The Palestine Chronology

In 2 separate incidents in the Gaza Strip, IDF troops e. of Khan Yunis and along the n. border open fire with live ammunition on Palestinian farmers working nr. the fence, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli authorities release 14-year-old Palestinian Malak al-Khatib from prison after arresting her on 12/31 for throwing stones and possessing a knife, the latter being a charge added after the arrest. The IDF violently disperses Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 5 areas nr. Ramallah (Jalazun r.c., Silwad, Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum); 1 Palestinian is seriously injured with live ammunition in Kafr Qaddum and 1 is arrested in Bil‘in. The IDF also patrols nr. Qalqilya, Jericho, and Ramallah. PA security forces conduct raids and house searches in 2 villages around Hebron, detaining 27 people. (MEMO, MNA 2/13; AFP, HA, MNA 2/14; PCHR 2/19)

On a visit to Luxembourg, PA Pres. Abbas says that he will be forced to “take harsh steps” if Israel does not unfreeze the transfers of tax revenues collected on behalf of the PA for the last 2 mos., denying the PA over $200 m. (MNA, WAFA 2/14)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, in al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 3 villages nr. Jenin, and1 village each nr. Ramallah and Tulkarm at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Aida r.c. in Bethlehem, in Hebron, and in 1 village nr. Nablus at night. (PCHR 3/28)

The Arab League approves a Qatari proposal to set up a $1 billion fund for East Jerusalem to ‘‘maintain the Arab and Islamic character of the city and reinforce the steadfastness of its people.’’ Saudi Arabia’s Islamic Development Bank will manage the fund. The Israeli government condemns the decision. At the same meeting, Qatari emir Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani calls for a minisummit on Palestinian national reconciliation to be held in Cairo as soon as possible, remarked welcomed by both the PA and Hamas. Also at the Arab League meeting, Syrian opposition leader Sheikh Moaz al-Khatib takes the country’s vacant seat for the first time. (JP, NYT, REU 3/26)

PM Salam Fayyad presents a draft budget for the PA of $3.9 billion, with $1.4 billion having to come from foreign aid. The government debates the proposed budget. (MNA 3/26)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue to escalate, leaving 1 Palestinian dead. 5 Palestinian mortars fr. Gaza land nr. the town of Sederot inside Israel, only 4 mi. fr. Sharon's farm, causing no damage. Although Hamas claims responsibility, Israel says the PA is "undoubtedly" behind the manufacture of homemade mortars, which Palestinians have increasingly used since late 1/01. After a mtg. of Sharon's inner cabinet, the IDF carries out 4 hrs. of land, sea, air strikes against PA security posts across the Gaza Strip, hitting Gaza City's main police headquarters, at least 7 Force 17 posts in Dayr al-Balah, Gaza City, Rafah; 1 PSF officer is killed, 36 Palestinians are injured. IDF officials say they are preparing for a "rolling episode." The IDF sets up roadblocks dividing the Strip into 3 parts; closes the border with Egypt; bulldozes Palestinian land nr. Bayt Hanun (217 dunams destroying 11 Palestinian homes), Rafah; directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Bayt Jala, Bayt Sahur, al-Khadir; occupies 2 Palestinian homes nr. Morag settlement as IDF posts. In the West Bank, the IDF shells residential areas in Aida refugee camp, Bayt Jala, Bayt Sahur, al-Khadir. The PA cancels a security mtg. with Israel in protest (see 4/11). (AP, MEZ, MM, NYT, WP 4/17; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/18; WJW 4/16; LAW, MEI, NYT 4/20; JP 4/27)

At Israeli FM Peres's urging, Jordanian FM Khatib comes to Tel Aviv as planned (see 4/15). He presents Sharon, Peres with a formal, written version of the Jordanian-Egyptian nonpaper. Sharon tells Khatib the proposal a "nonstarter," but Peres says it will be studied. (AP, MM, NYT, WP 4/17; JT 4/17 in WNC 4/18; MM 4/19; MEI 4/20; Economist [Internet] 5/3; MEI 5/4)

The Israeli DMin. asks the Finance Min. to release a $936 m. supplement to the DMin. budget to cover the costs of the last 6 mos. of the al-Aqsa intifada. (HA 4/17)

In Gaza, Arafat receives 3 mbrs of the New York Board of Rabbis; then meets with Brazilian FM Lampreia on bilateral ties, enhancing cooperation, aid Brazil can provide for economic, agricultural spheres. (VOP 8/30 in FBIS 8/31; MM 8/31)

PA police detain 3 Palestinian journalists (Fa'id Abu Shamallah, Mustafa Sawwaf, Tahir al-Nun) who reside in Gaza, work for Al-Nahar, and are suspected of working for Hamas. (MM 8/31; QY 8/31 in FBIS 8/31)

Suspected Hamas mbr. Tawfiq Subay Sawarqa (arrested 8/27) dies while in PA custody. Arafat suspends PSF officers in charge, orders inquiry. (QY 8/30 in FBIS 8/30; MM 8/31; AFP 8/31 in FBIS 9/1)

In Nablus, IDF soldiers clash with large crowd of Palestinians, fire tear gas, injuring 3. (ITV 8/30)

Israel lifts closure on Jericho though PA still refuses to turn over Dudin, Khatib. (NYT, WP 8/31) (see 8/27)

In s. Lebanon, an explosion during training maneuvers destroys PFLP-GC camp, killing 10 top commanders, seriously wounding 17, incl. Ahmad Jibril's son. (AFP 8/31, AFP, QY 9/1 in FBIS 9/1; HA 9/3 in FBIS 9/5)

U.S. coordinator Ross delivers message from Pres. Clinton to Syrian Pres. al-Asad at meeting in Damascus. (SANA 7/12 in FBIS 7/13)

U.S. delegation meets Jordanian Crown Prince Hasan, PM al-Majali and Palestinian negotiator Faisal Husseini in Amman (Radio Jordan, JTV 7/12 in FBIS 7/13)

U.S. coordinator Ross meets Palestinian negotiators in Jerusalem. Palestinians present 4-point statement on negotiations, Palestinian interim self-government to U.S. delegation. Delegate Ghassan al-Khatib boycotts session. (Qol Yisra'el 7/13 in FBIS 7/13, 7/14; Jordan Times 7/15-16 in FBIS 7/15)

Arafat claims 2 meetings were held between PLO and Israeli officials during Washington peace talks in June. FM Peres denies any meetings took place, saying "this information is baseless." Arafat later states PLO attempted to meet Israelis but meeting did not take place. (Ha Aretz 7/12 in FBIS 7/12; MENA 7/13 in FBIS 7/13; NYT 7/13, 7/14)

Palestinian-Jordanian joint committee holds first meeting, establishes subcommittees on Jerusalem, refugees, security and borders, economic affairs, water, and legislation and laws. (Radio Jordan 7/12 in FBIS 7/12)

IDF kills 2 19-year-old Palestinians during tire-burning incident at Balata refugee camp in Nablus. (Qol Yisra'el 7/12 in FBIS 7/13)

Israel establishes diplomatic relations with Vietnam in agreement signed in Jerusalem. (WT 7/13)

Knesset defeats no-confidence motions 57-42 (see 7/6, 7/7). (MM 7/13)

Military Action:

Syria reportedly backing former Lebanese army officer Lieutenant Ahmed al-Khatib to establish garrisons in Bekaa Valley; IDF tries to disarm UNIFIL convoy at roadblock near Khalde.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Military tribunal finds that orders by former commander of Hebron area to drive people from their homes, beat them, shoot solar heaters and break watches, were illegal, but that orders for strong treatment of troublemakers were generally consistent with law; 4 of 7 soldiers on trial are convicted of beating and brutally attacking Palestinians; 4,000 Israelis commemorate Peace Now activist killed by grenade during anti-Begin demonstrations; bomb explodes outside West German embassy in Tel Aviv on 50th anniversary of Hitler's rise to power; Labor Party chairman Peres says a Likud-Alignment government of national unity is not realistic; under guard of Israeli border police and army, 2,000 Palestinians rally in village of Habla in support of Village League position favoring Camp David accords.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: In speech at PNC meeting, PFLP head Habash calls for outright rejection of Reagan plan, renewal of armed struggle, close alliance with Syria and Soviet Union, and need for unity of PLO.

Arab Governments: 50 to 60 banking institutions in the Arab world, including banks owned by American, European and Japanese interests, are reportedly boycotting the Swift international system for monetary transfers because 10 Israeli banks have joined the system.

UN: British Ambassador tells Security Council that a freeze on Israeli West Bank settlements is imperative.