The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers shoot and injure a Palestinian man during a raid in Mukhmas. Israeli forces shoot and kill a 13-year-old Palestinian boy and injure 2 others during a raid in Qabatiya. Israeli forces also shoot and injure 2 Palestinians during a raid in Tubas. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 23 Palestinians in the Old City near the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, Nuseirat refugee camp, Maghazi, and Dayr al-Balah, killing at least 82 people. Israeli forces also open fire at Palestinians waiting to receive aid at the Kuwait Roundabout in Gaza City, killing at least 17. Meanwhile, Israeli forces continue to raid and besiege al-Shifa Hospital. In Sakhnin, Deir Hanna, and Kafr Kanna, thousands of Palestinian citizens of Israel mark Land Day under the slogan “Stop the war on Gaza.” In Tel Aviv, Israeli police violently disperse Israeli anti-government protesters. In Lebanon, a UNIFIL peacekeeping foot patrol is bombed, wounding 4 UN personnel from Chile, Norway, Australia, and Lebanon; Israel denies responsibility. Israeli forces bomb Naqoura, Taybeh, Hanin, Tayr Harfa, Yarin, and Dhayra. Hezbollah forces attack an Israeli military base in Ya’ara with a drone and fire missiles at Kafrchouba, Khirbet Maar, and Raheb. In Jordan, police violently disperse protesters outside of the Israeli embassy for the seventh day in a row. In Yemen, U.S. forces bomb 2 aerial surveillance systems. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/30; AJ, NYT 3/31; HA 4/1; UNOCHA 4/3)

More than 32,705 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 13,400 children and 8,900 women, and around 75,190 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 445 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 112 children. More than 4,700 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 253 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,520 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 78 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. (WAFA 3/30; UNOCHA 4/3)

The Gaza Media Office reports that Israeli forces have killed more than 400 people and destroyed and damaged more than 1,050 homes in and around al-Shifa Hospital during the 13-day siege of the hospital. (AJ 3/30)

The Alliance of Palestinian Forces, which includes Hamas and Islamic Jihad, releases a statement opposing a reported Israeli plan to establish an Arab military force in Gaza. (AJ 3/30; HA 4/1)

Islamic Jihad secretary-general Ziad al-Nakhalah meets with Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Tehran, telling reporters that he promises that “we will be the victors in the war.” (AP 3/30)

Jordanian foreign minister Ayman Safadi, Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukry, and French foreign minister Stephane Sejourne call for an “immediate and permanent ceasefire” after a meeting in Cairo. Sejourne also says his government will put forward a draft resolution at the UN Security Council setting out a political settlement of the war in Gaza. (WAFA 3/30; AJ 3/31)

The Arab Parliament of the Arab League issues a statement marking Land Day, saying Israel is waging “a war of genocide and forced displacement.” (AJ 3/30)

Cuban president Miguel Diaz-Canel demands in a tweet on X that Israel ends “the genocide” in Gaza. (AJ, WAFA 3/31)

A video circulating online shows U.S. representative Tim Walberg (R-MI) saying that no aid should be provided to Palestinians and that Gaza “should be like Nagasaki and Hiroshima” referring to the U.S. nuclear bombings of the 2 Japanese cities during World War II. (AJ, NYT 3/31)

The Guardian reports that the UK government has received legal advice that Israel is breaking international law in Gaza. (AJ, GDN 3/30; AJ, HA, HA 3/31)

50 members of the UK House of Lords and parliament call on the government to reinstate UNRWA funding. (AJ, HA 3/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers burn down a Palestinian home in al-Muarajat. Israeli settlers also try to demolish a home in al-Jiftlik. 3 settlers are injured when gunmen open fire at vehicles near Jericho. Israeli forces shoot and injure 4 Palestinians during a raid in Qalandia refugee camp. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian during a raid in Nablus. Israeli forces arrest 25 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Ramallah, Tulkarm, Jenin, and Salfit. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Rafah, Beit Lahiya, Gaza City, Nuseirat refugee camp, and Jabalia refugee camp, killing at least 62 people. Israeli forces also continue the sieges of al-Shifa and al-Amal hospitals, shooting and killing Sawt al-Quds Radio journalist Muhammad Abu Sakhil at al-Shifa. A Palestinian child dies of starvation at the Kamal Adwan Hospital. In Lebanon, Hezbollah forces attack Israeli positions in Kfarchouba. In Jordan, large protests near the Israeli embassy continue for the fifth day in a row. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb Damascus, injuring 2. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/28; AP, AP, REU, UNOCHA 3/29)

More than 32,552 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 13,400 children and 8,900 women, and around 74,980 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 444 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 111 children. More than 4,700 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 252 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,520 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023, constituting over 60% of all housing units. Reuters reports that Israel is delaying visa requests for aid workers, hindering aid efforts. UNICEF says Israel has directly hit 212 schools in airstrikes since 10/7/2023, including 53 that have been completely destroyed. 7 members of Palestinian Red Crescent are released by Israel after being arrested at al-Amal Hospital on 2/9. (AJ, REU, REU, WAFA 3/28; UNOCHA 3/29)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas approves the new government presented to him by prime minister Mohammed Mustafa. The government will be sworn in on 3/31. The PA says Israel is showing “total contempt” for the UN Security Council ceasefire resolution with its continued attacks on Gaza. Abbas meets with Belgian foreign minister Hadja Lahbib. Lahbib says during a tour of West Bank villages “[c]olonization and increasing violence perpetrated by settlers in the West Bank are illegal. They must stop.” (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, REU, WAFA, WAFA 3/28; HA, NYT 3/29)

Hamas deputy political leader Khalil al-Hayya says he is not optimistic about a ceasefire deal in the near future but that Hamas is ready to resume negotiations and ready to show “the greatest level of flexibility for the sake of our people.” Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades leader Mohammed Deif calls on Muslims to “[s]tart marching today, now, not tomorrow, towards Palestine” in a recorded speech. (AJ, AP 3/28)

Islamic Jihad secretary-general Ziyad al-Nakhalah meets with Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran. (AJ 3/28)

Israel claims to have killed Hamas commander Raad Thabet at al-Shifa Hospital, calling him a top 10 commander. The Gaza Media Office says Israeli forces have killed around 200 people on the hospital grounds since 3/18, including 65 members of the civil defense. The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor says Israel has executed 13 children in and around al-Shifa since 3/18. (AJ, HA 3/28)

The ICJ issues new provisional orders against Israel, including ordering Israel to ensure the unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance to Gaza, including food, water, electricity, fuel, shelter, clothing, hygiene and sanitation requirements, and medical supplies. The ICJ also orders Israel to open up more crossings and keep them open for “as long as necessary.” The ICJ says that since the provisional measures were first ordered on 1/26 the situation in Gaza has changed from a risk of famine to the beginning of a famine. The PA and South Africa welcome the new measures. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AX, HA, HA, REU, REU, WAFA 3/28; AJ, AP 3/29)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu tells families of Israeli soldiers held captive in Gaza that the Israeli military is preparing to enter Rafah. (AJ 3/28)

U.S. military chairperson of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Charles Brown says the U.S. has not provided Israel with all the weapons they have asked for due to a lack of capacity and not being willing to provide certain types of weapons or ammunition. Politico reports that the Department of Defense is exploring creating a fund for a multinational or Palestinian peacekeeping force in Gaza. (AJ, AP, HA 3/28)

The German bank Berliner Sparkasse freezes the account of the Jewish anti-Zionist group The Jewish Voice for a Just Peace in the Middle East and request a list of its members and their addresses. (AJ 3/28)

France will reportedly pursue legal action against French Israeli soldiers implicated in war crimes in Gaza. (HA 3/28)

Japan says it will resume funding of UNRWA after foreign minister Yoko Kamikawa meets UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini in Tokyo. France says it will provide $32.41 million to UNRWA in 2024. Kuwait donates $2 million to UNRWA. (AJ, HA, REU, REU 3/28; AJ 3/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers open fire at Palestinians during a raid in Shaab al-Butum in the Masafer Yatta area; no injuries are reported. Israeli settlers also open fire at 2 commercial structures and an electric transformer in al-Naqura, causing a power outage in the village. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers raid Tuqu’, threatening Palestinian shepherds. Israeli settlers also set up 3 mobile homes in Wadi Rahal. Israeli forces shoot and kill 2 Palestinians after they allegedly shot and killed 1 Israeli settler and injured 10 others on a highway near the Ma’ale Adumim settlement. Israeli forces also bomb Jenin using a drone, killing 2 Palestinians, including a child, and injuring 15 others. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure 2 Palestinians during a raid in Balata refugee camp. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian during a raid in ad-Doha. Meanwhile, Israeli forces detain 2 10-year-old Palestinian boys for 6 hours in Sinjil. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces assault and arrest 2 Palestinians outside of the compound’s Lions Gate. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Jabalia refugee camp, Dayr al-Balah, Rafah, Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Nuseirat refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Maghazi, killing at least 97 people, including 18 people from the same family in a home in Gaza City. 5 patients die at the Nasser Hospital due to the lack of power and oxygen as Israeli forces continue to occupy the hospital. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Kafr Remen, Tayr Harfa, Jbaa, Kafr Kila, Maroun al-Ras, Khiam, Umm al-Tut, and Shehin, killing 4 people in Kafr Remen. Hezbollah attacks an Israeli military building in Kfar Yuval. In the Red Sea, a ship is hit by 2 missiles fired from Yemen. Israel’s Arrow missile defense system shoots down a ballistic missile the Houthi movement says is fired by its forces. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/22; AJ, HA, NYT, REU, UNOCHA 2/23)

More than 29,410 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 12,000 children and 7,200 women, and around 69,465 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 8,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 399 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 102 children. More than 4,530 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 235 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,396 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27/2023. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7/2023. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12/2023 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7/2023, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 42 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. (UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 2/22; UNOCHA 2/23)

Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich issues a statement after meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, saying the government will submit plans for 2,350 new settlement units in Ma’ale Adumim, 300 in the Keidar settlement, and 694 in the Efrat settlement in response the killing of an Israeli settler earlier in the day. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir says Israeli settlers’ right to freedom of movement in the West Bank overrides that of Palestinians’, adding he will further limit the freedom of movement for Palestinians. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA 2/22; HA 2/23)

Israel confirms its forces are building a new road through central Gaza “to move logistics and soldiers.” (AJ 2/22)

Prime Minister Netanyahu presents his post-war plan for Gaza to the Israeli war cabinet, which includes installing “local officials” to govern the area, “maintain an indefinite freedom to operate throughout” Gaza, enlarge the “buffer zone” inside Gaza, and the complete demilitarization of Gaza before reconstruction is allowed to begin. Netanyahu’s plan also includes the permanent closure of UNRWA and the rejection of “unilateral recognition” of a Palestinian state. The Times of Israel reports that Israel has agreed to allow U.S. flour to enter Gaza. (AJ, AX, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA 2/23)

Defense Minister Gallant meets with U.S. National Security Council coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk, saying Israel will expand the authority of Israeli negotiators to reach a prisoner exchange deal in Paris over the weekend. U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby calls the meetings McGurk had with Gallant and Egyptian officials “constructive.” (AX 2/21; AJ, AP, AX, AX, HA, HA, REU, REU 2/22; AJ, NYT 2/23)

Jordanian representatives, including Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, give statements to the ICJ on the fourth day of the hearings on the legality of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, saying Israeli policies and practices show that Israel intends for the occupation to be permanent. Japan’s representative argues that even territory that is not internationally recognized cannot be acquired by force. Ireland’s representative says Israel has committed serious breaches of international law during its occupation. China says the issue of Palestinian self-determination is a UN issue, countering a U.S. argument made on 2/21, and argues that because of the occupation the right to self-defense lies more with the Palestinians than with the Israelis. Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Luxembourg, Malaysia, and Mauritius also present arguments. (AJ, AJ, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 2/22)

UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini writes a letter to UN General Assembly president Dennis Francis, saying Israel is making a “concerted effort” to dismantle UNRWA, including by ordering UNRWA to leave a vocational center in East Jerusalem and pay Israel $4.5 million for using the facility, pointing out that the facility was given to UNRWA by Jordan in 1952. Lazzarini also says Israel is only giving UNRWA staffers visas for 1-2 months, that Finance Minister Smotrich has threatened UNRWA with revoking its tax exemption, that an Israeli bank has blocked the UNRWA account, and that Israeli customs has suspended shipments of goods to UNRWA. (AJ 2/22; AJ 2/23)

The UN Security Council convenes to discuss the situation in Gaza. UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process Tor Wennesland and representatives from Doctors Without Borders brief council members on the situation. (WAFA, WAFA 2/22)

U.S. president Joe Biden says in a tweet that the “overwhelming majority of Palestinians are not Hamas . . . In fact, they’re also suffering as a result of Hamas’ terrorism.” (HA 2/22; HA 2/23)

After a 2-day G20 meeting in Brazil, EU high commissioner for foreign affairs Josep Borrell and Brazilian foreign minister Mauro Vieira say that there is unanimous agreement among the G20 members in support of a 2-state solution. (REU 2/22)

The Houthi movement announces that Israeli, UK, and U.S.-owned ships are banned from the Red Sea. (AJ, AJ 2/22)

Haaretz reports that Israeli forces shot and killed an Israeli citizen and injured his girlfriend on 10/7/2023, mistaking them for Palestinians. (AJ, HA 2/22)

Arafat, Pres. Mubarak hold talks on the peace process in Alexandria. (RE 8/25 in WNC 8/26; RE 8/26 in WNC 8/27)

PM Netanyahu arrives in Japan. (IDF Radio, Kyodo [Tokyo] 8/25 in WNC 8/26; MM 8/26; MM, WP, WT 8/27, CSM 9/3, JP 9/6) (see 8/24)

Saying that the Oslo process must be "redefined," Israeli mayor of Jerusalem Ehud Olmert promises to build additional housing projects, including some in disputed territories. (WT 8/26)

In Bethlehem, the IDF fires tear gas, rubber bullets at Palestinians protesting the continued internal closure. When troops move closer to the PA-controlled area, PA police take up postitions behind walls, baracades. Only when troops pull back, do they intervene to disperse the protesters. (WP, WT 8/26)

IDF demolishes 2 Palestinian homes nr. Bethlehem, 2 nr. Jerusalem for allegedly being built without permits. (LAW 8/25; WP, WT 8/26; IDF Radio 8/26 in WNC 8/27; PR 8/29)

Israeli police, Shabak agents break into the Golan Heights home of Ilham Abu Salih--a Druze who heads a student organization at Damascus University, representing 400 Golani Druze students; arrest her on suspicion of being a Syrian spy. Druze in Majdal Shams stage protests, burning tires, waving Syrian flags. Syria complains to the UN. (al-Anwar 8/29 in WNC 9/4; NYT, WP 9/4; JP 9/6)

After much critism, Labor Chmn. Barak reverses the dismissal of Labor party personnel announced 8/21, saying he erred in abruptly laying off the workers. (MA 8/29 in WNC 9/2; JP 9/6)

As fighting continues in Lebanon, IAF fires rockets at PFLP-GC targets s. of Beirut, causing no injuries. Hizballah detonates a roadside bomb in s. Lebanon, injuring 1 SLA mbr. (QPAR 8/25 in WNC 8/26; CSM, WP 8/26)

Israeli DM Mordechai begins 2-day visit to Washington, meets with Secy. of State Albright, National Security Adviser Sandy Berger, Defense Secy. Cohen. (ITV, YA 4/3 in WNC 4/4; WT 4/4; WT 4/5; MA, SANA 4/6 in WNC 4/8; MM 4/7; JP 4/12; WP 4/14) (see 2/25; Peace Monitor for details)

Citing fears of reprisal attacks, Israel drops bid to extradite Hamas political leader Musa Abu Marzuq. If the U.S. does not deport Abu Marzuq within 60 days of the date he dropped his fight against the extradition order (the U.S. and Israel claim that date is 4/7; Abu Marzuq's lawyers say it was 3/28),it legally must free him. (ITV 4/3 in WNC 4/4; NYT, WP, WT 4/4; al-Ra'i 4/4 in WNC 4/8; NYT 4/6; JP 4/12; MEI 4/18) (see 1/28)

Islamic Jihad's military wing issues leaflet claiming responsibility for the 4/1 bombs, saying Shaykh Shami had been "hasty" in denying the groups responsibility. (NYT 4/4) (see 4/2)

Palestinians, IDF clash nr. Har Homa. (WT 4/4)

Iran says it has 1st-hand information that 4 of its diplomats long believed dead were kidnapped in 1982, are being held in Israel. (IRNA 4/4 in WNC 4/7; WT 4/9)

Lebanon indicts 5 alleged Japanese Red Army mbrs. with passport forgery, illegal entry into Lebanon, forgery of official stamps. The 5 could receive up to 10 yrs. in prison. Japan has been trying to extradite the 5 men to face charges for guerilla activity. (WP 4/4) (see 3/14)

Egypt, Lebanon, Syria link new underwater telephone cable system. (SANA 4/3 in WNC 4/4)

In Moscow, the PA head Yasir Arafat meets with Pres. Boris Yeltsin. (WT 2/19)

Israeli ministerial comm. decides to speed construction of roads in and around East Jerusalem, delays decision on construction of new settlement on Har Homa hill. (MM 2/18; MA 2/18 in WNC 2/20; NYT, WT 2/19; PR 2/21; WJW 2/22)

Israeli police question Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu for 4 hrs. as part of their corruption probe surrounding the selection of Roni Bar-On at atty. gen. (see 1/24, 1/26). (MM, NYT 2/19; MM 2/21; ITV 2/21, YA 2/23 in WNC 2/25; WT 2/22; WP, WT 2/23; ITV 2/24 in WNC 2/26; JP 3/1)

Lebanese security forces announce they have arrested at least 7 people in Lebanon's Biqa` Valley, some of whom are believed to be mbrs. of the Japanese Red Army, incl. the surviving gunman in the 5/72 Ben-Gurion (Lod) airport attack in Tel Aviv. Japan says it will seek extradition of Red Army mbrs. (RL 2/18 in WNC 2/19; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/19; al-Quds al-Arabi 2/19 in WNC 2/20; RL 2/20 in WNC 2/21; RL 2/21 in WNC 2/24; AFP, RL 2/24 in WNC 2/25; RL 2/25 in WNC 2/26; Kyodo [Tokyo] 2/28 in WNC 3/3; RL 2/28, 3/1 in WNC 3/4; WP 3/13)

Israel Defense Forces (IDF), South Lebanon Army (SLA) shell villages in s. Lebanon, killing 1 civilian, wounding 2. Lebanon files complaint with ILMG. (RL 2/18 in WNC 2/19; WP 2/19; RL 2/21 in WNC 2/24)

Israel asks U.S. to pass message to Syria, saying Israeli is ready to resume negotiations without preconditions, is not planning an attack. Syria sends Israel assurances it is not planning a strike either. (IDF Radio 8/21 in WNC 8/23; ITV 8/24 in WNC 8/24; MM, WT 8/22; WT 8/23) (see 8/20)

Japanese FM Yukihiko Ikeda arrives in Cairo on 1st leg of regional tour to discuss renewal of peace process, Japan's contribution to negotiations. (HA 8/22 in IL 8/22)

Jordan lifts curfew on Karak. (RJ 8/21 in WNC 8/23; JT, RJ 8/22 in WNC 8/27) (see 8/20)

SLA announces that several days ago it abducted 2 alleged Hizballah mbrs. during a raid beyond the self-declared security zone in the Biqa`. The pair is undergoing interrogation. (RL 8/21 in WNC 8/24)

Lebanese FM Faris Buwayz calls on the Interior Min. to investigate illegal practices at polling stations during the 8/18 vote. (RL 8/21 in WNC 8/24)

PLO Chmn. Arafat says Israel has raised question of Jerusalem by including it in Washington Declaration with Jordan and demands negotiations on city's status.  Israel rejects Arafat's demand.  (CSM, NYT, WT 8/2)

King Hussein, in London, says he has received "several invitations" to visit Jerusalem, and that he will go there "sometime soon."  (WP 8/3)

Israel-PLO "early empowerment" talks resume in Cairo.  (Qol Yisra'el 8/1 in FBIS 8/2; MENA 8/2 in FBIS 8/3)

Israeli-Palestinian economic talks on implementation of economic agreement held in Jerusalem.  (Israeli Govt. Press Office release 8/2 in FBIS 8/3)

PNA signs agreements with UN, Japan for $4 m. in aid to be used in Gaza housing and sanitation projects.  (WT 8/3)

Syrian newspaper Tishrin rejects Israeli PM Rabin's call for gestures fr. Syria, saying "Israel is the party which should make goodwill gestures and take steps to show it really wants peace."  (WP 8/2)

State Dept. counterterrorism chief Barbara Bodine tells House FA Comm. Clinton admin. "Deeply concerned" over Hizballah penetration of Latin America, says response of regional govts. to U.S. warnings "inadequate."  (WT 8/2)

Lebanese Pres. Ilyas al-Hirawi, in speech on Army Day, praises Hizballah resistance to Israeli occupation of "security zone" as "legitimate," denounces Israeli "false allegation" of Lebanese responsibility for 7/18 Buenos Aires bombing.  (RL 8/1 in FBIS 8/1; WT 8/2)

Israel agrees to U.S. request to send non-military advisers to Haiti after deposition of current regime, but declines to send IDF troops for UN peacekeeping mission.  (NYT, WP, WT 8/2)

Palestinian delegates hold first public meeting with PLO Chmn. Arafat in Amman. (WP 6/18)

Islamic Conference Organization (ICO) concludes 2-day emergency meeting in Istanbul, recommends international military action against Serbia, reaffirms three past resolutions supporting Palestinian people's struggle and Arab-Israeli peace process, and condemning Israeli attacks in S. Lebanon. (FBIS, MM 6/19)

UNRWA announces Japan's grant of Y900 million (about $6.9 million) for purchase of flour for Palestinians. Japan is one of UNRWA's leading donors, contributing over $27 million in 1991. (UNRWA News 6/24)

After shelling of and ground advance toward Nabatiyya, Israeli air force attacks targets in Siddiqin, north of S. Lebanon "security zone." Hizballah unit attacks IDF position in eastern zone, 2 IDF soldiers wounded; SLA expels 5 Shiite families from "security zone." (MM 6/19; Qol Yisra'el, Radio Lebanon 6/18 in FBIS 6/19)

U.S. House of Reps. passes res. 113 hailing "reunification" of Jerusalem, "congratulating" its residents. The 72-cosponsor bill passed the Senate on 7/10. (MEPARC 7/92)

Declaring "Kuwait is liberated" 100 hours after ground war commenced, Pres. Bush orders suspension of offensive military operations against Iraq as long as Iraq does not attack allied forces or launch missiles at any country [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 2/28; CSM 3/1]; Pres. Bush also sets demands on Iraq for permanent cease-fire; complying with all 12 UN resolutions; freeing all POWs and detainees; giving allies location of all land and sea mines. Bush adds he is sending Sec. Baker to Middle East to deal with "the difficult task of securing a potentially historical peace" [NYT, WP, WT 2/28].

Before suspension of hostilities, 4 U.S. Army armored divisions defeat resisting Republican Guard units in large tank battle; Gen. Schwarzkopf says there are more than 50,000 total Iraqi POWs and "a very, very large number" of Iraqi dead [MEM 2/27; NYT, LAT, WP, WT 2/28; MET 3/12]; allied officials and relief organizations discuss what to do with growing number of POWs who do not wish to return to Iraq [LAT 2/28].

Kuwaiti army returns to Kuwait City, is met by cheering civilians; gov't. buildings are reported destroyed by retreating Iraqis [LAT, WP, CSM 2/28].

In Damascus, Pres. Asad meets with Lebanese Pres. Hrawi to discuss Middle East future; thousands of Palestinians in Sidon demonstrate against U.S. [DDS 2/27 in FBIS 2/28; LAT 2/28; MET 3/12].

Congressmen say they fear allies will not follow through on monetary pledges made to U.S. during Gulf war; Congress members are reportedly especially upset at Japan [LAT 2/28].

Egyptian police fire rubber bullets at stone-throwing students at Cairo University where thousands protest war against Iraq for 3d consecutive day [AFP 2/27 in FBIS 3/1; MET 3/12].

Prominent Palestinian nationalist, Dr. Mamdouh al-Aker, is arrested on suspicion of helping to write UNLU leaflets, apparently as part of Israeli crackdown on Palestinian moderates (cf. 4/7) [MEM 2/28].