The Palestine Chronology

A Palestinian suicide bomber fr. Hebron detonates a device on a bus in West Jerusalem, killing 15 Israelis, 5 Americans, wounding more than 100 (13 seriously, 13 moderately), and violating a unilateral 3-mo. Palestinian cease-fire declared on 6/29. (Initially, Islamic Jihad claims responsibility, and Hamas denies it. After the bomber is identified as a known Hamas mbr., Hamas accepts responsibility but says it still adheres tothe cease-fire, this was a 1-time action to retaliate for the 8/14 IDF assassination of Islamic Jihad Hebron cmdr. Muhammad Sidr. Analysts suggest the bombing may be a joint operation or the work of a Hamas offshoot.) PA PM Mahmud Abbas, whois meeting with Islamic Jihad leaders at the time tourge them toextend the cease-fire to 6 mos., breaks off the mtg., denounces the attack, cancels cease-fire talks with Hamas scheduled for 8/20. Israel suspends further talks on a transfer of territory to PA control. The IDF sends tanks, troops into Hebron, surrounding villages to conduct searches, arrest raids; demolishes 4 Palestinian homes in Jabal Mukabir in East Jerusalem; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis. Israeli authorities demolish an Israeli Arab home in Lod, the 40th to be demolished in 2003; the Prime Minister’s Office reports that Israel has also demolished 117 bedouin homes in the Negev this yr. In Nablus, a shootout btwn. rival AMB factions fr. Nablus, Balata r.c. leaves 1 AMB mbr. dead. (HA, JP, MM 8/19; MENA 8/19 in WNC 8/21; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/20; IDF Radio, Interfax, ITAR-TASS, JP, MA, MENA, VOI, YA 8/20 in WNC 8/22; MM, PCHR, WJW 8/21; QA, al-Quds 8/21 in WNC 8/23; al-Ra’i 8/21, AYM, al-Ra’i 8/22 in WNC 8/26; JPI 8/22; JPI, MM 8/29)

An AMB suicide bomber fr. Nablus detonates a device in a supermarket in Rosh Ha’ayn, just across the West Bank border, inside Israel, killing 1 Israeli, wounding 10; the area was already on alert after the PA informed Israel of reports of a pending attack. Soon after, a Hamas suicide bomber fr. Nablus, retaliating for the IDF killing of 2 Hamas mbrs. on 8/8, detonates a device at a bus stop outside Ariel settlement, killing 1 Jewish settler, wounding 3. Israel freezes the release of another 76 Palestinian prisoners who were to be freed today; seals Azun and Qalqilya to conduct searches for Palestinians who may have aided the bombers, arresting several persons; places a closure on Nablus; otherwise says it will not respond. Abbas, in Qatar, cuts short his visit to the Gulf, heads to Amman, where he condemns the bombings but also Israeli provocations. The IDF demolishes a Palestinian home in the Jabal Mukabir area of East Jerusalem. (BBC, HA, MM 8/12; Interfax, MENA, XIN 8/12 in WNC 8/14; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/13; JP, MA, VOI, YA 8/13 in WNC 8/15; NYT, PCHR, WP 8/14)

The IDF fatally shoots a Palestinian outside Tulkarm, saying the man fired on their post, causing no injuries; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis, wounding an 8-yr.-old Palestinian among others; conducts arrest raids in Jenin, Nablus. Palestinians fire mortars at Gush Katif, causing no damage or injuries. (BBC, HA 7/1; JP, NYT, WP 7/2; PCHR 7/3; VOI 7/3 in WNC 7/10)

In Nazareth, Israeli bulldozers tear down the foundation of a mosque on a site adjacent to the Church of the Annunciation over the tomb of a Muslim saint. Muslims, Christians have disputed the construction of the mosque for 6 yrs. In 4/99, PM Ehud Barak gave formal permission for the project, sparking riots and bringing formal protests fr. the Vatican. In 3/02, Sharon ordered a halt to construction. (MM 7/1; MM, NYT, WT 7/2; JP 7/2 in WNC 7/10; JPI 7/11, 7/25)

Abbas, Sharon hold their 3d mtg. to discuss road map implementation; agree to establish 4 comms. to oversee release of Palestinian political prisoners, a halt to Palestinian incitement, security, trade. Sharon says that Arafat may travel to Gaza “as long as he stays there” and if he asks Israel’s permission. (HA, MM 7/1; AYM, MENA 7/1, Interfax, QA 7/2 in WNC 7/10; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/2; MM 7/4; JPI, MEI 7/11)

The IDF demolishes 4 Palestinian homes in Rafah, 3 in Yatta; conducts arrest raids in Jenin. In Jerusalem, some 20,000 Jewish settlers demonstrate against the Aqaba summit. Palestinians fire a mortar at a Jewish settlement, a rocket at an IDF post, both in Gaza, causing no damage or injuries. In a move deliberately timed with the Aqaba summit, Tourism M Benny Elon begins work to set up offices of the pro-transfer Moledet party in 1 of the 2 Palestinian homes next to the U.S. consulate in East Jerusalem’s Shaykh Jarrah neighborhood that Jewish settlers have been trying to seize for 1 yr. (see 4/27/03). (JP 6/4 in WNC 6/7; HA, MM, NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 6/5; PCHR 6/12; PR 6/25)

In Aqaba, Bush meets with Abbas, Sharon, King Abdallah; then meets with Abbas, Sharon only. Afterward, Abbas and Sharon each give carefully worded statements reiterating their commitments to peace. (HA, MM 6/4; Interfax, ITAR-TASS, JT, MENA, QA, SA 6/4 in WNC 6/7; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/5; DUS, JP, JT, MA, MENA, NHR, QA, al-Quds, al-Ra’i, SA, SFR, Star, YA 6/5 in WNC 6/8; al-Quds 6/5, DUS 6/6 in WNC 6/10; MM 6/6; THWR , TSHR 6/7 in WNC 7/11; JPI 6/13; PR 6/18; JPI 6/20)

A female suicide bomber, Hiba Daraghma, detonates a device in an Afula mall, killing 2 Israeli Jews, 1 Israeli Arab, wounding 48; the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade (AMB) and Islamic Jihad each claim responsibility, indicating they may have jointly planned the operation. In Gaza, a 2d Palestinian suicide bomber on a bicycle detonates a device as he passes an IDF jeep outside Kefar Darom, lightly injuring 3 IDF soldiers. The IDF fatally shoots a 13-yr.-old Palestinian boy in Jabaliya r.c.; continues bulldozing land in Bayt Hanun (nearly 800 dunams have been razed since 5/15); demolishes 1 Palestinian home in Hebron, 1 in central Gaza; fires on a high school in Bayt Furik, wounding 1 student; conducts arrest raids in Bethlehem, Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah. Palestinians fire 2 Qassam rockets (1 at Sederot, 1 at a Jewish settlement in Gaza), causing no damage or injuries. Israeli police arrest 8 East Jerusalem Palestinians for membership in Hamas and plotting to hijack a bus, kidnap an IDF soldier. (HA, MM 5/19; Interfax, MENA, VOI 5/19 in WNC 5/20; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/20; HP 5/21; QA 5/21 in WNC 5/22; LAW, PCHR 5/22; MEI, NYT 5/30)

Just before the PC meets in Ramallah, the IDF assassinates PFLP leader Nidal Salama, firing rockets at his car as he drives through Khan Yunis, also killing 1 Palestinian bystander; surrounds the home of, fatally shoots Bethlehem AMB cmdr. Mahmud Salah in an apparent assassination, also killing AMB mbr. Adnan Juayrish, who was with him; demolishes the home of Salah’s 2 brothers. Just 2 hrs. after Abbas’s new government is confirmed, a suicide bomber detonates a device outside a Tel Aviv nightclub, next to the U.S. emb., killing 2 Israelis, 1 French woman, wounding 34 (including at least 1 American); a 2d bomber escapes when his bomb fails to detonate; AMB, Hamas say they jointly planned the operation; both bombers are British Muslims (1 of Kashmiri, 1 of Pakistani descent) who apparently entered Israel fr. Gaza on British passports. Commenting on the attack, Israeli government spokesman Dore Gold says, ”This is really the first test for the new Palestinian government and unfortunately it has turned out to be a complete failure.” The IDF also fatally shoots a Palestinian in Rafah; fires on, wounds 2 Palestinian farmers working land in Khuza; conducts arrest raids in Jenin. (HA 4/29; BBC, HA, MM, NYT, PR, WP, WT 4/30; Interfax 4/30 in WNC 5/1; LAW, PCHR 5/1; NYT 5/2; JTA 5/6; PR 5/7; JPI 5/9; WP 5/10)

The PC approves (69–12, with 3 abstentions) Abbas’s new government, presented after wks. of debate within Fatah. In his inaugural speech Abbas states that there is no military solution to the conflict with Israel, rejects “terrorism,” pledges to crack down on militant groups and confiscate illegal weapons, demands an independent Palestinian state within 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as its capital, and without Jewish settlements. Israeli FM Silvan Shalom cautiously welcomes Abbas’s words on violence but says his statements on flnal status are “problematic” and “raise serious questions regarding a readiness to arrive at an agreed-upon resolution.” (HA, MM 4/29; MM, NYT, PR, WP, WT 4/30; AYM, Interfax, ITAR-TASS 4/30 in WNC 5/1; SA 4/30, al-Quds 5/1 in WNC 5/2; WJW 5/1; AYM 5/1 in WNC 5/5; HA, MM, WJW 5/2; HA 5/5; MEI 5/16)

The IDF assassinates senior Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades mbr. Sa‘ad Arabid (whom Israel tried to kill in 8/01), firing missiles at his car as he drives through Gaza City, also killing his bodyguard, a 3d Hamas mbr., 4 bystanders, injuring 53 Palestinians. Undercover IDF troops fatally shoot wanted Palestinian Badir Yasin in Salfit in what may be an assassination. The IDF also fires on residential areas of Silwan; demolishes 1 Palestinian home in Nablus. Inside Israel, a number of knife-wielding AMB mbrs. reportedly attack, wound 2 Israeli security guards outside Kibbutz Metzer, escape. (GS, HA, PM 4/8; ITV, VOI, XIN 4/8 in WNC 4/9; HA, LAW, MM, NYT, PR, WP, WT 4/9; Interfax, QA 4/9 in WNC 4/10; LAW, PCHR, PM 4/10; QA 4/10 in WNC 4/11; MEI 4/18)

As the U.S.’s 48-hr. deadline for Hussein to leave Iraq draws near, Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, fearing Israel will step up attacks and impose stiff closures and curfews as soon as war on Iraq begins, close schools and businesses, hoard provisions, stay inside. Israel extends the closure on the territories (imposed 3/17 for Purim) until 3/30. The IDF demolishes a Palestinian home in Dayr al-Balah; conducts arrest raids in Jenin, al-Maghazi r.c., Qalqilya, Tulkarm. AMB gunmen ambush, fatally shoot a Jewish settler driving nr. Jenin. Israeli police arrest 3 Israeli Arabs fr. Acre on suspicion of joining Islamic Jihad, plotting attacks on Israelis. (AFP, JTA 3/19; HA, NYT, PCHR 3/20; PCHR 3/27; HA 4/3)

Abbas accepts Arafat’s nomination as PM, is given 3 wks. to form a government. (HA, MM 3/19; AYM, Interfax 3/19 in WNC 3/20; HA, NYT, WP 3/20; AYM 3/25, al-Quds 3/27 in WNC 3/28)

Just 90 mins. after the U.S. deadline passes for Hussein to leave Iraq, the U.S. makes a single strike on Baghdad, acting on intelligence of where Hussein, his top officials and sons could be found, assassinated. The strike marks the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom, but not the start of the “shock and awe” air campaign that the U.S. previously indicated would launch the war. Iraqi TV airs 2 videos of Hussein that suggest he was unharmed. (MM 3/19; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/20; MM 4/21)

A Hamas suicide bomber fr. Hebron detonates a device on a bus in Haifa, killing 14 Israelis, 1 American, wounding 40; Israel seals the West Bank and Gaza borders until further notice, vows to respond “but not [on] a scale that would disrupt any U.S. preparations for a possible attack on Iraq.” Overnight, Palestinians also reportedly fire 13 antitank missiles and grenades at IDF forces on the Rafah border, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF demolishes 1 Palestinian home in Nablus, 1 in Qalqilya, a mosque in Rafah r.c. that had been heavily damaged in earlier attacks; conducts arrest raids in Bethlehem, Qalqilya (targeting Fatah), Ramallah (nabbing senior Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades mbr. Abdallah Barghouti), Yamun; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis. Late in the evening, the IDF launches a major raid into Jabaliya r.c., sending in 50 tanks and helicopters, firing several missiles, killing 3 Palestinians, wounding 11; fatally shoots Islamic Jihad mbr. Muhammad al-‘Asas in an exchange of gunfire in Bethlehem, leaving 1 IDF soldier wounded. A Jerusalem court sentences Israeli Arab Murad Ajluni to life plus 20 yrs. for taking part in a 3/02 AMB shooting in Tel Aviv that left 3 Israelis dead. (HA 3/5; Interfax, VOI 3/5 in WNC 3/6; HA, MM, NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 3/6; MA 3/6 in WNC 3/7; HA 3/7; LAW, PR 3/13; PCHR 3/13; JPI 3/14)

The IDF fatally shoots 2 Palestinians attempting to sneak into Israel fr. Gaza; fatally shoots 1 Palestinian in Tulkarm when he fails to heed orders to halt; opens fire on Palestinian stone throwers in Nablus, injuring 12; demolishes a Palestinian home in Nablus; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Abud, Tamun, Tura. A 4th Palestinian dies of injuries received on 2/11. (AP, HA, WT 2/21; HA, NYT, WT 2/22; LAW 2/23; LAW, PCHR 2/27)

PLO Exec. Comm. gen. secy. and senior PA negotiator Mahmud Abbas says that the PA is calling for a 1-yr. demilitarization of the intifada. The AMB, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) reject the call. (HA 2/21; Interfax 2/21, SA 2/23 in WNC 2/24; NYT 2/23; al-Quds, JT 2/24 in WNC 2/25; AYM 2/24 in WNC 2/26)

The IDF conducts arrest raids in Qalqilya, Tulkarm town and r.c., Tubas (capturing senior Hamas mbr. Salman Daraghma, who previously escaped an IDF assassination attempt); fatally shoots a Palestinian stone thrower in Tulkarm r.c.; fatally shoots a mentally handicapped Palestinian during an arrest raid in Qabatiyya when he fails orders to halt, bars medical workers fr. reaching him, allowing him to bleed to death; demolishes 1 Palestinian home each in Jenin, Khan Yunis, Silwan; seals 3 Palestinian homes in Silwan; shells residential areas of Jenin, damaging 4 homes, destroying 11 stores; bulldozes 20 artesian wells in Qalqilya; conducts arrest raids in Amari r.c., Nablus, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, Urta. Hamas issues a statement in Beirut claiming to have received a large number of RPGs (source not identified; see 12/28), made more Qassam rockets. (HA 1/14; MENA 1/14 in WNC 1/15; LAW, PCHR 1/15)

Britain convenes a mtg. on PA reform in London. Reps. of Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the Quartet attend in person; PA officials in Gaza, Ramallah attend via video link. The PA briefs participants on reform efforts; Egypt briefs them on Palestinian national unity talks ongoing in Cairo. (HA, WP 1/14; AYM, Interfax, JT, MENA, al-Quds 1/14 in WNC 1/15; MM, NYT, PR, WT 1/15; MENA, SA 1/15 in WNC 1/16; QA 1/15, ITAR-TASS 1/16 in WNC 1/17; AYM 1/15, ITAR-TASS, MENA 1/17 in WNC 1/21; PR 1/22; MEI 1/24)

In response to the 1/5 AMB bombing, Israel says it will bar a Palestinian delegation fr. leaving the occupied territories to attend a Quartet mtg. on PA reforms in London on 1/14; bar the PLO Central Comm. fr. meeting on 1/9 to ratify the constitution of a future Palestinian state, which contains many of the reforms demanded by Israel, the U.S.; “clamp down” on Palestinian universities, colleges. Meanwhile, the IDF fires on residential areas of Bayt Lahia; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Halhul; makes arrest raids in, around Bayt Hanina; demolishes 3 Palestinian homes and a store in Khan Yunis, 1 in Bayt Dajan, a 1 in Bayt Furik, plus a factory in Gaza City. (MM 1/6; MENA 1/6, ITAR-TASS, QA 1/7 in WNC 1/8; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/7; AYM 17, AN, Interfax, ITAR-TASS 1/8 in WNC 1/9; LAW, PCHR, PR 1/8; al-Quds 1/8 in WNC 1/10; MM 1/9)