The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces fatally shoot 2 Palestinian children in al-Bireh; Israel claims they threw explosives at a military base. Israeli forces also fatally shoot a 14-year-old Palestinian during a raid in Ein as-Sultan refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces fatally shoot 2 Palestinians near Sa’ir, saying they tried to break through a checkpoint. Israeli forces also shoot and injure 1 Palestinian during a raid in Deir Sammit. Meanwhile, Israeli forces issue stop-work orders for several homes in Furush Bayt Dajan and 2 homes in Duma. Israeli forces arrest 40 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities order owners of 200 homes and other facilities in the Old City to demolish or partially demolish their property, saying they were built illegally after 2015. In Gaza, the telecommunications outage from 1/12 continues for the third day in a row. Israeli forces bomb Beit Lahiya, Dayr al-Balah, Nuseirat refugee camp, Rafah, Gaza City, and Khan Yunis, killing at least 125 people, including 2 Paltel workers trying to restore telecommunications services and 3 relatives of MK Ahmad Tibi in Nuseirat refugee camp. Heavy rain mixed with sewage flood homes and tents in Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Rafah. Near the Blue Line, Israeli forces fatally shoot 4 people in Shebaa Farms; the Alez al-Islami Brigades say the 4 men were members of their organization. A guided missile fired from Lebanon kills 2 Israelis in Yuval. Israeli forces conduct airstrikes 20 miles north of the Blue Line. In the Red Sea, U.S. forces shoot down a cruise missile fired at a U.S. military ship. (HA 1/13; AJ, HA, HA, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/14; HA, UNOCHA 1/15)

More than 23,868 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 16,350 women and children, and around 60,582 have been injured since 10/7. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 345 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 87 children. More than 4,197 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, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 186 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,113 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 69,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 64 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza via the Rafah crossing, while 113 trucks enter via the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing. The Palestinian Prisoner’s Society says Israel has arrested 5,875 Palestinians in the West Bank since 10/7. (AJ, AJ, AP, AX, AX, AX, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/14)

Hamas releases a video of 3 captives who are seen appealing to the Israeli government to stop the attacks on Gaza. Hamas military spokesperson Abu Obeida says the fate of many of the Hamas-held captives is unknown as Israeli attacks may have killed a lot of them. (AJ, HA, REU, REU 1/14; REU 1/15)

The Israeli military releases data on the 100th day of its assault on Gaza, saying it has bombed 30,000 locations, arrested 2,300 Palestinians in Gaza and 2,650 in the West Bank, and killed 9,000 militants in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will keep fighting until “total victory.” (AJ, HA, NYT, WAFA 1/14)

Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz speaks to UAE foreign minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. (AJ, AJ, HA 1/14)

U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby says it is time for Israel to start transitioning to a “lower intensity” operation in Gaza. President Joe Biden marks the 100th day of Israel’s war by releasing a statement that does not mention the killing of Palestinians but instead focuses on the Israelis held captive in Gaza. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also tweets about the captives and does not mention the suffering of Palestinians. (AJ, AP, WhiteHouse 1/14; AJ 1/15)

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi says during a press conference with Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukry in Cairo that there should be an international peace conference to set a timetable for the implementation of a 2-state solution. (HA 1/14)

Axios reports that President Biden’s patience with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is running out, citing unnamed U.S. officials. Biden is said to have spoken to Netanyahu almost every other day since 10/7 until a phone call on 12/23 where Biden ended the conversation in anger over Israel withholding the PA’s tax revenue, not allowing enough aid to enter Gaza, the intensity of the Israeli bombing of Gaza, and the lack of engagement on plans for after Israel’s war. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) tells Axios that “Netanyahu has given Biden the finger” at every juncture and that the Biden administration pleads with Netanyahu but gets “slapped in the face over and over again.” Axios also says Secretary Blinken’s visit to Israel earlier in the week was contentious due to the Israeli refusal to pay the PA its full tax revenue. (AP 1/13; AX 1/14; HA 1/15)

Israeli Channel 12 reports that war cabinet member Gadi Eisenkot pressed the rest of the war cabinet to make a deal with Hamas to free the remaining captives, however, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant reportedly disagreed, saying military pressure is the only way forward. Channel 12 also reports that the Bank of Israel expects the war on Gaza to cost $54 billion between 2023 and 2025. So far, the war has cost Israel $6.6 billion. (AJ 1/14)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with a military escort raided Duma, setting cars on fire and attacking Palestinians. Israeli forces shot and injured a Palestinian with live ammunition who was trying to fend off the settlers. Israeli settlers also set fire to a tent near Kisan; the Palestinian couple who owned the tent were later reported missing. Elsewhere, an Israeli settler attempted to ram Palestinians on a street in Tuqu’. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles traveling west of Jericho, causing damage. Israeli forces also shot and killed a Palestinian who allegedly attempted to ram soldiers at a checkpoint in Hebron using a tractor. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Arroub refugee camp, killing a Palestinian and injuring 1 other with live ammunition. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed a funeral procession in Beit Umar, killing 1 person and injuring 5 with live ammunition and others with baton rounds and tear gas. Israeli forces also shot and injured 2 people with live ammunition and injured 12 others with tear gas in ‘Ayn Bus. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Huwwara, injuring 3 with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at the Jalamah checkpoint, injuring 2 with live ammunition. Separately, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Bireh, injuring 1 with live ammunition and 3 with baton rounds. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters at a checkpoint near Beit Furik, causing tear-gas related injuries. 40 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Hebron, Tulkarm, Nablus, Salfit, Tubas, Qalqilya, and Bethlehem. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting in Isawiya, injuring 1 with live ammunition. In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes killed nearly 200 Palestinians and caused widespread destruction. Near Gaza, Palestinian militants attacked Kibbutz Sa’ad and Kibbutz Be’eri; no injuries were reported. Hamas fired rockets at Jerusalem, hitting targets around the city and in the Gush Etzion settlement bloc, saying it was retaliation for Israeli attacks on civilian targets. Near the Blue Line, mortar shells were fired from Lebanon toward Israel; no injuries were reported. Israel also said it had 3 killed gunmen entering Israel from Lebanon; Hezbollah denied having an active operation into Israel. Islamic Jihad later claimed responsibility. Israel later fired artillery shells at Marwahin and used combat helicopters to attack South Lebanon, killing 5 members of Hezbollah. 3 Israeli soldiers were killed and 5 injured by forces in Lebanon. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, ALM, AP, AP, HA, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/9; AP, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 10/10; HA 10/11)

The Gaza Ministry of Health reported that as of 9:30 p.m. at least 687 Palestinians had been killed and 3,800 injured in Gaza, while 17 Palestinians, including 4 children, had been killed and 295 injured in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7. Israeli media reported more than 900 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 2,616 injured. Israel said it had hit 500 targets in Gaza overnight and 1,100 since 10/7. Hamas said Israeli airstrikes have killed 4 Israeli captives in Gaza. The UN reported that more than 187,518 Palestinians were displaced, including 137,427 sheltering in UNRWA facilities. 790 housing units were destroyed and 5,330 were damaged since 10/7. (AJ, ALM, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/9; ALM, AP 10/10)

The Israeli emergency rescue organization Zaka said that the bodies of 108 Israelis were found in Kibbutz Be’eri as were the bodies of Palestinian militants. Military spokesperson Daniel Hagari said the bodies of 70 militants were found in the town. (HA 10/10; AP 10/11)

Hamas’ Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades spokesperson Abu Obaida said the Qassem Brigades would not negotiate the release of captives while Gaza was being bombarded. Earlier in the day Abu Obaida said Qassam Brigades would begin executing 1 Israeli captive each time Israel bombs a civilian target. There was no indication that the threat was carried out as civilian buildings were being bombed by Israel. Hamas official Moussa Abu Marzouk told Al Jazeera that Hamas is open to discussing a truce and all political dialogue. Hamas leader Ali Barakeh said only half a dozen members of Hamas planned the attack on Israel on 10/7 and none of its allies were informed but Hezbollah and Iran would join the battle if “Gaza is subject to a war of annihilation.” (AJ, REU, REU, REU 10/9; AJ, AP, HA 10/10)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke to Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres, and Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman about the Hamas-Israel war. In a statement, bin Salman’s office said Saudi Arabia “continues to stand with the Palestinian people in their pursuit for their legitimate rights, striving for a dignified life, realizing their hopes and aspirations, and achieving a just and lasting peace.” (AJ, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/9)

Israeli military spokesperson Hagari said Israel had regained control in all communities surrounding Gaza but that Palestinian militants still could be in the area. (HA 10/9)

Reuters reported that Qatar was mediating a prisoner exchange that will see Israeli women and children released by Hamas in exchange for the release of 36 Palestinian women and children from Israeli prisons. Egyptian sources also said that Egypt was in close contact with Israel and Hamas to prevent further escalation, calling on Israel to exercise restraint and Hamas to keep the captives in good condition. (HA, REU, REU 10/9; HA, HA 10/10; HA 10/11)

Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant said that he had ordered that no power, water, food, or gas enters Gaza, saying “[w]e are fighting human animals and we act accordingly.” His office later said Gallant had ordered the intensity of the Gaza bombings to increase. Several Israeli politicians called for the formation of an emergency unity government, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who said the emergency government should “bring about the complete elimination of Hamas and the terrorist organizations in Gaza.” Benny Gantz’s National Unity party demanded that Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir not be part of the war cabinet and that no legislation unrelated to the war would be promoted. (AJ, AJ, HA, REU, WAFA 10/9; AP 10/10)

Axios reported that Israeli prime minister Netanyahu told U.S. president Joe Biden that Israel will invade Gaza. The Washington Post reported that the U.S. is preparing for a prolonged war in Gaza and is assessing Israeli diplomatic, political, and military needs. The White House briefed members of Congress that Israel will need replenishment for the Iron Dome, ammunition rounds, precision-guided missiles, and small-diameter bombs. Biden said in a briefing that 11 U.S. citizens have been killed by Hamas and that there likely are U.S. captives being held in Gaza. The U.S. also said Iran was complicit in the Hamas attack and warned Iran about getting involved in the fighting. Iran denied any involvement or knowledge. (ALM, HA, HA, REU, REU 10/9; HA, REU, REU 10/10)

Egyptian officials said they had warned Israel about an imminent attack from Gaza. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office denied having received warnings. (HA 10/9)

President Erdoğan spoke to Israeli president Isaac Herzog, urging him to end indiscriminate attacks on Gaza. (AJ, ALM 10/9)

The UN Security Council convened a meeting on the situation in Gaza without releasing a statement. Secretary-General Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire and said 137,000 Palestinians were sheltering in UNRWA facilities. Guterres also said he was deeply distressed by Israel’s decision to prevent all power, food, and gas from entering Gaza. (AJ, AP, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 10/9; AJ, HA 10/10)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken deleted a tweet on X in which he said he “encouraged Turkey’s advocacy for a cease-fire.” The tweet was replaced by language that supported Israel’s “right to defend itself.” (HA 10/9)

Hungary, Bulgaria, and Poland evacuated hundreds of their own citizens and European and Israeli nationals from Israel. (HA, HA 10/9)

The U.S., Germany, the UK, France, and Italy issued a joint statement of support for Israel, saying the countries are coordinating to “ensure Israel is able to defend itself, and to ultimately set the conditions for a peaceful and integrated Middle East region.” (AP, REU 10/9; HA, HA 10/10)

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov condemned violence against Palestinians and Israelis and criticized the U.S. for its “destructive policy” of undermining the Quartet by monopolizing Israeli-Palestinian dialogue during a press conference with Arab League secretary-general Ahmed Aboul Gheit. (REU, WAFA 10/9)

The EU, Germany, and Austria said they suspended all aid to Palestinians in response to Hamas’ operation in Israel. None of the aid in question is delivered to Hamas. Later EU countries, including Ireland, France, Spain, and Luxembourg, objected to the EU Commission's decision and EU Crisis Management commissioner Janez Lanercic said the EU aid would continue. (AJ, HA, REU, REU, REU 10/9; AJ 10/10)

The Bank of Israel said it will sell $30 billion of foreign currency to maintain the shekel’s stability in light of the war with Hamas. The shekel had lost 10% of its value compared to the dollar in 2023 before the war. (AJ, ALM, HA, REU 10/9)

EU special envoy Moratinos arrives in Syria. (SANA 6/18 in WNC 6/19)

In Washington, U.S. cosmetics heir Ron Lauder holds confidential mtg. with Syrian Amb. Moualem to discuss ways of restarting the Syrian-Israeli talks, then briefs Secy. of State Albright. Israel's Dir. of Policy Planning Bar-Ilan says that the mtg. was not authorized, but was welcome, by Israel. (MM 7/7)

Israeli finance M Dan Meridor, a Likud mbr., resigns, saying he has lost faith in Netanyahu's leadership, the PM deliberately sabotaged his agreement with the Bank of Israel for currency liberalization. (MM 6/18; Globes [Internet], ITV 6/18 in WNC 6/19; MM, NYT, WJW, WP, WT 6/19; YA 6/19 in WNC 6/20; Globes [Internet] 6/19 in WNC 6/23; ITV 6/19, MA 6/20 in WNC 6/23; Globes [Internet] 6/19 in WNC 6/24; CSM, MM 6/20; WP 6/26; MEI 6/27)

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senate Appropriations Subcomm. chmn., announces that the subcomm. will forward legislation to the full Appropriations Comm. without the annual $2.1 b. in foreign aid to Egypt; says Egypt is obstructing the peace process by refusing to attend multilateral talks, refusing Pres. Clinton's invitation to Washington 9/96, leading the effort to reimpose the Arab boycott, moving closer to Libya. State Dept. says that the administration stands behind its foreign aid request. (al-Wafd 6/20, al-Quds al-Arabi 6/23 in WNC 6/25; WT 6/21; MM 6/25; MM 8/14)

Syrian VP Khaddam arrives in Iran for talks with Pres. Rafsanjani on the peace process, Turkish intervention in n. Iraq, 6/10 House decision. (IRNA 6/18 in WNC 6/19; SA 6/19 in WNC 6/20)

After 11 mos. in office. Turkish PM Erbakan turns his resignation into Pres. Suleyman Demirel, says he is willing to enter a new coalition under Ciller. Legally it is Demirel who must ask Ciller to form a new government; he has not stated if he will abide by the new coalition arrangement. (AFP 6/18 in WNC 6/19; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/19; MEI 6/27) (see 6/13)

UN Secy. Gen. Annan accepts a U.S. deal (passed by the House 6/11, the Senate 6/17) under which the UN would agree to reduce U.S. dues to 20% of the total budget by 1999, reduce U.S. peacekeeping to 25% by 1999, tighten the UN budget, reduce staff in exchange fr. the U.S. paying off $819 m. of its $1.3-b. debt over 3 yrs. The draft legislation must now be approved by the full Congress. (WT 6/19)

In Hebron, IDF clashes with Palestinians for 5th straight day, wounding 5. (MM 5/18; NYT 6/19; MEI 6/27)

In s. Lebanon, 3 SLA soldiers, 1 civilian are killed, 2 civilians are wounded by a roadside bomb. Israel blames Hizballah; responds by making in incursion into Jazzin, far n. of the self-declared security zone, arresting a number of youths, including a Lebanese soldier; submits complaint to ILMG, accusing Hizballah of planting the bomb. (VOL 6/18 in WNC 6/19; MM 6/26; MEI, MM 6/27)

IDF eases closure allowing 28,000 Palestinians fr. the West Bank, 27,000 fr. Gaza into Israel. (MM 4/30; RMC 4/30 in WNC 5/2; NYT 5/2)

In Damascus, EU special envoy Moratinos discusses the peace process with Pres. Asad. (RMC 5/1 in WNC 5/2)

Israeli DM Mordechai hosts Turkey's DM Turhan Tayan. (MM 4/30; IDF Radio, IGPO 4/30 in WNC 5/1; MM 5/1; Anatolia [Ankara] 5/2 in WNC 5/2; WT 5/2; Turkiye [Istanbul] 5/4 in WNC 5/7; VIRI 5/6 in WNC 5/8; JP 5/10; MEI 5/16) (see 2/25, 4/4)

Knesset rejects opening further inquiry into Bar-On affair. (WT 5/3; JP 5/10) (see 4/21)

Israeli dep. finance M David Magen resigns to protest the atty. gen. decision not to indict PM Netanyahu. (ITV 4/30 in WNC 5/1; Globes [Internet] 4/30 in WNC 5/2; MM 5/1)

Palestinian television broadcasts of the PC weekly session are jammed for the 2d wk. in a row. Some PC mbrs. blame the PA, though Arafat's office claims it cannot determine the source of the interference. (Internews [Internet] 4/30; PR 5/16; WP 5/21)

Bank of Israel reports that for the 1st quarter of 1997 tourism has dropped 16%, the economic downturn which began in 7/96 continues. (Globes [Internet] 4/30 in WNC 5/2)

In Jordan, an Israeli tourist is stabbed, lightly injured. Jordanian police arrest perpetrator. (JTV, RMC 4/30 in WNC 5/1; JP 5/10)

Nr. Jerusalem, IDF soldiers open fire on Palestinian car that fails to stop at a checkpoint, killing the driver. (MM 4/30; RMC 4/30 in WNC 5/2; PR 5/2)

Convicted spy Jonathan Pollard petitions the Israeli High Court to order PM Netanyahu to acknowledge that Pollard was employed by Israel to spy on the U.S.; to reveal information regarding his employment, Israeli efforts to have him released. (Globes [Internet] 4/30 in WNC 5/2)

Israeli Maj. Gen. Shahor complains to the PA that it has ignored Israeli approval to reactivate a loading station at Erez crossing which would allow construction materials to enter Gaza; has not improved security at Qarni crossing point as agreed by erecting fences, increasing guards, reducing sized of loads so they may be searched more easily. He complains the PA is not cooperating with Israeli efforts to lift the closure. (JP 3/26 in FBIS 3/26)

Israel's Labor party holds its 1st ever primary to select its slate of MK candidates, excluding candidate for PM, for the 5/29 elections. In a sign of party unity, current Tourism M Uzi Baram is selected over FM Barak and Interior M Haim Ramon to head the list. (MM 3/25, 3/26; QY 3/26 in FBIS 3/27; CSM, MM 3/27; MM, NYT 3/28; WJW 4/4; MEI 4/12)

U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv turns down a visa request from Rabin assassin Yigal Amir's brother and sister, who requested entry to the U.S. to fund-raise for Yigal and Hagai Amir's defense. (QY 3/25 in FBIS 3/26)

Convicted spy Jonathan Pollard cuts short a prison meeting with an Israeli diplomat because he feels the visitor is not high-ranking enough, says U.S. will not deal seriously with his case until Israel does. (WT 3/26) (see 1/24)

Bank of Israel's annual report shows that the government is subsidizing private sector loans with the U.S. loan guarantees. By the end of 1995 $1.7 b. was transferred to private companies, 86 percent of which went to 1 company. (HA 3/25 in FBIS 3/25)

Bilateral talks in Washington adjourn until 11/9. (Qol Yisra'el 10/29 in FBIS 10/29)

Two-day multilateral conference on economics opens in Paris, with World Bank suggesting establishment of Middle East reconstruction bank modeled on similar European bank. Dr. Fayiz al-Tarawina, head of the Jordanian delegation, says the Arab states will reject any joint projects with Israel before withdrawal from the o.t. Syria and Lebanon boycott, London-based businessman Zayn Mi'asi heads the Palestinian team, and Bank of Israel gov. Ya'akov Frenkel heads the Israeli delegation. (Qol Yisra'el 10/29 in FBIS 10/29; MM 10/30)

Chmn. Arafat sends Madrid conf. anniversary messages to leaders of U.S., Russia, China, France, Japan, Austria, Great Britain and Sweden urging them to help remove Israeli obstacles to progress in peace talks. (Akhbar al-Usbu' 10/29 in FBIS 10/29)

Fateh Cent. Comm. mbr. Hani al-Hassan issues statement praising Saudi Arabia's support of the Palestinian cause and the kingdom's treatment of its Palestinian community. (Saudi Arabian TV 10/29 in FBIS 10/30)

King Hassan of Morocco meets with Pres. Asad in Damascus. (MM 10/30)

Israel shells Iqlim al-Tuffah, western Biqa' regions, overflies Sidon and surrounding refugee camps. SLA soldier is wounded in bomb attack north of "security zone," southern Lebanon. (Qol Yisra'el, Radio Lebanon 10/29 in FBIS 10/29)

Housing Min. Benyamin Ben-Eliezer estimates that 50,000 settlers will move into the o.t. over the next year if the approximately 10,000 units now under construction are completed and populated. (MM 7/30)

Israel allows Faisal Husseini's Arab Studies Society to reopen in Jerusalem after 4-year closure. (ITV 7/29 in FBIS 7/30; MM 7/30)

PM Rabin appoints 2 SHAS MKs to dep. min. positions in education and housing. (Qol Yisra'el 7/29 in FBIS 7/31)

Israel and the Vatican pledge to establish diplomatic ties with appointment of joint commission to meet in November. (WP, NYT 7/29)

Manager of Jordan National Bank Tawfiq Fakhuri meets with FM Shimon Peres, Bank of Israel officials, agrees to open a branch in the West Bank. (Al Hamishmar 8/3 in FBIS 8/4)

Secy. of State Baker continues talks with PM Rabin, joined by fin. min. and Bank of Israel gov. concerning loan guarantees. Baker also proposes U.S.-Israeli defense pact in return for Israeli readiness to withdraw from Golan Heights, parallel with Syrian readiness for peace agreement. (Yedi'ot Aharonot 7/21 in FBIS 7/21, 7/23 in FBIS 7/23; NYT, WP 7/21)

Baker then meets with 5 members and advisors of the Palestinian delegation, led by Faisal Husseini and Hanan Ashrawi. Ashrawi says the Palestinians would "tolerate" a near-total settlement freeze, as well as an accountable loan guarantee package. (NYT, WP 7/21)

Palestinian leaders submit memorandum to Baker calling on U.S. to resume dialogue with the PLO and halt all settlement construction in the o.t., including East Jerusalem. (Algiers VOP 7/20 in FBIS 7/21)

PLO Exec. Comm., PNC chairmanship, and general secretariat of Palestinian factions meet in Tunis to discuss Baker visit, Rabin govt., and peace process. (MENA 7/21 in FBIS 7/22)

Islamic resistance fighters attack SLA post in Tayr Harfa, S. Lebanon, damaging 1 tank, killing 1, wounding 4 Israeli soldiers. Israel shells villages of Haddathah, 'Ayta al-Jabal, Haris north of "security zone," conducts helicopter mock raids. (VOL, Radio Free Lebanon 7/21 in FBIS 7/21)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 24 MKs denounce as racist Ariel's decision to make Arab workers wear badges [NYT 6/1]. Knesset Finance Committee approves NIS (new Israeli shekels) 30 million for settlements, roads in O.T., NIS 10 million for Jewish Agency's settlement department [FBIS 6/ 1]. Bank of Israel reports that intifadah cost Israel's economy $650 million in 1988; Israel's trade surplus with O.T. dropped 76% to $42 million; overall exports fell 4.2%; tourism fell 15% [FBIS 6/2].

Other Countries: Amnesty International reports that Israel has detained 5,000 Palestinians without charge or trial since beginning of uprising [NYT 6/1].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops open fire, kill 20-year-old Palestinian, wound 3 in Khan Yunis [LAT, NYT 6/1]. In Tel Aviv 18-year-old Palestinian from Nusayrat dies from wounds received 5/30; 15-year-old Palestinian dies from wounds received 2 weeks earlier [FBIS 5/31, NYT 6/1]. An additional 13 Palestinians are injured in Gaza; at least 4 Palestinians in W. Bank [FBIS 6/1]. Arab World: Israeli warplanes bomb Hizballah, Abu Nidal bases near Beirut; 5 guerrillas are killed, 3 injured [LAT 6/1]. IDF troops shoot, kill 3 guerrillas in south Lebanon, several members SLA reported killed [FBIS 5/31, MET 6/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: O.T.'s trade deficit with Israel is cut by 66% in 1988, according to Bank of Israel UP 2/18]. Curfew is imposed on Tulkarm. Israel lifts night curfew imposed on Gaza Strip in order to allow workers to leave Gaza during upcoming 3-day strike [FBIS 2/21]. Tourism in Israel drops 14% in 1988 [NYT 2/19].

Arab World: Soviet F.M. Shevardnadze meets with Syrian pres. Asad [NYT, WP 2/19]. 50 intemational delegations meet in Sanaa, N. Yemen for conference sponsored by Yemeni Council for Peace and Solidarity to discuss Palestinian uprising, nuclear weapons, development, security [AYA 2/27]. Faruq al-Qaddumi meets with U.A.E. pres. Nuhayyan [FBIS 2/23].

Military Action Occupied Palestine/Israel: 14-year-old Palestinian from Rafah dies from wounds received 2/13 [FJ 2/27]. In E. Jerusalem 21-year-old Israeli is stabbed, killed by Palestinian [FBIS 2/21, FJ 2/27]. At least 6 Palestinians are wounded by Israeli troops on W. Bank [FJ 2/27].

Arab World: Israel shells UN peacekeeping patrol in Israeli-imposed security belt in S. Lebanon; 2 Norwegian soldiers are wounded [FBIS 2/21, MET 2/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: F.M. Shamir denies involvement in cover-up of Shin Bet's activities in connection with killings of 2 Palestinians in April 1984 [BG 6/4]. Bank of Israel reports that 17,500 Israelis emigrated in 1985, against 12,500 new immigrants; second time since 1948 (1981 was other time) that net immigration negative [AFP 6/3]. Ten ultraorthodox Jews arrested in Jerusalem for damaging bus shelters carrying swimwear advertisements [JTA 6/4]. Israeli troops raid al-Najah University, beating 2 students, arresting 20, confiscating research material and nationalist literature [JP 6/5; FJ 6/6]. Israeli troops shoot into demonstrating crowd in Balata camp, wound 13-year-old Samir Shakir [FJ 6/6].

Arab World: King Hussein meets with Pres. Mitterrand in France.

Military Action

Arab World: Sunni February 6 militia continues to fight Amal in West Beirut, diverting Amal from battle for control of Palestinian refugee camps [WP 6/4]. Seventy are estimated dead, 750 wounded.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli magistrate's court in Haifa remands 10 Palestinians from inside the Green Line who are alleged to have been organized in the Palestinian resistance movement and to have killed an Israeli soldier in August 1984; some of the detainees have travelled to Cyprus and are alleged to have continued on to Syria for military training, as well as being members of the PFLP [FJ 4/25]. Yesh Gvul (There Is a Limit) organization holds press conference in West Jerusalem announcing their refusal to serve in the occupied territories [FJ 5/2]. Moshe Mendelbaum, governor of the Bank of Israel, states he will resign within 30 days; Giora Gazit, chairman of Bank Hapoalim, announces his resignation [WSJ, MG 4/22]. The number of West Bankers working inside the Green Line declined slightly last year to 47,000 each week, down from 50,000 weekly during the previous year; the number of Gazans working inside the Green Line increased from 41,000 to 42,000 weekly; the work force in the occupied territories reached 251,000 weekly last year, a 2% rise from 1984 [JP 4/21].

Arab World: PFLP announces 13 guerrilla organizations held a secret conference in Damascus last week and decided to escalate attacks against U.S. targets to avenge air strikes on Libya; the groups included the 6 Palestinian factions making up the Palestine National Salvation Front, as well as 7 unidentified "liberation movements," according to the source [JP 4/22]. Druze leader Walid Jumblatt denies meeting with Israeli Defense Minister Yitzhak Rabin in Geneva in February, as was reported by Agence France Presse [JP 4/22].

Other Countries: P.M. Peres meets in Paris with French Pres. Francois Mitterrand and P.M. Jacques Chirac for talks on terrorism and Peres' proposal for a M. E. Marshall Plan [JP 4/22]. U.S. Justice Dept. notifies Congress it does not plan to seek prosecution of Yasir Arafat for the murders of 2 U.S. diplomats on 5/2/73 [WP, BG 4/22]. U.S. State Dept. has appealed ruling by U.S. district judge allowing PLO Permanent Observer to the UN Zuhdi Tarzi to travel to Cambridge, Mass. for a debate despite State's travel ban on Tarzi, on grounds it would lend legitimacy to the PLO [BG 4/22].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jewish Telegraphic Agency reports 4 more Palestinians have been served deportation orders: Hasan Mahmud Ahmad al-'Amudi and Jalal Hafiz Hisham 'Azayzah, both from Gaza, and Mahmud Fanun, from the West Bank, are charged with working for the PFLP; Adnan Ghanim, from Hebron, is charged with infiltrating from Jordan [JTA 1/28]. Bank of Israel announces Israel's foreign debt totalled $23.915 billion at end of last September [JP 1/28]. Kalandiya refugee camp residents attack soldier, try to steal his weapon after he hits a woman, girl with army vehicle while dodging stones thrown at him; police launch investigation into incident [JP 1/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Citizens' Rights Movement holds press conference, claims it has evidence that dozens of signatures of West Bank landowners have been forged on land sale documents. A letter from the CRM and the contents of their file on the topic have been handed over to Attorney General Yitzhak Zamir. An unpublished section of the State Comptroller's 1983 annual report said as much as 12,500 acres in the West Bank may have been acquired illegally [PI 8/23]. Israeli Cabinet decides to proceed with development and production of the Lavi jet fighter [JP 8/23]. Defense Minister Yitzhak Rabin states Israel is actively looking for American partner to help produce the plane UP 8/22]. The Bank of Israel announces Irael's foreign debt decreased by $690 million between September 1984 and March 1985 UP 8/22].

Arab World: Egypt vows to "spare no effort" in its search for the assassins who killed an Israeli diplomat yesterday [CT 8/22]. Several suspects are arrested. Security at the Israeli embassy istightened [JP 8/22].

Other Countries: Spain announces it will establish formal diplomatic relations with Israel before autumn 1986 [JTA 8/23]. The Daily World reports on the New Jewish Agenda conference held in Ann Arbor, Michigan at the end of July, states it took a strong stand on "mutual recognition by Israel and the Palestinian people of the rights of each to national self-determination" [DW 8/21].

Military Action

Arab World: Shelling in Beirut continues; Syria indicates readiness to take provisional steps toward achieving a cease-fire. At least 42 are reported killed; Beirut airport is closed because of shelling [WP, NYT 8/22]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli army evicts 7 MKs from apartment in Hebron, declares area "a closed military zone." The 7 leave but promise to appeal legality of eviction to the High Court [NYT 8/21]. Inspector General David Kraus, Plia Albek, a senior Justice Ministry official responsible for land registration, ad Bank of Israel Governor Moshe Mandlebaum appear before Knesset State Comptroller Committee for largescale investigation into land fraud cases begun by police after upsurge in complaints following arrest of several West Bank judges early in summer on bribery charges [JP 8/21]. Ahmad Odeh, wealthy West Banker, was arrested last week on charges of involvement in illegal land sales. Al-Fajr reported he contributed $30,000 to the Likud election campaign last year [JP 8/20].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Booby-trapped car is detonated minutes before it explodes at central bus station in Netanya. Police round up 100 Palestinians in the vicinity. A telephone caller claims responsibility for Fateh's Force 17 [FJ 8/23].

Arab World: Israeli diplomat Albert Atrakchi, 30, an administrative attache, is killed and 2 embassy employees wounded when 3 men spray their car with kalashnikov assault rifles in Cairo. "Egypt's Revolution" takes responsibility, threatens attacks until all "Israeli colonialists" leave Egypt [NYT, WP, JP 8/21]. Amal militia and the sixth brigade of the Lebanese army attack Burj al-Barajinah and Shatila with heavy bombardments; 24 refugees are injured [FJ 8/25]. Unidentified jets raid Hazerta village in the Biqa' Valley. Israel denies responsibility [JP 8/21]. Car bomb explodes in Tripoli, killing 44 and wounding 90. Caller claims responsibility on behalf of the Revolutionary Christians of the Cedars [NYT 8/21]. In Beirut, 40 are reported killed and 143 wounded in round-the-clock fighting between Christian and Muslim militias [NYT 8/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gaza artist Fathi Ghabin released from prison after serving 4 of 6-mo. sentence for "incitement" through his painting. Religious, intellectual and political personalities from all Palestine conclude 2nd annual Arab Christian and Muslim Heritage Conference at Theological Center for Ecumenical Studies in Tantur (Bethlehem), calling on educational institutions to raise level of Arabic instruction, and teach elements of Islamic and Christian religions. Shimon Peres and Yitzhak Shamir report "serious obstacles," particularly issue of West Bank settlements, block formation of unity government. Bank of Israel announces foreign currency reserves dropped by US$192 million in August [total reserves now US$2.4 billion; US$3 billion needed to cover 3 mos. basic commodity imports].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli soldier wounded dismantling bomb at "Voice of Lebanon" radio station at Lebanese border.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Residents of 'Ain Yabroud and Silwad villages regain land from Ofra settlers upon presenting deeds to Ramallah district military authorities. Bank of Israel devalues shekel (by 1%) for second consecutive day.

Arab World: PLO reconciliation talks in Aden produce tentative political agreement between Fateh and the Democratic Alliance (DFLP, PFLP, PLF and the Palestinian CP). 3 UNRWA officials flee Lebanon after receiving death threats.

Other Countries: US Senate approves FY 1985 aid package for Israel: $1.2 billion economic, and $1.4 billion military aid.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bank of Israel devalues shekel by 2.6%.

Other Countries: UN Regional Symposium on the Question of Palestine opens in New York. Israeli MK Rabin meets US Sec. of State Shultz to discuss ways of dealing with Jordan.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Labor alignment election headquarters in Mizpeh Ramon set ablaze. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Residents of al-Jib, Ramallah district, present land deeds proving 154 dunums falsely registered in name of land broker. Israeli bulldozers destroy 7 dunums of cucumbers in Rafah; authorities claim Palestinians must sign rental contract with state to farm village land. Nablus court sentences Jenin resident to 31/2 yrs. for throwing stones, writing slogans. Gaza farmers complain to Israeli tax dep't. for exacting monthly taxes in advance. Settlers break into Sa'ir secondary school, shooting in air, arresting 2 students on stone-throwing charge. As acting DM in Arens' absence, PM Shamir outlaws Arab-Jewish "Progressive Slate for Peace" (formed 5/31/84). Following Zorea Commission report, Att.-Gen. Zamir appoints civilian-military committee to investigate murder of commandos (4/12/84). Bank of Israel estimates Israel's war in Lebanon has cost $900 million to date (Haaretz). Military occupation authorities issue order No. 1 108 increasing sentence for stone-throwing to maximum 20 yrs.

Other Countries: The Jewish Press donates $26,000 to defense of the Jewish terrorist suspects.

Military Action:

Heavy artillery and rocket exchanges between Christian and Druse militias, shells fall on beaches north of Beirut.

Casualties:

7 IDF soldiers wounded in attack on APC; IDF shoots, kills 2 passengers in car that fails to heed roadblock south of Beirut, military commission appointed to inquire into incident.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Bank of Israel statistics show foreign debt has reached record $21 b., highest per capita in the world; 200 armed settlers hold rally in Hebron, call for Jewish settlement in center of all Arab towns.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat returns to Tunis from 3-day visit to Iraq, meets Cubans on mediating mission between Syria and Fateh.

Military Action:

IDF moves into Chouf to disengage Phalange and Druze militias after cease-fire broken, heavy shelling resumed as Shultz's plane leaves Beirut; bomb explodes as IDF vehicle passes near Damour; IDF reported to have built 4 new bases along road between Tyre and Israeli border.

Casualties:

6-12 killed, 22-29 wounded in renewed shelling of East Beirut, 36 killed, 125 wounded in last 4 days; 7 IDF soldiers wounded near Damour; IDF casualty figures for April were 7 soldiers killed, 18 wounded in 28 attacks.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Chief of Staff Levy tours IDF positions in South Lebanon, says Israel must prepare for possibility of direct fighting on all fronts if Syria does not accept the withdrawal agreement; Defense Minister Arens says it would be wise to give Syria time to make a decision; Bank of Israel reports the foreign debt increased by almost 15% in 1982, from $18.2b to $20.9b, with repayments due in 1983 of $1.2b interest and $4.5b principal; 18 additional injunctions provided to police to bar construction company working on Elkana D settlement near Bidya, first time police have undertaken to enforce local court order against settlement developers; deans and academic officers at al-Najah University resign after Islamic students' bloc and outside supporters hold rally on campus in defiance of university regulations.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO Executive Committee meets in Damascus to discuss Israeli-Lebanese agreement.

Arab Governments: Syrian President Assad meets King Fahd in Jeddah; Jordanian authorities turn back large numbers of Palestinian men between ages of 16 and 26 seeking to cross from West Bank to Jordan with Israeli permits requiring them to remain outside for 9 months, Jordanians do not allow stays of more than 30 days.

US and Other Countries: Shultz travels from Jeddah to Jerusalem and then to Beirut, meets Israeli and Lebanese officials, departs for Paris.