The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raided al-Juwaya in the Masafer Yatta area, bringing their cattle to graze on wheat and barley crops and assaulting Palestinian herders. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian journalist at a checkpoint in al-Arroub refugee camp while she was on her way to work, claiming she had attempted to carry out a stabbing attack against Israeli soldiers; the woman was left without medical assistance for 20 minutes before a Palestinian ambulance arrived. Later, during her funeral, Israeli forces violently dispersed the funeral procession, critically injuring 1 with live ammunition, moderately injuring 2 with live ammunition, and injuring others with tear gas. Israeli forces also shot and killed 1 Palestinian and injured 6 others with live ammunition, including 2 who were critically injured during a punitive demolition raid in Ya‘bad; 1 family home of an alleged Palestinian attacker was demolished by Israeli forces using explosives, displacing 6. 1 of the Palestinians critically injured later succumbed to his injuries on 6/11. Elsewhere, Israeli forces handcuffed and detained for 30 minutes 2 Palestinian girls aged 11 and 12 in Hebron, claiming that Israeli settlers had reported that 1 of them carried a knife—an accusation the girls and their father denied. Israeli forces also demolished 8 residential structures and 2 agricultural structures, and seized 3 tents in al-Fakhit and al-Mirkez in the Masafer Yatta area. Separately, Israeli forces also demolished 1 house and 1 agricultural structure in az-Za’ayyem, displacing 5. Israeli forces also delivered stop-work notices for 6 houses and 4 other structures in Marda, despite the homes and structures being in Area B. Elsewhere, Israeli forces seized 6 Palestinian-owned tractors in the Jordan Valley. 14 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Ras Karkar, al-Midya, Beit Sira, Beit Fajjar, ‘Urif, and Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities demolished 1 Palestinian-owned house in Isawiya, displacing 8; 1 member of the displaced family had her arm fractured by Israeli forces during the demolition. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at Palestinians east of Beit Hanun; no injuries were reported. (AJ, HA, MEE, MEE, PCHR, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/1; AJ, AP, HA, MDW, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/2; HA 6/3; MEE, UNOCHA 6/4; MEE 6/5; PCHR 6/9; MEE, WAFA 6/11; UNOCHA 6/17)

Israeli forces prevented the executive director of the Bisan Center for Research and Development from traveling to Jordan via the Allenby Bridge for a 2-day UN conference. (WAFA 6/2)

The Knesset passed a preliminary vote 63-14, banning the flying of Palestinian flags at state-funded institutions. Members of Meretz and Joint List voted against the bill. The bill will still have to pass 3 additional votes to become law. During the debate leading to the vote, MK Eli Cohen of Likud told Sami Abu Shehadeh of Joint List that he should “go to Gaza or Jordan.” On the same day, Israeli authorities removed a large Palestinian flag placed next to an Israeli flag with the words “We are destined to live together” from an office building in Tel Aviv. The flags were funded by the Mehazkim movement. (HA, MEMO 5/30; HA, HA 6/1; MEE 6/2; ALM, AP 6/6; REU 6/7; MDW 6/9)

Israeli conducted military drills over the Mediterranean Sea, simulating air strikes on long-range targets in what was described as a message to Iran. (AP 6/1)

Axios reported that the Pentagon is considering downgrading the U.S. official in charge of security coordination with the PA from a 3-star general to a colonel, as part of a larger push to reduce the number of U.S. generals. The ranks of the military attachés in Saudi Arabia and the UAE would also be affected by the potential change. Later, on 6/17, a bipartisan group of 32 U.S. senators wrote a letter to secretary of defense Lloyd Austin, urging him not to downgrade the post of security coordinator. The group was led by Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC). (AX 6/1; AX, HA 6/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli authorities announced that it would seize 193 dunams (47.7 acres) of Palestinian-owned land near Dayr Dibwan for settlement expansion. 17 Palestinians were arrested during raids in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, Rujeib, Qalqilya, Ramallah, Rummana, Sawahara al-Sharqiyya, Aida refugee camp, Nablus, and Qusra. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinian was arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya. (WAFA, WAFA 2/25; PCHR 3/4)

Israel imposed a general closure for Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, closing all checkpoints for the Jewish Purim holiday. The closure was scheduled to be in effect from midnight on 2/25 to the night of 2/28. (HA 2/25)

The board of the Jewish National Fund voted to allocate $11.6 million to purchase land in the West Bank. (HA 2/25)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Bahrain’s prime minister Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa spoke on the phone about the U.S. plan to reengage diplomatically with Iran about its nuclear program. (AP, HA 2/25)

Israel said that an Israeli-owned ship was attacked by 1 or 2 missiles in the Gulf of Oman. Other reports said that the damage done to the ship was caused by a blast, to which the cause had not been determined. Israeli defense officials claimed that the missiles were fired by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. No injuries were reported, and the ship was able to continue to the UAE to repair the damage. Iran denied attacking the ship. (AJ, AP, HA, REU 2/26; REU 2/27; AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU 2/28; AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU 3/1)

Haaretz reported that 2 U.S. senators, Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Rob Portman (R-OH) were circulating a letter to U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken calling on him to take a more forceful stance on the ICC’s investigation of Israel and Hamas, in order to shield Israel. The pro-Israel group J Street said it was circulating their own letter, calling Cardin and Portman’s letter an “unnecessary act of political posturing,” saying the U.S. state department already rejected the ICC’s decision. J Street also criticized the Cardin and Portman letter for using “distributed territories” instead of “occupied territories” to describe the West Bank. (HA 2/25)

The U.S. attacked what the Pentagon said were Iranian-backed militia groups in eastern Syria, killing 17 people. The Pentagon said the strikes were in retaliation for 1 missile fired at a U.S. facility in Irbil, Iraq, which killed 1 U.S. national and injured 6 others on 2/15. (REU 2/25; AP, BBC, CNN, HA, REU 2/26)

Japan donated $39.7 million to UNRWA, $30.2 million for UNRWA core programming, and $9.5 million for expanding school services in Gaza. (WAFA 2/25)

In the West Bank, stone-throwing Israeli settlers injured 3 Palestinians traveling in a vehicle, and damaged vehicles and buildings in Burin. Israeli forces injured 5 Palestinians using rubber-coated bullets during the weekly anti-settlement protest in Kafr Qaddum; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Jenin and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/23; PCHR 10/29)

In a call with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Sudanese prime minister Abdalla Hamdok and transitional council head Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan, U.S. president Donald Trump announced that Sudan had decided to normalize ties with Israel, being the 3d country to do so since August. As part of the agreement, the U.S. will remove Sudan from the U.S. list of countries of state sponsors of terrorism. In order to finalize the agreement, Sudan’s legislative council, which has not yet formed, will have to approve the deal. U.S. officials said that a signing ceremony would be held at the White House in a couple of weeks. The deal met condemnation from the PA, Fatah, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad. During the call with the 2 Sudanese leaders and Netanyahu, President Trump sought to have Netanyahu make alienating statements toward U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden by asking if Netanyahu thought that “Sleepy Joe could have made this deal, Bibi, Sleepy Joe . . . Somehow, I don’t think so,” to which Netanyahu responded, “one thing I can tell you is we appreciate the help for peace from anyone in America.” (AJ, HA, REU, REU, WAFA 10/23; REU, WAFA 10/24)

Prime Minister Netanyahu said that Israel agreed not to oppose the U.S. sale of F-35 fighter jets to the UAE after Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz had talks with the Pentagon; however, Gantz said in a statement that the negotiations relating to the sale of F-35s to the UAE was kept hidden from him and the defense ministry. Netanyahu has previously denied that sales of F-35 were part of the UAE-Israel normalization deal. (AJ, HA, REU 10/23; HA 10/24)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces raided a Palestinian-owned house in Kaubar and took measures to punitively demolish it; 2 of the house’s occupants are detained by Israel. Israeli forces also arrested 11 Palestinians, including 4 during late-night raids in and around Tulkarm, Jenin, and Ramallah; 1 on a street near Nablus; and 7 during daytime raids in and around Ramallah, Nablus, ‘Ayn al-Hilwa, and Hebron. During a daytime raid in Nablus, Israeli forces confiscated a tractor, and separately during a different raid in Nablus, Israeli forces seized carpentry equipment. 1 Palestinian was shot by Israeli forces after he allegedly attempted to carry out a stabbing by the Gush Etzion junction. Israeli forces also seized and impounded a PA health ministry vehicle providing medical services to 1,500 Palestinians in rural areas south of Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces fired tear gas and arrested 3 Palestinians at Bab al-Rahma in the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire east of Khan Yunis; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/2; WAFA 1/3; HA 1/7; PCHR 1/9)

9 Palestinians from Issawiyya in East Jerusalem were placed under nighttime curfew between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. 6 of the men were told that they were facing a nighttime curfew on 12/29, but the curfew did not take effect until 1/2. The Israeli military cited a 1945 Mandate-era regulation to justify placing the 9 under nighttime curfew. (HA 1/2)

The U.S. assassinated Iranian major general in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and commander of the IRGC’s special forces Quds Force Qasem Soleimani and the deputy chairman of the Iraqi government-sanctioned militia Popular Mobilisation Forces, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, along with several other Iranian and Iraqi officials at Baghdad International airport. The assassinations were carried out by an American MQ-9 drone that fired missiles at the officials’ convoy as it was leaving the airport. The Pentagon released a statement saying that the strike was directed on behest of U.S. president Donald Trump and was aimed at “deterring future Iranian attack plans.” Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a statement that Iran would have 3 days of mourning followed by a retaliation. The speaker of the Iraqi parliament Mohammed al-Halbousi condemned the assassination, calling it “a flagrant breach of sovereignty and violation of international agreements.” (DOD, NYT, REU 1/2; AJ, AJ, AP, CNN, HA, WP 1/3; HA 1/4)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Jericho at night. (PCHR 8/29)

Palestinian pres. Mahmud Abbas says that there is “nothing” stopping him from meeting personally with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu “at the right time,” remarks he makes in a press conference in Ramallah with visiting French FM Laurent Fabius. (HA, JP 8/24) 

Egyptian authorities open the border crossing with the Gaza Strip atRafah for 4 hours, with 650 entering the Palestinian enclave, and some 300 exiting to Egypt. (MNA, REU 8/24)

U.S. Defense Secy. Chuck Hagel tells reporters at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur that the Pentagon is ready to carry out a military attack on Syria should the pres. order it. In Damascus, 3 hospitals report 355 deaths after an alleged chemical weapons attack last Wednesday (8/21), according to Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF). (REU 8/24)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus and Jenin at night. (PCHR 7/25)

In Damascus, Syrian govt. forces fire a rocket into Yarmuk r.c., reportedly killing 15 Palestinian civilians. (REU 27/4)

Assailants throw a bomb at security headquarters in Mansoura, Egypt, killing 1 and wounding more than a dozen. Meanwhile, Gen. al-Sisi calls for demonstrations in support of the ruling military and against “terrorism.” Separately, U.S. Pres. Barack Obama halts the scheduled delivery of 4 F-16 fighter planes to the Egyptian Air Force, with the Pentagon’s Press Secy. George Little saying that the decision was due to it not being seen as “appropriate” to complete the delivery at this time. (AFP, AP, NYT 7/24)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Nablus, Bethlehem, 3 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, and 2 villages nr. Ramallah; patrols in Hebron and 1 village nr. Hebron at night. Jewish settlers attack Palestinians and their property in the Hawara area nr. Nablus, and also in a separate incident s. of Hebron. (WAFA 7/6; PCHR 7/11)

In Egypt, violent clashes continue between supporters of ousted pres. Mohamed Morsi and his opponents and security forces. According to the Egyptian Health Ministry’s statistics, the recent clashes have left over 30 dead and more than 1,000 injured across the country. In the Sinai, unidentified assailants set off an explosion on a pipeline taking gas to Jordan. Meanwhile, the Rafah crossing on the Gaza border remains closed. U.S. Defense Secy. Chuck Hagel continues telephone conversations with the Egyptian military leadership, holding a 2-hour long discussion with Egyptian armed forces chief al-Sisi. Few details are revealed about the contents of the talk, though Pentagon spokesperson George Little says in a statement that Hagel emphasized the need for a peaceful civilian transition. (Guardian, MNA, NYT, REU, WP 7/6)

The Syrian National Coalition chooses Ahmad Jarba as its new president after a runoff vote that saw the triumph of a tribal leader from the e. province of Syria with Saudi connections. (REU 7/6)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, in 1 village each nr. Ramallah and nr. Tulkarm at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in and around Hebron and in 1 village nr. Jenin at night. (PCHR 4/18)

Bloomberg reports that for the first time, the regular budget for the Pentagon’s Missile Defense Agency contains funds to buy new Iron Dome missile defense systems for Israel. $395.9 million is budgeted for the purpose in fiscal years 2014-15, in what is described by an Agency spokesperson as ‘‘new money,’’ coming on top of $486 million requested by the White House and Congress (making a total of $882 million). (Bloomberg 4/16)

Israeli media reports that PM Benjamin Netanyahu may adopt a package of ‘‘goodwill gestures’’ ahead of U.S. Pres. Obama’s upcoming visit, including transferring responsibility for 2 West Bank roads to the PA, releasing Fatah prisoners, and approving building plans for Palestinian villages in Area C currently considered illegal. Netanyahu’s office denies the reports and says that any practical steps would only be taken if the Palestinian leadership returns to talks without conditions. (MNA, ToI 3/5)

In the West Bank, Jewish settlers uproot around 100 olive trees in Nahalin village nr. Bethlehem. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in Nablus, 1 village nr. Bethlehem, Aida r.c. in Bethlehem, 3 villages nr. Hebron and 2 villages nr. Jenin at night. (AP 3/5; PCHR 3/6)

Israeli security service Shin Bet publishes statistics indicating a 70% increase in violent attacks by Palestinians in the occupied territories during 2/2013 (138 incidents) compared to 1/2013 (83 incidents), most of which were the throwing of Molotov cocktails. (HA 3/5; XIN 8/6)

Hamas reports that PA security forces arrested 66 of the movement’s supporters in the West Bank during 2/2013, and summoned another 38 for interrogation. A senior Hamas official in the Gaza Strip says that PA Pres. Mahmud Abbas had ‘‘sold the reconciliation in return for an American smile.’’ (JP 3/5)

A week after assuming office, U.S. Defense Secy. Chuck Hagel hosts Israeli DM Ehud Barak at the Pentagon for talks on Iran and Syria, among other topics. Hagel assures Barak that there would be no interruption of funding for Israeli defense systems like Iron Dome, Arrow and David’s Sling, even as the looming sequester looks set to cost Israel around $155 million in defense assistance. (HA, JTA 3/5)

Israeli newspaper Yedi’ot Aharonot reports that the EU is preparing a new plan for Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, to be presented following the forthcoming Israeli elections. The plan reportedly will be detailed and aim to complete negotiations on core issues during 2013. The initiative is sponsored by the British and French foreign ministries, but could be adopted by the whole EU. The PA subsequently says it is unaware of such a plan. Meanwhile, Jordan’s King Abdallah tells the French media that his country is working with European countries to restart the stalled negotiations. (AFP, JP 1/13; JP 1/14)

Israeli NGO Peace Now says that Israel’s Defense Ministry has published plans for around 200 new housing units in the West Bank settlement of Rotem in the Jordan Valley. Meanwhile, PM Netanyahu tells the cabinet that the government will ‘‘not allow anyone to harm the contiguity between Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim,’’ referring to the removal of Palestinian activists from the Bab al-Shams protest camp in the E1 area. (AFP, JP 1/13)

Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the Gaza coast nr. al-Waha, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning and in 1 village each nr. Qalqilya and Ramallah at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Jenin in the afternoon, and in Nablus, Qalqilya, and 1 village each nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, and Nablus at night. (PCHR 1/17)

Armed Palestinians protest in Jenin r.c., demanding the PA security forces return confiscated weapons to the resistance. The PA vows (1/14) to investigate the demonstration. (MNA 1/14)

Palestinian PM Salam Fayyad meets Arab League mbrs. to discuss the PA’s cash crisis and ways of raising the $100 m. promised by Arab countries but as yet undelivered. Fayyad claims that the situation may push 1.5 m. Palestinians into poverty. The Arab League agrees to form a delegation to press mbr. states to meet their financial obligations to the PA. (AP, MNA 1/13)

Senior IDF officers brief Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu that Syrian armed opposition groups have taken up positions along the border of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. (JP 1/13)

The Pentagon is sending briefings to senators in order to rebut what it calls ‘‘myths’’ about Defense Secretary–designate Chuck Hagel in the face of opposition to his appointment, in particular by pro-Israel groups. (WT 1/13)

Palestinian pres. Abbas says that if Israel continues with its settlement plans, then the Palestinian side will consider taking the Jewish state to the ICC. Abbas makes his remarks at a news conference in Ankara with Turkish pres. Abdullah Gul, who says that Israel is ‘‘playing with fire’’ in its latest move to construct settlement units in Jerusalem and the West Bank. Israeli FM Avigdor Lieberman responds by saying that ‘‘If the Palestinians want peace—they’ll get peace. If they want war—they’ll get war.’’ Lieberman also says that any future rocket fire from the Gaza Strip would prompt a full-scale invasion of the territory and that tax revenues will be withheld from the PA until at least 3/2013 in response to the UN decision to upgrade Palestine’s observer status. Israeli media reports that Lieberman has instructed the Foreign Ministry to pursue an international diplomatic campaign portraying Abbas and Hamas leader Mishal as fellow rejectionists. (AFP, JP, YA 12/11; REU 12/12)

Israel issues tenders for the construction of 92 homes in Ma’ale Adumim settlement in the West Bank nr. Jerusalem. In occupied East Jerusalem, Israeli police demolish a Palestinian home in al-Tur neighborhood on the grounds it was built without a permit. The house was home to 11 residents and had been inhabited for over 4 yrs. In the West Bank, the IDF opens fire on protesters in Ni‘lin village nr. Ramallah, wounding 1 civilian in the leg. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Jericho and 1 area nr. Jenin in the morning, and in al-Fawar r.c. and 1 village each nr. Hebron, Jericho, and Tulkarm at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron and al-‘Arub r.c., also nr. Hebron, at night. (AFP, WAFA 12/11; PCHR 12/13)

The Pentagon notifies Congress that it wants to sell Israel around 6,900 tail kits used to convert free-fall bombs into satellite-guided ordnance, a resupply deal worth around $647 m. (Bloomberg 12/11)

Kadima head Shaul Mofaz arrives in Washington for his 1st official visit as Israel’s vice PM in charge of overseeing peace process issues. He meets with U.S. secy. of state Hillary Clinton and U.S. security officials and urges the U.S. to support reviving peace talks with the Palestinians, stating that the greatest threat to Israel is not Iran but a Palestinian demographic majority. He presents his own peace plan (1st unveiled in 2009 and not endorsed by Netanyahu), which calls for the creation of an interim Palestinian state with temporary borders on 60% of the West Bank, land swaps making up for the other 40%, and Israel’s permanent control over most settlement areas. (WP 6/20)

Israeli drones and warplanes carry out another 5 air strikes across Gaza, leaving at least 2 armed Palestinians and 1 Palestinian child dead and 10 Palestinians (2 armed, 8 civilian) wounded. The strikes include (1) an air strike on Gaza City targeting 2 members of the Salafist Tawhid and Jihad (TAJ) group whom Israel now alleges were involved in the 6/18 attack on Israel from the Sinai (1 TAJ member is killed, 1 is wounded; a family picnicking nearby is also hit, leaving a 13-yr.-old Palestinian boy dead, and 4 mbrs. of his family, including 3 children, seriously injured); (2) 2 missiles fired at a rocket-launching team in Rafah (1 armed Palestinian killed, 1 wounded); (3) air strikes on 2 IQB training camps in Jabaliya r.c. and Nussayrat r.c. (injuring 5 bystanders in nearby homes). Meanwhile, Palestinians fire more rockets fr. Gaza into Israel, damaging a house but causing no injuries. Since 6/17, Israel has carried out at least 17 air strikes on Gaza, and Palestinians have fired more than 100 rockets and mortars. By late evening, Hamas officials in Gaza say that Gaza’s factions have agreed to an Egyptian-brokered cease-fire with Israel to end 3 days of cross-border violence. In addition, Israeli naval vessels fire on and detain 3 Palestinian fishing boats off the n. Gaza shore, questioning 6 fishermen (all released on 6/21). In the West Bank, the IDF conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in Salfit, and nr. Hebron and Jenin; conducts late-night patrols in Jericho. (YA 6/20; NYT, PCHR, WP 6/21; PCHR 6/28; OCHA 6/29)

Overnight, the YESHA settlers’ council reaches a deal with the Israeli government to peacefully evacuate Ulpana outpost in exchange for a promises that 300 new housing units will be built in neighboring Beit El settlement and that the deal would not be used as a precedent for deciding the fate of other unauthorized settlement outposts. Meanwhile, some 1,000 Israeli police officers undergo special training to prevent violence and injuries during the Ulpana evacuation. (NYT 6/20)

Several U.S. representatives from both parties testifying before the House Armed Services Comm. recommend that the Pentagon begin preparing for military action against Iran, including expediting deployment of bunker-busting munitions that could target Iran’s underground facilities. (WP 6/21)

Late in the evening, IDF troops on the c. Gaza border fire 2 artillery shells into Gaza City, hitting a home (failing to explode, but causing damage) and a farm (causing no reported injuries). In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 3 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 nr. Jericho in the morning; patrols in Jericho and 1 nearby village, 5 villages nr. Salfit, and 1 nr. Tulkarm late at night. Palestinians (sometimes accompanied by Israeli and international activists) hold weekly nonviolent demonstrations against the separation wall, land confiscations, and settlement expansion in Bil’in, Kafr Qaddum, Nabi Salih, and Ni’lin. IDF soldiers fire live ammunition (Nabi Salih only), rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades at the protesters. As a result, 1 Palestinian photographer is injured (rubber-coated steel bullets) in Bil’in; 1 Palestinian cameraman (tear gas canister) and 1 Palestinian demonstrator (live ammunition) are wounded in Nabi Saleh. (PCHR 2/2; OCHA 2/3)

The Pentagon says it is rushing to modify the aging amphibious assault ship USS Ponce, previously scheduled for decommission, for dispatch to the Persian Gulf by summer 2012 for use as a large floating staging base for commando teams and a docking station for small high-speed boats and helicopters. The U.S. Central Command, which oversees military operations in the Middle East, recommended the move amid concerns about rising tensions with Iran, al-Qa’ida in Yemen, and Somali pirates. (WP 1/28)

In the West Bank, the IDF makes a morning incursion into Ni‘lin, surrounding and firing tear gas into a girls school for no apparent reason while classes are in session (10s of students suffer tear gas inhalation), then fires on 10s of stone-throwing Palestinian youths who confront them, wounding 7; destroys an unlicensed fruit and vegetable stand nr. the Qalandia checkpoint that provides the only source income for 6 Palestinian families; demolishes 32 bedouin structures in Mu’arrajat nr. Ramallah, displacing 60 bedouin (including 36 children); seizes Palestinian land in Hebron to erect a new electricity network to serve local Jewish settlements; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in and around Jenin town and r.c., in Dahaysha r.c. and Nablus, and in al-‘Askra village nr. Bethlehem. Jewish settlers fr. Kiryat Arba stone Palestinian elementary school students on their way home fr. school, occupy the yards of 2 Palestinian homes and hold prayers (the IDF removes them). (OCHA 9/10; PCHR 9/11; AIC 11/9)

The Pentagon announces a $77-m. deal to sell Israel 1,000 GBU-39 bunker-buster munitions. Israeli military experts say the bombs would not be suitable for an attack on Iran but “could provide a powerful new weapon” against Gaza. (AP 9/15)

The IDF directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Rafah r.c., killing 6 Palestinians (including 2 women, 2 teenagers, a 9-yr.-old girl) and wounding 50; the IDF says it was responding to Palestinian gunfire on an IDF bulldozer working build an observation tower with an overview of the camp, causing no injuries. The IDF also bulldozes 2.5 dunams of Palestinian land and an irrigation system nr. Tulkarm; conducts arrest raids in Tal; shells, destroys a closed Palestinian summer resort nr. Aley Sinai settlement. The IDF removes Jewish settlers, trailers fr. Havat Gilad; late in the evening, some 300 Jewish settlers retake the site. Settlers voluntarily leave a 2d enclave, allowing the IDF to dismantle it, bringing to 22 the number of enclaves removed in recent days. Jewish settlers assault Palestinians, Israeli peace activists attempting to harvest olives nr. Yasuf village; the IDF presses settlers to leave the area, allow harvesting to continue. Jewish setters nr. Hebron confiscate 90 dunams of Palestinian land. A PA security court sentences 1 Palestinian, a fmr. Hamas mbr., to death for collaborating with Israel. (REU 10/17; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/18; AFP, al-Quds 10/18 in WNC 10/21; WP 10/19; LAW, PCHR 10/23; MEI 10/25; JPI 11/8)

A fmr. U.S. defense official corroborates rumors that Israeli special forces recently conducted a covert reconnaissance mission in w. Iraq to determine Iraq's capacity to strike Israel with Scud missiles. Military analyst and fmr. Pentagon official Anthony Cordesman says that Baghdad is estimated to have only 12+n25 Scuds; by comparison, during the 1991 Gulf War, Iraq fired 39 Scuds at Israel alone. (WP 10/18) (see 9/29)

Israeli security forces guarding the U.S. emb. in Tel Aviv capture a Palestinian suicide bomber when he bolts fr. the entrance of a nearby cafe after his explosives belt set off a metal detector; no one is injured. 1 Palestinian dies of injuries received on 9/30. The IDF fatally shoots a Palestinian in her home in Nablus, shells residential areas of Bayt Hanun. Israel bars access to al-Aqsa Mosque for Friday prayers to Palestinians under age 40. Jewish settlers retake the only inhabited settler outpost removed by the IDF on 10/10; the IDF says it has shut 17 of 24 unauthorized outposts it aims to close. (HA, MM 10/11; NYT, WP 10/12; WT 10/13; MM 10/14; LAW, PCHR, PR 10/16)

Some 5,000 Christian evangelicals hold a rally in solidarity with Israel on the sidelines of a Christian Coalition conference in Washington. Addressing the rally, Christian Coalition founder Pat Robertson states that "Palestine has been occupied by Yasir Arafat and his thugs . . . [and] we cannot turn it over to them." House majority whip Tom DeLay (R-TX) declares that when he visited the Jewish state, "I didn't see any occupied territory--what I saw was Israel." (WJW 10/17; JPI 10/25; Guardian 10/28)

Senate passes (77-23) a concurrent res. approved by the House (296-133) on 10/10 giving Bush the authority to strike Iraq unilaterally, meaning he needs no further congressional approval to deploy troops, order air strikes, wage a ground war with Iraq. The Pentagon issues orders for the army's V Corps, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force to deploy headquarters staffs, which would coordinate an attack on Iraq, to Kuwait, marking the 1st official nonroutine dispatch of conventional ground forces to the Gulf. (NYT, WP, WT 10/11; NYT 10/12)

Late in the evening, the IDF sends 10s of tanks, troops back into Amari r.c., Ramallah in a massive incursion to bulldoze buildings damaged in early attacks and conduct arrest raids, surround Arafat's headquarters, impose curfews, conduct house-to-house searches; 1 Palestinian is killed. The IDF also makes late-night arrest raids in Hebron, Qalqilya, Tulkarm. In Gaza City, the PSF arrests Islamic Jihad leader Shaykh Abdallah Shami for plotting the 6/5 bombing. (LAW, MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/10; MEI 6/14)

Arafat appoints a new "transitional" EA. Among the new mbrs. are Maj. Gen. `Abd al-Razzaq Yahya, named interior M to oversee security reforms, and respected IMF economist Salam Fayyad, named finance M to oversee economic reforms. (BBC 6/9; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/10; AFP, MENA, QA 6/10 in WNC 6/11; HA, JP, WP 6/11; MENA, SA 6/11 in WNC 6/12; PR 6/12; SA 6/13 in WNC 6/14; MEI 6/14; al-Nahar 6/16 in WNC 6/17; QA 6/18 in WNC 6/19)

Sharon arrives in Washington; meets with Pentagon, National Security Council officials. (WP 6/10)

The IDF sends troops, APCs into Bethlehem, reoccupying most of the city, directing shells and heavy machine gun fire at residential areas, demolishing the home of senior Islamic Jihad mbr. Muhammad Shihada; troops still hold most of Bethlehem at nightfall. The IDF also fires tank shells, machine guns a Palestinian mother, daughter working their farm nr. the Gaza border with Israel, killing them; the IDF says they were in a prohibited area. Denied passage by the IDF, a Palestinian woman gives birth at a checkpoint; the baby dies. The IDF withdraws to the outskirts of Tulkarm r.c.; at least 9 more IDF soldiers have been injured in the operation since the fatal ambush on 5/24. The IDF imposes curfews on Palestinian villages along the Green Line nr. Qalqilya, Tulkarm. (AFP, NYT, WP, WT 5/26; WP 5/27; LAW 5/29; PCHR 5/30; MEI 5/31)

An "intense debate" is reportedly underway among U.S. Pres. George W. Bush and his senior advisers over whether to press for Arafat's removal. Arafat adviser Muhammad Rashid, in Washington for several days for a low-key meetings with U.S. officials at the CIA, Pentagon, State Dept. and with Jewish leaders, argues that Arafat is central to the peace process. (NYT 5/26)

An Islamic Jihad suicide bomber detonates a device on a street in Tel Aviv, wounding at least 18 Israelis, 3 of them critically. 1 Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. In Gaza, the IDF reports that Hamas fired locally made Qassam-1 rockets at Erez crossing, causing no injuries. In retaliation, the IDF launches F-16 air strikes on PA security targets in Gaza City and Tulkarm, injuring at least 7 Palestinians. The IDF also shells residential areas of Khan Yunis; bulldozes 600 m² of Palestinian land in Khan Yunis; conducts arrest raids in Nablus. In Ramallah, 1,000s of Palestinians rally in support of Arafat. The IDF pulls out of Tira neighborhood in Ramallah, which it reoccupied on 1/17. (AP 1/25; NYT, WP, WT 1/26; JT [Internet] 1/27; PCHR 1/30)

56 officers, soldiers in the IDF combat reserves publish a petition in Ha'Aretz publicly refusing to "fight beyond the Green Line for the purpose of occupying, deporting, destroying, blockading, killing, starving, and humiliating an entire people." (HA 1/25; HA 1/28; WP 1/29; WT 1/30; BBC, MM, WJW 1/31; MA 2/1 in WNC 2/4; NYT 2/2; MM 2/4; MM, NYT 2/5; MEI 2/8)

Senior White House, State Dept., CIA, Pentagon officials meet again to discuss the possibility of severing ties with Arafat, the PA/PLO. Bush, his advisers decide to increase public criticism of Arafat and to "redouble" efforts to get Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia to put pressure on Arafat. (AP, HA, MM, WP 1/25; WP, WT 1/26; al-Quds 1/26, DUS 1/27 in WNC 1/28; MM 1/28; AKH 1/28 in WNC 1/29; HA 1/29; MA, al-Quds 2/1 in WNC 2/4)

In the U.S., as many as 20 hijackers commandeer 4 commercial jets bound from east coast airports to California. Minutes apart, 2 planes hit the World Trade Center (WTC) in New York City, destroying the twin towers and killing possibly 1,000s of people. Within an hr., the 3d plane hits the Pentagon in Washington, killing up to 200 people, and the 4th plane crashes in w. Pennsylvania, killing all aboard. Bush vows retaliation, saying, "We will make no distinction between those who committed these acts and those who harbored them." Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT), a mbr. of the Senate intelligence comm. claims that the U.S. intercepted reports by associates of Saudi dissident Osama Bin Laden saying they had hit 2 targets; another intelligence official says, however, that the information was not so definitive. Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the PA, Hamas, Afghanistan's ruling Taliban immediately condemn the attacks. (ATL, MENA 9/11 in WNC 9/12; JT 9/11, DUS, ITAR-TASS, JT, QA, al-Quds, al-Ra'i 9/12 in WNC 9/13; HP, MM, NYT, PR, WP, WT 9/12; AFP, HA, WJW 9/13; WP 9/15; MENA 9/16 in WNC 9/17; JP 9/21; JP, MEI 9/28)

Hopes for an Arafat-Peres mtg. fade as Israel steps up its attack on Jinin. Before dawn, IDF tanks encircle the town, cut electricity, shell residential areas of Jinin and a nearby refugee camp, killing 2 Palestinians. A 3d Palestinian is fatally shot when the IDF opens fire on a taxi in Gaza. The IDF also shells areas of Gaza City, hitting 2 factories, a PSF office. Palestinian snipers fatally shoot 2 IDF soldiers nr. Tulkarm. Israel's Jerusalem Municipality demolishes 3 Palestinian homes in Bayt Hanina, issues demolition orders for another 5 houses. (AP, BBC, LAW, MM, NYT, WP 9/11; MEZ, NYT, WP 9/12; LAW 9/20; MEI 9/28)

U.S. officials, military officers admit that the U.S. has fallen into a low-grade war with Iraq, is downplaying scope of the operation (with the Pentagon refusing to release basic data such as number of sorties flown) to avoid antagonizing friendly Arab countries and to minimize questions at home. Experts estimate that the U.S. has flown 3,224 sorties, dropped over 274 bombs in the last 10 wks. (WP 3/7; GIU 3/11; MM 3/12)

Emir of Bahrain Shaykh Isa Bin Salman al-Khalifa collapses, dies after a mtg. with visiting U.S. Defense Secy. William Cohen. He is immediately succeeded by his son Shaykh Hamad Bin Isa al-Khalifa. (RJ, SATN, VOL 3/6 in WNC 3/8; NYT, WP, WT 3/7; MM 3/8; MEI 3/12)

Israeli border police scuffle with 300 Palestinian women attempting to walk to East Jerusalem from the West Bank to protest Israeli restrictions on Palestinians entering Jerusalem. (WT 3/7)

In Jerusalem, an IDF soldier is stabbed, injured by a suspected Palestinian assailant. (MM 3/8) (see 3/5)

Protest by Palestinian political prisoners against their detention in Israel's Megiddo jail turns into riot, injuring 3 Israeli policemen. Meanwhile, 44 Palestinians held in PA jails without charge end mo.-long hunger strike (see 2/12), claiming that they have reached an agmt. with the PA to resolve their case. (AFP [Internet] 3/1; PR 3/5)

A Palestinian is shot, wounded by IDF when he tries to avoid a road block nr. Ramallah. (PR 3/5)

Jordanian, Israeli water officials meet in Amman to prepare funding proposals to the EU for joint water projects in the Jordan Valley. (JT 3/2 in WNC 3/4; al-Ayyam 3/3 in WNC 3/5)

Jordanian FM `Abdallah Khatib makes 1st high-level Jordanian visit to Kuwait since the 1990+n91 Gulf conflict. Kuwait says that bilateral relations have returned to normal. (Petra-JNA, Radio Kuwait 3/2, JT 3/3 in WNC 3/4; MM, WP 3/3; Xinhua 3/3 in WNC 3/5)

Pentagon confirms that the U.S., Britain, Turkey have signed their 1st agmt. on technical rules of engagement for air operations in n. Iraq, broadening rules of engagement for pilots for 2d time since 1/25. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/2)

Israel's atty. gen. files formal request for a larger group of High Court justices to reconsider the 2/25 decision not to extradite Sheinbein. (WP 3/2; WJW 3/4, 3/11)

Results of Iran's 2/26 local elections show that reform candidates allied with moderate Pres. Mohamed Khatami won a sweeping victory, taking all seats in Tehran, most seats nationwide. (WP, WT 3/2; NYT, WP, WT 3/3; MM, NYT, WP 3/8)

Lebanese brace for escalation in Israeli attacks following 2/28 incident. Israel's security cabinet threatens future strikes, but under strong international pressure, the IDF stages no attacks. (RL 3/1 in WNC 3/2; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 3/2; ITAR-TASS, MA 3/2 in WNC 3/4)

King Hussein undergoes bone marrow transplant at Mayo Clinic. (MM 2/2; JTV 2/2 in WNC 2/4; NYT, WP, WT 2/3)

On a television talk show, PM Netanyahu compares Labor campaign rival Barak to Hitler. The audience, stacked with Likud supporters sent by the PM's Office, applauds Netanyahu's statements; insults, spits on Labor party mbrs. in the audience. (MM 2/2; MM, WT 2/3; MA 2/3 in WNC 2/4; MM 2/4; JP 2/12)

U.S. planes destroy 2 of 3 new antiship missile sites in s. Iraq. Pentagon says that U.S., British jets have attacked more antiaircraft, missile batteries than they did during the 12/16-19 operation. (NYT, WP 2/3)

U.S. sends additional forces to the Gulf for possible strike on Iraq. UN pulls weapons inspectors, relief personnel out of Iraq. Pres. Clinton tells PM Netanyahu that Arab states are resisting backing U.S. moves because Israel has not begun Wye implementation. (MM 11/10; GIU, NYT, WP, WT 11/11; WP 11/12; Petra-JNA 11/12 in WNC 11/13)

Under "intense" U.S. pressure, PM Netanyahu says that he is now satisfied with PA security assurances, will convene cabinet 11/11 to ratify Wye. (MM 11/10; AFP 11/10 in WNC 11/13; NYT, WP 11/11)

In Washington, an Israeli DMin. delegation asks Pentagon, State Dept. for $15-b. over the next 10 yrs. to modernize the IDF. (MA 11/11 in WNC 11/13)

Israeli municipal elections are held. Labor wins mayoralties in Tel Aviv, Beersheba, Haifa. Likud's Olmert wins reelection in Jerusalem. Police report that this has been the most violent campaign in Israel's history, with 313 cases of election-related violence, including 51 acts of serious property damage, 61 instances of bodily harm, numerous death threats. (MM, NYT 11/10; MM, NYT 11/11; CSM, WT 11/12; MM 11/13)

2 IDF soldiers are shot, wounded nr. a Jewish settlement in the West Bank. (MM 11/10; AFP 11/10 in WNC 11/13; NYT, WP 11/11)

Israeli DM Mordechai approves plan to fortify 33 West Bank settlements that will be nr. area A after the 2d FRD. (Los Angeles Times 11/10; Hatzofe 11/11 in WNC 11/13)

Nr. Sidon, Lebanon, a grenade is thrown in Mieh Mieh refugee camp, a bomb goes off in `Ayn al-Hilwa refugee camp. Explosions cause damage but no injuries. (VOL 11/10 in WNC 11/13)

In Washington, Israel Trade M Sharansky meets with VP Gore, urges him to dissuade the U.S. fr. presenting its own FRD proposal, requests mtg. with Secy. Albright but is refused. (ITV 3/18, MA 3/19 in WNC 3/20; MM 3/19; NYT 3/23; PR 3/27)

In Washington, Netanyahu adviser Arad meets with Asst. Secy. of State Indyk to encourage him to dissuade the U.S. fr. presenting its 13.1% FRD plan. (MM 3/19)

In Beirut, Russian special envoy Viktor Posuvalyuk meets with Lebanese FM Faris Buwayz. (VOL 3/18 in WNC 3/20)

UK FM Cook meets with Syrian pres. Asad in Damascus, Lebanese PM Rafiq Hariri in Beirut. (MM 3/18; RL, SANA 3/18, Les Echos [Paris], RL 3/19 in WNC 3/20)

3 Israeli teenagers are detained, 2 American teenagers are questioned regarding an organized infiltration of Pentagon computer system; 100s of other government, corporate, university computers. (ITV 3/18 in WNC 3/20; NYT, WJW, WP 3/19; WP, WT 3/20; WP 3/21; MEI 3/27; JP 3/28)

In Gaza, the Palestinian Council (PC) meets for the 1st time to swear in its mbrs. (MM 3/7; QY, VOP 3/7 in FBIS 3/7; PBC 3/7 in FBIS 3/8; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/8; MEI 3/15)

Lebanon closes all the crossing points into the Israeli self-declared security zone in s. Lebanon to prevent entry of any Palestinians who might be deported by Israel in connection with the recent bombings. (VOL 3/7 in FBIS 3/7)

Israeli FM Ehud Barak warns Arafat that if he does not crack down on Islamists in Gaza soon, Israel will send troops into Gaza. (WT 3/9)

Israeli police detain Sulayman Ahmad Aghbariyya, an Israeli-Arab who is deputy mayor of Umm al-Fahm and head of the charity organization the Islamic Salvation Committee, on suspicion of transferring over $3 m. fr. abroad to relatives of Hamas mbrs. (QY 3/7 in FBIS 3/7) (see 3/6)

Hamas issues a leaflet dissociating itself fr. the 3/5 Qassam Brigades leaflet announcing it will disarm, fr. all Yahya Ayyash Units leaflets; calls them an attempt by Israel to undermine the movement. (JMCC 3/7 in FBIS 3/7)

Islamic Jihad takes responsibility for 3/4 Tel Aviv bombing. (VOL 3/7 in FBIS 3/8) (see 3/6)

The Pentagon announces that U.S. warplanes will be stationed temporarily in Jordan next mo. to carry out surveillance flights over s. Iraq. It will be the 1st time Jordan has allowed U.S. warplanes to use its territory to overfly Iraq. (RJ 3/8, RMC 3/9, JT 3/10 in FBIS 3/11; WT 3/11; NYT 4/9; MM 3/15; JT 4/9 in FBIS 4/9)

Secy. of State Christopher meets with Arafat in Gaza; discusses Israeli security, redeployment; promises to push donors to fulfill aid pledges; announces gift of 200 military trucks; says teams fr. Agricultural Dept., Pentagon will be sent to advise PA on medical, humanitarian, agricultural issues. Arafat promises to prosecute, punish "terrorists." (MM 3/10; VOP 3/10 in FBIS 3/13; WP, WT 3/11; MM 3/13; JP 3/18)

Likud leader Netanyahu meets with Secy. of State Christopher, says if he wins 1996 election he will not expand Palestinian self-rule, bargain with Syria for the Golan. (NYT 3/11)

UNRWA Commissioner-General Ilter Türkmen arrives in Gaza for 1-wk. visit, briefs Arafat on donor mtg. (UNRWA News 3/22)

Matti Peled, one of the 1st Israeli officials to call for talks with the PLO (1975), dies in Jerusalem. (JP 3/18)

PLO-Israel talks in Cairo on Palestinian autonomy recess without completing draft accord for discussion by PLO Chmn. Arafat and Israeli FM Peres. Sides remain divided over size of Jericho area, security for Israeli settlers, and control of border crossings. (MENA 1/27 in FBIS 1/28; NYT, WP 1/28; WP 1/29)

Israeli PM Rabin welcomes King Hussein's offer of public mtg., calling gesture "important progress." (IDF Radio 1/27 in FBIS 1/28; WP, NYT 1/28)

Central Bank of Jordan Gov. Muhammad Nabulsi says Amman has given go-ahead to 5 banks to open branches in West Bank and Gaza pursuant to 1/7 PLO-Jordan accord. (MM 1/28)

Israel announces it will purchase 20 F151 fighter-bombers, valued at $2 b., fr. McDonnell-Douglas Corp. of U.S. Pentagon spokeswoman says congressional approval of sale expected. (MM 1/28)

Iraqi insurgents reportedly capture strategic Turkish-Iraqi border town of Zakho; Baghdad accuses some Iraqi journals of "transmitting lies" about the rebellion [LAT 3/16; MET 3/26].

Pentagon announces that 6 U.S. soldiers have died in helicopter crash in Iraq; 3 other soldiers are reported killed in accidents, bringing to 324 the total number of U.S. deaths since 2 August [NYT, LAT 3/16].

U.S. says investigation into allegations that Jordan smuggled arms or ammunition to Iraq during war has turned up no evidence to support the claim [NYT 3/16].

Israeli warplanes destroy 2 buildings serving as bases for Popular Struggle Front in eastern Lebanon; 7 injured in 5th Israeli raid this year in Lebanon [NYT 3/16; IDF, AFP 3/15 in FBIS 3/15; MET 3/26].

In Damascus, F.M.s of GCC nations, Egypt and Syria reach agreement on new postwar defense arrangements in Gulf built around Egyptian and Syrian forces [MEM 3/5; WP, WT, MEM 3/6; NYT, LAT, WT 3/7; DDS 3/5 in FBIS 3/6; DDS 3/6 in FBIS 3/7; MET 3/19].

Republican Guard tank and infantry brigades loyal to Saddam Hussein attack rebel positions in Basra; opposition leaders say at least 6 Iraqi cities are still controlled by rebels; thousands of refugees flee the violence; Bush admin. says it has no intention of getting involved in the rebellion [LAT, WP, WT 3/6; IRNA, AFP 3/5 in FBIS 3/5].

U.S. and Kuwaiti experts say it may take almost 2 years to extinguish about 550 Kuwaiti oil wells that have been set ablaze, and at least 5 years before the country's oil export facilities are fully restored [LAT, NYT, WP 3/6; CSM 3/7].

Iraq hands over what it calls its last POWs, releasing 35 allies, including 15 Americans, to the Red Cross; up to 26 journalists are still missing in southern Iraq [MEM 3/5; NYT, LAT, WP, WT, CSM 3/6; BADS 3/5 in FBIS 3/5; MET 3/19].

Pentagon updates U.S. casualty toll in Gulf war to 115 dead and 330 wounded. Tens of thousands of Iraqis are believed to have been killed [LAT 3/6].

Pentagon also says that tens of thousands of U.S. troops will have to stay in Gulf region for several months [NYT 3/6].

France begins withdrawing its forces from region; pullout expected to take until September [MEM 3/5].

In letter from F.M. Aziz to Sec.-Gen. Perez de Cuellar, Iraq renounces its annexation of Kuwait and promises to return hundreds of millions of dollars worth of looted property [LAT, NYT 3/6; INA 3/5 in FBIS 3/6; MET 3/19].

Food, water, and electricity remain scarce in Kuwait City, but 2,700-man allied task force is hoping to alleviate worst of problems within days [LAT, WT 3/6].

Kuwaiti gov't places Kuwait City under 10 P.M. to 4 A.M. curfew [AFP, KUNA 3/5 in FBIS 3/6; MET 3/19].

House Appropriations Committee votes to give Israel $650 million to cover costs associated with Gulf war, and approves $42.6-billion down payment of Operation Desert Storm [NYT, LAT, WP, WT, MEM 3/6].

Doctors in Kuwait City say that in the last 5 days they have treated scores of Palestinians who had been severely beaten and in some cases shot. U.S. military reports that 7 Kuwaiti soldiers manning checkpoints have been shot to death by people in passing vehicles [NYT 3/6].

Amnesty International warns of the risk of reprisal killings against Palestinians and other Arabs, urges that Red Cross be given access to all detainees in Kuwait [MEM 3/5; FJ 3/1].

In 1st postwar policy statement, King Fahd predicts Saddam Hussein will meet an ominous end as "all tyrants" in the Arab world have before him [NYT, MEM 3/6].

Israeli Immigration Min. Yitzhak Peretz expresses concern over small number of recent Soviet Jewish immigrants who, dissatisfied with high standard of living and limited employment opportunities, are emigrating to Canada, Australia, and Germany [WT 3/6].