The Palestine Chronology

Heavy clashes reported in Jenin r.c., Nablus. At least 14 Palestinians are killed in Nablus. Another Israeli injured in the 3/27 Netanya bombing dies, raising the toll to 25. The IDF reopens Ansar 3 prison to hold Palestinian detainees. The Evangelical Lutheran Church reports that the IDF has severely damaged the Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem, breaking in 31 doors and 57 windows, shooting holes in sinks, demolishing computers, vandalizing the gift shop. Some 200 Palestinian fighters, civilians, clergy remain in the Church of the Nativity, surrounded by IDF troops. A PA security court in Gaza condemns 5 collaborators to death, sentences a 15-yr.-old collaborator to life in prison. (NYT, WP, WT 4/8; MENA 4/8 in WNC 4/9)

Powell says Bush's 4/4 demand for an Israeli withdrawal without delay was only a "request"; says he is not expecting to secure a cease-fire during his upcoming trip. The Israeli cabinet "overwhelmingly" approves continuing the operation, even if it means defying the U.S. (AFP 4/7; SA 4/7 in WNC 4/8; NYT, WP, WT 4/8; JT, al-Zaman 4/8 in WNC 4/9; WP, WT 4/9; WP 4/17 MEI 4/19)