The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces rammed into 2 Palestinians riding a motorcycle near Arrabah, injuring both. 15 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Fasayil, Tammun, Balata refugee camp, Tulkarm, Jifna, and Bayt Rima. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids. In Gaza, Israeli forces made incursions and leveled land east of Dayr al-Balah. (WAFA, WAFA 1/24; WAFA 1/25; PCHR 1/26; UNOCHA 2/3)

The Knesset extended the emergency orders that extend Israeli law to Israeli settlers in the West Bank for 5 years. (HA 1/24)

PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh met with EU high representative for foreign affairs Josep Borell in Brussels. (WAFA 1/24)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with King Abdullah II of Jordan in Amman. It was reported that Prime Minister Netanyahu promised King Abdullah II Israel would maintain the status quo of the Holy Sites. (AJ, AX, HA, MEE 1/24)

UNRWA said it needs $1.6 billion in funding to be able to continue its basic services. In a statement the agency said “[c]ompounding challenges over the last year including underfunding, competing global crises, inflation, disruption in the supply chain, geopolitical dynamics and skyrocketing levels of poverty and unemployment among Palestine refugees have put immense strain on UNRWA.” UNRWA workers in the West Bank began a general strike on 1/23 demanding higher wages. (AJ, HA, WAFA 1/24; MEE, REU 1/25)

IDF troops on the n. Gaza border fire warning shots at Palestinians scavenging for construction materials, wounding 1. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in Nablus and nr Jenin; conducts late-night patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah. (PCHR 1/20, 1/27; OCHA 1/28)

Lebanon introduces a draft of a major United Nations Security Council res. for debate that urges the international community to denounce Israeli settlement activity, using wording that artfully pieces together official U.S. statements on settlements to make it harder for the U.S. to object or veto. The U.S. ultimately urges Abbas to suspend discussion of the draft until a Quartet meeting on 2/5, suggesting the Quartet might issue a statement confirming 1967 borders as the basis of final status negotiations and condemning Israeli settlement construction. (NYT 1/20)

At an Arab economic summit in Sharm al-Shaykh, Arab leaders pledge $2 b. to shore up regional economies and generate jobs in hopes of preventing the spread of antigovernment riots like those in Tunisia. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait each pledges $500 m., with 11 other states pledging the other $1 b. Observers say however (see NYT 1/20) that leaders are acting more out of a desire to secure their leaderships than to reform and develop their economies, noting that none of the similar initiatives agreed at the last economic summit in 2009 have been implemented. By this date, numerous self-immolations (some fatal) and antigovernment protests have taken place in Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Mauritania, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen since the fall of Ben-Ali on 1/14, citing Tunisia as inspiration. In response to the Yemeni riots, the most severe to date, Pres. Ali Abdullah Saleh has cut income taxes in half, imposed price controls on basic goods, raised salaries for the army, and vowed his son will not succeed him, while the EU has announced an additional $19.5 m. in support to Sana’a for poverty programs. Today, an Egyptian Facebook group begins calling for massive street protests in Cairo on 1/25 to mark a “day of revolution against torture, poverty, corruption, and unemployment.” (WT 1/19; NYT 1/20; NYT, WT 1/25; see also al-Bawaba 1/17; NYT, WP 1/18)

After receiving a warning fr. Egypt that Israel is serious about preventing further rocket and mortar fire fr. Gaza, Hamas authorities hold a 2d mtg. (see 1/11) with smaller factions to urge them to adhere to a cease-fire, then deploys IQB mbrs. along the border and at makeshift checkpoints on roads leading toward the border to deter groups fr. firing into Israel. In the West Bank, the IDF steps up patrols dramatically, operating in 8 villages nr. Qalqilya, 3 nr. Jenin, 1 nr. Ramallah, and 1 nr. Tulkarm between late morning and late afternoon, arresting 1 stone-throwing teenager nr. Tulkarm and summoning several residents of Bayt Qad nr. Qalqilya for questioning; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Jenin and Qalqilya. Jewish settlers fr. a settlement outpost nr. Nablus attack a Palestinian farmer working his field nearby; when nearby villagers come to the farmers aid, IDF troops intervene, firing rubber-coated steel bullets and tear gas at the Palestinians, seriously injuring 2 and moderately injuring 1. (NYT, WP 1/14; PCHR 1/20; OCHA 1/21)

In Tunisia, opposition forces call for massive antigovernment demonstrations after Friday prayers on 1/14 to demand Pres. Ben Ali’s immediate resignation. In the days since 12/29/2010, protests have increasingly come to reflect deep-seated frustration with overall government corruption and lack of political freedom, rather than just economic angst. The major riots that first roiled the countryside have become increasingly violent and spread nationwide, reaching the capital on 1/12 and the key resort city of Hammamet (where Ben Ali and his extended family have residences) on 1/13, leaving at least 30 dead. In effort to quell protests, Ben Ali has simultaneously moved to appease and clamp down on critics, pledging to investigate government corruption and recent “excesses” by the security forces and firing his interior minister (directly responsible for orchestrating the crackdown on demonstrators), but also deploying army units and riot police around Tunis and imposing a nighttime curfew, blaming “foreign terrorists and Islamic radicals capitalizing on the frustrations of the unemployed.” Rumors suggest that close relatives of Ben Ali, including billionaire businessman Muhammad Sakher El Materi (his son-in-law and heir apparent), have already fled the country. Today, Ben Ali gives a hastily prepared television address. Appearing unsettled, he orders security forces to hold their fire and release jailed protesters, agrees to make other minor reforms, and pledges to give up the presidency when he turns 75 (in 2014) in keeping with the constitution, but rejects demands to step down immediately and end his 23-yr. authoritarian rule. In a threatening move, however, he withdraws the army fr. Tunis, replacing them with special police and other security forces more loyal to his ruling party. Credible rumors say the shift has come about because Tunisia’s army chief Gen. Rachid Ammar has refused Ben-Ali’s orders to shoot demonstrators. By this date, small protests inspired by Tunisian demonstrators have been held in Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, and Morocco denouncing unemployment and corruption among the ruling elites, but are not perceived as destabilizing. (NYT, WP 1/13; NYT 1/14, 1/17, 2/24; see also WP 1/10, NYT 1/12)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Jabaliya fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers who stray nr. the border fence, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF makes a late-night raid on the home of Hamas-affiliated PC mbr. Khalil Rab‘ie nr. Hebron, arresting him. The IDF also patrols in Rummana village nr. Jenin, confiscating an unlicensed tractor; makes a late-night raid on a Palestinian store nr. Jenin, confiscating fireworks; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in and around Nur al-Shams r.c. nr. Tulkarm. Jewish settlers fr. Suissa settlement nr. Hebron set fire to 3 Palestinian tents nearby. Israel’s Jerusalem municipal authorities level several rooms of homes, stores, and poultry farms and swaths of agricultural land in al-Tur village in the East Jerusalem environs. (PCHR 12/30; OCHA 12/31; PCHR 1/6; OCHA 1/7)

Tunisian pres. Zine El Abidine Ben Ali reshuffles his cabinet in response to 11 days of nationwide popular demonstrations against his government. The protests denouncing rising unemployment and the lack of job opportunities for youths began on 12/17, sparked by the attempted suicide of a 26-yr.-old, college-educated street vendor in the southern town of Sidi Bouzid who set himself on fire in despair after police seized produce he was selling without a license. (WT 12/30)

The IDF bars an ambulance transporting a Palestinian heart attack victim fr. crossing a checkpoint to reach a hospital in Tulkarm, allowing him to die; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Hebron, Yatta. Masked Palestinian gunmen fire on the PA preventive security forces headquarters outside Gaza City, causing no injuries. (PR 6/15; PCHR 6/16)

At its annual conference, the New England United Methodist Church passes a resolution calling for divestment and economic action against Israeli occupation. The resolution denounces Israel’s construction of the separation wall, settlement expansion, confiscation of Palestinian property, as well as the “unemployment, malnutrition, restrictions on movement, denial of medical cared, denial of access to their agricultural lands, humiliation at checkpoints, and extended lockdowns called curfews” caused by the IDF. (United Methodist Church press release 6/20)

Arafat, PM Yitzhak Rabin meet at Erez to discuss interim agmt., elections, closure. Arafat rejects Rabin's "Jenin 1st" idea, where PA would take over administrative, financial management of Jenin but IDF troops would remain in place. Rabin agrees to gradual lifting of closure, transfer to PA of $12 m. in tax money to alleviate unemployment, refuses to release any prisoners; calls on Arafat to ban all incitement against Israel, stop terrorist attacks in planning stage, ensure there are no "unauthorized" militias in self-rule areas. (MM 2/16; ITV, VOP, QY 2/16, IDF radio, RE 2/17 in FBIS 2/17; MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/17; QY, RMC, VOP 2/17 in FBIS 2/21; MM, PR 2/20; MM 2/21; JP 2/25) (see 2/9)

Arafat speaks by phone with Jordanian PM Sharif Zaid Bin Shakir, Egyptian FM Amr Musa, briefs them on mtg. with PM Rabin. (VOP 2/17 in FBIS 2/17)

U.S. Secy. of State Warren Christopher announces U.S. will give PA $75 m. to set up development institutions in West Bank, Gaza. (VOP 2/17 in FBIS 2/21)

At mtg. in Paris, Gulf nations take "forceful" stand against proposed Middle East Development Bank, say regional cooperation is premature without full peace. Seen as retreat fr. normalization with Israel. (NYT 2/17)

100s of Israeli settlers fr. Kiryat Arba, led by Kach head Baruch Marzel, celebrate Cave of the Patriarch massacre, praise Baruch Goldstein. IDF does nothing to stop celebration even though Kach is officially outlawed by the government. (NYT, WP 2/17; PR 2/20; MEI 3/3)

U.S. State Dept. announces plans to fund $14m o.t. job-creation program. (MM, WT 5/5; WP 5/6)

At econ. devt. multilateral meeting in Rome, Palestinian delegate Samir Hulayleh says World Bank is studying a $ lb. o.t. aid package, to be implemented as part of autonomy agreement. (MM 5/4, 5/5; Ha'Aretz 5/5 in FBIS 5/6)

Israel presents Palestinians with proposal for mutual water usage, which head delegate Haydar 'Abd al-Shafi terms "an encouraging opening." (MM 5/5)

Four Nablus notables close to Fateh meet with Israeli Police Min. Moshe Shahal to discuss o.t. police force, recommend Jordanian-based Palestine Liberation Army for the job. (IDF Radio 5/4, Hadashot 5/5 in FBIS 5/5)

Israel presents Lebanon with first-ever proposal linking withdrawal according to UNSCR 425 with a peace treaty. Political powers are proposed for the joint military workingroup (a long-standing Israeli request). (MM 5/5; Davar 5/12 in FBIS 5/12; al-Safir 5/11 in FBIS 5/17)

UNLU calls on Palestinians to seal off o.t. from Israelis and settlers in retaliation for the unilateral cosure, in call no. 95. (Al Hamishmar 5/5 in FBIS 5/6)

DFLP chief Nayif Hawatima and Pres. Saddam Hussein meet in Baghdad, discuss opposition to Arab-Israeli peace talks. (RMC 5/5 in FBIS 5/6; Sawt al-Sha'b 5/9 in FBIS 5/10)

IDF shoots 3 Palestinians dead, wounds over 40, in the Gaza Strip. (MM 5/4; NYT, WP 5/5)

Israel, SLA shell Lebanese villages. (RFL, VOM 5/4 in FBIS 5/4)

Egypt's Pres. Hosni Mubarak meets with U.S. Sec. of State James Baker in Egypt's embassy in Moscow to discuss Middle East events [CDS 5/16 in FBIS 5/ 17; MEM 5/17].

Palestinian leaders from O.T. present Israel with list of 17 demands aimed at creating atmosphere conducive to negotiations [YA 5/17 in FBIS 5/18].

Israeli peace activist Abbie Nathan, returning to Israel after meeting with Yasir Arafat in Tunis, is arrested for violating law prohibiting meeting PLO members. Nathan was released from jail last February after serving 6 months for previous meeting with Arafat (cf. 5/17) [MEM 5/16, 5/18].

Asharq al-Awsat, citing Palestinian sources, reports PLO has begun regrouping its military forces. Last week, 1,600- 1,800 fighters began move from Jordan to Iraq, while some units in Algeria and Sudan will move to Libya and North Yemen [MEM 5/16].

Israel Central Bureau of Statistics reports economic slowdown for 1st quarter of 1990; cites more unemployment, fewer exports, increased imports, and growing consumption as reasons UPD 5/17 in FBIS 5/17].

Chrmn. Arafat arrives in Baghdad on official visit; will meet with Pres. Saddam Hussein [BVP 2/25 in FBIS 2/27].

PLO envoy Hakam Balawi meets with U.S. ambassador to Tunisia Robert Pelletreau [TDS 2/26 in FBIS 2/28].

General strike called for by Hamas is observed in O.T. [HAD 2/26 in FBIS 2/ 27].

Israeli Employment Services tells representatives of UN International Labor Organization (ILO) that unemployment in O.T. is 4.5% compared to 9% inside green line [MAA 2/26 in FBIS 2/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli workers stage 2-hour strike to oppose high unemployment rate [MET 7/25].

Other Countries: At President Bush's request Senate postpones vote on proposal to limit U.S. contact with PLO [NYT 7/19].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Khan Yunis 16-year-old Palestinian is killed during clash with Israeli troops. At least 27 Palestinians are shot, wounded in Gaza Strip. In W. Bank at least 10 Palestinians are injured confronting Israeli troops [FJ 7/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Two-day conference on unemployment among Palestinian university graduates in the occupied territories, held in East Jerusalem, concludes by selecting 6-member committee to study the growing problem [FJ 5/2]. A study by Abraham Cohen, published by the Institute of Arab Studies in Givat Haviva, found that Palestinians inside the Green Line earn 66% of what Israeli Jews earn, and have families about twice as large as Jewish families [DW 4/25].

Other Countries: U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit in Boston stays lower court order allowing Zuhdi Labib Tarzi, PLO permanent observer at the UN, to travel to Cambridge for a debate at the Harvard Law School Forum with law professor Alan Dershowitz [BG 4/26; WP 4/27].

Military Action

Arab World: U.S. embassy communications officer Arthur Pollick is shot and wounded by unidentified assailant in San'a, N. Yemen [LAT, LT 4/26].

Military Action:

Shelling continues in Beirut's southern suburbs; PSP militia and LAF battle at Souq al-Gharb; Marine positions hit with small arms and artillery fire; shells fall near Jounieh port, north of Beirut; British MNF patrol fired on in Beirut; US jets buzz Beirut; Baddawi camp comes under rocket and artillery fire as heavy fighting continues, Arafat forces establish positions in Tripoli, shells land in city; head of IDF-backed militia in Nabatiyeh assassinated, fifth attack on militia leaders in two months.

Casualties:

1 civilian killed, unspecified number wounded in shelling in and around Beirut; 1 Marine, 1 LAF soldier wounded; Beirut airport closed to incoming flights; police estimate at least 200 killed, 300 wounded in past 4 days of fighting around Tripoli; oil storage tanks hit again by rocket fire, severe fuel shortage in Beirut, Tripoli; IDF permits limited pedestrian and vehicle traffic across Awali bridges, tension high as thousands of stranded persons wait to cross.

Political Responses:

Israeli/ Occupied Territories: Cabinet approves $2 b. budget cut, new austerity measures, including higher costs for education, health care, economists predict recession, rise in unemployment from current 4%o to 7%o; rallies, strikes, and official expressions of support for Arafat in East Jerusalem, West Bank towns and refugee camps, 1 boy wounded by IDF fire at Dheisheh; IDF announces test mobilization of forces, says it is routine and not meant as threat to Syria.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Resumption of Geneva talks among factional leaders postponed until at least November 20.

Arab Governments: Saudi envoy travels to Damascus to intervene with Assad over Tripoli fighting; Jordan declares support for Arafat; Syrian army, including reservists, mobilized.