The Palestine Chronology

The IDF fires a tank shell at a group of Palestinians btwn. Erez, Qarni checkpoints, killing a 14-yr.-old Palestinian, injuring 3 other youths; fires on stone-throwing Palestinian youths in Khan Yunis, injuring 1 with live ammunition; shoots, injures a 12-yr.-old Palestinian in Wadi al-Silqa for no apparent reason; bulldozes 2 Palestinian homes in Hebron. (HA 12/24; MENA, XIN 12/24 in WNC 12/26; LAW, NYT, PCHR, WT 12/25)

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)

The IDF clashes with Islamic Jihad gunmen in, shells residential areas of Nablus and Balata r.c., leaving 1 IDF soldier dead, 3 buildings afire; fires on stone-throwing youths, killing 2 Palestinian boys ages 10 and 12, injuring 25; confiscates video footage of clashes fr. a Reuters cameraman. The IDF also fires on residential areas of Hebron, Gaza City (killing 1 Palestinian); conducts arrest raids in of Beitunia, Burkin, Hebron (reportedly detaining 5 mbrs. of a cell that has staged roadside bombings in the area), Qabatya, Tulkarm, al-Yamun; fires tank shells at residential areas of Gaza, leaving 1 Palestinian woman clinically dead (the IDF claims it was responding to mortar fire). In Ramallah, the IDF surrounds, fires shells a building where it claims some of the wanted Palestinians who hid in Arafat's offices during the siege are located; demands their surrender. (HA 9/30; HA, NYT, WP, WT 10/1; LAW, MM, PCHR 10/2; PCHR 10/3; MEI 10/11)

Bush signs the FY 2003 Foreign Relations Authorization Act, which requires the admin. to identify Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Bush says that he interprets the wording on Jerusalem as a "sense of Congress," not as binding on U.S. policy. The bill also urges the pres. to impose sanctions on the Palestinians if they do not comply with signed agmts.; withholds $10 m. of $35 m. in economic aid to Lebanon for failing to assert its authority over Hizballah; provides an additional $300 m. in aid to Israel, including $100 m. for munitions; rejects equivalent aid for Egypt. (Israel says the other $200 m. is going to be used to cover shortfalls in the defense budget.) (HA, JP, LAW, NYT, WP, WT 10/1; MM, NYT, PR, WT 10/2; Gulf Times [Doha], MENA, al-Quds 10/2 in WNC 10/3; MM 10/3; al-Quds 10/3 in WNC 10/4; AYM, MENA 10/4 in WNC 10/7; PR 10/9; MEI 10/11)

Israel ends the siege on Arafat's compound in Ramallah, allowing Arafat, all those inside with him to leave; troops remain in Ramallah however. A Palestinian heart attack victim dies at an IDF checkpoint nr. Khan Yunis when troops deny his passage to a hospital for several hrs. Palestinians in Nablus defy the curfew by reopening schools. The IDF surrounds 3 Nablus schools, forces them to close; fires on curfew breakers in nearby Balata r.c., injuring 3 children. The IDF also fires tear gas into an education center for children and the mentally disabled in Shu`fat r.c., injuring 150 children; demolishes 4 Palestinian houses nr. Netzarim settlement; fires on stone-throwing Palestinian children nr. Bayt Hanun and Khan Yunis, injuring 4. (AFP, JT 9/29, Interfax, MENA, QA 9/30 in WNC 10/1; MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/30; CSM 10/1; LAW, PCHR 10/2; MEI 10/11; WP 11/8)

The Jerusalem Report, citing Britain’s respected Jane’s Foreign Report, claims that IDF special forces are currently operating inside western Iraq, with the knowledge of the U.S., to locate missile launchers that could be used against Israel. (JP 9/29)

Under pressure fr. the U.S., Israel halts demolitions in the PA's Ramallah compound, though soldiers maintain the siege and raise an Israeli flag atop the remaining building where Arafat and his men are holed up. 1,000s of Palestinians defy curfews across the West Bank to protest for a 2d day, demonstrations also continue in Gaza. In Balata r.c., the IDF fires on a group of Palestinian, international protesters killing a 14-yr.-old Palestinian boy. The IDF also bulldozes 9 dunams of land nr. Kefar Darom settlement. In Tel Aviv, 200 Israeli peace activists protest IDF actions in Ramallah. (GS, PM 9/22; ATL, MENA, RFI 9/22, JT 9/23 in WNC 9/23; MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/23; LAW, PCHR 9/25; MEI 9/27)

In Ramallah, the IDF continues demolition work at the PA compound, setting fire to storehouses, bulldozing the Ramallah governate building; says it now seeks the extradition of 50 Palestinians inside Arafat's offices; warns those inside the remaining building to evacuate or risk being harmed when the IDF blows it up, prompting 1,000s of Palestinians to take to the street in protest, despite the curfew. The IDF fires stun grenades, live ammunition at the crowds, killing 2 Palestinians (including a journalist with Voice of Palestine). (After al-Jazeera TV broadcasts news of the spontaneous Ramallah demonstrations, 1,000s of Palestinians violate the curfews Jenin, Nablus, Tulkarm and rally in Gaza to protest; the IDF kills 1 Palestinian protester in Nablus, a 2d Palestinian in Tulkarm and demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in Qabatya, Qalqilya.) None of the Palestinians in the Ramallah compound evacuates, the IDF does not blow up the building; unnamed Israeli officials suggest the threat was "psychological combat" aimed at making living conditions so unbearable for Arafat that he seeks refuge abroad. The IDF also conducts arrest raids in al-Fara' r.c., Jenin, Rafah; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis, Rafah; fires on an ambulance in Nablus, damaging it, wounding 1 Palestinian bystander. (PM 9/21; MENA 9/21, ITAR-TASS, XIN 9/22 in WNC 9/23; NYT, PM, WP, WT 9/22; HA 9/23; al-Quds 9/23 in WNC 9/24; MM 9/24; LAW, PCHR, PR 9/25; MEI, MM 9/27; PRCS press release 9/27)

The IDF demolishes 2 Palestinian homes nr. Gaza City, damaging 8 others; halts an ambulance nr. Nablus, taking a relative of the patient into custody; fires tear gas at PRCS property, ambulances, paramedics in Nablus, Tulkarm. Palestinians fire 2 mortars, a rocket fr. Gaza into Israel, damaging 1 home, causing no injuries; the IDF believes the rocket was a new, larger Qassam-3, with a range of up to 12 km. Palestinian gunmen fire at a Jewish settler vehicle nr. Tulkarm, injuring 1 settler. A Palestinian dies of injuries received on 9/10. An Israeli court indicts 4 East Jerusalem Palestinians for murder for their alleged role in the 7/31/02 Hebrew University bombing. A Palestinian indicted in civilian court on terrorism charges on 7/30 is convicted, sentenced to 22 yrs. Israel announces that 6 wks. ago it arrested 10 bedouin IDF soldiers fr. the Galilee on charges of spying for Hizballah. (JTA 9/12; HA, WP 9/13; LAW, PCHR 9/18; PCHR 9/20; HA 10/23; MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/24; MM 10/29)

In a speech to the opening session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) a day after the 1st anniversary of the al-Qa`ida attacks on the U.S., Bush warns the UN to take action quickly to force Iraq to "unconditionally accept" inspection, disarmament of its chemical and biological weapons and nuclear research facilities, intimating that the U.S. will take action unilaterally if the UN does not. Bush also reiterates his support for the creation of "an independent and democratic Palestine living side by side with Israel in peace and security," adding that "Palestinians deserve a government that serves their interests and listens to their voices." (NYT, Jerusalem Times, WP, WT 9/12; HA, MM 9/13; AYM 9/13, MENA, al-Quds 9/14, MENA 9/15 in WNC 9/16; NYT 9/14; JT, WP 9/15; MM 9/17; MEI 9/27)

The American Jewish Comm., Israel 21c (a Silicon Valley+n based group supported by executives of high-tech companies) launch an ad campaign to run on cable TV news stations in 100 U.S. cities promoting Israel's side in its conflict with the Palestinians, portraying Israel as the only democratic country and country sharing American values in the Middle East. (JTA 9/17; AP 9/18; WJW 9/19, 9/26)

The IDF exchanges gunfire with 2 Islamic Jihad mbrs. nr. Gush Katif settlement, leaving the 2 Palestinians dead, 2 soldiers wounded; fires on residential areas of, conducts arrest raids in Tulkarm; reopens PLO Jerusalem affairs rep. Nusseibeh's offices at al-Quds University. Late in the evening, the IDF assassinates Izzeddine al-Qassam Brigades founder and head Shaykh Salah Shihada, no. 1 on Israel's most wanted list, sending an F-16 to fire a 1-ton guided missile at a building where he is staying in Gaza City, collapsing 3 buildings, heavily damaging 20 others, killing 14 Palestinian bystanders (including 9 children, 4 women), injuring 140. Palestinians across Gaza take to the streets to demonstrate against the assassination, which comes hrs. after the AMB, tanzim, Hamas, Islamic Jihad agreed to declare a unilateral cease-fire after wks. of intra-Palestinian talks. (HA, JP, MM, REU 7/22; AFP 7/22 in WNC 7/23; AP, B'Tselem press release, HA, MEZ, MM, NYT, PCHR, UN press release, WP, WT 7/23; ATL 7/23 in WNC 7/24; HA, LAW, MM, NYT, PCHR, WP, WT, YA 7/24; ITAR-TASS, MENA al-Quds 7/24 in WNC 7/25; Gulf Times 7/24, AFP, JT, MA, al-Quds, SA, XIN 7/25 in WNC 7/26; HA, MM NYT, WJW, WP, WT 7/25; MEI 7/26; JT, al-Nahar 7/26 in WNC 7/29; MM 7/29, 7/30; JPI, MM 8/2; MA, SA 8/2 in WNC 8/5; MEI 8/16) (see 5/14/00)

A Jewish settler injured in the 7/16 bus ambush dies of her injuries, bringing the toll in that attack to 9. A previously unknown group called al-Nathir claims responsibility for the 7/17 Tel Aviv bombing, originally claimed by Islamic Jihad. The IDF bulldozes a Palestinian house, aviary nr. Dayr al-Balah; conducts arrest raids in Hebron (including confiscating files fr. Hebron University student union offices), Jenin, villages around Khan Yunis, the al-Mawasi area, Nablus, Tal; fires on residential areas of Rafah. (NYT 7/19; LAW 7/18; LAW, PCHR 7/24)

The FMs of Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia hold a 30-min. mtg. with Bush, White House chief of staff Andrew Card, Powell, Rice to discuss ways of keeping the peace process moving and to present a working paper (drafted with the PA, approved by Arab League FMs on 7/12). (WP 7/18; MENA 7/18 in WNC 7/22; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/19; QA 7/19, al-Safir 7/20 in WNC 7/22; AYM 7/21 in WNC 7/23; MM 7/25; MEI 7/26)

Before dawn, the IDF reoccupies Amari r.c., al-Bireh, Qadura r.c., and Ramallah, surrounding Arafat's offices (placing Arafat under de facto house arrest), arresting 13 PSF officers, meeting no resistance; imposes 24-hr. curfews on Aqaba, Dura, Iktaba, Tamun, Taysir, Tubas, Yatta; fires shells at residential areas of Khan Yunis; continues operations in Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus (fatally shooting 1 Palestinian), Qalqilya, Tulkarm areas; lifts curfews in Jenin, Nablus, Qalqilya for 3 hrs. The IDF assassinates 2 Izzeddine al-Qassam Brigades leaders, Yasir Raziq and `Amr Kufa, in Rafah, firing missiles at their taxis, also killing 2 passengers, 2 drivers, injuring 13 bystanders. Jewish settlers stone an ambulance nr. Tulkarm. In Gaza, Hamas supporters clash with PSF officers enforcing Shaykh Yasin's house arrest, leaving 1 Hamas supporter dead. (BBC, MM, NYT, PRCS press release, WP, WT 6/24; XIN 6/24 in WNC 6/25; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/25; LAW 6/26; PCHR, WJW 6/27; MEI 6/28)

After a wk.'s delay, Bush gives a major speech outlining the new U.S. policy toward the peace process. Without mentioning Israel's military escalations, Bush says in effect that the Palestinians must remove Arafat and create a Western-style democracy before the peace process can move forward. The U.S. halts direct dealings with Arafat. Bush's decision to call for Arafat's ouster was reportedly influenced heavily by an Israeli intelligence report he received last wk. (uncorroborated by the CIA) claiming that Arafat authorized a $20,000 payment to the AMB, which carried out the 6/19 suicide bombing. (AP, MM, NYT, WP 6/24; MA 6/24 in WNC 6/25; GS, MM, NYT, WP, WT, YA 6/25; AFP, ATL, Interfax, ITAR-TASS, MENA 6/25 in WNC 6/26; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/26; AFP, JT, Le Monde 6/26 in WNC 6/27; NYT, WJW, WP 6/27; JT, al-Nahar 6/27 in WNC 6/28; MEI, MM 6/28; NYT, USIS Washington File 6/30; WP, WT 7/1; AN 7/1 in WNC 7/2; JPI 7/5)

Arafat sends the U.S., Arab states a 6-page memorandum outlining an ambitious 100-day reform plan, including plans for presidential and legislative elections in 1/03 and municipal elections in 3/03. (MM 6/24; NYT 6/25; MM 6/26; El Pais 6/26 in WNC 6/27;NYT, WP, WT 6/27; XIN 6/27 in WNC 6/28; AYM 7/1 in WNC 7/3; AYM 7/10, 7/17, 7/21 in WNC 7/23)

Israeli atty. gen. Elyakim Rubinstein says he will not take legal action against those calling for the "voluntary transfer" of Arabs fr. Israel, saying "voluntary transfer" is "immoral" not illegal. (The 13 Palestinians deported to Cyprus in 5/02 were "voluntarily exiled" as part of a deal brokered by Israel and the PA; see 5/22) (HA 6/24; MM 6/27)

In response to Israeli appeals to local satellite channels to drop coverage of BBC World and CNN International because of their "pro-Palestinian bias" (1 channel replaced CNN with Fox News coverage on 6/20), CNN chief news exec. Eason Jordan arrives in Israel to apologize publicly on behalf of the network, to unveil a special 5-part series on Israeli victims of violence (aired 6/24-28) and a Web "memorial" to Israeli victims of Palestinian violence. (WT 6/24; NYT 6/25; WJW 6/27; MEI 6/2; see also JTA 6/20, MSNBC 6/21)

IDF continues operations in Ramallah, conducting house-to-house searches, arresting 27 Palestinians, occupying a PSF post and detaining 30 PSF officers, surrounding hospitals and PRCS offices, firing on 2 ambulances. The IDF also continues arrest raids in Hebron, sends troops in and out of Tulkarm repeatedly during the day. A mysterious predawn explosion at the home of a senior PA military intelligence official in Jabaliya injures 40 Palestinians; an ill Palestinian dies at a checkpoint nr. Jenin; a 2d Palestinian dies of injuries received on 5/28. (LAW, NYT, PRCS press release 6/10; NYT, UPMRC, WP, WT 6/11)

Sharon meets with Bush at the White House. Afterward, Bush says that the time is not yet ripe to begin working toward a final status agmt.; PA must first make reforms. Asked about Israel's ongoing incursions into Palestinian towns, Bush says "Israel has a right to defend herself." (HA, MM 6/10; MA, XIN 6/10 in WNC 6/11; AYM 6/10, MENA 6/11 in WNC 6/12; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/11; JT, QA, al-Quds 6/12 in WNC 6/13; MM, Jerusalem Times, WJW, WP 6/13; MENA 6/13 in WNC 6/14; MEI 6/14; MA 6/14 in WNC 6/16; MA 6/14 in WNC 6/17; MM 6/17; al-Quds 6/18 in WNC 6/19)

The YESHA settlers council launches a PR campaign to "stress the morality and justice of the Jews' right to the Land of Israel"; says it recently hired a company to handle overseas PR, organized a delegation to meet with U.S. congressmen and investors, held a seminar for settlement spokesman, published a brochure for settlers on how to deal with the media. (Hatzofe 6/10 in WNC 6/11)

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 says that in the past 24 hrs., it has killed 6 Palestinians attempting attacks on Israeli targets, including 2 Palestinians swimming toward the Gaza settlement of Dugit, carrying grenades and guns. In addition, 3 Palestinians are killed in a mysterious explosion nr. Rafah; 2 Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) mbrs. are fatally shot by the IDF when they open fire on an army base at Yitzhar settlement, injuring 4 IDF soldiers. The IDF raids Halhul, looking for the 2d gunman involved in the 6/7 attack nr. Karmei Tsur. (NYT, WP, WT 6/9; MEI 6/14)

After a 2d round of talks with Mubarak at Camp David, Bush announces that the U.S. is "not ready to lay down a specific calendar" for political talks leading to a Palestinian state, the most urgent issue is PA reform. (NYT, WP, WT 6/9; MENA 6/9 in WNC 6/10; MM 6/10; MENA 6/10 in WNC 6/11; JPI, MEI 6/14; al-Ra'i 7/15 in WNC 7/17)

Before dawn, the IDF sends troops back into Jenin; declares a curfew on Jenin, 5 surrounding villages; conducts arrest raids in Tulkarm. Nr. Hebron, 2 PFLP gunmen infiltrate a new settlement enclave nr. Karmei Tsur, killing 3 Jewish settlers, wounding 5; 1 PFLP mbr. is shot dead, the other escapes. (NYT, WP, WT 6/8; WP 6/9; MEI 6/14)

Mubarak meets with Bush at Camp David. (MENA 6/7, 6/8 in WNC 6/10; MENA 6/7 in WNC 6/11; WP, WT 6/8; MEI 6/14)

The IDF continues its attack on the PA's Ramallah compound, flattening 6 buildings (including an intelligence office, jail) leaving 1 Force 17 mbr., 1 PA intelligence officer dead. Troops reportedly are "poised and ready" to capture or kill Arafat, but pull back and out of Ramallah before dawn, after Sharon promises Bush he will not harm the PA leader. The IDF pulls out of Jenin, Nablus in the evening; sends tanks into Beitunia, arrests 6 Palestinians. A Palestinian gunman fatally shoots a Jewish settler driving nr. Shiloh settlement. (AP, MM, WT 6/6; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/7; al-Quds 6/7 in WNC 6/10)

Mubarak meets with U.S. VP Dick Cheney, Secy. of State Colin Powell, mbrs. of Congress. (MENA 6/6 in WNC 6/7; MENA 6/6, 6/7 in WNC 6/10; MM, WP 6/7)

Rep. Hilliard loses a tight run-off election to a candidate backed with $1.4 m. fr. AIPAC. (AP 6/26; MEI 7/12) (see 6/5)

In a predawn operation, the IDF sends tanks, troops, APCs into Hebron fr. 3 directions; surrounds several houses; arrests 4 Palestinians, including senior Islamic Jihad mbr. Muhammad Sidr. The IDF also reenters Jenin, imposes a curfew; conducts arrest raids in villages around Bethlehem, Tulkarm; raids, shells residential areas of Khan Yunis and Rafah, killing 1 Palestinian, wounding 15, arresting 23. (The IDF withdraws to the outskirts of Bethlehem, Hebron by nightfall.) At least 3 Palestinians are killed before dawn: 1 shot by the IDF emerging fr. a taxi in Salfit, 1 shot by the IDF while trying to circumvent a checkpoint nr. Nablus, 1 who dies of a heart attack at an IDF crossing in Khan Yunis. The IDF is reportedly setting up numerous new roadblocks, checkpoints n. of Jerusalem. Israeli police arrest a Palestinian man, his Israeli Christian wife on charges of driving 2 suicide bombers fr. the West Bank into Israel. (HP, NYT, WT 5/30; HP, NYT, WP 5/31; WT 6/1; WP 6/2, LAW 6/5; WJW 6/6; NYT 6/13)

U.S. Asst. Secy. of State William Burns arrives in Cairo on the first leg of a 4-day regional tour to confer with Egyptian, EU, Israeli, Jordanian, Palestinian leaders. (HA 5/30; MENA 5/30 in WNC 5/31; MM, NYT, WT 5/31; WP, WT 6/1; MENA 6/1 in WNC 6/3)

The IDF continues to surround all major Palestinian population centers in the West Bank, barring travel btwn. towns and villages except through heavily guarded checkpoints. In Gaza, 1 Palestinian is killed by IDF tank fire. The IDF demolishes at least 3 Palestinian homes in Rafah; directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Khan Yunis. Palestinians reportedly fire mortars at IDF targets in Gaza, causing no damage. Palestinians across Gaza take part in rallies commemorating the anniversary of the Nakba. (XIN 5/15 in WNC 5/16; PCHR, WT 5/16)

In his Nakba day address to the PC, Arafat accepts responsibility for mistakes made by the PA; calls for broad reforms, new elections, national unity. (HA 5/15; AFP, XIN 5/15 in WNC 5/16; MENA 5/15, al-Safir 5/16 in WNC 5/17; AP, MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/16; al-Quds 5/16, Interfax 5/17 in WNC 5/20)

Israel backs off its attack on Gaza, sends home some reserves called up on 5/9. The Church of the Nativity standoff ends: 13 Palestinians are sent to Cyprus, where they will stay while their final destinations are worked out; 26 Palestinians are bussed under U.S. emb. watch to Gaza, where they are freed to a hero's welcome; the remaining 84 civilians, clergy are allowed to go free after an identity check; the church is inspected and found to be dirty but only with minor damage. The IDF withdraws troops to the outskirts of Bethlehem by the end of the day. In Beersheba, 2 Palestinians detonate an explosive device, injuring 4 Israelis; Israeli police capture both. In Tulkarm, the IDF blows up the home of the 3/27 Hamas suicide bomber, leaving 21 family mbrs. homeless, severely damaging a home next door. Israel says it has now arrested 4 Jewish settlers in the plot to bomb Maqassid Hospital on 4/29 (see 4/28). In Gaza, the PSF arrests another 7 Hamas mbrs.; Israel complains they are low-level mbrs. (HA, LAW, MM, WP 5/10; AYM, MENA 5/10, QA, al-Quds 5/11 in WNC 5/13; NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 5/11; HA, WT 5/12; JP 5/16; MENA 5/16 in WNC 5/17; MEI 5/17; NYT 5/18)

In Haifa, a Palestinian attempts to detonate a suicide bomb, but is injured, captured by Israeli police. Israeli forces demolish 30 bedouin shelters in the Negev on the pretext that they were erected without permits (see 2/14). (AP, MM 5/8; ITAR-TASS, MENA 5/8 in WNC 5/9; NYT, WP, WT 5/9; AYM 5/9 in WNC 5/13)

A suicide bomber detonates a device in an unlicensed gambling club in the Rishon Letzion suburb of Tel Aviv, killing 15 Israelis, injuring 57. Hamas's military wing claims responsibility, but the political wing will not confirm. The IDF conducts arrest raids in Tulkarm city, detaining about 40 Palestinians; bulldozes a Palestinian home, fatally shoots a Palestinian boy in Rafah; begins work on Jewish settler bypass roads nr. Khan Yunis, nr. Nablus. In Bethlehem, the siege of the Church of the Nativity continues, with Italy complaining it has not been consulted on the 5/6 agmt. (AFP, AP, CNN, MM 5/7; AFP, ANSA, XIN 5/7 in WNC 5/8; al-Quds 5/7 in WNC 5/9; MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/8; MA, RNE 5/8 in WNC 5/9; MM, WJW 5/9; al-Ra'i 5/9 in WNC 5/10; MM 5/10; AYM 5/12 in WNC 5/15; JP 5/16; MEI 5/17; HA 5/24)

The IDF announces plans to divide the West Bank into 8 isolated zones (Bethlehem, Hebron, Jericho, Jenin, Nablus, Qalqilya, Ramallah, Tulkarm); to impose severe new restrictions on the movement of Palestinians, goods btwn. zones. (UNRWA press release 5/14; al-Quds 5/16 in WNC 5/17; HA, JT [Internet] 5/17; HA 5/18; AYM 5/28 in WNC 5/20; PMC 5/19; HA 5/22; NYT 5/24)

In Washington, Sharon, Bush hold talks on PA reform, barely touch on the idea of a peace conference. They agree that the priority should be halting Palestinian violence, restructuring the PA, unifying the PA security services. Sharon also says that it is "premature" to discuss a Palestinian state, Israel will never agree to withdraw to 1967 lines; suggests Israel will not resume political talks until Arafat has been removed fr. power. Bush say he will send CIA dir. Tenet to the region to help rebuild the PA security forces. Sharon returns to Israel in light of the Rishon Letzion bombing. (AP, CNN, MM 5/7; MENA, al-Quds 5/7 in WNC 5/8; AYM 5/7, MA 5/8 in WNC 5/9; HA, JP [Internet], MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/8; MM, WJW, WP 5/9; QA, al-Ra'i 5/9 in WNC 5/10; MM 5/10; AYM 5/10 in WNC 5/13; JP [Internet] 5/10; JP 5/16)

In Bethlehem, the IDF fires on 3 Palestinians who attempt to leave the Church of the Nativity, killing 1 Palestinian, severely wounding 2 others; the dead, wounded are evacuated later in the day. The IDF continues arrest raids in Tulkarm, detaining at least 5 Hamas mbrs. In Rafah, 1 Palestinian is mortally wounded by IDF gunfire in her home. (B'Tselem press release 5/9; MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/3)

Arafat emerges fr. his Ramallah office for the 1st time since 12/3/01, tours Ramallah to assess the damage. (HA 5/2; MENA 5/2, AKH 5/3 in WNC 5/6; NYT, WP, WT 5/3; WP 5/4; al-Nahar 5/4 in WNC 5/6; al-Quds 5/8 in WNC 5/9)

In Washington, the quartet (represented by Annan, Ivanov, Powell, Solana) announce plans to convene a FM-level "regional peace conference" in summer 2002 to secure a cease-fire and revive peace talks, rebuild the Palestinian security apparatus, boost humanitarian aid to and economic conditions of the Palestinians. (AP 5/2; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/3; Interfax 5/3 in WNC 5/6; MM 5/7; al-Safir 5/10 in WNC 5/13)

The IDF stages a major predawn incursion into Palestinian areas of Hebron, conducting house-to-house searches, arresting 150 Palestinians, killing 10 Palestinians, including apparently assassinating wanted Hamas mbr. Tarik al-Dufashi. The IDF threatens to raid Hebron hospital in search of 15 wanted Palestinians; destroys several buildings, including a TV station. In Bethlehem, an IDF sniper fatally shoots a Palestinian inside the Church of the Nativity. The IDF does not begin a withdrawal fr. Ramallah, with Israel demanding that the PA hand over PFLP head Saadat, Arafat aide Fuad Shubaki (wanted by Israel in connection with the Karine A affair) in addition to the 4 PFLP mbrs. The IDF bulldozes land in Rafah r.c., sparking clashes. (CNN, GS, WP, WT 4/29; MENA 4/29 in WNC 4/30; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/30; AYM, al-Quds 4/30 in WNC 5/1; MEI 5/3)

Before dawn, the IDF sends tanks into the Jerusalem suburbs of Abu Dis, Azariyya, and Sawahira al-Sharqiyya, declaring a curfew. In Azariyya, troops conduct building-to-building searches, sometimes forcing families to evacuate, blowing doors of homes, vandalizing cars and other property. A Palestinian is fatally shot by the IDF while driving nr. Karma; an ill Palestinian baby dies after 10 days without medication. The IDF withdraws some tanks fr. Jenin r.c. Palestinians begin to reenter the camp, excavate bulldozed areas; 5 intact bodies are recovered before troops reenter, reimpose the curfew. In Bethlehem, an IDF sniper shoots, wounds 1 Palestinian in the Church of the Nativity who moved past an open door. (WP 4/17; NYT, WP 4/18; al-Quds 4/18 in WNC 4/22)

Powell holds a final mtg. with Arafat, stating afterward, "We are disappointed with Chmn. Arafat's performance. We believed all along that he could have done more." He also says CIA Dir. George Tenet may come to the region soon to discuss ways for reforming the PA security forces. (AFP, AP, HA 4/17; MENA, XIN 4/17 in WNC 4/18; NYT, WP, WT 4/18)

A female AMB suicide bomber detonates a device at a bus station in Jerusalem, killing 6 Israelis, injuring around 50. In Jenin r.c., eyewitnesses report that IDF bulldozers are burying Palestinian bodies; Israel says it is merely burying the dead to prevent a health crisis; the IDF says it plans to move corpses to a remote "enemy's cemetery" in the Jordan Valley. Sharon's office says the 200 Palestinians in the Church of the Nativity can end their siege by either submitting themselves to trial in an IDF military court or going into exile abroad. The IDF raids the PA Agriculture Min. offices in Ramallah; fatally shoots a Palestinian shopkeeper in Bayt Sahur. In Gaza's Jabaliya r.c., 30,000s Palestinians attend a Hamas rally. (AP, HA, LAW 4/12; NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 4/13; MM 4/16)

In talks with Powell, Sharon refuses to set a timetable for withdrawal fr. PA areas, says he will not hold any political talks as long as violence continues, recommends a Madrid-style peace conference once a cease-fire is in place. (AP, CNN, MM 4/12; NYT, WP, WT 4/13; XIN 4/15 in WNC 4/16; MM 4/16; MENA, al-Quds 4/16 in WNC 4/17; MEI 4/19; al-Quds 4/19 in WNC 4/22)

The IDF sends reinforcements into Tubas, where troops bombard a home, killing wanted Izzeddine al-Qassam Brigades regional cmdr. Qays Udwan, 5 other Hamas mbrs. Heavy Israeli attacks are reported in Askar r.c., Jenin r.c., Nablus (where the IDF shells, destroys the eastern market area), Yatta. Around 25+n35 Palestinians (including as many as 8 collaborators) are reported killed today, including the 6 in Tubas, 12 in Nablus; 1 IDF soldier is killed in Jenin r.c. An IDF helicopter fires at the car of wanted Islamic Jihad mbr. Ziyad Shuwayki in Hebron, missing him but injuring 11 bystanders. IDF troops search, vandalize the home of Nablus mayor Ghassan Shaka (who is not home), arrest his 2 sons. Troops also raid the Ramallah home of PA Information M Yasir `Abid Rabbuh, detain him while they search; fire on an diplomatic convoy evacuating EU nationals fr. Dahaysha, causing damage but no injuries. The IDF lifts the curfew in Ramallah for a few hrs. to allow Palestinians to buy food; Palestinians discover that the Amwaj, al-Nasr, Watan TV stations and the Ajyal, Angham, Love and Peace, Manara, al-Quds radio stations have been ransacked. The IDF says it is still holding around 900 of the 1,200 Palestinians it has detained since 3/29. Late tonight, the IDF releases 340 Palestinian detainees fr. Jenin r.c., Ramallah at the Qalandiyya checkpoint but does not allow them through the crossing to reach their homes; the UNRWA allows them to stay in its nearby school. In Gaza, 10,000 Palestinians attend a Hamas rally against Israel's actions. Israel bars Palestinian men under age 40 fr. attending prayers at al-Aqsa Mosque. (BBC, HA 4/5; AFP, MENA 4/5 in WNC 4/8; Adalah press release, MSNBC, NYT, WP, WT 4/6; WP 4/8; PCHR 4/9; MEI 4/19; WP 4/24)

     In a TV interview, Bush says that Arafat "certainly hasn't earned" his trust, that "there are others in the regions who can lead," citing Crown Prince Abdallah, King Abdallah, Mubarak. (NYT 4/6; al-Ra'i 4/6 in WNC 4/8)

Israel expands its offensive, briefly entering the Palestinian sector of Hebron; sending more tanks into Jenin r.c., Nablus. Heavy house-to-house fighting is reported in Bethlehem, Jenin r.c., with the IDF reportedly shelling areas of Jenin r.c. Palestinians report around 20 Palestinians dead in various locales; 4 IDF soldiers are also killed. The IDF says it has detained nearly 1,200 Palestinians since 3/29. The IDF continues to block Doctors without Borders, ICRC, PRCS fr. delivering critical supplies to hospitals in occupied Palestinian towns. (BBC 4/4; NYT, WP, WT 4/5; MEI 5/3)

Bush for the 1st time publicly demands that Israel halt incursions, withdraw fr. areas reoccupied since 3/29, halt settlement activity, but gives no time table; says Arafat is mostly to blame for the crisis; calls on "responsible Palestinian leaders" to step forward; announces he is sending Powell to the region. Sharon says Operation Defensive Shield will continue. (AP, MM 4/4; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/5; MENA 4/5 in WNC 4/8; WP 5/6)

Early this morning, IDF helicopters, tanks attack the PSF West Bank headquarters in Beitunia, where some 200 PSF officers and staff have encamped since 3/30, setting the building ablaze. The CIA intervenes to secure the safe evacuation of the staff, surrender of 180 officers, but some refuse to leave. In Ramallah, the IDF continues house-to-house searches, stumbling upon 22 PSF officers hiding in an apartment, fatally shooting 2 though none resist arrest; raids, shuts Ramallah's al-Quds Educational TV, arresting 2 employees; revokes the credentials of 2 Abu Dhabi TV journalists, threatens legal action against CNN and NBC for broadcasting fr. Ramallah; confiscates 3 ambulances, detains 9 paramedics. PRCS suspends services in Ramallah, noting the IDF now has 15 medical workers in custody. This afternoon, the IDF lifts the Ramallah curfew for 3 hrs. so residents can buy food, bury those killed since 3/29 (bodies have been double-stacked in morgues, with no electricity). In Bethlehem, IDF troops order all men age 14-45 to surrender; fight their way to the doorway of the Church of the Nativity, where some 200 Palestinian gunmen, civilians have now sought refuge; fire on 20 journalists on the balcony of the Star Hotel, injuring 1; fire a warning shot at a clearly marked Reuters car. Palestinians also take refuge in Bethlehem's Omar Mosque, Santa Maria Church, the Russian Orthodox Church and hospice; the IDF surrounds those holy sites, occupies Bethlehem University as its main staging area. In Aida and Dahaysha, the IDF orders Palestinian women age 15-25, men age 14-45 to surrender. A Palestinian suicide bomber detonates a device at an IDF checkpoint into Jerusalem, killing only himself, causing no injuries. At least 7 Palestinians are killed today, including 2 motorists ambushed by settler vigilante group Tears of the Orphans and Martyrs (see 3/5) nr. Tulkarm, a mother and son shot by the IDF and allowed bleed to death, a woman shot dead by an IDF sniper as she left a Ramallah hospital (troops fire on medical workers attempting to retrieve her body). 3 Israelis injured in the 3/27 Netanya attack die, bringing the toll of the bombing to 23; 1 Israeli injured in the 3/31 Haifa attack dies, bringing that toll to 16. Israel expands its list of "wanted" Palestinians to include some of Arafat's top aides, including intelligence chief Tawfiq Tirawi, PSF 2d in command in Gaza Rashid Abu Shabak, Fatah tanzim leader Marwan Barghouti, but not PSF heads Dahlan or Rajub. (AP, HA, PRCS press release, NYT, WP, WT 4/2; MENA 4/2 in WNC 4/3; NYT, WP, WT 4/3; WP 4/4; QA 4/4 in WNC 4/5; MEI 4/5)

Sharon tells envoys of EU, Russia, UN they may meet with Arafat if they agree to escort him into exile. Peres proposes that Arafat "voluntarily" leave the territories asylum in foreign country. (AP, HA, MM 4/2; AFP 4/2 in WNC 4/3; NYT, WP 4/3)

With Passover past and 20,000 reserves fully mobilized, the IDF reoccupies Bethlehem, setting up a cordon 500 yards fr. the Church of the Nativity, surrounding the PSF West Bank headquarters, declaring a 24-hr. curfew, firing warning shots at a BBC camera crew. The IDF also sends troops into Aida, Dahaysha, Tulkarm; reinforces troops in Qalqilya, beginning house-to-house searches. In Ramallah, the IDF continues rounding up Palestinian men, saying since 3/29, it has detained 700 (10 of them "wanted" men) and seized 19 rifles, 4 pipe bombs, 2 mortars, a "small number of assorted ordnance"; raids, vandalizes, confiscates files fr. more public, private offices; ejects a 6-person CBS news team fr. the city; fires on a clearly marked NBC TV vehicle. The PRCS says that the IDF has halted coordination efforts that guarantee the safe movement of ambulances, medical workers. In Bayt Jala, 100 Palestinians and foreign peace activists hold a nonviolent march to an IDF checkpoint, where troops open fire in front of them with live ammunition fr. tank-mounted machine guns, wounding 7 foreigners, 1 Palestinian TV cameraman. In total, 13 Palestinians are killed during the day, including an 11-yr.-old boy shot by the IDF in Gaza. A Palestinian sniper kills 1 Jewish settler in Har Homa. A Palestinian suicide bomber detonates a car bomb at a checkpoint btwn. East and West Jerusalem, killing 1 Israeli police officer. Palestinian gunmen kill 11 Palestinian collaborators, taking most of them fr. PA jails. Palestinians across the territories hold solidarity rallies to protest Israeli actions. (JP [Internet], NYT, PRCS press release, WP 4/1; al-Quds 4/1, AFP 4/2 in WNC 4/3; AFP, AN, ATL, IRNA, MENA, SA 4/1 in WNC 4/1; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/2; MEI 4/5)

Israel broadens its offensive, reoccupying Qalqilya, cutting of electricity, water; directing shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas; occupying tall buildings as sniper, outlook posts. In Ramallah, the IDF moves building-to-building, rounding up 10s of Palestinian men age 15-45 who have not surrendered, killing at least 9 Palestinians; raids, vandalizes, confiscates files of al-Haq human rights organization, among others; occupies 1 Ramallah hospital, attempts to search a 2d but is blocked by medical workers; declares Ramallah a closed military zone, warning journalists that their press credentials will be revoked if they are found in the city, their bureaus will be fined $15,000 if they "harbor" Palestinians in their offices. The IDF allows 34 foreign peace activists to meet with Arafat in the compound. A Hamas suicide bomber detonates a device in a restaurant in Haifa, killing 15 Israelis, some of them Israeli Arabs. Hrs. later, a 2d Palestinian suicide bomber detonates a device in Efrat settlement, wounding 4 Jewish settlers. Sharon convenes his inner cabinet, which agrees to intensify military operations further. In Hebron, 1,000 Palestinians march to protest Israel's actions. (CNN, GA, Reporters without Borders press release 3/31; IRNA, MA, MENA 3/31 in WNC 4/1; AP, HA, LAW, NYT, WP, WT 4/1; MM 4/2; MEI 4/5)

Before dawn, IDF tanks, troops take over Bayt Jala, Beitunia (surrounding the offices of PSF West Bank head Jibril Rajub). The IDF shells buildings in the PA compound; later, restores electricity to Arafat's offices and allows the PRCS to bring Arafat and around 100 of his men food, bottled water, cell phone batteries. Most other areas of Ramallah remain without water, electricity. In Tel Aviv, an AMB suicide bomber detonates a device in a restaurant, injuring more than 30 Israelis. IDF soldiers fatally shoot 2 AMB mbrs. reportedly armed with explosives, trying to enter Israel. The IDF raids numerous buildings in Ramallah, in 1 instance wounding, then executing 5 PSF officers, raising the confirmed toll in Ramallah for the past 2 days to 12 Palestinians. The IDF detains 10s of Palestinians in Ramallah, including, DFLP dep. secy. gen. Qays Abu Layla, PSF dir. of operations Yunis Alass, Fatah Central Comm. mbr. Sakhir Habash, and around 12 paramedics and nurses, confiscating 3 ambulances; searches a Ramallah hospital for weapons, wounded fighters; orders all Palestinian men in al-Bireh, Ramallah age 15-45 to surrender; takes over al-Watan TV, airs pornographic material (reports confirmed by U.S. Consulate). In Tulkarm, the IDF assassinates senior Islamic Jihad mbr. Ahad Ajaj, his cousin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities search the home of Mufti Ikrima Sabri, detain him for questioning; arrest senior Fatah mbr. Salah Zhikiyya; fire on Palestinians protesting outside al-Aqsa Mosque, injuring 5. More than 15,000 Palestinians demonstrate in Gaza City; other protests are held in Bayt Jala, Bayt Sahur. (LAW, Mezan, REU 3/30; AFP, ANSA, ATL, IRNA, ITAR-TASS, MENA, XIN 3/30 in WNC 4/1; NYT, Observer, WP, WT 3/31; HA 4/2; MEI 4/5)

The UNSC approves (14-0, with Syria abstaining) Res. 1402, demanding that Israel withdraw fr. Ramallah, but (at U.S. insistence) without giving a deadline. In his 1st statement on Israel's new campaign, Bush says that the U.S. supports Israel's right to "defend itself," that Arafat "can do a lot more" to prevent attacks on Israelis. (MENA, XIN 3/30, JT, MENA 3/31 in WNC 4/1; HA, Independent, NYT, WP, WT 3/31; AN, AFP 3/31 in WNC 4/1; XIN 4/1 in WNC 4/2; AKH 4/1 in WNC 4/3; SA 4/1 in WNC 4/4; MEI 4/5)