The Palestine Chronology

Israel announces a further reduction in fuel supplies to Gaza, where 70% of fuel stations reportedly are already closed. The IDF withdraws troops who have been stationed in the Erez industrial zone since 11/23 but sends tanks, troops into the Gaza airport site nr. Rafah to level land, withdrawing by evening. The IDF makes an air strike on a police post nr. Khan Yunis, killing 1 Hamas-affiliated policeman, wounding 5; fires on an unarmed Palestinian teenager who strays nr. the border fence e. of Rafah, wounding him; makes late-night air strikes on 2 Hamas border patrols nr. Khan Yunis, killing 4 Hamas mbrs., wounding 1. Palestinians fire at least 16 rockets and mortars fr. Gaza into Israel, causing light damage but no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts arrest raids, house searches nr. Hebron. In Hebron, the PA security forces fire on and beat Palestinians taking part in the funeral procession for the Hizb al-Tahrir supporter killed in an anti-Annapolis demonstration on 11/27, claiming the funeral had turned into a pro-Islamist rally; at least 60 Palestinians are injured, including 24 requiring hospitalization. (JP, NYT, PCHR, WP 11/29; OCHA 12/5; PCHR 12/6)

During clashes nr. Jinin, 1 Palestinian is killed, a mosque is partially damaged by IDF helicopter gunfire. The IDF also seizes a Palestinian home nr. Jinin as an outpost; sends 300 soldiers into Azun in area A in a predawn raid to arrest 17 Palestinians; fires on bedouin collecting fire wood nr. Nissanit settlement, wounding an 8-yr.-old child. (PCHR, REU 12/26; NYT, WP, WT 12/27)

Israeli, PA security officials meet at Erez crossing. Israel says the PA may repair Gaza airport (though Israel will continue to bar Arafat fr. leaving Ramallah), extends the hours of the Rafah crossing to Egypt, eases restrictions on Palestinian businessmen entering Israel. (NYT, WP, WT 12/27)

In implementation of the Sharm agmts., the PA releases a statement, read on Palestinian TV, urging Palestinians to "refrain from anything that would lead to tension or violence and to work to calm down the situation." Barak orders IDF troops to do their utmost to avoid causing casualties. By the end of the day, Israel lifts the internal closure on areas A, pulls tanks back fr. Nablus, reopens border crossings with Egypt and Jordan, and reopens the Gaza airport (see 10/7). Hamas reports that the PA has rearrested all mbrs. released since 9/28, plus others. (MM, PCHR 10/18; NYT, WP, WT 10/19; MEI 10/27)

Israeli, PA, U.S. security officers meet to discuss implementing Sharm agmts. Although Israeli officials for the 1st time acknowledge that Arafat does not have "monolithic control" over Palestinian protesters, Israel expects "total tranquility" by the afternoon of 10/20, is still working on plans for a unilateral separation fr. the Palestinians. (REU 10/18; NYT, WP 10/19; HA [Internet] 10/20; MENL, NYT 10/22)

Despite these actions, Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue unabated, with the IDF continuing to fire live ammunition at Palestinians, but causing no fatalities. 1 Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. In a joint operation, Shin Bet and IDF special forces capture 8 Palestinians suspected in the killing of the IDF reservists in Ramallah on 10/12. The PA says the 8 may have been taken in area A, which would be the 1st incursion into area A since clashes began. In Gaza, 2 roadside bombs explode as a convoy of Jewish settlers under IDF escort pass, causing no injuries. In Gaza, the IDF clears 35 dunams of woodland along the road to Erez checkpoint. (Abu Dhabi TV [Internet], ADM, BBC, MM, PCHR, UPMRC press release 10/18; HA [Internet], MM, NYT, WP, WT, YA 10/19; Globes [Internet] 10/25)

Rallies protesting Israeli actions are held in Canada, Italy, Portugal. In the U.S., similar demonstrations are held in Providence, San Francisco. (Diario de Noticias 10/18 in WNC 10/19)