December 31, 2001

The IDF raids Qalandia, arresting 5 Hamas mbrs.; evacuates, seals a Palestinian school nr. Tulkarm. Ignoring Arafat's cease-fire pleas, the PRCs vow retaliation for the IDF's killing of 6 Palestinians on 12/30. Some 2,000 Palestinians, 300 foreign nationals, and 100s of Israelis take part in a day of nonviolent protests against the ongoing Israeli siege. (AFP 12/31; WT 1/1; LAW, WP 1/2)

Sharon denies Israeli pres. Moshe Katsav's request for permission to appear before the PC and offer a cease-fire bid. (AP 12/31; AP, JP [Internet], WT 1/1; WP, WT 1/2; MA 1/2 in WNC 1/3; HA, MM 1/3; MEI 1/11)