/6; JT, al-Quds 10/7, AKH 10/8 in WNC 10/9; MM 10/8; AN 10/10 in WNC 10/11; MM 10/11; MA 10/11 in WNC 10/12; MEI 10/12; MM 10/25; ITAR-TASS 10/24 in WNC 10/25)

Palestinian demonstrations continue in Hebron after settlers reenter PA sector, smash car windows. PA police, IDF disperse protesters. From 60 to 100 Palestinians have been injured in West Bank clashes since 3/10. (WP, WT 3/15; ITV 3/16 in WNC 3/17; WT 3/16; MM 3/17) (see 3/13)

In Afula, Israel, a small bomb explodes in a bus station, injuring an Israeli man who was seen moving a box just moments before. (WP, WT 3/15; PR 3/20)

On his way to a 2-day Organization of the Islamic Conference mtg. in Doha, Arafat stops briefly in Cairo to confer with Pres. Mubarak on the peace process. (MENA 3/14 in WNC 3/17)

In Damascus, Iran, Syria discuss upgrading cultural relations, exchanges. (IRNA 3/14 in WNC 2/17) (see 3/13)

Despite ramifications of the failed assassination attempt 9/25, Israeli Infrastructures M Sharon vows that Israel will eventually kill Hamas political leader Mishal. (ITV 3/14 in WNC 3/17; NYT 3/15; MM 3/16; al-Dustur 3/17 in WNC 3/19, 3/20; PR 3/20; NYT 3/25; MEI 3/27; JT 5/3 in WNC 5/6)

Donor countries promise to release $125 m. of promised aid to PA immediately to help self-rule transition. Arafat says money will go to improving Gaza slums. (VOP 11/30 in FBIS 12/1; CSM, MM, WP, WT 12/1; Le Soir 12/1 in FBIS 12/2; JP 12/3; WJW 12/8; MEI 12/16)

Labor MK Ori Orr suggests Israel postpone troop withdrawal fr. West Bank but uproot some settlements ahead of schedule. Similar statements made separately by Environmental M Sarid. Comments widely thought to be "trial balloons" sent up by Rabin government. (JP, QY 11/30 in MM 11/30; MM 12/2)

Israel, Palestinians, donor countries sign "memorandum of understanding" outlining PA's needs for next 4 mos., issues of taxation, Israeli aid, contributions fr. donor countries. (QY 11/30 in FBIS 12/1)

Joint Jordanian-Israeli borders comm. ends 2nd 2-day round of talks in Aqaba. Each side delegates 3 teams to carry out primary delineation of border, to be completed 12/6. (PETRA 11/30 in FBIS 12/1)

Joint Jordanian-Israeli comm. on treaty implementation creates 2 subcommittees comprising representatives fr. armed forces and Mins. of Interior, Agriculture, Water respectively to implement Jordanian law in al-Ghamar, Baqurah areas by 1/95, in keeping with Jordan-Israel treaty annexes. (PETRA 11/30 in FBIS 12/1)

ITV reports Israeli Amb. Itamar Rabinovitch, Syrian Amb. Walid Mu`allim recently held talks in Washington on security arrangements in which senior army officers fr. both sides participated; some progress was made. (ITV 11/30, HA 12/1 in FBIS 12/1)

UNRWA approves $163,810 in new small-business loans for projects in Gaza, bring number of UNRWA loans to Gaza to 157. (UNRWA News 11/30)

IDF soldier is axed to death by Palestinian in Afula, northern Israel; IDF arrests 40 Hamas mbrs. in West Bank. (IDF Radio 11/30 in FBIS 12/1; MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/1; PR 12/4; WJW 12/8; JP 12/10)

19-yr-old Palestinian fr. Shatti r.c., Gaza Strip, attacks Israeli bus with stolen Uzi submachine gun nr. Ashdod, killing 1 passenger and wounding 4. IDF, Israeli civilian shoot him dead. Islamic Jihad claims responsibility. (MM, WP 4/7; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 4/8)

2 Israelis stabbed and wounded at Gaza Strip entrances. Hamas claims responsibility, threatens series of attacks on Israelis in reprisal for Hebron massacre. Leaflet says Afula bombing 1st of 5 attacks to come. (MM 4/7; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 4/8)

Total closure imposed on o.t. for 1 week in response to Afula, Ashdod attacks. (MM 4/7; NYT, WP, WT 4/8)

5,000 attend funeral of 4 victims of Afula bombing, broadcast nationwide. Dep. Education M Micha Goldman, representing Rabin govt., booed by mourners. Funeral coincides with observances of Holocaust Day. 300 Israeli youths clash with police in tire-burning incidents. PLO in Cairo issues statement expressing regret over Afula bombing, but U.S. State Dept. spokesman Michael McCurry says U.S. wants stronger condemnation. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 4/8)

IDF denies permit to conference scheduled 4/9-10 at which Jesse Jackson was to have spoken to 100s of Palestinian academics. IDF says conference, marking 30th anniversary of PLO and organized by Hebron Islamic University, cannot be held in Hebron or Jerusalem but could be held in Nablus or Ramallah. (WP, WT 4/8)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Military authorities order 2 Bethlehem-area residents to demolish their houses within 2weeks [FJ 9/27]. Israeli labor court decides not to consider case of Dr. Tibi, dismissed from Hadassah-Mt. Scopus Hospital after fight with guard. Court may consider case 10/11 [FJ 9/27].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Alexander Arad, IDF reservist and resident of Kibbutz Ramot Menasche, isstabbed to death near Afula. Palestinian suspect is arrested, charged with the killing. IDF destroys house belonging to suspect's family [FJ 9/27; JPI 10/3]. Military orders shops in Jabaliyyah refugee camp closed early [FJ 9/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli press reports F.M. Shamir covered up actions of Shin Bet in connection with April 1984 killings of 2 Palestinians while he was P.M. [PE 5/29]. Secret commission of inquiry to investigate allegations against Shin Bet is proposed in Knesset, instead of police inquiry [LT 5/29]. 'Osman Bani Hassan, 19, and 'Azza Sa'adi, 18, both of Afula, are given life sentences plus 20 years for murdering 2 Israeli teachers [BG 5/29].

Other Countries: Tass reports that Gorbachev-Khaddam meeting agreed to intensify efforts to convene intemational conference on M.E. with participation of all parties concemed, including the PLO.

Military Action

Arab World: Nineteen killed, 50 wounded in Amal-Palestinian fighting at 3 refugee camps in south Beirut [BG 5/29].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Peres states in keynote speech opening Labor party convention that Israel recognizes the Palestinians "as a nation," states Israel is trying to "create interim conditions for an interim arrangement" in the occupied territories until their final status is resolved [DT 4/10]. Egyptian delegation headed by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Butrus-Ghali attends the convention, as well as delegations from 20 other countries [JP 4/9].

Arab World: Former chief of intelligence for the PLO, 'Atallah 'Atallah (Abu Za'im), is reported to have been touring Palestinian refugee camps in Jordan delivering speeches critical of policies of Yasir Arafat and blaming him for the collapse of dialogue with King Hussein; Abu Za'im's statements have been given front-page coverage in Amman [JP 4/8; NYT 4/9]. Chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Abba Eban arrives in Cairo for a visit [JP 4/9].

Other Countries: U.S. Asst. Sec. of State Richard Murphy, originally scheduled to accompany Vice Pres. George Bush on his M.E. tour, stops instead in Cairo and then proceeds to Israel; Bush tells press conference Murphy is investigating a new peace initiative [LAT, BG 4/9].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Firebomb is thrown at bus on northern edge of Jerusalem, injuring 9 Israeli passengers; police detain 17 Palestinians for questioning [LAT, WP 4/9]. A bomb explodes in Afula, injuring a soldier; WAFA, the Palestine News Agency, states the PLO is responsible for placing the bomb [WP, LAT 4/9].

Arab World: Suicide bomber drives car into checkpoint near Hasbayya, at edge of Israeli-declared "security zone," killing himself and injuring 3 SLA militiamen and 3 civilians; the pro-Syrian Lebanese Ba'th party claims responsibility [WP, NYT 4/9]. Car bomb in Christian port city of Juniyah kills 10, injures over 100; no one claims responsibility [WP, NYT 4/9]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Pres. Chaim Herzog pardoned 2 more members of Jewish settler underground last week, Boaz and Ya'acov Heinemann UP 2/16]. Israel was third world's largest arms producer, producing $1.342 billion worth, between 1980-84, according to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute [JP 2/16].

Arab World: Yasir Arafat begins talks with Egyptian Pres. Husni Mubarak on stalled M.E. peace efforts [JP 2/17].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldiers shot and killed Gaza resident yesterday when he fled after being detained for questioning; a second man escaped [NYT, WP 2/16]. West Bank shepherd Ziyad Muhammad Yunis was wounded on 2/13 while resisting arrest near Hebron [JP 2/17]. Israeli soldiers arrested several other Palestinians, confiscated a herd of sheep in the incident [FJ 2/21]. Bombs go off in Haifa, Afula, Beit She'an, causing no injuries or damage [JP 2/17].

Arab World: Lebanese police find severely beaten body of Lebanese Jewish hostage Ibrahim Benesti; Organization of the Oppressed of the Earth issues statement saying he was executed for spying for Israel [BG 2/17].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Yasir Arafat holds talks in Cairo with Pres. Husni Mubarak [NYT 2/14].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bombs explode in Afula, Haifa, cause no injury; 3rd bomb found on Egged bus safely defused. Several Palestinians detained [NYT 2/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli official states U.S. involvement in secret diplomatic contacts between Jordan, Egypt, and Israel is intensifying daily [WP, CSM 11/4].

Arab World: Jerusalem Post reports Israeli military expels 4 leading Druze shaykhs from village of Hasbaya in security zone in S. Lebanon [JP 11/3]. Israeli settlers in the Golan Heights block bridges leading there, stage demonstrations against their poor financial situation; settlements there owe $20 million to Northern Moshavim Purchasing Association [JP 11/3; JTA 11/4]. Institute for Strategic Studies in London annual report, Survey of Military Balances, states that Syria has almost 3 times as many troops in regular army as Israel [JP 11/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bomb explodes in Afula (5th in recent weeks); no injuries. Palestinians are rounded up for questioning [JP 11/4]. Bomb goes off at bus stop near French Hill; no injuries [JP 11/4]. Katyusha rockets land in Galilee; no casualties [JTA 11/4].

Arab World: Three people trying to smuggle explosives into 'Aysha village in S. Lebanon using a donkey are killed when SLA militiamen open fire on them, detonating the explosives [JP 11/4]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Ariel Sharon states in TV interview that P.M. Shimon Peres has been holding "more than (secret) contacts" with Jordanian, Palestinian, and U.S. leaders and has been holding actual "talks"; Sharon claims Peres should have reported this "process" to the government [JP 10/24]. P.M. Shimon Peres meetsecretly with Sri Lankan P.M. Jayawardene in Paris; there are no diplomatic relations between 2 countries, but 15-year-old trade ban between 2 countries was lifted this July, Israel has trained Sri Lankan police in "anti-terrorist" techniques [JP 10/29]

Arab World: PLO headquarters in Tunis condemns Israel's proposals for direct negotiations with Jordan, says PLO involvement is necessary for peace in the M. E. [PI 10/24]. King Hussein welcomes the "spirit" of Peres' 10/21 negotiations proposal at the UN although says it did not "meet the needs of the moment" [NYT 10/24].

Other Countries: Pres. Reagan, facing overwhelming congressional pressure, endorses resolution barring arms sale to Jordan until 1 March 1986 unless Jordan begins "direct and meaningful peace negotiations" with Israel before then [NYT, WP, LAT, BG 10/24]. Jewish Telegraphic Agency reports Canada has refused to grant entry visa to MK Meir Kahane, who is in U.S. on fund-raising tour [JTA 10/24].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Two bombs explode in market in Afula, injuring 5Israelis including a baby; 80 Palestinians are rounded up for questioning. Bombs are the 3rd and 4th in 4 days inside the green line [WP, JTA 10/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Thousands of soldiers and paramilitary personnel are sent to the occupied territories to try to contain the mounting violence [JP 9/8]. In the last 6 weeks there have been 26 attacks on Israelis inside the green line and in the occupied territories, with 6 Israelis killed [BG 9/8]. Thousands of Palestinians and Israelis attend antiracism rally in Afula, scene of riots one month ago when 2 local schoolteachers were found murdered. Rally ends peacefully, despite counterrally staged by the Kach movement [JP 9/8]. Israeli censors ban a play at the Haifa municipal theater which depicts brutality by Israeli soldiers in the West Bank [LT 9/7].

Arab World: Jerusalem Post reports PLO spokesmen in Tunis claim responsibility for the 9/6 bomb in the Israeli market in Jerusalem [JP 9/8].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: A hand grenade is thrown at the military govt. building in Mas'ada in the Golan Heights; no injuries are reported [JP 9/9]. Settlers attack the house of Zuhira al-Atrash, 65, widow and mother of 5, mistaking it for the house of an ex-prisoner released in the 5/20 prisoner exchange [NYT 9/10].