The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with military escort attempted to raid a school in al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya before they were repelled by Palestinians protecting the students. Israeli forces razed agricultural lands in Birin, uprooting 120 olive and almond trees and demolishing 1 well in Khillat al-Furn. Israeli forces also raided Birzeit University, injuring 1 student with a rubber-coated bullet who was protesting the raid. 17 Palestinians were arrested during raids in Deir Abu Mash‘al, Deir Nidham, Kafr Ni‘ma, Bethlehem, al-Walaja, Sa‘ir, al-Shuyukh, Tarqumiyah, Tulkarm, Far‘un, and Kafr al-Labad; Israel also said that it had arrested 11 students of An-Najah University in Nablus, saying they were connected to a Hamas student network. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished the foundations to a house in al-Tur and demolished 1 house near the Old City. 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Wadi al-Juz and Isawiya; Israeli forces confiscated 11,500 NIS ($7,300) during a raid in Sur Baher. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 6 nautical miles north of Rafah; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/14; PCHR 12/16)

Israeli Channel 13 reported that a group called Returning to the Mount are praying at the Haram al-Sharif compound by disguising themselves as Muslims while following Islamic practices of prayer, but reciting Jewish prayers. Channel 13 reported that members of the group meet to learn how to appear like Muslim worshippers. (MEMO, TOI 12/14)

The Palestinian prisoners’ club said Israeli prison guards assaulted at least 3 female prisoners in Damon prison when they refused to leave their cell. The 3 prisoners were also transferred to solitary confinement. (MEMO, WAFA 12/19; MEE, MEMO 12/20)

PA and U.S. officials held a virtual meeting discussing economic ties. The meeting was headed by PA economic affairs minister Khaled Osaily and acting assistant secretary of state for Near East Affairs Yael Lambert. (MEMO, WAFA 12/15; ALM 12/18)

Israel’s prime minister Naftali Bennett said settler violence is an “insignificant phenomena” in the West Bank, criticizing Israel’s public security minister Omer Bar-Lev, who on 12/13 brought up the issue in a meeting with U.S. state department undersecretary for political affairs Victoria Nuland. Prime Minister Bennett said that the settlers were the victims in the West Bank and needed the support of the Israeli government. Public Security Minister Bar-Lev subsequently reiterated his focus on settler violence during a trip to Hebron, saying that “it is truly difficult for some to look in the mirror” instead of tackling the issue of extremist settlers. (HA 12/14; HA 12/15; ALM 12/17)

Human Rights Watch (HRW) called on the UN Commission of Inquiry to investigate what HRW have found to be organized discriminatory behavior of Israeli law enforcement agencies when dealing with “Jewish ultra nationalist” and Palestinian citizens of Israel during the May 2021 civil unrest. HRW found that Israeli law enforcement used excessive force when dispersing Palestinians in Lydda while “failing to act even-handedly as Jewish ultra-nationalists attacked Palestinians.” (HRW, MEMO, WAFA 12/14)

Israel’s interior minister Ayelet Shaked announced that plans to construct the Trump Heights settlement in the Israeli occupied Golan Heights had advanced. The Trump Heights settlement, named after former U.S. president Donald Trump, will cover 70 acres. The announcement stated that construction of homes, public buildings, industrial zones, and roads can begin. (HA 12/14)

The Knesset passed the 1st reading of a bill that would allow Israeli police to conduct house raids in Israel without a court-issued warrant. An explanatory note to the bill clarified that the bill was intended for the Israeli police to use “in its battle against serious crime, and particularly serious crime in Arab society.” (Knesset 12/14; MEMO 12/15)

The officer of the Knesset granted the leader of United Arab List Mansour Abbas a security detail, as he was receiving a growing number of death threats. (MEMO 12/15)

The UAE said it had suspended talks with the U.S. on buying 50 F-35 fighter jets, citing “[t]echnical requirements, sovereign operational restrictions, and cost/benefit analysis.” The announcement follows U.S. concerns about the UAE’s relationship to China, including the UAE using Huawei 5G technology. The Trump administration had agreed to allow the UAE to purchase the F-35 fighter jets as part of the UAE’s and Israel’s normalization agreement. The UAE announced on 12/3, during a visit to the country by French president Emmanuel Macron, that it would buy 80 French-made Rafale fighter jets and 12 military helicopters. (AJ 12/3; AJ, AP, HA, MEMO, REU 12/14; REU, REU 12/15)

18 Democratic members of U.S. Congress wrote a letter to the Treasury and State Departments asking them to put sanctions on 4 foreign surveillance companies, including the Israeli NSO Group, citing the companies’ assistance in human rights abuses. Among the signatories were Senate finance committee chairperson Ron Wyden (D-OR) and House intelligence committee chairperson Adam Schiff (D-CA). (AJ, HA, MEMO, REU 12/15; +972 12/17)

Italy contributed $2.25 million to UNRWA programming in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and $1.13 million to UNRWA programming in Syria. (WAFA 12/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Burin, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 2 Palestinians were arrested, including 1 during a late-night raid in Dheisheh refugee camp and 1 at a checkpoint. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested, including 2 minors in Silwan and 1 at the Damascus Gate plaza. (WAFA 10/17; WAFA 10/18; PCHR 10/21)

Israel denied a Palestinian citizen of Israel, who had been released after 6 years in Ramon prison, entry into Gaza where her husband and 7 children live. Israel said it denied her entry because she is an Israeli citizen and is therefore not allowed to enter Gaza. The woman was charged with spying on Israel. The woman was later reunited with her family in Gaza on 10/20. (MEE, MEMO 10/18; WAFA 10/20)

An Israeli court in Jerusalem upheld the Israeli municipality’s decision to demolish al-Yusufiya Muslim cemetery in East Jerusalem to make space for a settler Bible park project. Palestinians clashed with Israeli forces last week over the demolition as human remains were found in the rubble of the demolition. (MEMO 10/18)

The Israeli high court of justice postponed the evacuation of settlers cultivating Palestinian land in the Shiloh Valley near Turmus ‘Ayya upon request by Israel’s defense minister Benny Gantz. The settlers will be allowed to work the land until 9/25/2022, when they will receive a plot of land within the Green Line. The justices said the settlers would not be allowed to work the land “except for essential agricultural work to preserve the existing situation.” The high court of justice accepted Defense Minister Gantz’s request, citing the Jewish sabbatical year shmita prohibiting agricultural labor in the ‘Land of Israel’ every 7 years. (HA 10/17)

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), and the Palestinian People’s Party (PPP) said in a joint statement that the PA had stopped paying the 3 parties their monthly stipends to stifle their criticism of the PA. the PFLP, DFLP, and PPP are all members of the PLO. The 3 parties have all publicly criticized the PA’s increase in dialogue with Israel and repression of dissent. (MEMO 10/18)

Israeli authorities said that the military had reprimanded a soldier who used excessive force against 1 Israeli activist demonstrating with Palestinians on 9/17. The soldier will be barred from promotion for 3 years and from attending a commander’s course. (ABC, AP, TOI 10/17)

Israel, Germany, Italy, the UK, France, India, Greece, and the U.S. began a military air exercise dubbed “the Blue Flag.” The exercise is scheduled to run through 10/28. (HA 10/19)

In the West Bank, Israel settlers with military escort raided Madama, leading to confrontations with Palestinians; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces violently dispersed anti-settlement protests in Bayt Dajan and Kafr Qaddum; tear-gas related injuries were reported. 7 Palestinians were arrested, including 7 during late-night raids in Yatta, Halhul, and al-Arub refugee camp, and 1 was arrested at a checkpoint near Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwan. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 3 nautical miles west of Bayt Lahiya, injuring 2 who were treated at a hospital. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Juhur al-Dik; no injuries were reported. In Israel, thousands of Palestinian-Israelis in Umm al-Fahm protested Israeli police brutality directed at the Palestinian community in Israel; the mayor of Umm al-Fahm was threatened by Israeli police before the protest, saying that he would be held responsible for any disorder during the protest. (HA, MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/5; WAFA 3/6; HA 3/7; PCHR 3/11)

The World Bank approved a $15 million grant to help Palestinian municipalities maintain services and hire people affected by COVID-19-related layoffs. (WAFA 3/6)

In the West Bank, al-Ibrahimi Mosque was closed by Israeli authorities for Palestinians from midnight to 10 p.m. 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 3 during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem; 1 was arrested at a flying checkpoint near Salfit; and 1 near al-Ibrahimi Mosque for allegedly carrying a knife. In East Jerusalem, 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Issawiyya. Some 400 Israeli settlers, including Israeli minister of agriculture Uri Ariel, toured the Haram al-Sharif compound; Muslim worshippers were forced to leave al-Aqsa Mosque. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire on Palestinian fishermen; no injuries were reported. (HA, WAFA 9/30; WAFA 10/1; PCHR 10/3)

The Palestinian man who was hospitalized after allegedly being severely beaten during interrogation by the Shin Bet on 9/29 was reported to have suffered broken ribs and kidney failure after the interrogation. The Israeli ministry of justice said it had launched an investigation into whether the Shin Bet interrogators had used “excessive force.” (HA, WAFA 9/29; AJ, HA, WAFA 9/30)

Israeli authorities imposed a closure of all entries in and out of the West Bank and Gaza for Jewish New Year celebrations. The closure will last through 10/1. (WAFA 9/29)

The German city Aachen withdrew a $10,900 prize given to the artist Walid Raad because of Raad’s support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement. Aachen’s mayor said in a statement, “According to research, we have to assume that the designated prizewinner is a supporter of the BDS movement and has been involved in various measures for the cultural boycott of Israel.” (ARTnews 10/1)

In the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in al-Am‘ari refugee camp near Ramallah, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing residents; 6 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 10 Palestinians during raids near Bethlehem, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, and Jenin; and patrol near Hebron. Israeli forces confiscate a vehicle from a Palestinian construction site near Nablus. Along Gaza’s border fence, Israeli forces open fire on Palestinians allegedly preparing to fly an incendiary kite across the fence into Israel; there are no reported injuries. (WAFA 6/13; JP, TOI 6/14; PCHR 6/21)

The UN General Assembly adopts a Palestinian-backed resolution condemning Israel’s use of “excessive force” in quelling the recent protests in Gaza, with 120 votes in favor, 8 opposed, and 45 abstentions. Before the vote, U.S. ambassador to the UN Haley proposes an amendment condemning Hamas for its rocket fire and alleged diversion of humanitarian resources into its security apparatus, but she fails to obtain enough support. (AP, HA, JP, MNA 6/14)

Following the protest in Ramallah on 6/10, the PA temporarily bans public demonstrations “in order to make it easier for citizens to conduct their normal lives [around the upcoming Eid al-Fitr holiday],” according to a PA statement. “It is prohibited to grant permits to organize marches or to establish gatherings that would disrupt the movement of citizens and disturb them.” The move is widely seen as a means of quelling opposition to PA president Abbas. Recent protests have focused on his role in the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Following the announcement, PA security forces violently disperse Palestinians gathering in central Ramallah for another demonstration; there are no serious injuries. (EI, TOI 6/13)

The IDF assassinates Hamas mbr. Khadir al-Husary, firing missiles at his car as he drives through Gaza City, also killing 1 Palestinian bystander, wounding 3 Hamas mbrs. traveling with Husary, at least 20 bystanders. The IDF also sends troops back into Nablus to enforce the curfew there; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis (wounding 1). Some 800 al-Quds University students hold a peaceful sit-in nr. the site where the separation wall will cut through their campus. (HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/2; JP 9/2 in WNC 9/5; PCHR 9/4)

After nearly 3 yrs. of investigation, Israel’s Or Commission issues its report on the use of force by Israelipolice against Israeli Arabs during the 10/00 riots in the wake of the outbreak of the intifada (13 Israeli Arabs were killed). The commission finds that police used excessive force, covered up their actions, refused to investigate civilian deaths, and treated Israeli Arabs as their “enemies.” (HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/2; YA 9/2 in WNC 9/5; MM, WP 9/3, 9/4; JP 9/5 in WNC 9/9; MEI 9/12)

In Gaza and Nablus, 1,000s of Palestinians angry over the PSF's excessive use of force against protesters on 10/8 defy the PA's ban on demonstrations, conduct protest marches, and clash with police again, setting 1 PSF office on fire in Nussayrat camp. Meanwhile, the IDF directs shells, gunfire at residential areas of Gaza City; bulldozes 100 dunams of Palestinian land in al-Qarara, damaging 1 home, destroying 3 tents, plus water and electricity systems. Jewish settlers pour unidentified contaminants in the community drinking well of Yanon village, rendering the water unpotable. (AFP 10/9; JP [Internet], NYT, PMC, WP, WT 10/10; LAW 10/13)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Palestinian dead. A 2d, ailing Palestinian dies at an IDF checkpoint that she was barred fr. crossing to reach a hospital in Nablus. Palestinians detonate 2 roadside bombs nr. IDF convoys in Gaza, wounding 1 soldier. The IDF shells residential areas nr. Bayt Hanun; bulldozes Palestinian land nr. Khan Yunis, Netzarim Junction, Shaykh Ajlin. YESHA settlers council call on the government to assassinate or expel Arafat. (HP 2/26; NYT, WT 2/27; WT 2/28; WJW 3/1; AYM 3/3 in WNC 3/8; MEI 3/9)

The Labor party central comm. votes (67% to 32%, with more than half of the 1,675 mbrs. not voting) to join a unity government led by Likud's Sharon. Likud says it offered Labor 8 cabinet posts (including DM, FM), equal say in determining security and diplomatic policy. (MM 2/26; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/27; HA, MM 2/28; al-Ra'i 2/28 in WNC 3/2; MEI 3/9)

U.S. Secy. of State Powell stops in Saudi Arabia, then heads to Damascus to meet Pres. Hafiz al-Asad, who agrees to funnel Iraq's revenues oil transported through Syria's pipeline to the UN oil-for-food program. (MM 2/26; NYT, WP, WT 2/27; MM 2/28; SA 3/4 in WNC 3/5; MEI 3/9; JT 3/9 in WNC 3/11)

The State Dept.'s annual human rights report criticizes Israel for using "excessive force," committing "numerous serious human rights abuses" against Palestinians; faults PA forces for participating in, or at least failing to prevent, violence. (NYT, WP 2/26; WT 2/28; AYM 2/28 in WNC 3/5; WJW 3/1; MM 3/14)

Arafat returns to Washington to meet with Pres. Clinton, then briefs Egyptian FM Musa. (MM 9/29; MENA 9/29 in WNC 9/30; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/30; MM 10/1)

IDF places 2-day closure on occupied territories for Yom Kippur holiday. (NYT, WT 9/30; MM 10/1; PR 10/2)

1 Palestinian is killed, 2 are wounded in Beitunia, West Bank, when a bomb blows up in their car. PA police say the 3 alleged Hamas mbrs. had just collected a bag they believe to contain weapons, which detonated as they left the rendezvous. Later, the PSF arrests 4 Israeli Arabs in the Hebron area for selling arms to the men. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 9/30; ITV 9/30 in WNC 10/2; PR 10/2, 10/9) (see 9/21)

PA security forces raid a suspected Hamas building in Hebron, find 640 lbs. of explosives. (ITV 9/30 in WNC 10/2; MM, WT 10/1)

Clashes btwn. Israeli Arabs, police in Umm al-Fahm continue for 3d day, spread to Nazareth (Israel's largest Arab city). Arabs throughout Israel strike to protest police brutality. Palestinians Bethlehem also hold solidarity protest, clash with IDF. (MM 9/29; NYT, WT 9/30; MM 10/1; MA 10/1 in WNC 10/2; MEI, PR 10/2; Shihan 10/3 in WNC 10/5; ITV 10/2, 10/3 in WNC 10/6; MM 10/5; JP 10/10; JTV 10/19 in WNC 10/21)

In Washington, Pres. Clinton meets with Netanyahu and Arafat, who agree on essentials of a 13% FRD but differ on "parallel" Palestinian actions to ensure Israeli security. Announce plans for another 3-way mtg. in the U.S. in mid-10/98 to finalize agmt. (MM 9/28; ITV 9/28 in WNC 9/29; HA [Internet], MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/29; Les Echos 9/29 in WNC 9/30; CSM 9/30; al-Akhbar 9/30 in WNC 10/1; WJW 10/1; MEI, MM, PR 10/2; JP 10/3, 10/10)

Arafat returns to New York City to address the UNGA. Under pressure fr. the U.S., he does not mention declaring of a state in 5/99. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/29; CSM 9/30; MM 10/1; MEI, MM, PR 10/2; JP 10/10) (see 9/23)

Fmr. UNSCOM inspector Ritter reveals that for 4 yrs., Israel analyzed intelligence data on Iraq for UNSCOM. (MM 9/28; HA [Internet], WP 9/29; MM, WT 9/30; al-Thawra 9/30 in WNC 10/6; MM 10/1 WP 10/11, 10/12) (see 8/26)

In Umm al-Fahm, Israeli Arabs, Israeli security forces clash for 2d day, with some police firing live ammunition, leaving 11 residents wounded. Town observes general strike to protest police brutality. (MM 9/28; MM, WT 9/29; MEI, PR 10/2; MM 10/5; JP 10/10)

Israeli police free settler who killed a Palestinian boy 9/17. (MEI, PR 10/2) (see 9/19)

Middle East Watch issues human rights report accusing Israel of condoning excessive force against Palestinians, although report claims IDF recently has begun to show more restraint [MEM, LAT 7/26]; IDF rejects findings, saying Israeli Supreme Court has found IDF practices to be legal [JDS 7/25 in FBIS 7/26; FJ 7/30].

Arafat meets in Tunis with EC delegation of foreign ministers from Ireland, Italy, and Luxembourg to discuss Middle East peace process [SVP 7/25 in FBIS 7/26].

Israeli and SLA artillery hits Iqlim al-Tuffah in S. Lebanon; 2 killed, 4 wounded [LAT 7/26; JDS 7/26 in FBIS 7/26; SVP 7/27 in FBIS 7/31; JPI 8/11].

Los Angeles immigration judge refuses to deport Palestinian student Bashar Amer, 1 of 7 Palestinians arrested in January 1987 for subversion. Justice dep't. maintains the 7 (and 1 Kenyan) should be deported because of their alleged association with PFLP. All 8 deny belonging to PFLP [LAT 7/17].

Amnesty Intermational issues its 1990 report detailing human rights abuses for 1989. Amnesty criticizes Israel for excessive force and deliberate killings; report mentions for first time killing of accused collaborators by Palestinians [WP, NYT 7/11]; report is criticized by Israeli Justice Ministry UDS 7/10 in FBIS 7/11].

Soviet ambassador in Tunis gives Yasir Arafat message from Mikhail Gorbachev [KUNA 7/11 in FBIS 7/11; AVP 7/11 in FBIS 7/12].

Due to illness, F.M. David Levy postpones planned Paris meeting with U.S. Sec. of State Baker [JTS 7/10 in FBIS 7/11; MEM 7/11].

Lebanese foreign ministry asks its UN mission to submit strongly-worded complaint against Israel for repeated air attacks in S.Lebanon [BDS 7/10 in FBIS 7/11].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Commercial strike continues in occupied territories; W. Bank shops open for 3 hours [FJ 2/21]. Israel closes Tariq al-Sharara, Hebrew-Arabic newspaper published by Nitzotz/al-Sharara Organization inside the green line [FJ 2/21]. Shin Bet agent is charged with causing death of 'Awad Hamdan while in Jenin prison [LAT 2/19]. Israel imposes new economic restrictions on Palestinians in occupied territories: Palestinians will be required to prove they have paid their taxes before traveling abroad or importing or exporting goods, and transactions of $1,000 or more must be registered [LAT 2/19]. British Labor party leader Neil Kinnock visits Gaza Strip refugee camps, describes strip as "vast slum," and accuses Israeli soldiers of using excessive force [NYT 2/19].

Arab World: Egypt requests death sentence in absentia for Khalid 'Abd al-Nasir, son of late Pres. Gamal 'Abd al-Nasir and accused leader of Egypt's Revolution, in connection with 1984-86 attacks on Israeli and U.S. diplomats. Nasir is believed to be in Yugoslavia [WP 2/18].

Other Countries: At UN, Arab representatives formally request emergency session of Gen. Assembly to discuss U.S. plan to close PLO observer mission [NYT 2/19].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Soldiers break windows and fire tear gas during raid of Shu'fat camp. Clashes are reported in Duhayshah camp, Nablus, Jenin, and Gaza City. Al-Quds reports IDF has begun using new plastic clubs that are less likely to break than wooden clubs [FJ 2/2 1]. Curfews are in effect in Qalqiliyyah, Bayt Ur al-Tahta, Idna, and Balatah, Am'ari, Jalazun, Beach, and Tulkarm camps. Entrances to Ramallah-area village of Kafr Malik are closed [FJ 2/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel announces 100 Palestinians will be released from Gazan detention centers and several soldiers will be disciplined for excessive use of force. Commercial strike continues in many E. Jerusalem communities [NYT 1/30]. Nearly 200 demonstrators march in protest at al-Haram al-Sharif; 6 are arrested for incitement and carrying Palestinian flags [WP 1/30].

Other Countries: U.S. Sec. of State Shultz calls for "new blend of approaches" to Middle East peace process. Nimrod Novik and Simha Dinitz, Israeli Foreign Ministry envoys, arrive in Washington [WP 1/30]. U.S. officials state Attorney Gen. Edwin Meese was told of plan to give money to Israeli Labor party in return for assurances Israel would not attack proposed Iraqi oil pipeline [NYT 1/30].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli officials continue to insist that calm is prevailing in occupied territories. UNRWA workers in E. Jerusalem charge at least 50 Palestinians were injured in military raid of Shu'fat [NYT 1/30]. Worshipers leaving mosques in Am'ari and Tulkarm refugee camps clash with soldiers, who use tear gas to disperse crowds; camps are briefly placed under curfew [FBIS 1/29; WP 1/301. In Jerusalem, 6 Palestinians are arrested on charges of raising Palestinian flags, chanting nationalist slogans after prayers on al-Haram al-Sharif [FBIS 1/29]. Troops use tear gas to disperse demonstrators leaving mosques in Ramallah and al-Birah [FBIS 1/29; FJ 1/31]. Military lifts curfews on Bayt 'Ur al-Tahta and Tulkarm and Am'ari camps [FJ 1/31]. Curfew on Sa'ir is lifted [FBIS 1/29].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Commercial strike continues in E. Jerusalem, Nablus, and Ramallah [FJ 12/20]. Police use tear gas to break up demonstration by Arab and Jewish Hebrew U. students outside P. M. Shamir's residence [FBIS 12/17; FJ 12/20]. Group of 12 Balatah refugee camp residents file complaint against defense minister and military commander of occupied territories in Israeli High Court charging border guards used excessive force in controlling demonstrations [FJ 12/20].

Other Countries: U.S. Senate passes measure temporarily prohibiting denial of visas to and expulsion of foreigners because of their political beliefs; bill also includes provision to close PLO observer mission to UN and PIO in Washington, D.C. [NYT 12/17].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli army sends reinforcements into Gaza Strip. In Jabalya refugee camp, at least 3 Palestinians are shot, wounded when troops open fire on crowd demonstrating atfuneral of youth killed 12/15; about 20 others are arrested. Israeli soldier is stabbed in Rafah; members of patrol open fire, wounding at least 3. Army fails to break general strike [NYT 12/17]. Israel begins using water canons to control demonstrating crowds in occupied territories. Widespread arrests are reported [WP 12/17]. Tire-burning, bottle-throwing demonstrators clash with soldiers in Jerusalem [FJ 12/20].

Arab World: Israeli troops enter eastern Lebanon, battle Lebanese militias, killing 1 [FJ 12/20].