The Palestine Chronology

The IDF launches its deepest ground incursions into Gaza City since OCL began, conducting a 2-front assault from the north and the south; troops pull back to the outskirts of Gaza City by nightfall. To accommodate expanded operations, the IDF commits its first significant influx of reservists into Gaza, numbering in the 1,000s, using them to hold IDF positions, freeing up regular combat troops to thrust deeper into Gaza City.

Combat notes: The intensified IDF assault on Gaza City begins before dawn, with tanks and troops based in the fmr. Netzarim settlement advancing fr. the southwest, supported by helicopter gunships and F16s, resulting in some of the heaviest fighting since OCL began, especially in Shaykh Ajlin. Simultaneously, the IDF steps up attacks on the northern outskirts of the city. The IDF reports (IDF 1/11) finding 10s of booby-trapped houses, buildings, and tunnels, accusing Hamas of booby-trapping 30 homes in one neighborhood (location not given). Ground forces also move into Khuza in s. Gaza under heavy artillery fire, bulldozing several homes and razing tracts of agricultural land before withdrawing late in the evening.

The IDF reports hitting nearly 70 targets across Gaza today and making more than 40 air strikes. Targets hit include 23 smuggling tunnels (including 2 located under the homes of Hamas mbrs.), at least 15 “armed cells,” 11 suspected weapons depots, several rocket-launching sites. Air strike target areas include Bani Suhayla, Bayt Hanun, Bayt Lahiya, Gaza City (Shaykh Ridwan), Khan Yunis, al-Maghazi, al-Mughraqa, Nussayrat, Rafah, al-Shabura r.c., Yibna r.c., al-Zawayda (c. Gaza). Heavy tank and artillery fire is reported in Bayt Hanun (white phosphorus use confirmed by Amnesty International), Gaza City (al-Shuja‘iyya, Tal al-Hawa, al-Zaytun), Jabaliya, Khuza, Khan Yunis (possibly involving white phosphorous).

Palestinians fire 20 rockets and 8 mortars into Israel, including at least 1 Grad that hits an empty kindergarten in Ashdod (damage but no injuries) and 2 rockets that hit Beersheba (some light injuries). The IDF reports sustaining no casualties but killing around 45 armed Palestinians, bringing the estimated Palestinian toll to at least 876 dead, 3,600 wounded.

Humanitarian notes: The IDF observes the daily 3-hr. humanitarian lull but does not release figures on the number of trucks permitted entry.

Of note: Today’s IDF air strikes on tunnels along the Rafah border damage 10 homes in Egyptian Rafah, seriously wound 2 Egyptian border policemen and lightly wound 1 border policeman, 2 Egyptian children (ages 2 and 5). Egyptian security officials say that the Israeli drones and planes have violated Egyptian air space daily since OCL began and that previous Israeli air strikes during OCL have damaged buildings and 1 mosque, shattered windows, and caused power shortages inside Egypt. (AFP, HA, IDF, WP 1/11; IDF, MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/12; WT 1/13; PCHR 1/15; ITIC 1/19; MM, QA 1/22)

The IDF conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in Bayt Umar and Sa’ir, both nr. Hebron. (PCHR 1/15)

IDF ground forces backed by naval and air support continue to enter Gaza overnight, with troops taking up positions across n. Gaza (from which most Palestinian rockets have been fired), surrounding Gaza City, retaking the former Netzarim settlement site nr. the Gaza coast south of Gaza City, and bifurcating the Strip into e. and w. (cutting a swath roughly from the Qarni and Nahal Oz crossings to Netzarim on the coast, driving 1,000s of residents from Juhur al-Dik, al-Mughraqa, and al-Zahra’ with heavy artillery and tank fire), but not entering dense urban areas.

Combat notes: IDF-Palestinian ground fighting is described as “fierce,” characterized by heavy IDF artillery fire and heavy Palestinian sniping and mortar fire. Because the IDF stays out of built-up areas, there are few reports of close-quarter combat or heavy exchanges of gunfire. While ground troops concentrate in the north, Israeli air strikes and naval bombardment focus equally on the north and south, hitting more tunnels on the Rafah border and targeting Hamas leaders for assassination. (The IDF claims to assassinate Hamas rocket cmdr. Hussam Hamdan and IQB and long-range rocket cmdr. Muhammad Hilu in Khan Yunis, senior IQB mbr. Muhammad Shalbush in Jabaliya, but there is no independent confirmation.)

The IDF reports hitting 45 sites and carrying out 40 air strikes during the day, striking a produce market in Gaza City, several mosques, a medical building and 3 mobile clinics in Shati’ r.c. run by a Danish charity, homes of at least 4 Hamas mbrs. (most of whom have gone into hiding), and suspected weapons depots across Gaza. Target areas include Abasan, Bayt Hanun, Bayt Lahiya, al-Bureij r.c., Dayr al-Balah, Gaza City (al-Daraj, Tal al-Hawa, al-Tuffah, al-Yarmuk, al-Zaytun), Jabaliya, Juhur al-Dik, Khan Yunis, al-Mughraqa, al-Nasser (n. of Rafah), Rafah, Shati’ r.c., al-Shuka, al-Zahra’. After dark, IDF troops conduct door-to-door searches on the outskirts of Gaza City.

Palestinians fire 29 rockets (including at least 12 Grads) and 5 mortars into Israel, hitting Ashdod, Ashqelon, Netivot, Ofakim, and Sederot; 1 house in Sederot is damaged and 1 Israeli woman lightly injured. 

At least 47 Palestinians (including 4 paramedics) are killed and 400 wounded (including 3 paramedics) during the day; 1 IDF soldier is killed, 1 is seriously wounded in a heavy exchange of gunfire nr. Jabaliya; 15 IDF soldiers are wounded (3 seriously) by Palestinian mortar fire inside Gaza. The UN and Palestinian medical workers estimate the Palestinian toll to have reached at least 507 dead, 2,400 injured. The Israeli toll stands at 5–6 killed, more than 40 injured.

Humanitarian notes: The Israeli FMin. announced a new joint office of the FMin. and Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, called the Humanitarian Affairs Coordination Center (HACC), to coordinate humanitarian organizations operating on aid transfers to the Strip. The UN reports that shortages of fuel, electricity, and water are worsening. Gazan hospitals report drastic shortages of anesthesia, surgical equipment, heaters, spare parts. (AP, BBC, IDF, JAZ, National Public Radio, OCHA, REU, WT 1/4; IDF, IFM, NYT, RFM, UNOSAT, WP, WT 1/5; BBC 1/6; IFM, PCHR 1/8; WP 1/27)

In the West Bank, the IDF fatally shoots 1 Palestinian demonstrator who attempts to climb the separation wall nr. Qalqilya; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in al-Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, nr. Jenin. Israel’s High Court rules that the IDF may seal 2 floors of the home of the East Jerusalem Palestinian who killed 8 students at the Mercaz HaRava yeshiva in Jerusalem in 3/6/08, even though the gunman was killed during the attack and sealing the home would serve only to punish his extended family; another floor of the home will not be sealed because it is being rented to an unrelated family. (PCHR 1/8)

In the morning, the IDF says that 70% of Gaza settlers have been evacuated, most Gaza residents have not resisted the evacuation, most protests and resistance are by West Bank settler youth (and some American Jewish youth) who have come to Gaza in recent wks. to block the withdrawal. During the day, the evacuations of Gan Or (est. 1983, pop. 350, size 1,692 d., hrs. to evac. 5), Kefar Darom (est. 1989, pop. 490, size 276 d., hrs. to evac. 12), Kefar Yam (est. 1983, pop. 15, hrs. to evac. 3), Netzer Hazani (est. 1973, pop. 460, size 250 d., hrs. to evac. 5), Neve Dekalim (est. 1983, pop. 2,700, size 1,443 d., hrs. to evac. 35), Shirat Hayam (est. 2001, pop. 40, hrs. to evac. 5) settlements are completed. An increasing number of settlers set fire to their homes and to greenhouses as they leave to prevent them fr. being turned over to Palestinians. For the 1st time, 1 armed resident in Kefar Yam, 4 armed disengagement protesters in Shirat Hayam threaten to shoot IDF soldiers if they follow orders to remove settlers, but only if soldiers fire first; the incidents defuse without violence. Some Shirat Hayam residents also throw rocks at Palestinians in Mawasi as they evacuate. In Kefar Darom, 65 resident families agree to leave, but as many as 2,000 outside protesters refuse, many of them barricading themselves inside and on the roof of a synagogue; for the 1st time during the disengagement, the IDF uses water cannons against protesters and 2 IDF soldiers refuse to obey their orders, are removed by fellow soldiers; 58 Israelis are injured in clearing the synagogue, including at least 3 IDF soldiers, 27 border police (1 seriously when he falls accidentally); protesters throw paint thinner at IDF Southern Command chief Maj. Gen. Dan Harel, several soldiers. In Neve Dekalim, some 1,500 disengagement protesters hole up in 2 synagogues, refusing to leave even after residents have voluntarily evacuated, but are eventually extracted. Jewish settlers in s. Gaza spread nails along the coastal road in alMawasi to prevent movement of Palestinian vehicles. Meanwhile, Palestinians fire a rocket at Netzarim (still inhabited), lightly injuring an IDF soldier; 2 mortars at Gadid settlement (still inhabited), 3 mortars at Morag (evacuated) causing no damage or injuries. Palestinian gunmen fire on IDF troops nr. Kefar Darom, lightly injuring 1. The IDF conducts arrest raids in al-Mawasi; fires on residential areas of Bayt Lahiya, seriously injuring 1 Palestinian. In the West Bank, Jewish settlers fr. Homesh and Sanur attempt to break into a Palestinian home in nearby Asa’sa village; the IDF intervenes to stop them. Jewish settlers fr. Keddumim throw stones at Palestinian shops, cars nr. Qalqilya. The IDF also conducts arrest raids, house searches in Dura, nr. Tulkarm; confiscates 500 d. of agricultural land nr. Eli settlement nr. Nablus. In Israel, disengagement protesters block roads nationwide. (AP, BBC, HA, Israeli Radio, ITV 8/18; NYT, WP, WT 8/19; PCHR 8/25)

An IDF aircraft fires 2 missiles at a well in Bayt Hanun, destroying it. Around 40 Jewish settlers fr. Tal Yam outpost in Gaza (see 6/27) chanting “Death to Arabs” occupy 2 Palestinian homes in al-Mawasi, throw stones at Palestinians and IDF soldiers nearby, severely beat 1 Palestinian in what observers describe as a near lynching (the incident, caught on video by an Israeli cameraman, is described by Sharon on 6/30 as “a barbaric, wild, and heartless act”); an Israeli reporter pulls the critically injured Palestinian to safety; the IDF arrests the settlers, evicts them fr. the area. The IDF fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis, wounding 2 Palestinians; raids, occupies 2 Palestinian homes in al-Til as observation posts; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Aida r.c. and nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, Tulkarm. The AMB, Islamic Jihad, the PRCs take joint responsibility for firing 2 mortars at Netzarim, causing no damage or injuries. During the day, Palestinians fire 10s of rockets, at least 1 mortar at Gaza settlements, lightly injuring 1 foreign worker in Gush Katif. Israeli police arrest around 150 Israeli disengagement protesters who attempt to block roads across Israel during rush hour, causing limited tie-ups. (AFP, XIN 6/29; VOI 6/29 in WNC 6/30; BBC, PCHR, Palestine News Network, WP, XIN 6/30; HA 7/2; JP 7/2 in WNC 7/3; UPI, YA 7/3; NYT 7/5; OCHA, PR 7/6; PCHR 7/7; NYT 7/15)

An 11-yr.-old Palestinian girl is fatally shot in a Rafah school yard. Palestinians say the gunfire came fr. an IDF post outside a nearby Jewish settlement, but the IDF denies this, claming that the girl was hit by gunfire fr. local Palestinians who were celebrating their return fr. the Hajj; residents say no such celebrations were taking place. In retaliation, Hamas fires 6 mortars, 6 Qassam rockets at Jewish settlements in Gaza, causing damage but no injuries. Islamic Jihad fires 3 rockets at Netzarim, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF bulldozes at least 800 d. of agricultural land outside Yatta, apparently to turn the land over for Jewish settlers’ use; begins bulldozing Palestinian land in al-Ram northwest of Jerusalem on a settler bypass road. (VOI 1/31 in WNC 2/1; MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/1; PR 2/2; PCHR 2/3)

Abbas is sworn in as PA pres.; reappoints Qurai‘ as PM, calls on him to form a government; calls for immediate talks with Israel, recommends going beyond the road map to include parallel talks on final status issues. Israel replies that there is “no necessity to find an alternative to the road map.” Abbas also vows to hold legislative elections on 7/17. (AFP 1/15; JAZ, PSCT, VOP 1/15 in WNC 1/20; NYT, WP, WT 1/16; PCHR 1/27)

The IDF makes a predawn raid on the al-Zaytun neighborhood of Gaza City launching Operation Eastern Step (billed by the IDF as pinpoint operations against Palestinians launching mortars and rockets fr. the area), shelling residential areas, raiding and occupying buildings as observation posts, bulldozing Palestinian land, sparking clashes, killing 5 Palestinians (2 resistance mbrs., 3 civilians), wounding 10. In retaliation, Hamas fires 6 mortars at Gaza’s Netzarim settlement (injuring a 7-yr.-old Jewish settler, lightly injuring another child), Sederot (killing 1 Israeli, lightly injuring 2). The IDF also fires on a group of children playing near what they mistakenly believe to be an unoccupied IDF post on the Rafah-Egypt border, other Palestinians race to extract the children and also come under fire, leaving 1 Palestinian adult and a child dead, 6 Palestinians wounded; fires missiles fr. a helicopter, destroying a workshop, severely damaging a home in Bayt Lahiya; fires on residential areas of Rafah; demolishes 3 Palestinian homes in Khan Yunis; bulldozes 40 d. in Shaykh Ajlin; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Dayr al-Hatab nr. Nablus, Dura, Issawiyya, Jericho, Yatta. (XIN 1/15; JP, VOI, VOP 1/15 in WNC 1/20; HA, NYT, WT 1/16; PCHR 1/18; OCHA 1/19)

The IDF conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in Balata r.c., causing a 65-yr.-old Palestinian woman to suffer a fatal heart attack; fires on a taxi nr. Erez crossing carrying 2 international aid workers, seriously injuring the driver; shoots, wounds a Palestinian working in a field nr. Jabaliya. The Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), Islamic Jihad claim joint responsibility for firing a rocket-propelled grenade at an IDF jeep nr. Netzarim, causing no damage or injuries. Hamas fires 3 mortars at Jewish settlements in Gaza, causing no damage or injuries. (PCHR 1/13)

After the Knesset approves (58–56, with 6 abstentions) the formation of a Likud– Labor–United Torah Judaism coalition, the new Israeli government is sworn in. 13 Likud mbrs. vote against the coalition or abstain. (HA 1/10; NYT, WP 1/11; PR 1/12; MEI 1/21)

The IDF blocks a main road to Gaza City that runs nr. Netzarim settlement, fires a tank shell at a taxi that tries to circumvent the roadblock, killing the Palestinian driver; confiscates 600 d. fr. the villages of Surif and Jaba n. of Hebron for separation wall construction; demolishes a Palestinian home, raids 2 charitable societies in Hebron. The Fatah Hawks, Islamic Jihad gunmen attack an IDF patrol at Gaza’s Kissufim crossing, wounding 4 IDF soldiers, 1 Israeli civilian. Palestinians also fire a mortar at Gush Katif, causing no damage or injuries. The AMB executes a Palestinian collaborator in Ramallah. (HA 12/15; NYT, PCHR 12/16; VOP 12/16 in WNC 12/18; PCHR 12/23)

The IDF pulls troops out of n. Gaza, ending a 4-day operation that left 8 Palestinians dead, 100 wounded, 10,000s without electricity or water, 50 Palestinian homes demolished or severely damaged. The IDF further restricts Palestinian movement in the n. Jordan Valley; imposes curfews on Asira and Qussin nr. Nablus; fires on residential areas of Tulkarm r.c. and town; conducts arrest raids, house searches in al-Duha nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, Iktaba nr. Tulkarm, Silwad; detains a Palestinian paramedic at a checkpoint outside Tulkarm for several hrs. Palestinians fire 2 mortars at Netzarim settlement in s. Gaza, damaging 1 house, lightly injuring 2 soldiers. A Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. (HA, JP, MENA 9/11 in WNC 9/14; WP 9/12; PRCS 9/13; PR 9/15; PCHR 9/16)

The IDF assassinates Hamas spiritual leader and founder Shaykh Ahmad Yasin, firing 3 internationally banned flechette missiles at him as he leaves a Gaza City mosque after morning prayers, also killing 3 bodyguards, 4 bystanders, wounding at least 17 Palestinians, including Yasin’s 2 sons. Immediately, 100,000s of Palestinians take to the streets throughout the territories to protest the assassination. The IDF seals Gaza; clashes with Palestinian demonstrators in Balata r.c. (killing an al-Najah Radio correspondent in Balata r.c., apparently thinking his mobile phone was a weapon), Bethlehem, Dayr al-Balah, Hebron (fatally shooting 1 Palestinian watching fr. his balcony), Jenin, Khan Yunis (killing 3 Palestinians), Nablus; fires on residential areas of Rafah, Qalqilya, Tal Zu’rub; imposes a curfew on areas around Jenin, fires on residential areas; temporarily occupies a Palestinian home as an IDF post nr. Dayr al-Balah. 100s of Palestinian youths in East Jerusalem gather at checkpoints to throw stones at IDF soldiers; Palestinian prisoners in 2 Israeli jails riot. Palestinians fire Qassam rockets, mortars, antitank rockets at Gush Katif and Netzarim settlements, nearby IDF posts, the western Negev, damaging 2 apartments in Netzarim but causing no injuries. An ax-wielding Palestinian fr. the West Bank village of Bidiyya wounds 3 Israelis outside an army base in Tel Aviv before being arrested. An unidentified assailant said to be Arab stabs, lightly wounds 3 Israelis on a Jaffa bus. 4 Palestinians are arrested for beating up a Jewish settler in East Jerusalem. Jewish settlers detain, beat a Palestinian man in the Jordan Valley. An estimated 200,000 Palestinians, including reps. of all Palestinian factions, take part in Yasin’s funeral services later in the day, with 21 PSF officers forming an honor guard for Yasin’s coffin, Gaza churches ringing their bells, mosques broadcasting Qur’anic verses. Meanwhile, Israeli defense chiefs meet, agree to target the entire remaining Hamas leadership immediately, without waiting for another Hamas attack. Israel also announces that it will close the only mental health clinic serving East Jerusalem Palestinians (1,200 patients) because of “security concerns.” (AP, BBC, CSM, HA, MA, MM, NYT, REU, WP, WT 3/22; AP, ATL, ITARTASS, MNR, MENA, IDF Radio, IRNA, ITARTASS, JP, VIRI, VOI, VOP, XIN 3/22 in WNC 3/24; al-Arabiyya TV [Dubai], Syrian Arab News Agency 3/22 in WNC 4/27; AFP, BBC, CSM, HA, JT, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/23; AFP, AYM, DUS, HA, al-Hayat al-Jadida, JT, MA, MENA, al-Ra’i, THWR, TSHR, VIRI, YA 3/23 in WNC 3/25; MM, NYT, PR, WP 3/24; ATL, ITAR-TASS, Izvestiya, JT, al-Ra’i, SA, VOP, XIN 3/24 in WNC 3/26; AYM 3/24 in WNC 4/3; JT, MM, PCHR, WJW 3/25; ITAR-TASS, MENA, NHR, VIRI 3/25 in WNC 3/27; MM 3/26; MNR 3/27 in WNC 3/30; AYM 3/30, VOP 3/31 in WNC 4/2; MEI 4/2; PCHR 4/15)

In Washington, Shalom holds further talks on Sharon’s disengagement plan with VP Dick Cheney, Powell, Rice. (WP 3/23)

The IDF fires tank shells at 3 Palestinians firing mortars at Gaza’s Netzarim settlement in Gaza, killing them; the mortars cause no damage or injuries. The IDF also conducts arrest raids nr. Hebron, Qalqilya; demolishes a Palestinian home in Balata r.c., several structures at an UNRWA school in Dayr al-Balah. IDF chief of staff Lt. Gen. Moshe Ya’alon visits the hospitalized Israeli peace activist wounded by IDF fire on 12/26, says soldiers apparently did not know Israelis were among the demonstrators, promises a full investigation. Some 1,000 Palestinians in villages around Ramallah hold nonviolent demonstrations against the separation wall. Nr. Hebron, 5 Jewish settlers severely beat a Palestinian. (NYT, PM, WP 12/29; VOI, YA 12/29 in WNC 12/31; PCHR 1/1; MM 1/5; MEI 1/9)

The IDF declares the Ramallah–al-Bireh region a closed military zone, erects additional checkpoints on all roads leading to Ramallah; tightens Palestinian movement in the Qalqilya, Tulkarm regions; fires on a group of Palestinians vandalizing the separation wall outside Ramallah, killing a 14- yr.-old Palestinian boy; conducts arrest raids targeting the AMB in Nablus, firing on residential areas; bulldozes 8 Palestinian homes and dynamites 1 in Rafah, 4 nr. Hebron; conducts arrest raids in Nablus, Rantis. Across the occupied territories, 1,000s of Palestinians rally in support of Arafat; the IDF fires on demonstrators in Kefar Darom, wounding 7. Palestinians fire a mortar at Netzarim, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, NYT, WP 9/15; YA 9/15 in WNC 9/17; PCHR 9/18; HA 9/26)

Overnight, the IDF fatally shoots a Palestinian who strays too close to Netzarim settlement. The IDF also raids Balata r.c., arresting 5 Islamic Jihad mbrs., blowing up their apartment; conducts arrest raids in al-Qarara, Salim, Tulkarm r.c. (targeting Fatah); demolishes 4 Palestinian homes containing 11 housing units in Issawiyya, 3 in Salim, 1 nr. Nablus. An Israeli court sentences an East Jerusalem Palestinian to 25 yrs. for firing on Jewish settler vehicles, causing no injuries. Israel’s Finance Min. awards the Israeli town of Sederot, which has experienced light damage and light injuries fr. Palestinian mortar and rocket attacks, “front line status,” which gives residents property and income tax breaks of up to 30% and $13.5 m. in aid. Peace Now reports that Jewish settlers have recently established anew or reoccupied at least 6 unauthorized settlement outposts. (HA 4/7; MA 4/7 in WNC 4/9; HA, PM 4/8; PR 4/9; LAW, PCHR 4/10)

The IDF carves out a 4 mi2 “security zone” in Gaza around Bayt Hanun, Bayt Lahiya, Jabaliya r.c. to prevent Palestinians fr. firing rockets, mortars into Israel; stations 100 military vehicles in the zone; razes 100 dunams of land; says troops will stay indefinitely. The IDF also fatally shoots 3 Islamic Jihad mbrs. who attempt to infiltrate Netzarim settlement; conducts house searches in Nablus, breaking through walls to move from house to house. In the West Bank, 2 Hamas mbrs. dressed as yeshiva students infiltrate Kiryat Arba settlement, fatally shoot 2 Jewish settlers, wounding 6 before being killed by armed settlers. (HA 3/7; NYT, WP, WT 3/8; WP 3/9; PR 3/12; LAW, PCHR, WJW 3/13)

At the UNSC, UN chief weapons inspector Hans Blix reports that Iraq is cooperating with inspectors, who have yet to find evidence of WMDs; estimates inspections could be completed within wks. U.S. Secy. of State Colin Powell replies that Iraq clearly has not met the requirements for cooperation, disarmament set out in UNSC Res. 1441, saying, “There are some people who simply, in my judgment, don’t want to see the facts clearly.” The U.S., Britain submit a draft UNSC res. that would give Iraq until 3/17 to reveal all its WMDs or face retaliation. France, Germany, Russia argue for completing UN inspections, saying that lack of progress on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is much more of a threat to the region than Iraq. (WP 3/7; NYT, WP, WT 3/8; NYT 3/9; MM 3/10)

The IDF reoccupies Bethlehem following Christmas celebrations, reimposes a 24-hr. curfew on residents; assassinates local AMB head Jamal Yahya in Tulkarm; assassinates Hamas mbr. Bassam Ashqar, ambushing his car in Ramallah, also killing a Palestinian bystander; raids Qabatiyya, assassinating local Islamic Jihad leader Yusif Abu Rub, demolishing his family house, arresting local Izzeddine al-Qassam Brigades head Natzir Nazal, senior Hamas mbr. Talal al-Baz; sends undercover units into a hospital in Ramallah, fatally shooting wanted Palestinian Samir al-Shamali, who was working there as a guard, in what may be an assassination, sparking demonstrations, clashes with local residents that leave 1 Palestinian stone thrower dead; fatally shoots 2 Palestinians “approaching” Netzarim settlement; fires on demonstrators protesting the curfew in Nablus, killing 1 Palestinian, wounding 20; raids a village n. of Ramallah, firing stun grenades, causing an elderly Palestinian to suffer a fatal heart attack; imposes a curfew on Beitunia, sends 30 tanks into the town; conducts house-to-house searches, arrest raids in Qalqilya; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis. The PA accuses Israel of stepping up attacks on Palestinians in an effort to scuttle Fatah-Hamas talks in Cairo. The IDF also announces that it has begun building 300-yd.-wide buffer zones around several Jewish settlements in the West Bank (see Quarterly Update in JPS 126). Palestinians fire 2 mortars at a Jewish settlement in Gaza, causing damage but no injuries. This evening, Israeli DM Shaul Mofaz orders the IDF to step up pressure on militant groups in the territories. (HP, LAW, PCHR, PM 12/26; HA, NYT, WP, WT 12/27; AYM, Interfax, ITAR-TASS, al-Quds 12/27, De Standaard 12/28 in WNC 12/31; NYT, WT 12/28; LAW, PCHR 1/1)

The IDF opens fire on a Jenin market full of children on their way to school, fatally shooting an 18-yr.-old Palestinian, wounding 23; fires on a group of Palestinians throwing stones, Molotov cocktails at APCs patrolling central Tulkarm in search of wanted AMB mbrs., killing 1 Palestinian bystander, wounding 18; fires on Palestinians firing a mortar at Nisanit settlement (no damage), killing 1 Palestinian bystander, wounding 9; fatally shoots an armed Islamic Jihad mbr., dressed in an IDF uniform, attempting to infiltrate Netzarim settlement; searches, blows up a clearly marked UN World Food Program (WFP) warehouse in Gaza, containing 500 metric tons of food to feed 38,000 needy Palestinians for 1 mo.; bars a Palestinian heart-attack victim fr. fr. reaching a hospital in Azariyya, allowing him to die. In Hebron, the IDF announces that it plans to demolish 15 Palestinian homes to create a bypass road, protective wall linking Kiryat Arba settlement to the Cave of the Patriarchs/al-Ibrahimi Mosque (see 11/17); soldiers search several homes in the area to see if they are inhabited. (LAW, WFP press release 12/2; LAW, MM, NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 12/3; al-Quds 12/3 in WNC 12/4; PR, USIS Washington File 12/4; MEI 12/6; AP 12/10; MEI 12/20)

YESHA settlers council chmn. Bentzi Liberman says that settlers are planning to set up new neighborhoods (15+n50 units each) in 14 settlements, expand construction in 10s of settlements in the run-up to 1/28/03 elections. The expansions will be funded by the Housing Min., a private developer. (MA 12/3 in WNC 12/4)

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)

Peres says that he is preparing a personal peace initiative, that he will probably meet with Arafat on the sidelines of a 2-day economic conference that opens in Spain on 11/2. Sharon, expressing surprise, reminds Peres he must coordinate any mtgs. with Arafat with the PM's Office. (AP, MM 10/30; NYT, WP, WT 10/31; HA 11/6; HP 11/7; MENA 11/8 in WNC 11/9; JP 11/11 in WNC 11/14) (see Peace Monitor)

Israel demolishes 6 Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem. The U.S. condemns the action as highly provocative. The IDF conducts raids into Bayt Hanun, Bayt Lahia under intense shelling and heavy machine gun fire, hitting electricity generators, cutting power to the area; also makes arrest raids in Araba, Tulkarm; directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Khan Yunis; fires on Palestinian fishermen off Dayr al-Balah; bulldozes 10s of dunams of Palestinian land in Wadi Qana, reportedly to expand Ma'ale Shomron settlement; bulldozes 6 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Netzarim settlement; reinforces troops on the Nablus-Qalqilya road (cutting power to the area), around Tulkarm. Palestinians fire several mortars at a Jewish settlement in Gaza, causing no damage. The PA says it has arrested 2 Islamic Jihad mbrs. in connection with the Hadera attack on 10/28. Families of Palestinians placed under 6-mo. administrative detention by the PSF over the past 2 wks. hold a demonstration outside PSF offices in al-Bireh, Ramallah; scuffle with PSF officers. (LAW 10/30; HP, LAW, NYT, WT 10/31)

In the Galilee, 400 Israeli police clash with 1,000 Israeli Arabs residents of al-Tira and Taybeh protesting the government's expropriation of village lands for a highway, leaving more than 40 Israeli Arabs (including 3 MKs), 18 police officers injured. (JP [Internet] 10/30; HA 10/31)

Peres meets with PA Local Government M Erakat, PC speaker Qurai` in Tel Aviv to discuss the cease-fire implementation. Each side accuses the other of failing to fulfill agmts. PA, Israeli regional cmdrs. for Jericho, Qalqilya, Tulkarm also meet on security cooperation. (MENA 9/30 in WNC 10/1; JP [Internet] 10/1)

The IDF fatally shoots 3 Palestinians. The PSF uses tear gas to disperse Palestinian demonstrators in Gaza. Late this evening, the IDF sends troops into Khan Yunis, responding to reports (denied by the PA) that mortars were fired fr. the camp toward Netzarim. (HP, LAW, MM, WT 10/1; LAW 10/10)

Israel continues to reinforce its West Bank forces, stationing paratrooper units in areas nr. Bethlehem, Jinin. Palestinians fire 4 mortars at Netzarim settlement, Nahal Oz kibbutz inside Israel. The IDF files low-level F-16 sorties, drops thermal balloons over the Gaza Strip; directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at Palestinian residential areas of Hebron, setting 7 Palestinian homes on fire; tightens the closures on Qalqilya, Tulkarm. Jewish settlers reportedly confiscate several Palestinian homes in the Palestinian section of Hebron nr. Kiryat Arba. In Bethlehem, 1,000s of Palestinians hold anti-Israeli demonstrations following the funeral for Hamas's Saada. 1 Palestinian dies of injuries received on 7/16. (AP, HA, HP 7/18; NYT 7/19)

At a G-8 preparatory mtg. in Rome, the FMs of Britain, France, Germany, Italy insist that dispatching an impartial observer force to the West Bank and Gaza is necessary to restore a lasting cease-fire, renew peace talks. Secy. of State Powell says sending a force is "premature," since Israel does not approve, but he does not reject the idea outright. (WP, WT 7/19)

In Gaza, 3 bedouin women are killed by IDF shelling. FM Peres says the IDF may have fired at the wrong target when responding to gunfire on Netzarim settlement, an adjacent IDF post. The IDF also bulldozes Palestinian land in Dayr al-Balah. Palestinians fire rocket grenades at IDF tanks in Rafah, causing no injuries; launch at least 7 mortars at Gush Katif settlement bloc, damaging 1 building, injuring 1 Thai worker. (CNN 6/9; HP, NYT, WP, WT 6/10; HA, MM, NYT, WP 6/11; DUS, HJ 6/11 in WNC 6/12; MEI 6/15)

Israeli, PA security officials present their written responses to the U.S. draft cease-fire plan to the U.S. emb. Meanwhile in Cairo, Tenet briefs Mubarak on his mtgs. with the sides to date. Burns continues to meet with Israeli, PA political officials. (WP, WT 6/10)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 2 Palestinians dead. Under police surveillance, Israelis, Jewish settlers march through Jerusalem to celebrate Jerusalem Day, marking Israel's capture of East Jerusalem in the 1967 war. IDF helicopter gunships shell PSF post, a factory in Gaza where Israel claims mortars have been made. The IDF also sends tanks into al-Qarara to fire on several Palestinian homes; bulldozes Palestinian agricultural land nr. Netzarim settlement; fires heavy machine guns at residential areas of Bayt Jala, al-Bireh, Hebron, Gaza City, al-Tira. (NYT, WT 5/21; London Press Association 5/21 in WNC 5/22; HP 5/22; NYT 5/23; PCHR 5/24; LAW 5/25; MEI 6/1)

Powell urges Israel, the PA to implement the Mitchell Comm. recommendations by declaring an unconditional cease-fire but does not endorse the comm.'s call for a settlement freeze (saying Israel should "restrain" settlement expansion as a confidence building measure after violence halts). Powell says he will not meet with Arafat or Sharon as discussed on 5/16; instead charges U.S. Amb. to Jordan William Burns, who has been nominated as asst. secy. of state for Near East affairs, with exploring what confidence building measures could be employed once violence ceases. (MENA 5/21 in WNC 5/22; ITAR-TASS 5/21, AYM, HJ, MENA 5/22 in WNC 5/23; MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/22; MM, WP 5/23; AYM, HA, JT, MA, MENA, QA, al-Ra'i 5/23 in WNC 5/24; WJW 5/24; QA 5/25 in WNC 5/29; MEI 6/1; NYT 6/2)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. After Palestinians fire mortars at Netzarim settlement in Gaza and across the Green Line into Israel, causing no damage, the IDF deploys tanks, helicopter gunships to shell 4 PSF posts in Gaza. The IDF also demolishes 3 Palestinian homes, damages 2 others, bulldozes more than 27 dunams of agricultural land in Shaykh Ajlin; shells residential areas of al-Aza refugee camp. Israeli commandos detain 2 Fatah mbrs. in area C. (AFP [Internet] 4/6; NYT, WT 4/7; MM 4/9; LAW 4/12)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Palestinian dead. The IDF shells a Force 17 post nr. Netzarim settlement, killing 1 Force 17 mbr., wounding 3. Claiming retaliation, Hamas's Izzeddine al-Qassam Brigades fires mortars at Jewish settlements in Gaza today, causing no injuries. The IDF also bulldozes 3 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Kissufim settlement in Dayr al-Balah; begin work on a new settler bypass road to Talamon settlement nr. Ramallah, bulldozing Waqf land. Jewish settlers bulldoze an olive grove in Nazla. (WT 3/23; LAW 3/24)

In New York, Sharon warns UN Secy.-Gen Kofi Annan that sending a UN observer force to the West Bank, Gaza could escalate violence. Annan urges Israel to ease restrictions on Palestinians, halt settlement expansion. (MM 3/21; MM, WT 3/22; MM 3/27)

Bush ends the CIA's role as security mediator btwn. Israel and the PA, saying the sides should cooperate directly. (NYT, WP 3/22; HA 3/23; WJW 3/29) (see Peace Monitor)

The Mitchell Comm. begins a 5-day visit to Israel, the West Bank, Gaza to meet with Palestinian community representatives, Israeli intelligence analysts, doctors, peace negotiators, politicians, statisticians. (NYT, WJW, WT 3/22; WT 3/23; NYT 3/26; ATL 3/26 in WNC 3/27; MM 3/27)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving at least 1 Palestinian dead. Palestinians fire 2 mortars at a Netzarim settlement, causing no damage. (NYT, WP 2/16)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. A grenade explodes nr. an IDF post on the Rafah border, and a mortar lands in Netzarim settlement, causing no injuries but marking an escalation in Palestinian attacks. The IDF presents 22 Palestinian families in Gaza's Mawasi district with evacuation orders, saying their houses will be demolished for "security reasons" on 2/11. (Gush Shalom press release 2/10; WT 2/11; al-Quds 2/11 in WNC 2/13)

UNHRC fact-finding commission arrives in Gaza to begin its 8-day inquiry into the causes of the al-Aqsa intifada, meets with Arafat. (PCHR, WT 2/11; WT 2/12; HJ 2/12 in WNC 2/13) (see 1/17)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue at the same low level. However, 2 serious incidents are apparently staged by Palestinians: a mortar is fired at Netzarim settlement, causing no injuries; assailants attempt to deliver a bomb by donkey, but the bomb does not go off. In the 3d such incident in a wk., an ailing Palestinian dies en route to a Nablus hospital when his family's car is detained at an IDF checkpoint for 30 mins. before being turned back, halted at a 2d checkpoint for 40 mins., turned back again, and forced to take a 3d route. The IDF also confiscates, begins bulldozing 3,500 dunams of land btwn. Ramallah, Nablus owned by 43 Palestinian families; fires teargas into a school in Silwan; shells residential areas in Bayt Rima, Khan Yunis. Jewish settlers bulldoze Palestinian land nr. Salfit, move prefabricated houses onto the land to create a new settlement enclave. (YA 1/31; LAW 2/3; ADM 2/5)