The Palestine Chronology

In Tehran, Iran, Turkey close 2 days of general talks on their bilateral strategic relations. (ATL 12/29 in WNC 12/30)

Israel frees 26 Palestinian prisoners to mark Ramadan. The PA says the small number of prisoners is proof that Israel is not serious about negotiations. (NYT, WP 12/30; al-Quds 12/30 in WNC 1/2; JP 1/7)

Israel approves construction of more than 50 new housing units in 2 Golan Heights settlements. Syria says it "is a step that cannot be categorized under good intentions." (WP 12/30)

The IDF demolishes a shrine at the grave of Baruch Goldstein, who murdered 29 Muslims in Hebron's al-Ibrahimi Mosque in 1994. 10s of settlers attempt to block the soldiers. (NYT, WP, WT 12/30)

Israeli police arrest an Israeli Arab as he tries to enter al-Aqsa Mosque carrying a submachine gun and bag of ammunition. (NYT 12/30; WT 12/31)

IDF reopens part of Shuhada Street, the main thoroughfare in Hebron, which has been closed since Jewish settler Baruch Goldstein gunned down 29 Muslim worshipers at al-Ibrahimi Mosque in 1994. The road was supposed to be opened 2 yrs. ago, as part of the 1997 Hebron Protocol. (MM 8/19; NYT 8/20; JP 8/27)

Netanyahu adviser Gold is confirmed as Israel's new amb. to the UN. To assume the post he has to give up his U.S. citizenship. (WT 6/11; MEI 7/25) (see 5/21, 5/29)

House of Representatives condemns the PA by voice vote for allegedly killing land dealers, votes (406-17) to approve a separate nonbinding resolution recognizing Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel. Pres. Clinton opposes the measure as harmful to the peace process. (MM, WT 6/11; MM 6/12; MM, WT 6/13; AFP, RL 6/13, SATN 6/14, JT, RJ 6/15, Muslim [Islamabad] 6/16 in WNC 6/17; Anatolia [Ankara] 6/16, VOA 6/17 in WNC 6/18; TJT 6/20 in WNC 6/24; MEI 6/27; PR 7/4) (see 5/31)

Israeli court rejects the compensation claims of families of Palestinians killed by Baruch Goldstein in the 2/25/94 al-Ibrahimi mosque attack, says government is not accountable for Goldstein's actions. Israel had offered $25,000 each to the parents of the 19 single men killed and $63,000 to the widows of married victims. The 19 families took the money, but the widows sought $150,00-$300,000 each. (WP 6/11; MEI 7/25)

Turkey again raises the possibility of creating a "security zone" in n. Iraq similar to Israel's self-declared security zone in s. Lebanon. (AFP 6/10 in WNC 6/11; MM 6/19) (see 6/20/96, 5/24)

Israeli naval forces halt a commercial ship carrying cars off the coast of s. Lebanon, search it, examine logs before allowing in to dock at Tyre. (VOL 6/11 in WNC 6/12) (see 6/5)

Palestinian National Authority holds 1st cabinet mtg. in Gaza City.  Weekly sessions are to alternate btwn. Gaza and Jericho.  (WT 6/29)

Israeli Commission of Inquiry into 2/25 Hebron massacre issues report, concludes settler Baruch Goldstein acted alone in killing 29 Palestinian Muslim worshippers at Haram al-Ibrahimi.  Report clears govt., IDF of any responsibility for attack but notes lapses in security at site, previous provocations by Goldstein.  Commission recommends Jewish worshippers be barred fr. carrying weapons, separation of Jews and Muslims.  Panel also urges IDF to clarify open-fire regulations.  Palestinians including Hebron Mayor Mustafa al-Natsha, Meretz MK Dedi Zucker criticize report, saying massacre took place because of "climate of threats and violence," double standard applied to settlers.  (MM, NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 6/27; WJW 6/30; JP 7/9)

Israeli Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) denies broadcast allegations that radiation escaped during 1966 accident at Negev Nuclear Research Centre in Dimona, site of Israeli nuclear-weapons program, but admits accident, death of 1 employee.  Frmr. Dimona technician, 1 of 20 suing AEC for contracting cancer after incident, alleged radiation release in 6/24 Israel TV interview.  (WT 6/27)

Hebron Massacre. 29 Palestinians killed when American-born settler, IDF reservist, and Kach mbr. Dr. Baruch Goldstein opens fire with IDF-issued Galil assault rifle on Muslim worshippers at Haram al-Ibrahimi in Hebron ("Cave of the Patriarchs") before being bludgeoned to death by survivors. 6 more Palestinians killed in clashes with IDF outside main Hebron hospital, 5othershot dead elsewhere in o.t. Hundreds wounded in bloodiest single day in o.t. since 1967 war. Palestinians riot throughout o.t., including at Haram al-Sharif in Jerusalem. Gaza Strip closed off fr. Israel. (MENA, SPA 2/25 in FBIS 2/28; MM 2/25; WP 2/26, 2/27)

PFLP, PFLP-GC, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad issue statements vowing revenge for massacre. (AFP 2/25, QPAR 2/25, al-Ray 2/26 in FBIS 2/28)

Unidentified Palestinians axe to death 79-year-old Israeli at Kfar Sava bus station. (JP 3/5)