The Palestine Chronology

By morning, the IDF imposes a general curfew across the West Bank, sealing all Palestinian-controlled areas (including the northern villages of Alar, Qabatya, Sa‘ida, al-Til, Yabad, which are considered Islamic Jihad strongholds), cutting off the n. West Bank from the rest of the West Bank, barring all Palestinian private vehicles in the n. West Bank; recommends that Palestinians leave the n. Gaza border area nr. Bayt Hanun; reshuts the Erez, Qarni crossings (opened 10/26). Overnight IDF air strikes on suspected rocket launching sites in n. Gaza damage a bridge but cause no injuries. During the day, the IDF continues mock air raids, sonic booms over Gaza; sends 35 jeeps, Apache helicopters into Jenin to arrest local Islamic Jihad leader ‘Abd al-Halim Izzeddin (a leading moderate in the group), 3 other Islamic Jihad mbrs.; also arrests the father of the 10/26 bomber, 13 suspected Islamic Jihad mbrs. in raids across the n. West Bank in connection with the Hadera bombing; 3 Hamas mbrs. are also arrested. In addition, the IDF clashes with more than 150 radical settler youths while evacuating 5 unauthorized settlement outposts nr. Efrat, Elon Moreh, Keddumim, Kiryat Arba, Worshippers Way in Hebron, leaving 1 IDF soldier hospitalized. Jewish settlers fr. Kiryat Arba harass Palestinians in Hebron. In the evening, the IDF assassinates Islamic Jihad n. Gaza cmdr. Shadi Muhanna, Muhanna deputy Muhammad Qandil, 5 others (including at least 3 bystanders), wounding 19 in an air strike on Muhanna’s car as he drives in Jabaliya r.c. just as evening prayers let out; also conducts several F-16 air strikes on open areas in n. Gaza (in 1 instance possibly targeting Abu Rish Brigades and Hamas positions in the area, but causing no injuries); conducts patrols, arrest raids, house searches in Dura, Jenin town and r.c., and nearby Kefar Rai. (AP, HA, YA 10/27; CSM, HA, JT, NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 10/28; NYT 10/29; PCHR 11/10)

Overnight, the IDF raids, imposes a curfew on Nur al-Shams r.c. and Tulkarm, fatally shoots Islamic Jihad West Bank military cmdr. Luay Saadi, Islamic Jihad mbr. Majid Askar in an apparent assassination; hrs. later, Islamic Jihad fires 5 rockets fr. Gaza into s. Israel, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF responds with air and artillery strikes on open areas used for rocket launches in n. Gaza, causing no injuries; shelling fr. naval vessels at PA security forces sites in n. Gaza, causing no damage or injuries; ongoing mock air raids over Gaza, breaking the sound barrier to harass the population; closure of the Erez, Qarni crossings. During the day, the IDF also demolishes 2 stores nr. Jenin, claiming that they “could be used” to manufacture explosives; conducts arrest raids, house searches around Hebron for a 3d night, as well as nr. Jenin. A Palestinian gunman fires on an IDF post nr. Halamish settlement nr. Ramallah, causing no damage or injuries; the IDF returns heavy fire, killing a Palestinian bystander standing outside his home in neighboring Nabi Salih. (NYT, WP, WT 10/25; HA 10/25; PCHR 10/27)

The IDF seriously injures a Palestinian woman in a hit-and-run nr. Bayt Fajjar; bulldozes 24 d. of agricultural land, including 150 olive trees, in ‘Azun ‘Atma; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Aida r.c., Dahaysha r.c., Dura, Kharsa nr. Hebron; moves into and fires on residential areas of Bayt ’Awa nr. Hebron, then fires on stone-throwing Palestinians who confront the troops, seriously wounding a 13-yr.-old boy, moderately wounding a 12-yr.-old boy; conducts late-night patrols in Jenin, firing on residential areas. Palestinians throw a pipe bomb at an Israeli border police patrol s. of Jerusalem, lightly injuring 3 officers. Jewish settlers fr. Elon Moreh set fire to 300 d. of Palestinian olive groves in nearby Salim. A previously unknown group calling itself Knights of the Storm (thought to be a Fatah offshoot) claims to have kidnapped 2 Palestinian collaborators in Gaza City, saying they took action when the PA security forces failed to do so. (HA, IMEMC, PM, REU 10/18; WP, WT 10/19; PCHR 10/20)

The IDF closes the Qarni crossing (reopened on 10/9); begins construction of a 6-m.-high concrete wall 15 m inside the n. Gaza border (see 9/18); conducts arrest raids in and around Hebron (targeting Hamas), Nablus, Yatta. Jewish settlers fr. Elkana beat, chase off a Palestinian family harvesting their olive trees nr. Salfit. AMB mbrs. briefly kidnap an American journalists, British photographer in Khan Yunis, giving no reason; Fatah secures their quick release unharmed. (AFP, IMEMC 10/12; IMEMC, NYT, WP, WT 10/13; PCHR 10/20; OCHA 10/31)

The IDF officially “suspends” Operation First Rain, which began on 9/24, to “see if the Palestinian Authority is willing and capable of taking advantage of the new situation.” PA security forces clash with Hamas mbrs. in Gaza City, with violence spreading to Shati‘ r.c., leaving 1 PA police officer, 2 Palestinian bystanders dead, at least 50 Palestinians wounded over several hrs. in the first intra-Palestinian fighting in Gaza since the Israeli withdrawal, sparked when PA security forces allegedly tried to arrest Muhammad Rantisi, Hamas activist and son of assassinated Hamas leader ‘Abd al- ‘Aziz Rantisi; during the clashes Hamas mbrs. fire RPGs at 2 PA police stations, PA police run out of ammunition. Separately, shots are fired at the Gaza City home of Hamas political leader Mahmud Zahhar, causing damage but no injuries. Late in the evening, the IDF launches arrest raids, house searches nr. Tulkarm and in and around Bethlehem, Hebron. Israeli border police report that over the previous 2 days they have arrested 1,200 Palestinians in Jerusalem for failing to have travel or work permits. (AFP, IMEMC, YA 10/2; REU, UPI, WP, WT 10/3; HA, REU, WT, XIN 10/4; PCHR 10/6; DS 10/8; MEI 10/12)

The Israeli FMin. adopts a new “national image management” strategy to improve Israel’s image abroad, “rebranding” it as “cool,” “hip,” “relevant and modern,” by downplaying religion and “avoiding any discussion of the conflict with the Palestinians.” (Forward 10/14)

Overnight, IDF helicopters fire missiles at a Fatah office and a PA security forces building in Gaza City, a PFLP office in Bureij r.c., a bridge in Bayt Hanun, several open fields and empty buildings in n. Gaza; the predawn air strikes on Gaza City cut electricity. In the West Bank, the IDF makes coordinated raids on at least 8 Islamic charitable institutions in and around Hebron and in Bethlehem, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, sealing the offices and confiscating computers, files, and office equipment. The IDF says that it is prepared to bombard civilian areas of Gaza if rocket fire does not cease. The PA denounces Israel for detaining at least 30 Hamas campaign officials and 17 candidates in upcoming municipal and legislative elections during the past wk. of arrest raids; Israel says it has detained 415 Palestinians since 9/23, including some 250 Hamas mbrs. Hamas affirms responsibility for the killing of an Israeli kidnapped on 9/21 and found nr. Ramallah on 9/26, claims that he was a Shin Bet officer. (AFP, AP, JAZ, WP 9/28; NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 9/29; WT 10/2; PCHR 10/6; MEI 10/12)

The IDF imposes a curfew on Jenin town and r.c., closes off all access roads leading to the city, conducts arrest raids and house searches, fires on residential areas; withdraws fr. Bayt Hanun, having leveled 100 d. of citrus groves since 10/26, 1 Palestinian home,5wells. Palestinians fire a Qassam rocket at the Negev, causing no damage or injuries. Jewish settlers fr. Shilo attack, chase off a group of Palestinians harvesting olives in nearby al-Mughayyir village. Israeli sources confirm that the West Jerusalem municipality has completed plans for construction of a new 280-unit Jewish settlement quarter in Abu Dis in East Jerusalem following completion of the separation wall through Abu Dis. A Palestinian dies of injuries received on 10/2 during the IDF attack on n. Gaza. In Gaza, scores of Palestinians protest increasing crime, kidnappings, violence in Gaza and demand security, legal reforms. (HJ, al-Quds, VOI, VOP 10/27 in WNC 10/29; PCHR, PRCS 10/28; PRCS 10/30; PR 11/3; PCHR 11/4)

An Israeli court rules that Palestinian residents of Jerusalem have the right to register any child under age 12 without having to apply for family reunification even if 1 parent holds a West Bank ID. Previously, the Israeli Interior Min. asserted that any such children not registered by age 1 would have to apply for family reunification. (PR 11/3)

Arafat collapses in his Ramallah headquarters and deteriorates dramatically during the day, reportedly lapsing in and out of consciousness. His personal doctor is summoned fr. Amman, a medical team fr. Egypt, and his wife fr. Paris, raising speculation that he is nearing death. (AP, BBC, CNN, HA, REU 10/27; JAZ, JP, LBC, MENA, PSCT, VOI, VOP, YA 10/27 in WNC 10/29; AP, BBC, HA, MM, NYT, REU, WP, WT 10/28; PR, WT 11/3; MEI 11/5)

The IDF continues operations in Khan Yunis, shelling, firing on, and conducting air strikes on residential areas, killing at least 11 Palestinians (1 PA security officer, 3 armed Palestinians, 7 civilians, including an 11-yr.-old boy) wounding at least 70, demolishing at least 26 Palestinian homes; 2 IDF soldiers are also wounded by a rocket-propelled grenade. The IDF arrests Tulkarm dep. Hamas cmdr. Ahmad Awad; sends troops into Bayt Furik, fires on residential areas, then fires on stone-throwing youths who confront the troops, wounding a 13-yr.-old Palestinian; sends troops into Shaykh Ajlin, demolishes 1 Palestinian home, bulldozes 4 d., conducts arrest raids; bulldozes 20 d. surrounding Gaza’s Dugit settlement; conducts arrest raids, house searches, sets fire to 2 workshops in Hebron; fires on residential areas of Yamun. Jewish settlers occupy a vacant Palestinian home in the Rachel’s Tomb complex in Bethlehem that they claim to have purchased 2 yrs. ago; local Palestinians deny this. Jewish settlers fr. Ramat Yishai settlement nr. Hebron occupy a vacant Palestinian home (residents had been forced to leave because of repeated settler attacks). Palestinian female prisoners in Israel’s Tel Monde prison begin a hunger strike to protest their living conditions, frequent strip searches. (BBC, MM, PM, PRCS 10/25; VOI, VOP 10/25 in WNC 10/27; MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/26; PCHR 10/28; PR 11/3)

The IDF fires on a funeral procession in Khan Yunis, assassinating wanted Hamas mbr. Awad Yasir (whom Israel claims has been responsible for recent mortar fire on Gush Katif), wounding 1; reinforces troops around East Jerusalem; bulldozes 22 d. of greenhouses, agricultural land in Rafah; sends troops into Bayt Furik, fires on Palestinian homes and stone-throwing youths who confront the troops; sends bulldozers into Bayt Hanun to level 20 d. belonging to al-Azhar University, 10s of d. belonging to local Palestinians; conducts rare arrest raids in Jericho. In response to Israel’s 10/21 assassination of Hamas’s Gul, Hamas fires 2 mortars, a Qassam rocket at Jewish settlements in s. Gaza, causing no damage or injuries; 10,000s Palestinians take part in Gul’s funeral in Gaza City. Hamas mbrs. execute a suspected Palestinian collaborator, dumping his body in Gaza City. A Palestinian woman dies of injuries received on 10/4. Gaza municipal employees begin a strike to protest the PA’s inability to pay the remainder of their 10/4 salaries. (WP 10/22; VOI, YA 10/22 in WNC 10/26; WP, WT 10/23; PR 10/27; PCHR 10/28; PR 11/3)

During the day in Gaza, the IDF assassinates Izzeddine al-Qassam Brigades 2d in command ‘Adnan al-Gul (a founding mbr. of Hamas whom Israel considers responsible for the development of Qassam rockets and whom it has tried to assassinate on at least 4 previous occasions), firing 2 missiles at him as he leaves a building in Gaza City, also killing senior field cmdr. Imad Abbas, wounding 4 bystanders; attempts to assassinate PRC military cmdr. ‘Abd al-Rahman Qarmut, firing a missile at his home in Jabaliya r.c., wounding him and his child; fatally shoots 2 armed Palestinians (1 AMB, 1 Islamic Jihad) who attempt to infiltrate Israel nr. the Nahal Oz crossing outside Gaza City; conducts 2 raids into Rafah, shelling residential areas, demolishing 7 Palestinian homes, bulldozing 9 d. Also in Rafah, an IDF soldier investigating a smugglers’ tunnel is killed by an explosion, possibly fr. a booby trap; Hamas claims responsibility. In Hebron, the IDF raids 2 mosques during evening prayers, interrogates and checks IDs worshipers; raids a university, checks students’ IDs; raids, occupies a Palestinian home. In Qalqilya, the IDF demolishes 2 Palestinian homes. Palestinians fire a Qassam rocket at Sederot, a mortar at Gush Katif, causing no damage or injuries. Jewish settlers attempt to steal olives fr. a grove in al-Mughayyir; Palestinians confront and scuffle with them; 1 settler opens fire, injuring 1 Palestinian; the IDF intervenes, detains the gunman. Islamic Jihad mbrs. stop the car of PA military intelligence officer Hajij al-Sirhi in central Gaza, seize the car and 2 rifles; Sirhi reportedly impounded the car fr. Islamic Jihad mbrs. several mos. earlier. (VOI, VOP 10/21 in WNC 10/23; BBC, NYT, WP, WT 10/22; AFP, VOP 10/22, HJ, VOI 10/23 in WNC 10/26; PR 10/17; PCHR 10/28)

The IDF fatally shoots 2 Hamas mbrs. planting a roadside bomb nr. the security fence of a Jewish settlement in n. Gaza; fires on residential areas of Rafah; conducts predawn arrest raids in ‘Azun, Burkin nr. Jenin, Dahaysha r.c., Dura, Hebron, Jenin r.c., Tulkarm. The Jenin AMB takes responsibility for the fatal shooting of an IDF soldier sitting inside his tent at an IDF base outside nearby Mevo Dotan settlement. Palestinians fire 4 mortars at Morag, causing no damage or injuries. A Palestinian wounded in the IDF’s 10/11 attempted assassination of Khalil dies of his injuries. AMB mbrs. in Jenin temporarily take over the local Palestinian Council (PC) and PA tax offices, demanding pay raises, pensions for the children Palestinians killed during the intifada; after several hrs., they agree to leave, but the offices remain locked. (BBC, HA, XIN 10/19; VOP 10/19 in WNC 10/21; PR 10/20; QA 10/20 in WNC 10/23; PCHR 10/21)

A team of Egyptian doctors visits Arafat, who has been suffering severe flulike symptoms since 10/12, in his Ramallah compound, sparking rumors that he is serious ill. The doctors conclude that he is suffering from an intestinal virus and gallstones. Arafat suffered a similar bout of gallstones in 2003. (WT 10/19)

Ramadan begins; the IDF restricts access to Jerusalem for Friday prayers. The IDF shells Jabaliya r.c. fr. the surrounding hills to the east; carries out an air strike on the camp, killing 1 Hamas mbr., 2 AMB mbrs; fatally shoots a 65-yr.-old Palestinian woman eating dinner in her Jabaliya home. In the evening, the IDF withdraws troops to the periphery of most n. Gaza population centers, formally ending Operation Days of Penitence. The UN estimates that during the 17-day operation, the IDF killed 114 Palestinians, demolished as many as 95 Palestinian homes, leveled more than 1,000 d.; Palestinian Center for Human Rights puts the figures at 112 Palestinians killed, 87 houses demolished, 839 d. leveled. The IDF says that soldiers killed a number of AMB, Hamas, Islamic Jihad military cmdrs. and destroyed a number of factories and workshops where Qassams could be made, that Palestinians fired 14 Qassam rockets fr. the area during the 17-day period. Palestinians fire 2 Qassams at Sederot today, causing no damage. Late in the evening, the IDF bulldozes another 3 Palestinian homes, 2 stores in Bayt Hanun. The IDF also shells residential areas of Rafah; conducts arrest raids in Nablus; arrests 2 Jewish settlers who attack Palestinians harvesting olives outside Hebron. Jewish settlers fr. Shilo nr. Ramallah attack Palestinians harvesting olives in neighboring al-Mughayyir; IDF soldiers observe but do not intervene. (BBC 10/15; IDF Radio, VOI, VOP 10/15 in WNC 10/19; NYT, WP, WT 10/16; HA, NYT 10/17; B’Tselem press release 10/18; PR 10/20; PCHR 10/21; MEI 10/22)

The IDF further expands Operation Days of Penitence into Bayt Lahiya, sending in another 45 tanks, 20 armored bulldozers to level 30 d.; shells Bayt Lahiya and Jabaliya from land and sea, killing 1 Hamas mbr. and wounding 2 in the Bayt Lahiya cemetery; directs heavy machine gunfire at residential areas of Jabaliya. The IDF also fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis, seriously injuring a 10-yr.-old Palestinian girl in an UNRWA classroom. In the West Bank, the IDF demolishes 1 Palestinian home in Jalbun nr. Jenin, 1 in Hebron; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Nablus and surrounding camps, and in and around Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, Ramallah. Unidentified assailants attempt to assassinate the PA’s Gaza public security head Musa Arafat, remote detonating a car bomb outside his Gaza City office; no one is injured. Unidentified gunmen break into the Fatah headquarters in al-Bureij r.c., fatally shoot senior Fatah figure Muhammad Issa; Fatah, Hamas mbrs. take to the streets to in protest. (HA 10/12; AFP, VOI, VOP 10/12 in WNC 10/14; MEZ, NYT, PR, WP, WT 10/13; al-Quds 10/13 in WNC 10/19; NYT, PCHR, WP 10/14; JPI, MEI 10/22; PR 10/27)

In n. Gaza, the IDF conducts an air strike on a warehouse in Jabaliya r.c., destroying it and 3 adjacent Palestinian homes, killing a Palestinian bystander; shells a group of Palestinians in Jabaliya, killing 2 Palestinians, wounding 1; fires missiles into Bayt Hanun (killing 1 Palestinian), Bayt Lahiya (injuring 3). A Palestinian dies of injuries he received in Jabaliya on 10/1. Elsewhere in Gaza, the IDF raids Dayr al-Balah, fatally shooting 1 armed Palestinian, wounding 7 bystanders, bulldozing 40 d.; shells, directs heavy machine gun fire residential areas of Khan Yunis, wounding a student in his classroom, causing significant damage to (but no serious injuries in) the al-Nasser Hospital maternity ward, a home, a mosque. In the West Bank, the IDF arrests 3 armed Jewish settlers fr. Tapuach for setting fire to a Palestinian olive grove, firing guns in the air, attacking Palestinians who arrive to put out the blaze, lightly injuring several Palestinians. A Jewish settler attacks an Orthodox Armenian religious procession in Jerusalem’s Old City, spitting in the face of Deputy Arch Bishop Nurhan, tearing off his cap and cross (breaking the 17th century relic), making religious insults. (VOI, VOP 10/10 in WNC 10/12; AFP 10/10, VOP 10/11 in WNC 10/13; HA, MEZ 10/11; HA 10/12; PR 10/13; PCHR, WT 10/14; NYT 10/19)

The IDF fires a missile at 2 Palestinian boys (ages 12 and 15) playing with pipes and sticks in a street Jabaliya r.c., killing them; says video footage fr. drones in the area appeared to show militants preparing to launch a rocket. Also in n. Gaza, the IDF fires on residential areas of Bayt Hanun, seriously wounding a 12-yr.-old child in her home; demolishes 1 Palestinian home north of Bayt Hanun. A 13-yr.-old Palestinian dies of injuries received in an IDF attack on Jabaliya on 9/30; a 16-yr.-old Palestinian dies of injuries received in Jabaliya on 10/1; a 22-yr.-old Palestinian dies of injuries received in Bayt Hanun on 10/3. The IDF also fires on 2 Palestinians who approach the Israeli border fence nr. the Sufa crossing into Israel in s. Gaza, killing 1 Palestinian while the other escapes; fires on residential areas, demolishes 1 Palestinian home in Rafah; shells residential areas, bulldozes 86 d. nr. Khan Yunis. Palestinians fire 2 Qassam rockets at Sederot, 2 antitank missiles at IDF troops in Rafah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF moves troops into Balata r.c. and Tulkarm, fires on residential areas, then fires on stonethrowing youths who confront the troops; halts a Palestinian school bus at a Hebron checkpoint, detains 3 students; conducts arrest raids, house searches in ‘Arub r.c., Jenin r.c., and in villages around Nablus, Tulkarm; bulldozes 60 d. southwest of Hebron for construction of the separation wall. The UNRWA delivers food, water to half of the 600 Palestinian families (ca. 3,300 individuals) who have been trapped in their homes east of Jabaliya r.c., unable to leave and without electricity or water since Days of Penitence began on 9/29. (United Nations Information Service 10/7; PSCT, VOI, VOP 10/7 in WNC 10/11; MEZ, WP 10/8; PR 10/13; PCHR 10/14)

In Egypt, a huge truck bomb explodes at the Hilton hotel in Taba, 2 smaller bombs explode at hotels further south along the Red Sea in Nuwayba and Ras al-Shaytan in what appear to be al-Qa‘ida attacks targeting Israelis vacationing for the Sukkoth holidays; 34 people are killed (including at least 13 Israelis, 9 Egyptians, 2 Italians, 1 Russian), some 150 are wounded. (BBC, HA, NYT, WP, WT 10/8; ITAR-TASS, MA, MENA, MM, VOI, VOP 10/8, MENA, al-Quds 10/9, VOI 10/10 in WNC 10/12; NYT, WP, WT 10/9; NYT 10/10; al-Ra’i 10/10, AYM 10/11 in WNC 10/14; LBC 10/10, MM 10/11; VOP 10/11 in WNC 10/13; MM 10/12; MM, NYT, PR 10/13; JP, WJW 10/14; MM 10/15, 10/18, 10/19; WT 10/20; MEI 10/22; WP 10/26)

The IDF assassinates Islamic Jihad’s military leader Bashir al-Dabash, his bodyguard Ahmad al-Arayir, firing 2 missiles at their car as they drive in Gaza City, also wounding 3 bystanders. In n. Gaza, the IDF fires a missile at a group of AMB mbrs. allegedly preparing an attack on IDF forces in Jabaliya r.c., killing 2 AMB mbrs., wounding 3; shells residential areas of Bayt Lahiya, hitting 3 homes, killing 3 Palestinians (2 may be Islamic Jihad mbrs. targeted for assassination), wounding at least 11 (including 9 children ages 7 mos.–13 yrs.). A Palestinian militant dies of injuries received in Jabaliya on 10/4. In s. Gaza, an IDF platoon leader wounds, then executes a 13-yr.-old Palestinian girl identified by soldiers under his command as a “nonthreat." The IDF also shells residential areas, conducts arrest raids and house searches, bulldozes 9 Palestinian homes and 52 d. in Khan Yunis; fires on residential areas of al-Qarara. In the West Bank, the IDF kills an AMB mbr. in an overnight exchange of gunfire in Hebron; seals, imposes a curfew on, fires on residential areas of, conducts arrest raids and house searches in Qabatya; lifts the 10/3 ban on Palestinians entering the Ibrahimi Mosque/Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron. The IDF announces that it has recently arrested 13 UN employees whom it plans to indict for “suspected links to terrorism”; says it has recently arrested a 24-yr.-old tanzim mbr. fr. Silwad for the Wadi al-Haramiyya shooting in 3/3/02 in which a gunman killed 7 IDF soldiers and 3 Jewish settlers using an antique rifle. (HA, PM 10/5; PSCT, VOI, VOP 10/5 in WNC 10/7; NYT, PR, WT 10/6; VOI 10/6 in WNC 10/8; PCHR 10/7; NYT 10/10; VOI 10/10 in WNC 10/12; NYT 10/12; MM 10/13; al-Quds 10/13 in WNC 10/19; MM, WP 10/14; WP 11/28)

The IDF expands Operation Days of Penitence, using some 200 tanks and APCs to seize control of a 3.5 mi2 of costal territory in n. Gaza. In Jabaliya r.c., IDF missile strikes kill 3 Islamic Jihad mbrs. and 2 Hamas mbrs., wound 4 bystanders; gunfire kills at least 3 Palestinians (possibly Islamic Jihad mbrs.); demolitions of Palestinian homes continue; the IDF uses loudspeakers to urge 10s of Palestinians to evacuate their homes. The IDF fatally shoots another 4 Palestinians trying to infiltrate Israel fr. n. Gaza. A Palestinian militant dies of injuries sustained in Jabaliya on 10/1. The IDF also opens fire on Palestinians in central Gaza protesting against Days of Penitence; shells residential areas of Rafah, killing a 62-yr.-old Palestinian; evacuates, demolishes 4 Palestinian homes in Rafah, shooting and seriously wounding a Palestinian woman (6-mos. pregnant) in the process; fires on several residential areas of Khan Yunis, bulldozing 14 d., damaging an elementary school and forcing students to evacuate; conducts arrest raids in al-Qarara. In the West Bank, the IDF imposes a 1-day curfew on Palestinian areas of Hebron, fires on stone-throwing youths; conducts arrest raids at Hebron University and in Abu Nujaym and Artas nr. Bethlehem, Bayt Umar nr. Hebron, Silwad, Tulkarm, Tura nr. Jenin. A 4-yr.-old Palestinian dies of injuries received on 7/30/04. (HA, NYT, XIN 10/2; AFP, JAZ, VOI, VOP 10/2, VOI 10/3 in WNC 10/5; NYT, WP, WT 10/3; PCHR 10/7)

The IDF escalates its n. Gaza incursion, sending troops deep into Jabaliya r.c., occupying several homes as outposts, sparking clashes with Palestinians, shelling and conducting at least 5 air strikes on residential areas, leave at least 27 Palestinians dead (including 15 armed Palestinians; 12 unarmed bystanders, including 10 killed by IDF shelling at an UNRWA school) and more than 131 wounded; 6 IDF soldiers are also wounded. Troops also demolish at least 22 Palestinian homes in Jabaliya to allow better access for military vehicles, occupy a UN school and a PA security office. Palestinian gunmen fatally shoot 2 IDF soldiers, 1 Jewish settler jogger outside Jabaliya nr. Aley Sinai settlement, before being shot dead by troops. In the evening, Sharon’s security cabinet approves a plan, codenamed Days of Penitence, for a major, prolonged ground offensive in n. Gaza. Elsewhere in Gaza, the IDF bulldozes 2 d. of greenhouses and apiaries in Dayr al-Balah; demolishes 2 Palestinian homes, fires on residential areas in Rafah. In the West Bank, the IDF declares the northern and central Jordan Valley a closed military zone; conducts arrest raids, house searches in ‘Azun, Dura, Faqqu’a and Yamun nr. Jenin, Hebron, Qalandia r.c. (AP, HA, MM 9/30; AFP, VOI, VOP 9/30 in WNC 10/2; MM, NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 10/1; QA 10/1 in WNC 10/5; PCHR 10/7)

On this 1st day of Ramadan, the IDF fires on 8 Palestinians who stray too close to the Gaza-Israel separation fence nr. Bayt Hanun, killing 1 Palestinian, wounding 1, arresting 4, while 3 flee; conducts house searches, arrests in Hebron. Israel announces plans to provide electricity, phones, fences, schools to 8 unauthorized settlement outposts recently established in the West Bank in violation of the road map. Jewish settlers fr. Ariel attack a Rabbis for Human Rights delegation in Issawiyya to document reports that settlers felled 100s of Palestinian olive trees in the area; 2 rabbis are transported to hospital with injuries. (MM 10/27; VOP 10/27 in WNC 10/29; NYT, WT 10/28; PCHR 10/30)

The IDF makes a predawn raid on Gaza City, evacuates 2,000 Palestinians fr. their homes, blows up a PSF post, 3 unfinished 12-story PSF apartment buildings overlooking the IDF Netzarim post attacked on 10/23. The IDF also fatally shoots 3 armed Palestinians attempting to infiltrate a Gaza settlement; conducts arrest raids in Bethlehem; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis; imposes a curfew on, conducts arrest raids and house searches in Qalqilya. Palestinians fire a Qassam rocket at Sederot, causing nodamage or injuries. At least 1 Palestinian dies of injuries received in Gaza City on 10/22. Israeli airport authorities arrest, hold for deportation 4 Belgians suspected of arriving at Ben Gurion Airport on a Palestinian solidarity visit. (HA, NYT, WP, WT 10/26; VOP 10/26 in WNC 10/28; MM, NYT 10/27; al-Quds 10/28 in WNC 10/30; PR, WT 10/29; PCHR 10/30; MEI 11/7; WP 11/21)

Over 15 hrs., Israeli warplanes and helicopters launch 5 strikes against targets in Gaza, killing at least 10 Palestinians, wounding more than 135: the 1st demolishes a Gaza City building allegedly housing a Hamas missile factory, injuring 12 bystanders; the 2d hits a truck driving through Gaza City, apparently transporting items salvaged fr. the site of the 1st attack, assassinating Hamas mbrs. Iyad Hilu and Khalid Masri, killing 1 bystander, wounding at least 9; the 3d targets an alleged Hamas armory, causing no casualties; the 4th targets 2 PFLP mbrs. who flee their car in Nussayrat r.c., before the missile strikes, a 2d salvo hits rescuers and onlookers who arrive on the scene, killing at least 7 bystanders, wounding 103 (including 4 left brain dead, among them the 2 PFLP targets); the 5th restriking the building targeted in the 1st attack to“complete the attack,” injuring another 12 bystanders. The IDF also fatally shoots 2 PFLP mbrs. laying a roadside bomb nr. the Gaza-Israel border fence; demolishes 6 Palestinian homes in Rafah. (AFP, BBC, HA, MM 10/20; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/21; ATL, ITAR-TASS, al-Quds, VOP 10/21 in WNC 10/23; HA, MM, NYT, PR 10/22; MM, NYT, PCHR 10/23; MEI 10/24; WP 10/25)

Unidentified Palestinians detonate a roadside bomb outside Erez crossing as a U.S. emb. convoy (carrying the cultural attache, en route to interview Fulbright scholarship candidates) passes, destroying 1 of 4 armored cars, killing 3 U.S. security officers, wounding 1 U.S. diplomat; the convoy passes along a route and at a time a CIA detail involved in monitoring road map progress usually passes through the area, despite mos. of warnings fr. the PA of the dangers of routine movements, conspicuous bodyguards. AMB, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, the Popular Resistance Comms. (PRC) deny responsibility, though a phone call to the press claims the attack on the PRCs’ behalf. After this 1st successful targeted attack against Americans by Palestinians, the U.S. for the 1st time discloses that in 6/03 a roadside bomb went off nr. a CIA vehicle in Gaza, causing damage but no injuries. Palestinians also detonate a smaller roadside bomb nr. an IDF convoy in Gaza, injuring 3 IDF soldiers. The IDF sends troops back into Brazil r.c., fatally shooting 1 Palestinian, searching and occupying homes, bulldozing land, demolishing a number of houses, shelling residential areas; arrests a Palestinian woman who attempts to stab a soldier at a Tulkarm checkpoint; conducts arrest raids in Bethlehem; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis, Tulkarm; imposes a curfew on Nablus, escorts 100s of ultra-Orthodox Jews on a pilgrimage to Joseph’s Tomb. Israel orders another 3 West Bank Palestinian administrative detainees expelled to Gaza (see 10/14). An Israeli Arab dies of injuries received in the 10/4 Haifa bombing, bringing that toll to 21. (BBC, HA, MM, PR, PRCS 10/15; XIN 10/15, al-Ra’i 10/16 in WNC 10/18; AP, HA, MM, NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 10/16; MM, WP 10/17; AYM 10/18 in WNC 10/25; PR 10/22; WJW 10/23; JPI, MEI 10/24; JPI 10/31)

The IDF sends troops back into Rafah in what is officially called Operation Root Canal 2, demolishing 10 more Palestinian homes, wounding 4 Palestinians, including a Palestinian photographer shot in the face. International aid organizations note that since 10/10 the IDF has cleared 2 full blocks of homes in some neighborhoods to create an empty zone along the Egyptian border. Amnesty International says the Israeli destruction “constitutes a war crime.” The IDF also sends troops into Tulkarm town and r.c., imposing a curfew, fatally shooting a Palestinian who fails to obey orders to halt, firing on residential areas, arresting 4 ISM volunteers; conducts arrest raids, fires on residential areas in Nablus; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Hebron. Israel announces plans to expel to Gaza 15 West Bank Palestinian administrative detainees, mbrs. of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. (AP, BBC, MM, PRCS, WP 10/14; MENA, PSCT, VOI, VOP 10/14 in WNC 10/16; NYT, PR, PRCS, WP, WT 10/15; PCHR 10/16)

The IDF shoots, wounds 4 Palestinians attempting to bypass the new checkpoint separating Rafah, Khan Yunis (see 10/5); continues bulldozing land nr. Morag settlement (Palestinians say some 400 dunams have been leveled since 10/5); demolishes 3 Palestinian homes in Rafah; searches buildings in Jenin (including a medical relief building, Charity Fund Comm. offices), confiscating files, computers; conducts arrest raids in Jenin, detaining 31 alleged Islamic Jihad mbrs. Hamas fires 16 mortars at a Jewish settlement in Gaza, causing no damage or injuries. The PA reports that the IDF, Israeli police have rounded up some 2,350 Palestinian laborers inside the Green Line in the past 24 hrs. for return to the territories. (HA, MM 10/6; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/7; PCHR 10/9; MEI 10/10)

An IDF soldier nr. the Israeli-Lebanese border is fatally shot by an unidentified gunman apparently shooting fr. Lebanon. (HA, MM 10/6; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/7; MEI 10/10)

A female Islamic Jihad suicide bomber detonates a device in a Haifa restaurant, killing 14 Israeli Jews, 5 Israeli Arabs, wounding around 50. (The bomber, Hanadi Taysir Jaradat, who had just graduated fr. law school in Jordan, watched as IDF undercover units assassinated her brother and cousin, both Islamic Jihad mbrs., outside their family home in Jenin on 6/12/03.) Israel says Arafat is to blame for failing to order the PSF to take steps to dismantle Islamic Jihad. Bush says the bombing “underscores once again the responsibility of the Palestinian authorities to fight terror,” says “the new Palestinian cabinet must dedicate itself to dismantling the infrastructure of terror,” does not call for Israeli restraint; Powell also phones Israeli FM Silvan Shalom to express condolences and strong condemnation of the attack, but does not urge restraint. In response, the IDF shells, demolishes an empty Palestinian home in Gaza City, and empty garage in Bureij r.c.; makes a failed assassination attempt on an Islamic Jihad mbr. in central Gaza, firing missiles at him in an open field, but missing him; moves troops into Jenin. Mbrs. of the Israeli peace group Gush Shalom, the International Solidarity Movement (ISM) surround Arafat’s Ramallah headquarters to act as human shields should Israel attempt to “remove” him. During the day, the IDF also raids Tulkarm r.c., assassinates AMB mbr. Sirhan Biharan Hassin Sirhan, whom Israel says killed 5 Israelis in Kibbutz Metzer on 11/10/02, also killing a 9-yr.-old Palestinian bystander; fires on residential areas of Rafah. A Palestinian toddler dies of injuries received on 10/2; a 2d Palestinian dies of injuries received in 2002. (GS, HA 10/4; AFP, MENA, VOP 10/4, AFP, IRNA, ITAR-TASS, al-Quds, VIRI, VOP, XIN 10/5 in WNC 10/7; NYT, WP, WT 10/5; MM, WP 10/6; al-Ra’i 10/6 in WNC 10/8; HA, MM, NYT 10/7; PR, WP 10/8; PCHR, WJW 10/9; MEI 10/10; MM 10/17)

IDF commandos ambush, assassinate wanted PA intelligence officer Ayid Mansur outside his home in Nablus. The IDF fatally shoots 1 Palestinian nr. the new security wall in Zita; raids a makeshift PSF jail in Tulkarm, arresting 6 PSF officers, 12 prisoners (the PSF officers, 9 prisoners are later released); conducts arrest raids, searches houses, blows up 2 Palestinian homes in Bayt Hanun; fires on residential areas, bulldozes 1 Palestinian home and part of a mosque in Brazil r.c.; conducts arrest raids, house-to-house searches, fires on residential areas in Askar r.c.; raids Qalandia r.c., detaining 50 Palestinians; directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Bayt Lahia, Gaza City, Rafah; bulldozes 17.5 dunams of Palestinian land s. of Khan Yunis. Some 40 prominent Israelis outraged by recent Jewish settler attacks on Palestinian olive pickers travel to the West Bank to participate in a Palestinian olive harvest. (GS, LAW, PCHR 10/30; PCHR, PR 11/6; MEI 11/8)

DM and Labor party head Ben-Eliezer resigns fr. the government hrs. before Sharon’s FY 2003 budget passes (67-45) in the Knesset, with all 25 Labor party MKs voting against. Afterward, the 5 other Labor Ms, including FM Shimon Peres, resign. (HA, MM 10/30; MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/31; JT 10/31 in WNC 11/1; al-Quds 11/2, MENA 11/3 in WNC 11/5; AYM 11/2 in WNC 11/8; JPI, MEI 11/8)

An IDF undercover unit assassinates senior Hamas mbr. Asim Sawafta in Tubas. The IDF also shoots a 14-yr.-old Palestinian boy in the head in Tubas, seriously wounding him; shells residential areas s. of Gaza City, in and around Khan Yunis; conducts arrest raids in Aqraba, Khirbat Karma; blows up 1 Palestinian home in Jenin r.c.; detains 2 ambulance workers in Jenin town. A Palestinian gunman infiltrates the West Bank settlement of Hermesh, opens fire on residents outside their homes, killing 3 Jewish settlers (including 2 teenage girls), injuring 2 before being shot dead. Jewish settlers begin rebuilding the Havat Gilad site. A PA security court sentences a Palestinian to death for collaboration with Israel. (JTA 10/29; al-Quds 10/29 in WNC 11/5; LAW, MM, NYT, PCHR 10/30; WP 10/31; MEI 11/8)

Arafat announces the make up of his new cabinet. Although most PC mbrs. angrily criticize Arafat’s failure to remove old EA mbrs. accused of corruption, they approve (56-18) the new cabinet. (AP, HA 10/29; MM, NYT, PR, WP, WT10/30; ITAR-TASS 10/30 in WNC 10/31; MM 10/31; AYM 10/31 in WNC 11/1; QA 10/31, 11/1 in WNC 11/5; MEI 11/8)

The IDF moves troops back into Jenin, after withdrawing to the outskirts of the city on 10/18; fires on Palestinian farmers in Jenin; bulldozes 18 Palestinian homes (15 in Jiftlik, 1 in `Ayn Bayt al-Ma’ r.c., 1 in Balata r.c., 1 in Rafah, 1 in Salim); bars a Palestinian heart attack victim fr. crossing and IDF checkpoint to reach a hospital for 2 hrs., allowing him to die; raids 2 homes in Hebron, sets fire to residents’ belongings. IDF commandos raid Balata r.c., arrest 2 Palestinians, leave behind their van, booby trapped with explosives; the van later explodes, injuring 10 Palestinians. With the IDF’s pledge of protection, Palestinian residents of Yanun return to their homes (see 10/18). The PA complains that btwn. 9/4 and 10/16, the IDF has taken 750 single-bed truckloads, 250 double-bed truckloads of sand out of Gaza for use in construction projects inside Israel. (LAW, PCHR 10/23; AYM 10/23 in WNC 10/28; NYT, WT 10/24; HA 11/15)

U.S. Asst. Secy. of State William Burns arrives in Jerusalem to meet with Israeli, PA officials regarding a U.S. draft road map; presents the PA with the draft for the 1^st time (see 10/16). (HA, MM, PR 10/23; HA, MM, NYT 10/24; MM, NYT, WT 10/25; AYM 10/25, 10/26 in WNC 10/28; WP 10/26; MEI 11/8)

The Knesset rejects (23-51) a proposed bill that would ban fr. the parliament any party trying to incite the expulsion of Palestinians, Israeli Arabs. (AFP 10/23)

The IDF redeploys fr. 2 Palestinian neighborhoods in Hebron; shells residential areas of Khan Yunis; confiscates 2,600 dunams of Palestinian land in Izbat Salman and Izbat Jilad for construction of the security fence; bulldozes 200 olive trees in Qalqilya for the security fence, 31 dunams of land in Dayr al-Balah, 7 dunams in al-Mughraga in s. Gaza (also destroying 3 cars, partially demolishing 2 Palestinian homes); raid the al-Sultan Cultural Center in Hebron, arresting 1 employee, photocopying the center’s files; bars Palestinian fire trucks fr. fighting a blaze nr. Askar r.c. The IDF clashes with some 1,000 Jewish settlers who refuse to evacuate Havat Gilad, leaving 8 soldiers injured; troops clear the area, dismantle trailers, but 100s of settlers return after dark to reoccupy the site. In Gaza, Palestinians reportedly fire 2 antitank grenades at an IDF convoy nr. Netzarim, several mortars at Gush Katif, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MM, NYT, WT 10/21; MA 10/21 in WNC 10/22; LAW, PCHR 10/23)

Across the U.S., evangelical Christian churches observe a day of prayer for Israel. (WP 10/21)

Before dawn, the IDF sends 40 tanks and helicopters into Khan Yunis, occupying and blowing up buildings, firing on residential areas, killing a total of 14 Palestinians; in one incident a missile fired by an IDF helicopter at a Palestinian crowd kills 10 Palestinians, wounds more than 100; in a 2d incident, troops fire on a hospital where 100s of Palestinians are gathered to check on the status of relatives, leaving a hospital worker clinically dead, seriously injuring 3 (including a child shot in the neck), and firing grenades at the admin. office, equipment and supplies dept., training dept., and other facilities. The IDF the raid is part of its new strategy to put pressure on Hamas (see 9/24), calling Khan Yunis a "nest of terror." The IDF lifts the day curfew on w. Nablus; shoots at, mortally wounds a Palestinian motorist on the Nablus + n. Qalqilya road, blocks an ambulance fr. reaching him, allowing him to bleed to death; shells around an elementary school in Jenin while class is in session, causing damage to the school but no injuries; raids a school in the al-Mawasi area of Gaza, arresting 1 staff mbr.; bulldozes 78 dunams of olive groves nr. Jabaliya r.c. In Gaza City, masked Palestinian gunmen kidnap, murder PSF riot police chief Raghib Abu Lahiya. An attempt by PSF officers to arrest the assailants sparks a clash that leaves 5 Hamas mbrs. dead, 30 other Palestinians injured; Hamas denies involvement, says one of its mbrs. whose brother was killed by Abu Lahiya on 10/1/01 arranged the murder as a personal vendetta. (AP, HA, JTA, MM, PM, WP, WT 10/7; AFP 10/7 in WNC 10/8; MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/8; AFP, MENA, al-Quds, XIN 10/8 in WNC 10/9; AP, MM, NYT, PCHR, PR, WP, WT 10/9; AKH, SA 10/9 in WNC 10/15; NYT, PM, WP 10/10; MEI 10/11; JPI 10/18; MEI 10/25; JPI 11/8)