The Palestine Chronology

In Gaza, Hamas police shut down the offices of mobile phone company Jawwal (Hamas ordered the company to close on 6/26). Israeli forces on the Gaza border e. of Khan Yunis conduct a limited incursion to level land nr. the border fence. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian man at the Qalandia checkpoint. IDF troops later conduct a raid in a nearby village, sparking minor clashes with stonethrowing Palestinian youths. The IDF conducts a late-night raid on offices of the Palestinian Water Authority in a village nr. Ramallah, confiscating 2 computers; patrols during the day in 2 villages nr. Hebron. Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian man with sticks and stones nr. Ramallah, moderately injuring him. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers spray price-tag graffiti on a wall in Bayt Safafa. Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian man on a raid nr. the Old City. (MNA, REU, WAFA, YA 6/30; MNA 7/1; PCHR 7/2)

Following Palestinian attacks on 6/29, Israeli authorities set new restrictions on Palestinians entering Jerusalem, rolling back some of the restrictions loosened for Ramadan on 6/16. Specifically, women between 16 and 30 and men under 50 will need a permit to enter the city on Fridays. (HA, MNA 7/1)

Following a meeting of senior PLO officials in Ramallah, PA pres. Abbas fires PLO secy.-gen. Yasser Abed Rabbo, citing his absence from recent meetings. Abed Rabbo responds to the announcement of his firing by saying, “Abbas does not have the authority to fire me. The only party that is authorized to do so is the PLO Exec. Comm., which has to hold a general meeting.” Senior PLO officials also approve a temporary cabinet “shuffle” as negotiations continue on the formation of a new consensus govt. Abbas assigns PM Hamdallah to make “slight changes” to the govt., reportedly shifting 5 ministers. (JP, MNA, TOI 7/1)

The U.S. State Dept. issues a special statement clarifying that, while the Obama admin.“strongly opposes” BDS efforts targeting Israel, it does not have a similar stance regarding “Israeli-controlled territories,” referring to the anti-BDS provision that became law as part of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 on 6/29. (HA, JTA, MDW, PNN 7/1)

In Vienna, reps. of the P5+1 and Iran agree on a 7-day extension to today’s deadline for a final agreement on Iran’s nuclear program. (BB 6/26; JP, NYT, TOI 6/30)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and kill a 13-year-old Palestinian in Bayt Liqya village nr. Ramallah during a patrol. Meanwhile, PA security forces kill a man in Hebron during a raid. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Hebron during the day. Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Gaza City, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishermen, sinking 1 boat. (MNA, REU 10/16; PCHR 10/23)

Senior Hamas official Musa Abu Marzuq confirms that indirect cease-fire talks with Israel will resume at the end of 10/2014 in Cairo. Meanwhile, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry calls for a resumption of the peace negotiations during remarks at a State Dept. event for ‘Id al-Adha. (AFP, REU, YA 10/16)

EU foreign affairs chief Ashton and Iranian FM Zarif hold a 2d day of talks in Vienna, and also meet with senior diplomats from the P5+1 group. The focus of the talks are remaining differences related to lifting sanctions and Iran’s uranium enrichment levels. (REU 10/17)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion close to the border fence nr. Gaza City to level land. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in al-Fawar r.c., al-‘Arub r.c. and 2 villages nr. Hebron, in Balata r.c. and 1 village nr. Nablus, and in Jalazun r.c. and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah in the morning, and in al-’Arub r.c. and 1 village nr. Hebron at night. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish 3 Palestinian-owned structures in Bayt Hanina, Shu‘fat, and Ras al-Amud. (AFP, MNA 5/14; PCHR 5/15)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets with PA Pres. Abbas in London, where Kerry is attending talks with international partners on Syria and Ukraine. State Dept. spokesperson Psaki subsequently says Kerry made it clear that “while the door remains open to peace, it is up to the parties to determine whether they are willing to take the steps necessary to resume negotiations.” (AP 14/5)

Hamas and Fatah officials meet in Gaza to discuss the makeup of a unity govt., with Hamas chief negotiator Musa Abu Marzuq saying that talks would be finalized the following week. PM Ismail Haniyeh states that Hamas authorities will “clean the road to reconciliation from all obstacles and landmines” and calls on PA authorities in the West Bank “to take the same path and to maintain freedoms.” (HA, MNA 5/14)

Representatives of Iran and the P5+1 countries open negotiations in Vienna, with the goal of reaching a final agreement by 7/20. Substantial gaps remain, including on the future of uranium enrichment in Iran. As an initial step, EU foreign affairs chief Ashton and Iranian FM Zarif meet to put into writing what has already been agreed, as embodied by the 11/2013 interim deal. (HA 5/14)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Ramallah at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the morning, patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 3 villages nr. Hebron at night. 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, Ni‘lin, and Nabi Salih) and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries except in Bil‘in, where 1 is struck by a tear gas canister and in Nabi Salih, where 5 are wounded by bullets. (PCHR 3/13)

Israeli PM Netanyahu tells Israeli television that the govt. would give up “some settlements” in the West Bank as part of a peace agreement, but that he would “ensure the number will be as small as possible,” if talks progress that far. Meanwhile, U.S. State Dept. spokesperson Jen Psaki tells reporters that the U.S. recognizes Israel as a Jewish state but that Palestinian recognition is not a precondition in peace talks. (JP, REU 3/7)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry visits Jordan for talks with King Abdallah in Aqaba on the Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. (AFP, REU 3/7)

In clashes between Muslim Brotherhood supporters and Egyptian security forces across the country, including Suez, Alexandria, and al-Arish, 3 protesters are killed and 48 wounded. An Egyptian official says 17 police officers are wounded in the clashes in Cairo. (AFP, REU 3/7)

Iranian Foreign Ministry official Hamid Baidinejad says that representatives of Iran and the P5+1 countries have held “substantive and useful” talks in Vienna in preparation for the next meeting of chief negotiators on 3/18. EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton confirms the Iranian official’s assessment of the talks, via a statement from her office in Brussels. (AFP, REU 3/7)

In response to the Israeli allegations regarding the ship intercepted in the Red Sea on 3/5, Iranian FM Zarif rejects Israeli allegations, calling claims of Iranian involvement a “lie.” Senior Islamic Jihad official Khalid al-Baths denies the group’s involvement in the seized missile shipment. (AFP, AP, REU 3/7)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Rafah, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, while separately, Israeli forces fire 2 missiles that land close to the Egypt border fence, causing no injuries. Separately, off the coast nr. Bayt Lahiya, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Jewish settlers attack a school in Burim village nr. Nablus. The settlers, along with IDF troops, subsequently clash with Palestinians, leaving 6 villagers injured. Separately, a Molotov cocktail is thrown at a settler’s car in the same area. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Dahaysha r.c. in Bethlehem and Al-‘Ubaydiyya village nr. Bethlehem at night; patrols in 3 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Hebron at night. (MNA 2/20; PCHR 2/27)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry and PA Pres. Abbas meet for a 2d day in Paris. An unnamed State Dept. official characterizes the talks as “constructive.” PA spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudayna tells Palestinian media that there can be no agreement, whether framework or final, that does not include Arab positions based on international resolutions, in a reference to the 2002 Arab League peace initiative. Meanwhile, senior Palestinian official Nabil Shaath says that he held separate, and secret, meetings with diplomats from Italy, Norway, Austria, and the UK, to discuss the ongoing negotiations. (AFP, AP, MNA, REU 2/20)

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports that amounts of enriched uranium in Iran’s stockpile have decreased significantly for the 1st time in 4 years, and also confirms that Iran is meeting its commitments under the 6-mo. interim agreement signed in 11/2013. Meanwhile, representatives of Iran and the P5+1 countries end talks with a framework for future negotiations and an agreement to hold their next meeting in Vienna on 3/17. However, little progress is made in this most recent meeting on the question of identifying Iranian concessions to be exchanged for a reduction in sanctions. Separately, the UK and Iran resume diplomatic relations, which were severed in 11/2011 when students ransacked the British embassy in Tehran. Bilateral relations will now be conducted directly “through non-resident charge d’affaires and officials,” according to a UK Foreign Office spokesperson. (AFP, AP, REU 2/20)

Egyptian military forces kill 10 suspected militants in a raid on Shaykh Zuwayd in n. Sinai, a death toll that officials claim includes senior mbrs. of Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis. (AP 2/20)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip nr. Rafah, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing damage but no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 4 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Qalqilya at night; patrols in 3 villages nr. Hebron at night. Jewish settlers attack Burin village nr. Nablus, throwing stones at schoolchildren, and assaulting a Palestinian man. Israeli forces arrive and fire rubber-coated metal bullets at villagers, causing no injuries. Meanwhile, Jewish settlers destroy 700 newly planted olive tree saplings nr. Ramallah, and in another incident, Jewish settlers demolish a Palestinian-owned agricultural shed nr. Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 30 Palestinian-owned vehicles nr. Bayt Safafa are vandalized, with racist “price tag” graffiti left at the scene. (MNA, WAFA 2/19; PCHR 2/20)

U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets with PA Pres. Abbas in Paris to discuss the ongoing peace negotiations. The meeting was attended by Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erakat, PA spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudayna, and PLO Amb. to France Hayel Fahoum. State Dept. spokesperson Jen Psaki says that the “few hours” spent together were focused on “narrowing the gaps between the parties on a framework for negotiations.” State Dept. dep. spokesperson Marie Harf also says that Kerry expresses concern in the meeting about recent remarks made by Erakat about a potential boycott of Israel. Both before and after the meeting, Palestinian officials sound pessimistic about the prospects for a breakthrough, with an unnamed official describing the talks as facing a “real crisis.” While in Paris, Kerry also meets with Jordanian FM Nasser Judeh. (JP 2/18; AFP, AP, JP, YA 2/19)

On the 2d day of talks in Vienna, Dep. FM Abbas Araghchi tells Iranian media that representatives of Iran and the P5+1 countries have agreed on an agenda for negotiations and will meet again in Vienna at some point during the 2d half of 3/2014. Earlier, the U.S. State Dept. describes the 2d day of talks as “constructive and useful.” Meanwhile, Israeli media reports that a U.S. delegation will visit Israel to brief the Israeli govt. on the ongoing talks with Iran. (HA, REU 2/19)

Two suicide bombers attack the Iranian cultural center in Beirut, killing 8 and wounding dozens more. The attack is claimed by the al-Qa‘ida-linked Abdullah Azzam Brigades, which says the bombing was a response to Hizballah’s involvement in the Syrian conflict on the side of the govt. (AP, DS, REU 2/19)

Just before Zinni arrives, Israel begins pulling back gradually fr. Ramallah. The U.S., PA say that is not enough, with the State Dept. publicly stating, "We want to see a full withdrawal" fr. area A, including all Palestinian towns, refugee camps. During the day, at least 5 Palestinians are killed in Ramallah, 1 Palestinian dies of injuries received on 3/5; 2 explosions nr. Tulkarm kill 6 Palestinians (including senior AMB mbr. Mutasim Makhluf) in what are thought to be assassinations; 2 Palestinian collaborators are killed by Fatah Hawks mbrs. in Bethlehem. In an incident similar to that on 2/14, Palestinian assailants detonate a powerful roadside bomb in Gaza, destroying a Merkava tank, killing 3 IDF soldiers, wounding 2; the AMB, PFLP each claim responsibility. In al-Bireh and nr. Ramallah, Palestinians fire RPGs at 2 tanks, damaging them. Palestinian gunmen fire on Gilo settlement, causing no damage. In retaliation, the IDF sends tanks into the heart of Bethlehem, firing repeatedly at a Catholic maternity hospital and orphanage, which houses 16 patients and 50 children ages 5 and younger, causing damage but no injuries. IDF shelling, heavy machine gun fire are also reported in `Ayn Arik, Beitunia, al-Irsal, al-Tira, Umm al-Sharayit. The IDF demolishes 15 Palestinian homes in al-Mighraqa village in Gaza; makes arrest raids into onto al-Naqura, Shu`fat. Jewish settlers fr. Ma'ale Mikhmas, guarded by IDF soldiers, attack and drive off several bedouin families camping nr. the settlement. (AFP 3/13, MA, QA, XIN 3/14 in WNC 3/15; HP, LAW, MM 3/14; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/15; Die Presse [Vienna] 3/15, al-Quds 3/16 in WNC 3/18; LAW 3/20; MEI 3/22)

Zinni meets with local reps. of the quartet--an ad hoc diplomatic formation of the EU, Russia, UN, U.S. employed at times when presenting a united international front may more effectively press Israel and the PA to take a desired course of action. He then meets with Sharon. (XIN 3/14 in WNC 3/15; MM, NYT, WT 3/15; MEI 3/22)

Multilateral talks on refugees open in Ottawa with Palestinians asserting that solution for Palestinian refugees should be made through implementation of UN Gen. Assembly Res. 194, which calls for repatriation of refugees or compensation. Israel boycotts talks. (MM 5/12)

Responding to 5/12 U.S. statement regarding right of Palestinian refugees to return, PM Shamir states "There is only a Jewish 'right of return' to the Land of Israel." State Dept. clarifies 5/12 statement, reaffirming U.S. support for Res. 194 and Sec. Council Res. 237 (adopted 14 June 1967) regarding return of Palestinian refugees but adding that this remains a matter to be negotiated between Palestinians and Israel. (NYT, MM 5/14)

Multilateral talks on water open in Vienna with more than 30 delegations attending. (WP 5/14)

Palestinian negotiators Zakariyal-Agha, 'Abd al-Rahman Hamad are refused entry into Gaza by Israeli authorities at Rafah border crossing point for a second time after they again refused to allow border guards to search documents they were carrying [see 5/12]. (MM 5/15)

Annual assembly of World Health Organization passes resolution criticizing Israel for health conditions in o.t. (MM 5/14)

In Jerusalem, Jordanian-controlled Higher Islamic Council warns against intervention by "foreign or international bodies" in repair work to Islamic holy sites in E. Jerusalem, an apparent reference to Saudi attempts to finance repairs of shrines in coordination with UNESCO [Jordan has traditionally been responsible for shrines' maintenance] [see 4/29, 5/5, 5/11, 5/12]. (MM 5/13; NYT 5/14)

Shaykh Ishaq Idris Sakhouta, head of Cairo-based and Saudi-financed World Islamic League, begins visit to Israel and o.t. After praying at al-Aqsa mosque in E. Jerusalem, Sakhouta praises Israel's handling of Islamic shrines in Jerusalem during meeting with Jerusalem mayor Teddy Kollek [Sakhouta's visit is being financed by an Israeli tourist company which seeks to increase Muslim tourism to Islamic holy sites in o.t.] (MM 5/14)

IDF kill "wanted" Palestinian in Immatin, near Tulkarm. Separate gun battle between IDF and 3 Palestinians leaves 1 Palestinian wounded. (Qol Yisra'el 5/14 in FBIS 5/14

Fifth round of Arab-Israeli peace talks open in Washington. Israeli proposes agreement for municipal elections in selected o.t. localities. Israel insists such a plan is not a substitute for continued negotiations regarding Palestinian autonomy. Israeli-Jordanian talks center on water use. (MM 4/28; WP 4/29; NYT, MM 4/30; Jordan Television 4/28 in FBIS 4/29)

U.S., Russia issue invitations for upcoming third round, multilateral talks. Meetings dealing with five different topics are scheduled to be held in May in different world capitals: arms control, 5/11 in Washington; economic development, 5/11 in Brussels; water, 5/12 in Vienna; refugee problems, 5/13 in Ottawa; environmental issues, 5/18 in Tokyo. (NYT 4/29)

State Dept. announces Syria has informed U.S. it has lifted travel ban and restrictions on purchase and sale of property formerly applied to Syrian Jews [see 4/13]. (NYT, MM 4/28)

Israeli state comptroller issues report criticizing mismanagement, waste, and corruption in numerous government agencies. Report recommended criminal investigations in several instances of corruption within housing ministry, headed by Ariel Sharon [atty. gen. began investigating housing ministry 4/26 after comptroller informed him in advance of report's findings]. (NYT, MM 4/28)

Supporters of Hamas win all 10 seats in elections for student council of a teachers' academy in Ramallah. Hamas also calls on merchants in o.t. to observe strike in protest of resumption of peace talks. Strike observed in some localities in Gaza; in W. Bank, only shops in Hebron were closed. (MM 4/27, 4/29)

IDF states it has apologized for disturbing church services in Ramallah 4/24, but continues to dispute priests' account of what happened [see 4/24]. (MM 4/27)

Palestinian Popular Struggle Front's Central Committee ends meeting in Damascus [begun 4/25] in which it deposed Secy. Gen. Samir Ghawsha and replaced him with Khalid 'Abd al-Majid. (Radio Free Lebanon 4/28 in FBIS 4/29; al-Quds Palestinian Arab Radio 4/29 in FBIS 4/30; Sawt al-Kuwait 5/1, al-Hayat 5/2 in FBIS 5/8; INA 5/3 in FBIS 5/4)

As signs of breakthrough in prisoner-hostage negotiations, Hawatma wing of the DFLP turns over body of Samir Asad, an Israeli Druze soldier captured in Lebanon and allegedly killed in an Israeli air raid on Palestinian positions, to Red Cross in Vienna, whereupon it was flown to Israel. Also on the plane was DFLP official 'Ali 'Abdullah Muhammad Abu Hilal, deported from o.t. in 1986 and whose return was part of the DFLP-Israeli exchange. (NYT 9/13; Qol Yisra'el 9/13 in FBIS 9/13)

Pres. Bush threatens to veto proposed legislation which includes loan guarantees to Israel if Congress passes the legislation over his pleas to postpone the vote. (NYT 9/13)

Poll of Palestinians in o.t. conducted by al-Bayadir al-Siyasi Press Foundation during first week of September indicates 48.6% want PNC to approve participation in proposed peace conference; 46.7% opposed participation and 4.7% had no opinion. (al-Sha'b [Jerusalem] 9/12 in FBIS 9/18)

During "national congress" in Amman of DFLP members supporting dissident leadership of Yasir 'Abd Rabbuh, 'Abd Rabbuh announces failure of mediation efforts between his faction and that loyal to long-time DFLP leader Nayif Hawatma, including efforts made by Chmn. Arafat and PFLP Gen. Secy. George Habash. 'Abd Rabbuh notes that his group will retain the name DFLP but will abandon Marxism-Leninism and concept of "democratic centralism," and indicates his group's willingness to accept proposed peace conference. Hawatma wing, which has criticized recent peace initiatives, denounces 'Abd Rabbuh faction as "deviationist" (al-Ra'i 9/13 in FBIS 9/17)

Israeli court in Ramla convicts peace activist Abie Nathan of meeting with PLO officials, upon Nathan's admission that he held two meetings with Chmn. Arafat. (Qol Yisra'el 9/12 in FBIS 9/18)

U.S. State Department declares 9/11 Middle East Watch report on human rights abuses in Kuwait was "too harsh." (MEM 9/12)

Military Action:

Tripoli cease-fire breaks down soon after visiting Syrians depart; grenades and sporadic sniper fire; artillery duels and ambush in Chouf, as Druze and Christian leaders try to restore cease-fire; Haddad militia commander Ahmed Sheet blown up by car bomb in Nabatiyeh; other sabotage acts in recent weeks in Nabatiyeh reportedly aimed at IDF forces.

Casualties:

3 killed, 10 wounded in Tripoli; 1 killed, 3 wounded in Chouf; 21 others wounded in Nabatiyeh explosion.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Begin, in speech to World Zionist Congress, sees good chance of pullout agreement soon, reaffirms settlements are essential; Begin meets with Habib and Draper, who carry proposals to skirt issue of Jerusalem as venue for talks; Israeli military authorities close down Construction and Public Institutions Employees Union headquarters in Ramallah for two months, confiscate union files, arrest union secretary.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese Foreign Minister Salem, in meeting with Shultz, warns that lengthy occupation would lead to Israeli annexation of South Lebanon, Syrian/PLO protectorate in North Lebanon.

Arab Governments: Syrian Presidents Assad and Foreign Minister Khaddam meet with Gemayel special emissary Jean Obeid, express openness to partial, simultaneous withdrawal of all foreign forces from Lebanon, provided this is linked to a total withdrawal of IDF forces, affirm that Lebanese security forces should patrol Tripoli; Egyptian President Mubarak, in Vienna, calls on PLO to recognize Israel and declares support for Reagan peace plan.

US and Other Countries: Reagan sends letter to Begin urging Israel to agree to withdrawal timetable hours after Habib and Draper meet in Jerusalem with Begin; US announces $5 m. grant, $15 m. loan to Lebanon to help rebuild damaged homes; State Department sources say Israel is offering to sell Central American countries stocks of weapons captured from PLO; over 175 Representatives sign a letter to Reagan asking him to deny advanced weapons to Jordan unless Jordan participates in peace process; in Senate, Kennedy has almost 60 co-sponsors for resolution opposing more aid to Jordan if it continues to boycott peace talks.

UN: Israel and Lebanon join in unanimous General Assembly condemnation of September massacre, but Israel votes against another provision that calls massacre act of genocide; four other resolutions passed which demand that Israel rescind annexation of Golan Heights, support Lebanese efforts to restore its authority throughout its territory, deplore destruction of Palestinian cultural heritage during invasion and ask Israel for restitution.