14 / 15150 Results
  • January 16, 2024

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raid a nursery in Deir Sharaf, setting fire to 2 bulldozers, a truck, and a forklift. Israeli settlers also raid Sinjil, vandalizing Palestinian-owned vehicles....

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  • October 21, 2023

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers injured 5 Palestinians in Yasuf, including 3 with live ammunition and 2 with stones. Israeli settlers also assaulted Palestinians harvesting olives in Deir...

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  • October 20, 2023

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers opened fire at Palestinians harvesting olives in Yasuf, forcing the Palestinians to flee; no injuries were reported. Israeli settlers also set fire to a home and...

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  • March 11, 2021

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers opened fire at 2 Palestinian children near Yatta; no injuries were reported. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Dura, Bayt Ula,...

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  • October 13, 2000

    Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue but are less severe, largely because overnight the IDF deployed tanks on access roads to and around PA cities, sealing areas A, limiting movement. During the...

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  • October 8, 2000

    As Israeli-Palestinian fighting continue as Israel marks Yom Kippur. Barak warns if clashes continue, the IDF's will begin targeting Arafat's offices, PA police stations, top cmdrs.; Israel may...

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  • October 3, 2000

    This morning, the IDF begins pulling back reinforcements fr. the West Bank, Gaza after reaching a new agmt. with the PA. Initially, clashes abate, but fighting continues at old hot spots (e.g.,...

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  • March 20, 1999

    Refugee Working Group holds 2 mtgs. in Paris to follow up on family reunification talks. (al-Hayat 3/22; MM 4/6)

    Jordan, Egypt, PA hold long-delayed...

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  • April 24, 1990

    Responding to international criticism about secret gov't. funding of Jewish settlement in Jerusalem, Israeli foreign ministry issues statement: "It is the right of Jews to live everywhere, and to...

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  • October 1, 1985

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: Order closing 5- month-old al-Darb newspaper takes effect. Attomey for the paper's publisher is able to schedule High Court hearing for...

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  • November 11, 1984

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: Law student Aziza Kharaja sentenced to 5 mos. for membership in illegal organization [her 2 sisters held in Neve Tertza on similar...

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  • September 3, 1982

    Military Action:

    Booby-trapped car explodes in Deir el-Qamar area of Chouf; despite IDF denials, Israeli forces advance into positions previously held by PLO in Bir Hassan area near Shatila...

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  • August 7, 1982

    Military Action:

    IDF, PLO forces clash with rockets, artillery, gunfire near airport and in Burj al-Barajneh; Mieh Mieh refugee camp near Sidon attacked by Phalangist forces, 40 houses...

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  • June 20, 1982

    Military Action:

    IDF enters Phalange-held areas of Beirut; Israeli jets make reconnaissance flights over city for first time in 3 days; sporadic fighting around Sidon; Israeli Cabinet...

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In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raid a nursery in Deir Sharaf, setting fire to 2 bulldozers, a truck, and a forklift. Israeli settlers also raid Sinjil, vandalizing Palestinian-owned vehicles. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers build a settler road near al-Rakiz in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli settlers also bring their cattle to graze on Palestinian farmland near Qarawat Bani Hassan, causing damage to crops. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers place a mobile home on Palestinian-owned land near Tuqu’. Israeli forces raid Askar refugee camp, Ein as-Sultan, ‘Anata, Madama, and ‘Asira ash-Shamaliya, injuring 7 Palestinians, including 6 with live ammunition. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolish 7 structures and seize vehicles in Idhna. Israeli forces also issue a $38,500 ransom for the release of 48 cows they seized from a Palestinian in ‘Ain al-Hilweh. Israeli forces arrest 35 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Jenin, Qalqilya, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, telecommunications services are down for the fifth day in a row. Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, Rafah, Dayr al-Balah, Gaza City, Maghazi, Jabalia refugee camp, and al-Bureij refugee camp, killing at least 158 people, including at least 20 in a strike on a house in Gaza City. Israeli airstrikes also target al-Amal Hospital in Khan Yunis and an UNRWA warehouse in Dayr al-Balah, causing damage. 50 rockets are fired at Israel, causing damage in Netivot. 2 Israeli soldiers are killed in combat. In Lebanon, Israeli forces carry out airstrikes in Ayta ash Shab. In the Red Sea, Houthis say they targeted a Greek ship bound for Israel after its crew rejected its warnings. The U.S. attacks Houthis in Yemen for the third time in a week. In Pakistan, Iranian forces bomb what they call terrorist targets in Koh Sabz, killing 2 children. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/16; AP, AP, NYT 1/17; AP 1/19)

More than 24,285 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 10,600 children and 7,200 women, and around 61,154 have been injured since 10/7. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 348 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 87 children. More than 4,215 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 188 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,135 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 69,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 204 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza via the Rafah and Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossings. (AJ, REU, UNOCHA 1/16)

Israel releases the body of a 4-year-old Palestinian its forces killed on 1/7 in Beit Iksa to her family. (AJ, WAFA 1/16)

Al Jazeera Gaza bureau chief Wael Dahdouh arrives in Qatar for treatment of his injuries sustained in an Israeli airstrike in December which killed his colleague. Dahdouh has lost most of his family to Israeli airstrikes in October and earlier this month. (AP 1/16; AJ 1/17)

Israel and Qatar announce that medicine will enter Gaza to help both Palestinians and Israelis kept in captivity. A delegation of Israeli security officials meet with Egyptian officials in Egypt.  (AJ, AJ, HA, HA 1/16; AJ, AP, NYT 1/17)

PA spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh says any reforms to the PA will be made according to the Palestinian agenda, not external agendas, in reference to reports that the U.S. is requiring the PA to reform before it can take control of Gaza. (WAFA 1/16)

Jordanian prime minister Bisher Khasawneh says the displacement of Palestinians would be an existential threat to Jordan. (AJ, HA, REU 1/16)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken tells CNBC that Israel has a right to defend itself but “at the same time, we want to see this conflict come to an end as quickly as possible.” Blinken also says Arab countries are not interested in rebuilding Gaza if Israel destroys what is built again shortly after. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby says the U.S. is prepared to increase humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Kirby also says National Security Council Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk has been in Qatar in recent days to negotiate the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan meets with Qatari prime minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in Davos, Switzerland, discussing aid to Gaza and negotiations over the release of captives. Sullivan tells the World Economic Forum that Saudi-Israeli normalization is linked to creating a pathway for the establishment of a Palestinian state. (AJ, AX, HA, REU 1/16; NYT 1/17)

U.S. senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) forces a vote on a Senate resolution that would oblige the State Department to provide the Senate with a report on whether U.S.-provided arms to Israel have been used to violate human rights in Gaza within 30 days. The resolution fails with 72 votes against and 11 for. (AJ, AP, HA, INT, NYT 1/16; REU 1/17)

Norwegian foreign minister Espen Barth Eide says in an interview that a “number of countries” are working to build a broad Palestinian unity government. (HA, REU 1/16)

The EU adds Hamas leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar to its terrorism sanctions blacklist. Hamas calls the decision silly, saying Sinwar does not have money or assets in Palestine or elsewhere. (AJ, AP, HA, REU 1/16)

The Times of Israel reports that the Israeli Ministry of Health has instructed doctors and medics not to talk to UN investigators that are investigating Hamas’s Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on 10/7/2023. (AJ 1/16)

Der Spiegel reports that Germany is considering sending tank ammunition to Israel. Israel reportedly requested 10,000 rounds of 120mm ammunition from Germany and departments involved with the arms transfer have reportedly already agreed in principle to the transfer. Hamas responds to the reporting, saying Germany would become “a direct partner in the war against our people in Gaza.” (REU 1/16; AJ 1/17)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers injured 5 Palestinians in Yasuf, including 3 with live ammunition and 2 with stones. Israeli settlers also assaulted Palestinians harvesting olives in Deir Istiya and al-Khader. A Palestinian family of 16 fled their home in Khirbet ar-Ratheem, south of Hebron, after Israeli settlers raided the area, causing destruction to their property and threatening them with guns. Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian minor during a raid in Jericho. Israeli forces also shot and injured 10 Palestinians with live ammunition during raids in Askar refugee camp, Beita, and Deir as-Sudan. Elsewhere, Israeli forces punitively demolished the home of a Palestinian man in Aqabat Jaber refugee camp using explosives. Israeli forces also seized Hamas political bureau deputy leader Salah al-Arouri’s home in Bani Zeid al-Sharqiya, turning it in to a Shin Bet facility. Meanwhile, Israeli forces prevented Palestinians from harvesting olives in Duma, Burin, Zabbuba, and Sebastia. More than 120 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Aroura, Rantis, Bethlehem, Hebron, Deir Sammit, and Nablus. The Palestinian Prisoners Club said at least 1,070 Palestinians have been arrested in the West Bank since 10/7. In Gaza, around 250 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes. Rockets were fired at Israel; no new fatalities were reported. In Lebanon, anti-tank missiles fired at Israel wounded an Israeli soldier and Israel attacked Hezbollah-linked sites. Hezbollah said 19 of its members have been killed by Israel since 10/7, including 6 today. In Cyprus, a small homemade bomb exploded near the Israeli embassy in Nicosia with no damage or injuries reported; 4 Syrians were arrested. (AJ, HA 10/20; AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/21; UNOCHA 10/22)

The Gaza Ministry of Health said as of 5 p.m. at least 4,385 Palestinians had been killed, including at least 1,524 children, and 13,561 had been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7, including 47 entire families consisting of 500 people. The UN said that about 70% of Palestinians killed in Gaza are children and women. It is estimated that hundreds are still trapped in rubble. In addition, Israeli media reported that 1,500 Palestinian militants have been killed near Gaza. 84 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 26 children. More than 1,653 have been injured, including at least 360 with live ammunition. Israeli officials recorded no new fatalities, leaving the Israeli death toll at around 1,400 Israelis and foreign nationals; 4,629 have been injured since 10/7. The UN reported that over 1.4 million Palestinians, more than half the population in Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7 and that since 11 p.m. on 10/12 there has been a complete electricity blackout due to the Israeli blockade. At least 26,756 housing units have been destroyed and 139,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. At least 42% of all housing units have been either destroyed or damaged in Israeli airstrikes. 43 unidentified Palestinians were buried in a mass grave in Gaza City. It was the second time Palestinians in Gaza were buried in mass graves this week. The Palestinian Health Ministry said 37 medical personnel have been killed since 10/7 and 7 hospitals no longer are operational. The first trucks carrying aid to Gaza arrived through the Rafah crossing. About 35 trucks carrying aid entered Gaza. Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari said fuel will not enter Gaza via the Rafah crossing. UNRWA said 17 of its staff members have been killed and 35 of its buildings damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. (AJ, HA 10/20; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, NYT, REU, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/21; HA 10/22; HA 10/23)

Israel said it attacked several high-rise buildings in northern Gaza in recent days in preparation for a ground invasion. Israel also dropped leaflets over Gaza City, warning that Israel considers people who remain there collaborators with terrorists. (AJ 10/21; HA, HA 10/21; REU 10/22)

Hamas said it sought to release 2 additional captives for “humanitarian reasons,” but that Israel declined to receive them. Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh spoke with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. (AJ 10/20; AJ, AJ, HA 10/21)

A PA official told Haaretz that Israel only allowed the aid that arrived in Gaza today to enter because of the release of 2 captives on 10/20 and that future aid will depend on the release of more captives. The official said that the U.S. and European countries have been trying to link aid to the release of civilian captives. (HA 10/21)

5 UN agencies released a joint statement calling the situation in Gaza “catastrophic.” (HA 10/21; WAFA 10/22)

Leaders from the PA, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar, Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, South Africa, the UAE, UN, and EU, and senior government officials from Kuwait, Germany, France, Japan, Norway, Russia, and China met at the Cairo Peace Summit on Israel’s war on Gaza. Jordanian king Abdullah II said “[t]oday Israel is literally starving civilians in Gaza but for decades Palestinians have been starved of hope, of freedom and of future,” complaining that Israel is never held accountable and calling its actions in Gaza a war crime. UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres said Hamas’ attack does not justify “collective punishment of the Palestinian people.” PA president Mahmoud Abbas called on Hamas and Israel to release all captives and prisoners. The summit ended without agreement on a joint statement. Abbas met with Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez, EU high representative for foreign affairs Josep Borell, European Council president Charles Michel, Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni, Japanese foreign minister Yoko Kamikawa, and South African president Cyril Ramaphosa on the sidelines of the summit. (AJ 10/20; AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/21)

Prime Minister Meloni arrived in Israel for meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog. HA 10/21)

U.S. forces shot down 2 drones flying near Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq. The U.S. deployed a THAAD missile defense system battery and multiple Patriot missile batteries in the Middle East to “increase force protection for U.S. forces in the region, and assist in the defense of Israel,” according to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III.  (AJ 10/21; HA, NYT 10/22)

The U.S. introduced a draft UN Security Council resolution, saying Israel has a right to defend itself, Iran needs to stop exporting arms to “militias and terrorist groups,” and calling for unhindered aid and protection of civilians. (HA 10/21)

AP said, based on videos, its experts have determined that it was likely an errant rocket that caused the explosion at al-Ahli Arab Hospital on 10/17. French and Canadian intelligence also suggested that an errant rocket fired by Palestinian militants caused the explosion. Investigations by UK Channel 4, Al Jazeera, and Forensic Architecture have concluded that it was likely an Israeli airstrike or artillery fire that caused the explosion. (AJ 10/20; AJ, AP 10/21; AJ, HA, HA 10/22)

Thousands of demonstrators attended pro-Palestinian rallies in many major cities throughout the world, including more than 100,000 in London. (AJ 10/20; AJ, AJ, HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/21)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers opened fire at Palestinians harvesting olives in Yasuf, forcing the Palestinians to flee; no injuries were reported. Israeli settlers also set fire to a home and vandalized water pipes in al-‘Awja. Israeli forces shot and killed 2 minors during raids in Huwwara and Beitunia. Israeli forces shot and injured 21 Palestinians with live ammunition during raids in al-Azza refugee camp, ‘Urif, Idhna, Beit Furik, al-Bireh, Bethlehem, al-Khader, Tura, and Beitunia. Elsewhere, Israeli forces punitively demolished a home with explosives in ‘Urif. 55 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, Nablus, Ramallah, and Jalazone refugee camp. In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes killed around 350 Palestinians, including Hamas member Muhammad Tzviach. Israeli airstrikes destroyed the Grand al-Omari Mosque in Jabalia. Rockets were fired at Israel; no fatalities were reported. At the Lebanese border, an Israeli soldier was killed and 3 others injured in anti-tank fire near Margaliot. Israeli forces also attacked Hezbollah camps with combat helicopters. (AJ, AP, HA 10/19; AJ, AP, AP, HA, NYT, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/20; AP, HA, REU 10/21)

The Gaza Ministry of Health said as of 5 p.m. at least 4,137 Palestinians had been killed, including at least 1,524 children, and 13,162 had been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7, including 47 entire families consisting of 500 people. The UN said that about 70% of Palestinians killed in Gaza are children and women. It is estimated that hundreds are still trapped in rubble. In addition, Israeli media reported that 1,500 Palestinian militants have been killed near Gaza. 83 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 25 children. More than 1,434 have been injured, including at least 350 with live ammunition. Israeli officials recorded no new fatalities, leaving the Israeli death toll at around 1,400 Israelis and foreign nationals; 4,629 have been injured since 10/7. The UN reported that over 1.4 million Palestinians, more than half the population in Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7 and that since 11 p.m. on 10/12 there has been a complete electricity blackout due to the Israeli blockade. At least 21,900 housing units have been destroyed and 121,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting around 30% of all homes in Gaza. The Palestinian Red Crescent said Israel has told al-Quds Hospital to evacuate its 500 patients and the 12,000 people sheltering at the hospital. UNRWA said 16 of its staff members have been killed and 10 wounded in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. The Committee to Protect Journalists said that 22 journalists have been killed since 10/7, including 18 Palestinians, 3 Israelis, and 1 Lebanese. (AJ 10/19; AJ, HA, NYT, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/20; WAFA 10/21)

Amnesty International said it has documented Israeli actions that should be investigated as war crimes, including indiscriminate attacks leading to mass civilian casualties. (AI 10/20)

Hamas released 2 American captives, a mother and her daughter, “on humanitarian grounds” after negotiations with Qatar. It was unclear if Hamas received anything in return. A Hamas statement also said the group had released the captives “to prove to the American people and the world that the claims made by Biden and his fascist administration are false and baseless.” (AJ 10/19; AJ, HA, HA 10/20; HA 10/22)

Forensic Architecture released a preliminary analysis of the al-Ahli Arab Hospital bombing saying the “[f]ragmentation patterns may indicate the projectile came from the northeast – the direction of the Israeli-controlled side of the Gaza perimeter – and not from the west [as Israel has claimed].” UK Channel 4 and Al Jazeera have also concluded that Israeli claims that the explosion at the hospital was caused by an errant rocket are dubious. (AJ 10/19; AJ, AJ 10/20) 

PA president Mahmoud Abbas traveled to Cairo for a summit on the Hamas-Israel war and humanitarian aid to Gaza. Representatives from Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UN, the UK, and the UAE will attend. In Cairo, Abbas met with UK prime minister Rishi Sunak. Abbas also spoke with French president Emmanuel Macron, Chilean president Gabriel Boric, and Pakistani caretaker prime minister Anwar al-Haq. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/20)

The Israeli prime minister’s office said, “[t]he prime minister has defined the objective – to obliterate Hamas, any talk of decisions to relinquish Gaza to the Palestinian Authority or any other authority is a lie.” (HA, HA 10/20)

The White House made a formal request to Congress for $10.6 billion in military aid to Israel, $3.7 billion in State Department financing to cover foreign military financing and embassy support, and $9.15 billion in humanitarian aid to Ukraine, Israel, Gaza. U.S. president Joe Biden has publicly said $100 million will be allocated for Gaza. (AJ 10/16; HA 10/20)

The U.S. and EU issued a joint statement after the EU leadership met with President Biden in Washington D.C., expressing concern at the “deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.” More than 800 EU officials wrote a letter to European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, criticizing her “uncontrolled” support of Israel and calling the EU’s response to the massacres in Gaza “indifference.” (AJ 10/19; AJ, AJ 10/20)

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Israeli attacks on Gaza amounted to genocide and had to be stopped. (AJ 10/19; HA 10/20)

The New York Times reported that the President Biden urged the Israeli war cabinet not to attack Hezbollah in a “preemptive strike,” fearing that the U.S. and Iran would get directly involved. (HA 10/21)

McDonald’s franchises in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, the UAE, Jordan, Egypt, Bahrain, and Turkey pledged $3 million in support for Palestinians in Gaza after McDonald’s in Israel said its franchises there would give free meals to Israeli soldiers. (AJ 10/19; AJ 10/20)

Meta apologized for inserting the word “terrorist” in the biographies of many Palestinian users on Instagram. (AJ 10/19)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers opened fire at 2 Palestinian children near Yatta; no injuries were reported. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Dura, Bayt Ula, Sa‘ir, and Dheisheh refugee camp; during the raid in Dheisheh refugee camp, Israeli forces shot and injured 3 Palestinians with live ammunition. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Johor al-Dik; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 3/11; PCHR 3/18)

PA health minister Mai al-Kaila said that the PA will receive a donation of 100,000 doses of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine from China. Health Minister al-Kaila also said she had urged COVAX to stand by its initial promise of providing vaccines for Palestinians. According to al-Kaila, COVAX had originally promised vaccines to arrive in mid-February but now they are scheduled for May, and the number of vaccines earmarked for the PA is reduced to 168,000 down from 240,000. A shipment of 40,000 Sputnik V vaccine doses arrived in Gaza donated by the UAE. The former Fatah politician Mohammad Dahlan claimed responsibility for the shipment as he is a close advisor to the UAE crown prince Mohammed bin Zayed. (HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 3/11)

Israeli authorities banned PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Ghaith from communicating with 50 Palestinians in the West Bank, including PA president Mahmoud Abbas and all members of the Fatah Central Committee. (WAFA 3/11)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas, in his capacity as leader of Fatah, ejected Nasser al-Kidwa from the Fatah party because al-Kidwa had announced he would run on his own electoral list in the upcoming Palestinian elections. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, YNET, WAFA 3/11)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly canceled a trip to the UAE, where he was to meet with UAE crown prince Mohammed bin Zayed, because his wife Sara Netanyahu was hospitalized with appendicitis. Other reports suggested that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s trip was canceled due to a political conflict with Jordan over the cancelation of the Jordanian crown prince Hussein bin Abdullah’s visit to the Haram al-Sharif compound on 3/10, which was canceled because Israel and Jordan could not agree on security arrangement. In turn, Jordan is said not to have allowed Netanyahu to use Jordanian air space to get to the UAE. It was later reported that Netanyahu had ordered Israeli air space closed to Jordan in retaliation, but that the Israeli transportation ministry had stalled the order, which was eventually canceled. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, HA, HA, JP, REU, REU, REU 3/11; WAFA 3/12; HA 3/14)

Prime minister of the Czech Republic Andrej Babiš and prime minister of Hungary Viktor Orbán visited Israel to discuss cooperation in vaccine research and development with Prime Minister Netanyahu. During the trip, Prime Minister Babiš also opened a diplomatic office in Jerusalem. The Czech Republic received a donation of COVID-19 vaccines from Israel earlier this month. The PA and the Arab League condemned the Czech Republic’s decision to open the office in Jerusalem. (REU 3/9; HA, HA 3/11; ALM 3/12; AJ, HA, WAFA 3/13; HA, WAFA 3/14)

The Israeli state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries and the UAE state-owned weapons maker EDGE announced that they would develop an advanced drone defense system together. (ALM, REU 3/11; HA 3/12; JP 3/13)

Israel said it had concluded a military drill with Greece, Cyprus, and France in the Mediterranean Sea. (AJ, ALM, AP 3/12)

The Wall Street Journal reported that Israel has attacked at least 12 Iranian ships carrying oil and other goods en route to Syria since 2019, according to U.S. sources. 1 of the U.S. sources said that the Trump administration had tacitly supported the attacks. (HA, WSJ 3/11; ALM 3/15; HA 3/20)

Representatives from the UN, EU, Egypt, Jordan, Germany, and France met to discuss reviving talks between Israel and Palestine after the 2 countries’ elections this year. (AP 3/11)

A Los Angeles judge ruled to deny pro-Israeli lawyer David Abrams’s request to publicize the list of 64 presenters at a 2018 conference sponsored by Students for Justice in Palestine at the University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA). Abrams, who works for the Zionist Advocacy Center, claimed he was looking for information related to “anti-Israel terrorists” but was ultimately not allowed to dox the pro-Palestinian activists. The UCLA police had concluded that none of the speakers were “terrorists.” (PalLegal 3/11; LAT 3/17)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue but are less severe, largely because overnight the IDF deployed tanks on access roads to and around PA cities, sealing areas A, limiting movement. During the day, 2 Palestinians are killed by Israeli gunfire, over 160 are injured. Israel prohibits Palestinians under 45 fr. attending Friday prayers in Jerusalem, prompting scuffles with those denied access but preventing the full-scale rioting of 9/29, 10/6. In Jerusalem, cameramen record footage of Israeli police disguised as Palestinians seizing 2 Palestinian youths, beating them while holding them in a choke hold. Armed Jewish settlers rampage through Husan, fire on Palestinian homes in Artas, Bayt Inun, al-Khadir. In Gaza City and Shati camp, 100s of Palestinians hold rallies denouncing the PA for the failed peace process. The rallies devolve into riots, with demonstrators torching cars, bars, hotels, restaurants; the PA police arrest 16. (AP, IsRN, LAW 10/13; ADM, LAW, NYT, WP, WT 10/14; HA [Internet] 10/15)

Oman closes its trade office in Tel Aviv, Israel's trade mission in Muscat. Morocco recalls its envoy to Israel. In Cairo, 10,000 Egyptians hold anti-Israeli, anti-U.S. demonstrations. In Lebanon, the army keeps Palestinians away fr. the blue line, where they want to hold demonstrations. However, 6,000 Palestinians in `Ayn al-Hilwa camp, 3,000 in Beddawi camp, 5,000 in Nahr al-Barid camp, 7,000 in Rashidiyya camp demonstrate against Israel. In Amman, 8,000 Jordanians attend a government-sanctioned rally; a smaller, unauthorized demonstration takes place spontaneously following Friday prayers. In the U.S., rallies are held in Ann Arbor, Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Columbus, Detroit, Las Vegas, New York, Petaluma (CA), Philadelphia, Santa Ana (CA), San Francisco, Washington. Similar demonstrations are held in Austria, Bahrain, Bosnia, Canada, Djbouti, Greece, Indonesia, Italy, Pakistan, Scotland, Sudan, Syria. (AFP [Internet], BBC, Los Angeles Times [Internet], MM, Omani News Agency [Internet], REU, UPI 10/13; AFP, BETA [Belgrade], MENA 10/13, MENA 10/14 in WNC 10/16; Daily Star [Internet], NYT 10/14; HA [Internet], NYT 10/15; MM 10/17; WJW 10/19; WP, WT 10/20; MM 10/24, 10/25; WJW 10/26; MEI 10/27)

As Israeli-Palestinian fighting continue as Israel marks Yom Kippur. Barak warns if clashes continue, the IDF's will begin targeting Arafat's offices, PA police stations, top cmdrs.; Israel may implement a "sanctions package" (including, sealing the West Bank and Gaza, halting all monetary transfers). At Netzarim Junction, the IDF demolishes 2 apartment buildings formerly used as PA police barracks, a factory, an office, several homes, a water well, and an 20-dunam orange grove. A settler rabbi is found shot to death in a West Bank cave. Armed Jewish settlers enter Palestinian areas of East Jerusalem and Hebron, Bidya, Husan, Salfit, Shuafat camp, burning shops, beating Palestinians, shooting at houses, and wounding at least 8 Palestinians, 1 of whom bleeds to death as settlers hold off ambulances with gunfire. Inside Israel, Jewish residents of Upper Nazareth attack Israeli Arabs, property in Nazareth. (ADM, LAW, REU 10/8; Interfax 10/8 in WNC 10/10; Gush Shalom press release, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/9; HA [Internet], MM, WP 10/10; MA 10/10 in WNC 10/12; HA [Internet] 10/11; MEI, NYT 10/13; LAW 10/19; Globes [Internet] 10/25)

Lebanon places its forces on alert as Israel reinforces troops on the blue line, conducts overflights of Beirut, and warns Hizballah, Lebanon, and Syria of "decisive action" if Hizballah does not release the 3 IDF soldiers kidnapped on 10/7. Saudi Arabia warns Israel that Arab states will not sit idly by if Barak follows through on his threat. (NYT, WP, WT 10/9; MM 10/10; MEI 10/13)

Pres. Clinton asks Mubarak to convene a summit where they could meet with Arafat, Barak. None of the 3 leaders immediately embraces the idea. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/9; MENA 10/9 in WNC 10/10; AYM 10/10 in WNC 10/12)

In Gaza, Arafat meets with the Executive Authority and reps. of Hamas, Islamic Jihad to coordinate a joint response to Barak's latest warnings. (NYT 10/9; HJ, MA 10/10 in WNC 10/12; MM 10/11)

The PA releases 5 Hamas mbrs. fr. PA jails. Hamas says 23 mbrs. have been freed in recent days. (AYM 10/9 in WNC 10/12; AYM 10/12 in WNC 10/13) (see 10/4)

Jordan announces that it will postpone sending its newly appointed amb. to Israel to protest Israel's excessive use of force against Palestinians. (WP 10/9; MM 10/10; HA [Internet] 10/11)

In Morocco, 500,000 people march to protest Israel's recent actions. In Amman, 100s of Jordanian students attempt a march to the U.S., Israeli embs. but clash with riot police; at least 5 are injured, 10 arrested. In Beirut, 25,000 Lebanese and Palestinians march in funeral processions for 2 Palestinians shot by IDF on the blue line on 10/7. In Cairo, 9,000 Egyptian students hold a rally. Demonstrations continue in Australia, Greece, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen. In the U.S., protests are held in Albuquerque, Anaheim, Kansas City. (UPI 10/8; MENA 10/8, JT 10/9 in WNC 10/10; MM 10/9; Daily Star [Internet], NYT, WP 10/9; TT 10/10 in WNC 10/12; MEI 10/13)

This morning, the IDF begins pulling back reinforcements fr. the West Bank, Gaza after reaching a new agmt. with the PA. Initially, clashes abate, but fighting continues at old hot spots (e.g., Hebron, Nablus, Netzarim Junction, Ramallah, Tulkarm). Within hrs., the IDF sends reinforcements back in, firing antitank missiles and deploying helicopter gunships, tanks against Palestinians, killing 3, injuring 40. In Nablus, 27 Palestinians are injured when and IDF helicopter fires rockets at an apartment building. 1 Palestinian injured last wk. dies. Inside Israel, massive demonstrations continue across the Galilee following 2 funerals for Israeli Arabs killed by the Israeli police earlier in the wk. (MM 10/3; AFP, IRNA, MENA 10/3, JT, Le Monde 10/4 in WNC 10/6; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 10/4; AYM 10/4 in WNC 10/10; MEI 10/13)

Barak meets with Israeli Arab leaders to "ease concerns about the neglect of their community," agrees to set up a special cabinet comm. to address Arab concerns. Under pressure fr. Israeli Arab MKs, he bans police fr. using live ammunition against Israeli protesters unless there is "clear and immediate danger to life." The Israeli government also releases plans to improve roads in schools in Israeli Arab towns, raise the standard of living of the Arab minority. (MM 10/3; NYT, WT 10/4; MEI 10/13)

In Beirut, 20,000 Palestinians, Lebanese march to UN House to protest Israeli actions. Some 10,000 Palestinian refugees demonstrate in camps in Rashidiyya, Sidon, and Tyre. In Amman, Jordanians observe a strike in solidarity with the Palestinians, and Jordanian riot police wield clubs against 100s of stone-throwing demonstrators marching on the Israeli emb. In Norway, some 100 Norwegians take part in a violent protest outside the Israeli emb. in Oslo, burning flags, throwing bottles, breaking windows. Rallies are also reported in Egypt, Greece, Oman, Pakistan, the UAE. In the U.S., anti-Israeli protests are held in Austin, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Raleigh, San Francisco, Washington, and outside the CNN offices in Atlanta, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, Toronto. (JP [Internet], MM 10/4; JT 10/4 in WNC 10/6; Daily Star [Internet] 10/5; MM 10/6; MEI 10/13)

The IDF admits that its soldiers fired the shots that killed a Muhammad al-Dura at Netzarim Junction on 10/1 but blames Palestinians for the "cynical use" of children in confrontations with IDF troops. (WP 10/4; NYT 10/5) (see 10/2)

Refugee Working Group holds 2 mtgs. in Paris to follow up on family reunification talks. (al-Hayat 3/22; MM 4/6)

Jordan, Egypt, PA hold long-delayed tripartite coordination mtg. in Amman to discuss the post-Oslo period (MENA, RJ, VOA 3/20, al-Quds 3/21 in WNC 3/22; WT 3/21; JT 3/22 in WNC 3/23)

In Athens, Arafat meets with Greek pres. Kostis Stephanopoulos. (Athens News Agency 3/21 in WNC 3/22)

The PA releases 2 Palestinian political detainees. 1 of the prisoners, Harb al-Daqs, had been held without charge for 3 yrs. (PR 3/26)

Following cooperation talks with the Muslim Brotherhood's Islamic Action Front (IAF) party, Jordan's main opposition party, King Abdallah releases 15 Islamists who were detained over the past few wks. for security reasons, orders general amnesty to coincide with upcoming Id al-Adha holiday under which some 600 prisoners will be freed. (AFP 3/20 in WNC 3/22)

Lebanese military court sentences 6 persons to death for collaborating with Israel. (MENA 3/20 in WNC 3/22)

Responding to international criticism about secret gov't. funding of Jewish settlement in Jerusalem, Israeli foreign ministry issues statement: "It is the right of Jews to live everywhere, and to purchase or rent property in all parts of the land of Israel, and especially in Jerusalem" [NYT 4/25].

UN spokesperson says Sec. Gen. Javier Perez de Cuellar is deeply concerned over presence of Jewish settlers in Christian quarter of Jerusalem, and disturbed over Israeli officials' financial involvement [WP 4/25].

Through an emissary to interim P.M. Shamir, AIPAC exec. dir. Thomas Dine questions timing of Jewish settlement in Christian quarter of Jerusalem, criticizes Israeli gov't.'s secret financing of move (cf. 4/25) [NYT, WT 4/25].

Gov't of Greece has shelved its plans to establish full diplomatic relations with Israel until all settlers are evacuated from Greek Orthodox St. John's Hospice in Jerusalem [JPD 4/24 in FBIS 4/25].

Peretz Kidron of Yesh Gvul organization says at least 108 IDF reservists have gone to prison for refusing to serve in O.T. [MET 5/8-14].

Group called Islamic Jihad-Jerusalem threatens to kill Americans worldwide unless U.S. Senate repeals 3/22 resolution calling Jerusalem the capital of Israel [NYT 4/25].

U.S. House of Representatives votes 378 to 34 in favor of a nonbinding resolution affirming support for united Jerusalem as capital of Israel. Resolution, identical to one passed by Senate on 3/22, conflicts with official U.S. policy [WP, WT 4/25; FJ 4/30].

Syria's first ambassador to Egypt in 13 years, Isa Darwish, presents his credentials to Pres. Mubarak [MET 5/8-14].

Eight Arab states, including the State of Palestine, have agreed to Arab summit in Baghdad in late May (cf. 5/1) [KUNA 4/24 in FBIS 4/25].

Officials from PLO and Japan meet within framework of agreement reached last October, PLO to ask for assistance in creating jobs in O.T. [AVP 4/24 in FBIS 4/25].

Czechoslovakia's Pres. Havel says his country can serve as transit station for emigrating Soviet Jews [JDS 4/24 in FBIS 4/25].

Amid rumors that Israel will release captives held in S. Lebanon as payoffor release of U.S. hostage, Israeli officials say Israeli prisoners in Lebanon must be released as part of any deal [LAT 4/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Order closing 5- month-old al-Darb newspaper takes effect. Attomey for the paper's publisher is able to schedule High Court hearing for case for 10/6 [FJ 10/4].

Arab World: King Hussein meets with key U.S. congressmen to discuss proposed U.S. arms sale to Jordan [WP 10/2].

Other Countries: Pentagon officials meet Israeli diplomats, ask for list of U.S. weapons used in Tunis air raid [DT 10/4]. EEC countries empower their president to meet a joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation, following Britain's decision to invite the delegation, including 2 prominent PLO members, to London for talks [JP 10/2].

Military Action

Arab World: Israel bombs PLO headquarters in Tunis, claiming retaliation for Lamaca killings and W. Bank violence; 61 Palestinians and 12 Tunisians killed, over 100 injured. 8 U.S.-made F-15s and 8 F- 16s used in the attack, raising speculation Israel may have violated U.S. Arms Export Control Act. White House spokesman Larry Speakes describes attack as a "legitimate response" to "terrorist atacks" [NYT, JP 10/2]. Jordan and Egypt condemn raid, vow to continue peace process. Egypt suspends Taba discussions in protest [NYT 10/2]. Saudi Arabia calls for UN sanctions against Israel. England, Greece, Czechoslovakia, China, Rumania, France, Kuwait, UAE, Turkey, Jewish leaders condemn raid [NYT 10/2; MG, LT 10/3]. Washington claims no advance knowledge of the attack [NYT 10/2]. Three SLA soldiers killed by unidentified gunmen in the security zone [JP 10/2].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Law student Aziza Kharaja sentenced to 5 mos. for membership in illegal organization [her 2 sisters held in Neve Tertza on similar charges]. PM Peres announces invitation to Egypt's Pres. Mubarak for talks on bilateral relations. After 2-yr. silence, crewman of M. S. Moran reveals to Hadashot that ship's Capt. Gilad set Tanzanian stowaway adrift on high seas (3/82).

Arab World: Israel proposes cease-fire to Amal forces in S. Lebanon, but refuse release of detained Amal leaders (arrested 11/9) in exchange for resumed talks with Lebanon.

Other Countries: Greek PM Papandreou ends visit to Syria & Jordan and agrees to promote their interests among fellow EEC members.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli authorities demolish 33 homes of farmers in jiftlik (Ghor al-Fari'a). [Jiftlik produces 15% of West Bank GNP. Israelis demolished adjacent al-'Ajajreh, Sattariya & al-Mahrouq villages in 1967.] Haifa U. student Saour Saour attacked by Kach students while posting notice offering to help Palestinians enroll. Stone-throwing incidents reported in Jabal al-Muqabber (Jerusalem), Bethlehem & Ramallah; police respond with tear gas.

Arab World: IDF convoy ambushed near Sarafand; 1 Israeli seriously wounded, later dies.

Military Action:

Booby-trapped car explodes in Deir el-Qamar area of Chouf; despite IDF denials, Israeli forces advance into positions previously held by PLO in Bir Hassan area near Shatila refugee camp, sparking sporadic exchanges; Wazzan protests advance, seen as undermining Lebanese efforts to demilitarize streets of West Beirut; Muslim leaders fear IDF mine-clearing activities are pretext for armored IDF thrust further into West Beirut; Kurdish, Shiite militias battle each other in Kantari district with rockets and machine guns over personal feud.

Casualties: French UNIFIL officer killed, 3 Lebanese wounded in Bir Hassan; 3 IDF soldiers, 10 others injured in Chouf; Israeli sources estimate IDF might have had 2,000 casualties if it had entered West Beirut.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Four Palestinian youths injured by IDF soldiers who fired on demonstrators; Nablus Mayor Bassem Shakaa, other West Bank mayors view Reagan proposals as moderately positive; Labor Party supports Reagan proposals as basis for serious dialogue; Sharon calls proposals a "big mistake"; Defense Ministry leaks news of Begin-Gemayel meeting (greatly embarrasses Gemayel).

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat arrives in Tunisia to warm welcome, is formally invited to attend Fez summit; Wazzan protests IDF advance to US Ambassador Dillon as violation of US-negotiated accord.

Arab Governments: Secret visit by State Department representative Nicholas Veliotes to Jordan days before Reagan speech reported; Jordan says consultations with PLO, commitment to Rabat summit resolutions essential; Jordan, Egypt, Kuwait cautiously positive toward proposals; Syria withholds reaction.

US and Other Countries: Mitterrand, in Greece, reiterates French support for Palestinian state; after meeting with Begin and tour of East Jerusalem in company of Israeli mayor, Weinberger reaffirms US determination to press ahead with proposals despite outright Israeli rejection, and flies to Cairo for talks.

Military Action:

IDF, PLO forces clash with rockets, artillery, gunfire near airport and in Burj al-Barajneh; Mieh Mieh refugee camp near Sidon attacked by Phalangist forces, 40 houses burned; cease-fire broken with bazooka fire and snipers in the Museum area; IDF air force attacks PLO positions in Beirut, allegedly destroying a PLO headquarters.

Casualties:

Thousands continue to flee West Beirut, choking the one crossing left open (hundreds of Lebanese seeking to enter W. Beirut to bring out relatives and friends are barred by IDF); food, water, fuel, electricity remain cut off (UNICEF tells its personnel to leave); none of those leaving are being allowed to stay in East Beirut; only Lebanese, no Palestinians being allowed to leave (Phalange say this is at IDF orders); ICRC finally gets IDF permission for one truck of medicine, four of food to enter West Beirut.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israel Committee Against the War in Lebanon sponsors march through Tel Aviv; Women Against the War begin vigil outside Begin offices; Israel confirms receiving substantive proposal on withdrawal.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Amin Gemayel (Bashir's brother) enters West Beirut, says war needs to stop; PLO reportedly prepared to leave Beirut as Syria agrees to accept guerrillas; Wazzan, after meeting Habib, is optimistic evacuation will begin in a few days; Camille Chamoun says presidential elections cannot take place until crisis resolved; effort to reconcile B. Gemayel, Jumblatt fails.

Arab Governments: Syria, Egypt reportedly offer refuge to PLO guerrillas (Egypt's foreign minister later says PLO withdrawal must be preceded by establishment of a global resolution of the Palestinian problem); Arab governments reluctant to accept substantial numbers of guerrillas; PLO expresses anger at this hesitation to accept trapped fighters.

US and Other Countries: US officials say difference between US and Israel may affect military and economic ties (US seeks Saudi and Jordanian participation in Camp David); in Munich, West Germany 1,000 protest against IDF attacks on Beirut; Nicaragua breaks relations with Israel; Italy and Greece offer peacekeeping troops.

Military Action:

IDF enters Phalange-held areas of Beirut; Israeli jets make reconnaissance flights over city for first time in 3 days; sporadic fighting around Sidon; Israeli Cabinet agrees to extend 48-hour cease-fire requested by Habib; Syrians/PLO abandon airport terminal to shorten lines; PLO takes journalists on tour of defenses near airport; tension high in Beirut; Syrians reposition artillery near Lake Karoun.

Casualties:

In Sidon, main shopping district was oblit-erated and one quarter of city totally destroyed; bodies remain buried under rubble; still no electricity; water only 1 hour per day; Lebanese government says 1,100 killed in Sidon; IDF use Sidon informants to identify potential PLO suspects (suspicious Lebanese marked with black X on back, suspected PLO members with white, some Lebanese charge old grudges being settled by informants); many Palestinian refugees remain on Sidon beaches as they have nowhere to go; Tyre reported two-thirds destroyed, with port damage heavy.

Israel explores reviving bank, rail links in Lebanon; Israeli Trade Minister says 3 proposed banking and customs centers would aid Israeli exports to Lebanon; 4 Norwegians, 1 Canadian doctor released by Israel; Israel offers to help repair Sidon refinery.

Political Responses:

Israel/Occupied Territories: 4 Israeli professors attack invasion, ask Israeli soldiers to refuse to serve beyond Green Line in Beirut; Israel says invasion is open-ended and excludes negotiations with the PLO; Begin calls for international peacekeeping force in Lebanon with US troops; Sharon says Israeli aims will not be met until PLO headquarters in Beirut are eliminated; Begin says participants in multilateral force would have to make detailed, individual agreements with Israeli, Lebanese governments.

Palestinians/Lebanese: Lebanon's National Salvation Council, in first meeting, makes no progress-Gemayel, Sarkis, Wazzan, Butros reportedly demand PLO surrender, Jumblatt rejects; PLO asks for IDF pull-back, guarantees of PLO safety in return for allowing Lebanese Army to enter West Beirut.

Arab Governments: Syria rejects Sarkis' request for troop withdrawal, saying it is made under duress, instead suggests joint US/USSR peacekeeping force under UN auspices to get Israelis out; Iraq announces unilateral withdrawal from Iranian territory, following June 10 unilateral cease-fire; South Yemen demands strong Arab stand against US support for Israel; Mubarak supports idea of PLO government in exile, would allow it temporary home in Egypt, if it restricted itself to political activities; Kaddoumi in Geneva, says Egyptian offer not being considered now.

US and Other Countries: Weinberger says US investigating possible violations of US law by Israelis using US arms in Lebanon; Greeks show support for Palestinians with strike, protests, blood donations; Greece is the only EEC member to offer diplomatic recognition to the PLO.