The Palestine Chronology

The Israeli-Palestinian temporary cease-fire generally holds, though scattered violence is reported. Despite personal appeals by Arafat envoys, Hamas and Islamic Jihad say that they will continue to target Israeli occupation forces (i.e., troops, settlers) in the territories, though they will halt attacks inside Israel as long as Israel continues to suspend its assassination policy. A Force 17 mbr. is shot dead in Hebron. A 2d Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. Palestinian gunmen fire on the Jewish enclave in Hebron; in response the IDF shells a residential neighborhood in the Palestinian section of the city, injuring 9. Palestinians throw 6 hand-made grenades at an IDF post on the Rafah border causing no injuries; the IDF fires on residential areas of Rafah in response. A roadside bomb explodes outside Oranit settlement, injuring 2 settlement security guards. (AP 9/19; MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/20; WP 9/21; NYT, WT 9/23; HP 9/24; LAW 9/29)

Bush continues building an international coalition against Bin Laden, focusing on Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan as the primary land bases for any military operation. Bush admin. officials say that the 1st high-level quarrels have developed over the scope, timing of a military response to the 9/11 attacks, with some urging a focused attack on Bin Laden and the Taliban, others pressing for a broad military campaign that would also target other "countries of concern" such as Iraq. (NYT, WP 9/20; WP 9/21)

After talks with German FM Fischer, Arafat says he is prepared to hold cease-fire talks with Peres. Fischer also meets with Sharon, recommends that Peres and Arafat meet in Berlin. Even as Peres welcomes the idea, a small bomb explodes in West Jerusalem, causing no injuries; when Israeli police search the area, they find a much larger unexploded bomb. The Popular Army Front and Return Battalions claims responsibility. The IDF fires on residential areas of Hebron. (HA, MM 8/21; HA, LAW, MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/22; al-Quds 8/22, QA, SA 8/23 in WNC 8/24; MM 8/23; AYM 8/23 in WNC 8/27; JP 8/31)

Late this evening, Israeli-Palestinian violence escalates sharply, further dimming prospects for a German-led cease-fire initiative. IDF undercover units ambush, kill a Palestinian planting a roadside bomb outside a Jewish settlement nr. Nablus, then open fire on Palestinians attempting to retrieve the body, killing another 3, wounding 3. (LAW 8/22; NYT, WP, WT 8/23; MEI 8/21; LAW 8/22; AYM 8/23, AN 8/26 in WNC 8/27)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue at a low level, prompting Israel, the PA to exchange accusations that the other has violated the cease-fire agmt. Islamic Jihad detonates 2 roadside bombs nr. IDF patrols in the West Bank and Gaza, causing no injuries. IDF soldiers fire on Palestinian demonstrators in Khan Yunis, killing a 12-yr.-old Palestinian boy. However, the IDF pulls back troops fr. sensitive points in Gaza; Israeli, PA security teams conduct joint patrols for the 1st time in mos.; IDF, PSF cmdrs. in Gaza jointly oversee IDF efforts to dismantle roadblocks, remove tanks fr. Netzarim Junction. (NYT, WP, WT 6/18; AKH 6/18 in WNC 6/19)

In Ramla, Israel, Israeli police demolish an Israeli Arab home built without a permit. (HA 6/21)

Sharon refuses a UN request to allow FM Peres to joint a mtg. btwn. Arafat, UN Secy.-Gen. Annan in Ramallah today, saying there can be no PA-Israeli negotiations without a complete cessation to Palestinian violence. Sharon's decision sparks a sharp exchange with Peres, who supports holding the mtg., during a Knesset session. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/18)

Syrian troops continue their redeployment fr. posts in and around Beirut. (al-Quds 6/17, al-Ra'i 6/18 in WNC 6/19; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/18; RMC 6/19 in WNC 6/20; MEI 6/29)