The Palestine Chronology

In response to mortar fire on settlements in Gaza and across the border into Israel, which cause no damage, the IDF raids Bayt Hanun, bulldozing 5 Palestinian homes, 3 PSF posts, the local Fatah headquarters and killing 4 Palestinians, wounding 70, arresting 15 before withdrawing. After troops fatally shoot a 5th Palestinian allegedly attempting to infiltrate a Jewish settlement in Gaza, the IDF sends tanks into Rafah. The IDF also bulldozes the Nablus-Tubas road; confiscates a Palestinian home in Ramallah as an IDF outpost; breaks into the Voice of al-Quds radio station, damaging equipment, confiscating broadcasting gear; fires at a Red Crescent ambulance, wounding the driver; reinforces positions outside Bayt Lahia, Jabaliya. The PA closes 4 Hamas, Islamic Jihad offices in Gaza. (NYT, WP, WT 12/16; LAW, PCHR 12/19; MEI 12/21)

The IDF cuts electricity to Gaza City, Ramallah; sends tanks and F-16s to shell the control tower at Gaza airport, the PA headquarters in Gaza City and Ramallah (Arafat is unharmed), the PA naval police offices in Bayt Lahia, and PSF and Fatah offices nr. Gaza City, Ramallah, and Jinin; blows up the main radio, TV transmitters in Ramallah; bulldozes the Palestinian Media Center offices in Ramallah; occupies the home of Fatah tanzim leader Marwan Barghouti (who is not there at the time); makes incursions into PA-controlled areas of Bayt Hanun, Bayt Lahia, Beitunia, Jinin, Nablus, Ramallah, Sudaniyya, Tulkarm, al-Zahra; bulldozes Palestinian land in Rafah. A total of 4 Palestinians are killed during the day; shells strike the Friends Boys School, damaging 3 classrooms. In Gaza City, 2 Israeli missiles land nr. a mosque while Hamas spiritual leader Shaykh Yasin, Hamas spokesman Mahmud Zahar are inside. Israel declares that the Zinni cease-fire talks are over, though Zinni had already planned to leave on 12/14 for Jordan and Egypt, then return to Washington. (AP, HP, MM, NYT, WP 12/13; MENA 12/13 in WNC 12/14; JP, HA, HP, NYT, WP, WT 12/14; HA 12/16; LAW, PCHR 12/19; MEI 12/21)

Israel resumes attacks on PA targets, with F-16s dropping bombs on a PSF post in Gaza, injuring 18 Palestinians. Under the force of continued Palestinian demonstrations, PSF pulls back fr. Shaykh Yasin's house. The NIHC ultimately brokers an informal agmt. btwn. Hamas and the PA under which Yasin agrees to observe a "voluntary house arrest," leaving only to go attend prayer services at a nearby mosque. Sharon claims PA is not making a serious effort to arrest wanted Palestinians. In Gaza, Palestinians fire 6 mortars at 2 Jewish settlements and toss grenades at an IDF post, causing no injuries. The IDF returns fire killing 1 Palestinian; a 2d Palestinian dies of a heart attack at an IDF checkpoint when soldiers refuse him passage to a hospital. A Palestinian woman gives birth at an IDF checkpoint when soldier refuse to let her ambulance pass. Fatah stages a pro-Arafat rally in Gaza, but only 1,000 Palestinians take part. (NYT, WP, WT 12/7; al-Quds 12/7 in WNC 12/11; MM 12/10; IRNA 12/10 in WNC 12/12; NYT 12/21)

Egyptian FM Ahmad Maher meets with Sharon, Arafat in a new cease-fire effort, presses Israel to relax its demand for a 7-day quiet period. Instead, Sharon hands Maher a list of demands to transmit to Arafat. U.S. envoy Zinni, still in the region, also meets with Arafat today. (HA 12/6; MENA 12/6 in WNC 12/7; WT 12/7; MENA 12/7, 12/9 in WNC 12/11; AKH 12/13 in WNC 12/17; MEI 12/21; MEI 2/8; al-Majallah 2/9 in WNC 2/11)

Upon his return fr. the U.S. Sharon meets with his security cabinet, then his full cabinet to discuss how to respond to the 12/1+n2 attacks. The full cabinet votes to declare the PA "an entity that supports terrorism," adds Force 17 (Arafat's "presidential guard") to its list of terrorist groups, authorizes Sharon to escalate military action. FM Shimon Peres, other Labor MKs walk out of the cabinet mtg. in protest but do not formally withdraw fr. the governing coalition. (AP, CNN, HA, MM 12/3; MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/4; MM, WJW 12/6; MEI 12/7; MA 12/7 in WNC 12/12; WP 12/9)

While the cabinet meets, the PSF continues to arrest mbrs. of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, risking confrontations with hostile Palestinian crowds. Arafat also orders the arrest of Hamas spiritual leader Shaykh Ahmad Yasin, but when PSF officers arrive around midnight, crowds of Palestinians force them to retreat. The PSF says it has arrested more than 100 Palestinians since 12/2. Arafat asks Peres for a 4-day grace period, during which he vows he would crack down on opposition groups. Israel refuses, dismissing the arrests as a "show for international consumption." The U.S. says the PA must "root out the infrastructure of the groups that support terrorists." (HA 12/3; NYT, WP, WT 12/4; AKH 12/4 in WNC 12/5; MEI 12/7; MA 12/7 in WNC 12/11; WT 12/10)

Soon after the cabinet mtg., the IDF launches air raids against Arafat's headquarters and other PA sites around Gaza City, destroying the PSF barracks, Arafat's 2 personal helicopters, injuring 12 Palestinians; sends tanks into Gaza airport to bulldoze runways; sends troops into Ramallah to surround the PA's West Bank headquarters, where Arafat is staying. In Jinin, U.S.-supplied F-16s destroy the Palestinian governate building, jail, PSF headquarters. The IDF also fatally shoots 1 Palestinian nr. Jinin; raids Beitunia, attacking several homes and arresting an Arafat adviser, several Islamic Jihad mbrs. In Bethlehem, Fatah mbrs. Rafat al-Bajali and Nidal al-Dirbani, both on Israel's wanted list, are killed in a mysterious explosion thought to be an IDF assassination. The White House spokesman Ari Fleischer says Israel "obviously has the right to defend itself. The president understands that very clearly." (AFP, AP, CNN, HA 12/3; XIN 12/3 in WNC 12/4; MENA 12/3, AN, MA 12/4 in WNC 12/5; HA, HP, NYT, WP, WT 12/4; HP, LAW 12/5; AYM 12/5 in WNC 12/7; AYM 12/6, al-Safir 12/7 in WNC 12/11; MEI 12/7; WJW 12/14; MEI 12/21)

In Jinin, the PSF arrest senior Islamic Jihad mbr. Mahmud Tawalbi, who is wanted by Israel. The arrest sparks riots in Jinin, with some 3,000 Palestinians, including local Fatah tanzim mbrs., firing guns and throwing grenades at PSF offices, burning cars; 1 protester, 1 PSF officer are injured. A Palestinian in Tulkarm dies of kidney failure after the IDF bars him fr. crossing a checkpoint to reach a hospital. The IDF directs heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Khan Yunis. In a gesture to mark the start of Ramadan, Israel extends the Palestinian fishing area to 12 mi. off the Gaza coast, releases 30 Palestinian prisoners, resumes prison visits in Israel for Palestinian families in the West Bank. (MM 11/14; JP [Internet], HA, NYT, PCHR, WP 11/15; WP 11/19; MEI 11/23)

Israel cuts off all contact with the PA; gives Shin Bet, the IDF the "green light" to step up assassinations. Some MKs say Sharon should banish Arafat fr. the West Bank, Gaza. The PA arrests 3 PFLP leaders, but says it has not identified Ze'evi's assassins, will not extradite them to Israel once it does. Israel says if the killers are not extradited, it will treat the PA as a sponsor of terrorism. (The State Dept. refuses to back Israel's extradition demand.) Sharon declares that "Arafat has 7 days to impose absolute quiet in the territories. If not, we will go to war against him. As far as I'm concerned, the era of Arafat is over." (HP, MM 10/18; MENA, XIN 10/18 in WNC 10/19; NYT, WP, WT 10/19; MM 10/23)

The IDF reoccupies areas A in Jinin, Nablus, and Ramallah, sending in tanks and troops, shelling buildings, killing 3 Palestinians. In Bethlehem, 3 Palestinians, including Fatah tanzim leader Atif Ubayyat, 1 of Israel's most wanted, are killed when an explosion destroys their car. The deaths, which Palestinians claim were an assassination, spark a serious gun battle around the city; Palestinians in Bayt Jala also fire a mortar at Gilo for the 1st time in 2 mos., causing no damage. Palestinian gunmen fire on a group of Jewish settlers hiking in the Jordan Valley, killing 1 Jewish settler, wounding 2. (HP, MM, PMC 10/18; AP, HP, NYT, WP, WT 10/19; WP 10/20; PCHR 10/24)

A Palestinian gunman dressed in an IDF paratrooper uniform opens fire at the Afula bus station inside Israel, killing 3 Israelis, wounding 7 before being fatally shot by police. In Hebron, the IDF fatally shoots 1 Palestinian, wounds 3 others; shells residential areas of the PA-controlled section of the city. The IDF also directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Bayt Lahia, al-Qarara (where soldiers occupy a residential building as an outpost). In Bethlehem, a mysterious explosion seriously injuries senior Fatah mbr. Rami Kamel. (HA, IGPO 10/4; HP, LAW, NYT, WP, WT 10/5; MEI 10/12; LAW 10/13)

Angered by continued U.S. pressure on Israel to exercise restraint toward the Palestinians while Washington builds its coalition against Bin Laden, Sharon accuses the U.S. of sacrificing Israel to "appease the Arabs" the way Britain sacrificed Czechoslovakia to Hitler in 1938. The Israeli cabinet authorizes the IDF to "take all necessary measures" to defend Israeli citizens. (BBC 10/4; AFP, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/5; MA, NYT 10/6; JT, al-Quds 10/7, AKH 10/8 in WNC 10/9; MM 10/8; AN 10/10 in WNC 10/11; MM 10/11; MA 10/11 in WNC 10/12; MEI 10/12; MM 10/25; ITAR-TASS 10/24 in WNC 10/25)

In response to Islamic Jihad gunfire in the Jordan Valley that leaves a Jewish settler dead, Peres sides with Sharon against holding a mtg. with Arafat. Fatah tanzim leaders, a senior mbr. of the Fatah-linked AMB state that, despite Arafat's recent calls, they will continue to view the IDF and settlers in the West Bank and Gaza as legitimate targets. Palestinians fire 1 mortar at a Jewish settlement in Gaza, causing no damage. Israel's new 18 mi. buffer zone along the Green Line n. of Jerusalem goes into effect. The IDF bulldozes 20 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Oranit settlement; declares the Hebron market a closed military zone; begins work on a new settlement bypass road to Kefar Darom, damaging agricultural land, water networks belonging to Dayr al-Balah residents; conduct arrest raids in villages around Bethlehem, Qalqilya, Salfit; confiscates 1 Palestinian home in Harmala for use as an IDF outpost; reinforces the closure on Jinin. (HP, Los Angeles Times [Internet], MM 9/24; CNN, HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/25; al-Quds 9/25 in WNC 9/26; MEI 9/28)

The U.S. freezing assets of 27 individuals, organizations with reported links to Bin Laden; threatening to freeze U.S. assets of foreign financial institutions that do not follow suit. Affiliates of Hizballah, Palestinian opposition groups are not included. (NYT, WP, WT 9/25)

The U.S. says it has more evidence linking Bin Laden to the 9/11 attacks. Laying the groundwork for a military response, Bush labels the attacks "acts of war," begins to rally "an international coalition to combat terrorism." The U.S. presses Pakistan in particular to cooperate with any U.S. military action against neighboring Afghanistan, Bin Laden's base of operations. Congress adopts (100-0 in the Senate, 408-0 in the House) a joint resolution that the admin. says frees the White House from having to seek a formal declaration of war to carry out military action. (AP 9/12; NYT, WP, WT 9/13; MENA, al-Ra'i 9/13 in WNC 9/14; Dawn [Islamabad] 9/17; MM 9/19; MEI 9/28)

Israel sends 22 tanks into Jinin and nearby Arraba and Tamun. Tanks shell targets while F-15s, F-16s drop bombs, killing 8 Palestinians, wounding 50, leveling the PSF headquarters and 2 Force 17 office in Jinin, 2 PSF offices in Arraba and Tamun. Among the dead are 3 suspected Islamic Jihad mbrs. who barricade themselves in a building in Arraba during an IDF arrest sweep, are killed when the IDF shells the building. IDF soldiers also open fire on 2 taxis nr. Gaza's al-Mahatin Junction, killing 2 Palestinians, injuring 8; arrest Palestinian Council (PC) mbr. Ahmad Zagayr (Fatah) in his Jerusalem office, take him to the Russian Compound prison; direct heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of al-Khadir, Khan Yunis; bulldoze Palestinian land for a new settler bypass road to Gush Katif; reinforces troops around Nablus; conduct arrest raids in Arraba, Hizma. A Jewish settler is killed by a Palestinian sniper nr. Qalqilya. (HP, MEZ, MM 9/12; AP, MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/13; MENA 9/13 in WNC 9/14; al-Quds 9/13, SA 9/14, al-Majallah 9/16 in WNC 9/17; WP 9/14; PMC 9/15; MEI 9/28)

In an apparent assassination attempt on senior Fatah official Muhammad Mansur, the IDF fires rockets into the Fatah headquarters in a residential area of Ramallah, causing no injuries. Mansur left the building just before the attack. Nr. Rafah, an explosion in a building known to be used by tanzim mbrs. leaves, 1 tanzim mbr. dead, 1 injured; the tanzim accuses Israel of carrying out an assassination. Israel admits to the attempt on Mansur, but denies staging the Rafah incident. The IDF directs shells/heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Bayt Hanun, al-Bireh, Dura, Nablus, Rafah; closes roads around Khan Yunis, the al-Mawasi area; occupies a Palestinian home in al-Khadir; raids, shuts a secondary school in Baqa` al-Sharqiyya; conducts arrest sweeps in Burqa, Jinin, al-Khadir, Tulkarm, Yabid. Armed Jewish settlers fire on Palestinian shops in Hebron, causing serious damage but no injuries; IDF soldiers do not intervene. (HP 9/8; WP, WT 9/9)

The WCAR closes after agreeing on a final statement that expresses concern over the "plight of the Palestinian people under foreign occupation," endorses the right of Israelis and Palestinians to live in secure and independent states, recognizes the right of refugees to return to "freely return to their homes." Israel says it is "satisfied" with the text. (Globe and Mail, HP 9/8; NYT, WP, WT 9/9; MENA, al-Quds, SAPA 9/9 in WNC 9/10; WT 9/10; JP, MEI 9/14)

The IDF reinforces positions around Bayt Jala in response to an hrs.-long exchange of gunfire btwn. Bayt Jala, Gilo; F-16s also overfly the area. In Hebron, Israeli undercover agents assassinate local Fatah tanzim leader Imad Abu Sunayna, who was on Israel's most-wanted list. Israeli undercover agents also arrest several Islamic Jihad mbrs. in Jinin; based on their confessions, police reportedly find, disarm a bomb nr. Haifa. A Palestinian sniper shoots, wounds an Israeli truck driver nr. Ma'ale Adumim. The IDF sends tanks into Khan Yunis; conducts arrests raids in al-Arub, Bayt Umar, Baqa` al-Sharqiyya, Izbat al-Tayib. Armed Jewish settlers block the Nablus+nRamallah road, stone and club Palestinian cars. Demonstrations continue outside Orient House. An alleged Palestinian collaborator dies in PA custody. Israel says it will facilitate the transfer of 17,000 heads of livestock fr. the Elat port to the PA areas over the next few days. (AP, HA, HP, IGPO, MEZ, REU 8/15; Guardian [Internet], NYT, WP 8/16; NYT, WP, WT 8/17)

In Washington, Mubarak adviser Baz holds mtgs. with White House, State Dept., CIA officials, warning that the U.S.'s continued "inaction" in the Middle East could allow extremists to take hold in moderate Arab counties, undermine U.S. prestige. Baz urges the U.S. to more clearly define to both sides in an even-handed way what is needed to proceed with the Mitchell recommendations. (MENA 8/15 in WNC 8/16; NYT 8/16)

In Ramallah, 2 IDF missiles narrowly miss the car of Fatah tanzim leader Marwan Barghouti in an apparent assassination attempt. Israel claims that a Force 17 mbr. traveling in a 2d vehicle, injured in the attack, was the intended target. Arafat appeals to the U.S., China, the EU, Russia to intervene with Israel to prevent violence fr. spinning out of control. The IDF also destroys a Palestinian olive grove nr. Nablus, 20 dunams of agricultural land in Jericho; shells residential areas nr. Bethlehem. Palestinian gunmen exchange fire with IDF forces outside Gilo settlement. 1 Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. (NYT, PMC, WP, WT 8/5; al-Quds 8/5 in WNC 8/6; LAW, PMC 8/6; MEI 8/10)

In Tel Aviv, 1,000s of Israelis take part in a Peace Now march protesting Israeli violence against Palestinians. (Gush Shalom press release 8/5; NYT, WJW 8/9)

The IDF fatally shoots a Palestinian said to be planting a bomb nr. Nablus, sparking a gun battle lasting several hrs., leaving 2 Palestinians wounded. Another Palestinian is caught attempting to plant a bomb on an Israeli bus in Kiryat Shimona. IDF commandos land a helicopter nr. a PSF post nr. Nablus, abduct low-level Fatah mbr. Murad Bisharat, who is released hrs. later; Israel Radio reports he was kidnapped by mistake, a senior Fatah mbr. was the intended target. Palestinians fire 2 mortars at Kefar Darom settlement in Gaza, causing no damage. In response, the IDF sends 3 tanks into a nearby PA-controlled area. The IDF also directs shells, heavy machine gun fire on residential areas of Bayt Sahur, Bethlehem, Hebron, al-Khadir, Khan Yunis, Rafah, Ramallah, Tulkarm; demolishes part of a girls' school in Hebron. Israel's Jerusalem Municipality confiscates 100 dunams of Palestinian land in the Jabal al-Mukabir neighborhood of East Jerusalem for a settler bypass road. A PA security court sentences a Palestinian to death for collaborating with Israel in the 7/25 Darwaza assassination. (HA, HP 8/2; NYT, WP 8/3; AYM 8/4 in WNC 8/10; MEI 8/10; HA 8/8)

The IDF shells Hamas's press office in Nablus, killing 8 Palestinians, wounding 7. Among the fatalities are Hamas political leaders Jamal Mansur and Jamal Salim, the targets of assassination and prominent public figures known for running a network of welfare programs and medical clinics. Also killed are Fahim Dawabsha, another Hamas mbr. on Israel's wanted list; 2 journalists interviewing Mansur; 2 children outside the building. The attack triggers firefights, especially around Jerusalem; mortar strikes; and 2 ambushes of Jewish settler vehicles that leave 7 settlers wounded. 100s of Palestinians gather outside the Hamas office to protest. Sharon terms the attack "one of our most important successes." The State Dept. "strongly deplores" the "highly provocative" incident. Egypt's Mubarak sends an "urgent letter" to Bush pressing for U.S. to intervene with Israel. Meanwhile, the IDF demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in Shu`fat; sends tanks, bulldozers into Bayt Sahur to shell residential areas, demolish part of a home, a water network; directs heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Bayt Jala, Gaza City, al-Khadir, Khan Yunis, Rafah; bulldozes additional land outside Ramallah; conducts arrest sweeps in Bayt Hanina, East Jerusalem, Shu`fat, al-Tur, Wadi al-Juz; sets up a new checkpoints nr. Nablus, Ramallah, Zawata; tightens the closures on Salfit, Tulkarm. IDF soldiers also severely beat 2 journalists at a checkpoint nr. Qalandiyya; 2 Palestinians are killed in clashes elsewhere. Jewish settlers vandalize Palestinian cars in East Jerusalem. (AP, HP, LAW, PMC, REU 7/31; MENA 7/31 in WNC 8/1; MENA 7/31, ATL, JT, MA, MENA, XIN 8/1 in WNC 8/2; NYT, WP, WT 8/1; XIN 8/1, AN 8/2 in WNC 8/3; HP 8/2; MENA 8/4 in WNC 8/6; LAW 8/6; JP, MEI 8/10)

A PA security court sentences 4 Palestinians to death for collaborating with Israel in the assassination of senior Fatah official Thabet Thabet on 12/31/00. A 5th defendant is acquitted. (WT 8/1; AYM 8/4 in WNC 8/10; WT 8/7)

The UNSC votes unanimously to extends the UNIFIL mandate through the end of 1/02, implement the staged troop reduction endorsed on 5/18. (UN press release 7/31; AFP 8/1 in WNC 8/2; MEI 8/10)

Nr. Jinin, an explosion kills 6 Fatah mbrs., 3 of whom are on Israel's most-wanted list, 1 of whom is a PA military intelligence officer. Fatah says they were assassinated by IDF tank fire; Israel claims they were assembling a bomb when it exploded. After Palestinians fire a mortar at Kefar Darom settlement in Gaza, injuring 1 girl, IDF helicopters fire shells at the main PSF headquarters in Gaza City, destroying a building that Israel claims was a mortar factory, injuring 7 PSF officers. The IDF also fatally shoots a PSF officer and an Islamic Jihad mbr. nr. Qarni crossing; directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Hebron, Rafah. A small bomb explodes in a supermarket in Pisgat Ze'ev, and a roadside bomb explodes nr. a Jewish settler school bus nr. Ofra, neither causing injuries. Nr. Tulkarm, Palestinian gunmen fire across the Green Line at an Israeli border police car, injuring 3 officers. (AFP [Internet], BBC, NYT, REU, WP, WT 7/30; NYT, WP 7/31; SA 7/31 in WNC 8/1; LAW 8/6; MEI 8/10)

In Hebron, 2 explosions rip through a Palestinian home next door to the local Fatah headquarters, killing 2 Palestinians, including Fatah tanzim leader Raja Abu Rajab, and wounding 10. Fatah claims it was an IDF assassination; Israel accuses Fatah of making false accusations to escalate the violence. The IDF directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas in and around Hebron, setting fire to 1 home, injuring 2 Palestinians. Jewish settlers fire on, throw stones at Palestinians driving nr. Ramallah, critically injuring 1; set a Palestinian home on fire in Nabi Salih. Palestinians, the IDF exchange gunfire around Gilo-Bayt Jala. (HP 7/20; WP, WT 7/21; HA 7/22; MEI 7/27)

The IDF tightens closures throughout the West Bank; directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Rafah, at a PSF post outside Qalqilya; demolish 5 Palestinian homes in Bayt Hanina; establishes new checkpoints outside Qalqilya, Tulkarm; continues demolitions in Yibna (see 7/3), destroying an unknown number of homes, farming structures, cisterns. Palestinian gunmen fire on 2 vehicles driving along the Israeli border nr. Tulkarm, killing 1 Israeli civilian; 1 Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. (HP 7/4; LAW 7/9)

Israel's security cabinet selects 26 Palestinians as prime targets for assassination. The UN, the U.S. reiterate their opposition. The PA says Israel is essentially renouncing the U.S. cease-fire arrangement. As the cabinet mtg. takes place, plainclothes gunmen shoot, wound senior Fatah mbr. Hazim Natshe, on Israel's most wanted list, in an apparent assassination attempt in Hebron. (HA 7/4; AYM, DUS, MA, QA 7/4, MA, MENA 7/5 in WNC 7/7; AP, NYT, WT 7/5; AP 7/6; MEI 7/13; MM 7/18; MA 7/18 in WNC 7/19)

In Hebron, a Fatah sniper, retaliating for the Jawabiri assassination on 6/24, shoots and wounds a 7-yr.-old Jewish settler, sparking a firefight in which 12 Palestinians, 4 IDF soldiers are wounded. In response, the IDF seals, places a curfew on the Palestinian section of Hebron, bulldozes Palestinian land s. of Hebron; Jewish settlers place more caravans at a new illegal outpost site nearby. Jewish settlers also place caravans on Palestinian land nr. Qalqilya, attack Palestinian cars in Wadi al-Juz, cut off water to Palestinian villages nr. Halmish settlement. Palestinians fire on a settler bus nr. Jerusalem. A gunfight erupts nr. Neve Dekalim settlement, wounding an 11-yr.-old Palestinian. The IDF tightens closures on Qalandia, Tulkarm; confiscates 20 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Qalqilya; bulldozes Palestinian land in Tulkarm; continues to impose curfews on Bayt Lahia, Bayt Lid, Safarin. Shin Bet announces that 11 days ago, it captured Aziz Salha, who has confessed under interrogation to being involved in the murder of 2 IDF reservists in Ramallah on 10/12/00. (PMC 6/25; AP, HP, MM, WP, WT 6/26; MA 6/26 in WNC 6/27; MM 6/27; JP 7/6; WP 7/7)

Fmr. U.S. senator George Mitchell, head of the Mitchell Comm., recommends that in order to move the cease-fire forward, Israel should immediately implement a full settlement freeze, the U.S. should invite Arafat to the White House. Meanwhile, in Israel, DM Ben-Eliezer says Israel plans to remove 15 illegal settler outposts that have been set up since the al-Aqsa intifada began, noting that they are a danger to security and cannot be defended adequately. (HA, HP, MM, WT 6/26; MA 6/26 in WNC 6/27; MM, WT 6/27; WJW 6/28)

In an apparent IDF assassination, Osama Jawabiri, a mbr. of the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade (AMB) and on Israel's wanted list, is killed by a bomb planted in a public phone in Nablus; 2 children are wounded. Israel complains that none of the wanted Palestinians on the list given to the PSF on 6/22 have been arrested, but Arafat says he has arrested a number of militants in recent days, including Fatah mbrs. A 2d Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/25; AYM 6/25 in WNC 6/26; DUS 6/25 in WNC 6/27; NYT 6/26; WJW 6/28; MEI 6/29)

2 Palestinians die of injuries received earlier, including senior Fatah mbr. Bardawil who was wounded on 6/5 in a possible assassination attempt. The IDF directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Khan Yunis, Rafah; raids 3 PA-controlled areas in Gaza, 1 in Hebron; occupies an uninhabited building in Nablus for use as an IDF post. Palestinians fire mortars at 2 Gaza settlements, causing no damage. Jewish settlers attempt to set up a new enclave nr. Nablus, where a settler was killed a wk. ago, but the IDF intervenes, declares the area a closed military zone. IDF troops bar an ambulance carrying a Palestinian man suffering a heart attack fr. crossing a checkpoint to reach a hospital; the man dies en route to the hospital via a 2d, longer path. Troops also bar a Palestinian woman in labor from crossing a checkpoint to reach Jericho hospital 40 m. away; after she gives birth, the soldiers allow her to walk through the crossing with her newborn. Israeli security forces arrest a number of Palestinian fr. Hebron working illegally inside the Green Line; escort them to Gaza, where they are barred fr. returning to Hebron. (HA, HP 6/8; HA 6/11)

CIA Dir. Tenet holds preliminary mtgs. with Sharon in Tel Aviv, Arafat in Ramallah. Israel presents two lists of Palestinians it wants arrested immediately: 34 Palestinians who committed anti-Israeli attacks and were released fr. PA prisons since the intifada began; some 300 Palestinians that "participated in the recent violence against military and civilian targets." The PA says it will coordinate with Israel and act on tips to prevent attacks, noting that it has already passed information to Israel regarding 2 possible suicide bombings since 6/1, but will not make preventive arrests without probable cause. (HA, MM 6/7; HJ, MENA, al-Quds, SA 6/7 in WNC 6/8/; MM, NYT, WP 6/8; DUS 6/8 in WNC 6/11; NYT 6/9)

In Ramallah, reps of the nationalist and Islamist groups give PLO Exec. Comm. secy. Mahmud Abbas a memorandum calling on Arafat to open a "national dialogue" to discuss forming an emergency government that includes all Palestinian factions. (AYM 6/8 in WNC 6/11; HJ 6/10 in WNC 6/12; AYM 6/12 in WNC 6/14)

In Ramallah, senior Fatah mbr. Ashraf Bardawil is injured when a bomb in or nr. his car explodes; IDF helicopters are hovering over the area at the time, raising speculation it was an assassination attempt. The IDF also arrests Majdi Alawna, a senior PA liaison official with Israel in Nablus, on charges of sabotaging cooperation with Israel. Nr. Ramallah, IDF troops fire rubber bullets to disperse a crowd of Palestinians protesting the closure of the Ramallah-Birzeit road, injuring 6. Palestinian stone-throwers seriously a Jewish settler baby nr. Nablus. Jewish settlers set fire to Palestinian fields, grain storage units in Hawara, Jit. Israel allows shipments of food, fuel into the West Bank, Gaza for the 1st time since the 6/1 bombing. Another Israeli injured in the 6/1 Tel Aviv bombing dies, raising the toll to 21. (HA, MM, REU 6/5; MM, PMC, WP 6/6; WJW 6/7)

As Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, 2 Islamic Jihad suicide bombers detonate a car bomb in Hadera, Israel, wounding 67. A Hamas suicide bomber attempts to ram an IDF post in Gaza, but soldiers fire on his approaching vehicle, detonating it; in response, the IDF demolishes a PA police station, shells residential areas of Rafah. Fatah activist Azzam `Abd al-Fatah Mezher is killed, 5 Fatah mbrs. are wounded when their car explodes. Israel says a grenade they were carrying exploded; the PA claims it is an assassination. (NYT, WP, WT 5/26; WT 5/27; MM 5/29; MEI 6/1; PCHR 6/4)

Lebanese celebrating the 1st anniversary of Israel's withdrawal fr. the south stage demonstrations along the blue line. A demonstrator is wounded when he tries to climb the border fence and is shot by IDF troops. (WP 5/26)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes escalate, leaving a total of 7 Palestinians, 1 Jewish settler dead. In Ramallah, an explosion destroys a home, wounding 5 Palestinians, killing 2 children and a Palestinian wanted by Israel for 1/18 murder an Israeli civilian in the West Bank. Israel claims the wanted Palestinian accidentally detonated a bomb he was building; the PA claims the IDF assassinated him. In Gaza, 2 Hamas mbrs. are killed when a bomb in their car, parked in a garage, explodes, destroying the building, wounding 4 bystanders. Israel claims a car bomb exploded prematurely; Hamas, noting that 2 IDF helicopters were reported in the area at the time, claims the IDF assassinated the pair with a remote controlled device. A Palestinian worker at a Gaza settlement is killed, another is wounded when a bomb in his employer's car explodes; the IDF claims the men were planting the bomb when it exploded. Palestinian snipers fire on 2 settler vehicles, wounding 1 settler and causing 1 car to crash, killing another settler. Palestinians fire mortars at a Jewish settlement in Gaza, causing no damage. The IDF responds by heavily shelling residential areas of Khan Yunis. Jewish settlers open fire on the Palestinian villages of Bazarim and Burka, causing no injuries. The IDF also "eases" the blockade on Bethlehem and Qalqilya, allowing residents "to enter and exit the cities through 1 roadblock for each city after undergoing stringent security checks." (HA, REU 4/30; LAW, MM, NYT, WT 5/1; NYT 5/2; al-Quds 5/3 in WNC 5/4; LAW 5/4)

In New York, Peres discusses Israel's position on the Jordanian-Egyptian initiative with UN Secy.-Gen. Annan. (HA 5/1; AYM 5/1 in WNC 5/3; MM, WT 5/2; WJW 5/3; SA 5/3 in WNC 5/7; MM 5/4)

The State Dept. issues its annual report on global "terrorism," which notes--but does not support or dismiss--Israeli accusations that PA security officials, Fatah mbrs. have facilitated and/or taken part in attacks against Israelis. (MM 5/1, 5/2; AYM 5/3 in WNC 5/7; al-Ahram [Internet] 5/10)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. A Palestinian suicide bomber detonates a car bomb nr. a Jewish settler school bus in the West Bank, killing himself but causing no other injuries. Palestinians also fire 2 mortars at a Kefar Darom settlement in Gaza. Inside the Green Line, Israeli police find, safely detonate a bomb in Netanya. The IDF shells a PSF office in Gaza, residential areas of Khan Yunis; bulldozes Palestinian land in Khan Yunis; conducts an arrest sweep in Jalazun. Jewish settlers set fire to a Palestinian olive grove in Salfit, destroying 50 trees. (WP 4/30; LAW 5/4)

Arafat orders the popular resistance comms. to disband and their mbrs. (most of whom are Fatah mbrs., some of whom are PSF officers) to "return to their original security positions," calls senior PSF officer Yasir Zanun (a Fatah mbr. and a leader of the resistance comms.) in for questioning, has the PSF arrest Hamas spokesman `Abd al-`Aziz Rantisi for statements accusing Arafat of treason for resuming security talks with Israel. Fatah tanzim leader Barghouti, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, the PFLP strongly oppose disbanding the resistance comms. (WP 4/30; AYM 5/1 in WNC 5/3; WJW 5/3; SA 5/3 in WNC 5/4; MEI 5/4 WP 5/7; MEI 5/18)

Israeli FM Peres presents Israel's response to the Jordanian-Egyptian proposal to Mubarak in Cairo, Jordanian FM Khatib in Amman. Egypt, Jordan say they will study Israel's reservations and proposed changes, but they are not willing start a new process of "talks about talks." (MENA 4/29 in WNC 4/30; HA, NYT, WP 4/30; HA, MM 5/1; AYM 5/1 in WNC 5/3; MM 5/2; MEI, MM 5/4)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue to escalate, leaving 1 Palestinian, 1 Jewish settler dead in separate shooting incidents. Claiming revenge for the death of Fatah mbrs. on 4/25, a group calling itself the Four Martyrs fires mortars at a Kefar Darom, Netzer Hazani, and Nissanit settlements in Gaza, wounding 5 settlers (1 seriously) in Netzer Hazani. Fatah denies any connection to the group; Israel blames Arafat directly. The IDF directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential aras of Khan Yunis; bulldozes 100s of dunams of Palestinian nr. Dugit settlement, Khan Yunis; detains 7 Palestinian fishermen at sea. Armed Jewish settlers bar the entrances of Haris, attempt to enter the village, but are blocked by international peace activists who hold them off until Ariel settlement security officers take them away. (NYT, WP, WT 4/29; International Solidarity Movement press release 5/1; LAW 5/4; MEI 5/4)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue at a high level. In Gaza, IDF tanks, bulldozers enter Rafah; demolish the PA military intelligence headquarters, 17 Palestinian homes, 40 stores; damage 13 stores. Over 160 Palestinians are left homeless, 43 are injured. An Egyptian woman on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border is wounded by gunfire. Palestinians fire 2 mortars at Gush Katif settlement, causing no damage. A bomb explodes in the Gaza City home of Muhammad Nassar, a bodyguard for Hamas spiritual leader Shaykh Ahmad Yasin, killing Nassar, injuring 4; the PA says Nassar was preparing a bomb. Israel admits that the car bomb incident in Ramallah on 4/12 was a "failed attempt" on Fatah's Abu Hmeid. Inside Israel, 2 bombs explode in Kefar Saba, destroying 2 cars, injuring 1 Palestinian (the alleged assailant). (AFP, REU 4/14; LAW, NYT, WP, WT 4/15; MENA 4/15 in WNC 4/16; MM 4/17; LAW 4/20)

Hizballah fires a missile fr. s. Lebanon at an IDF tank in the Shaba` Farms area, killing 1 IDF soldier. In retaliation, the IDF carries out air and artillery strikes on Hizballah targets in s. Lebanon. (AFP 4/14; RL 4/14 in WNC 4/16; NYT, WP 4/15; WP 4/16; HJ 4/19 in WNC 4/24; MEI 4/20, 5/4)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 2 Palestinian dead. In Ramallah, the PA arrests 2 Palestinian collaborators for allegedly working with Israel to assassinate Fatah tanzim leader Nassir Abu Hmeid with a car bomb today. The PSF removes the car to its Ramallah headquarters where it blows up as an IDF helicopter hovers overhead. The IDF shells residential areas of Bayt Hanun, Rafah. Jewish settlers demolish part of a Palestinian store in Hebron, attack a Palestinian school in Bayt Furik, beat senseless a Palestinian nr. Khan Yunis. (HP, REU 4/12; NYT, WP, WT 4/13; WP 4/15; LAW, MEI 4/20)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. After Palestinians fire mortars at Netzarim settlement in Gaza and across the Green Line into Israel, causing no damage, the IDF deploys tanks, helicopter gunships to shell 4 PSF posts in Gaza. The IDF also demolishes 3 Palestinian homes, damages 2 others, bulldozes more than 27 dunams of agricultural land in Shaykh Ajlin; shells residential areas of al-Aza refugee camp. Israeli commandos detain 2 Fatah mbrs. in area C. (AFP [Internet] 4/6; NYT, WT 4/7; MM 4/9; LAW 4/12)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving a total of 6 Palestinians, 2 Israelis dead. A Palestinian suicide bomber detonates a nail bomb at a bus stop just inside Israel, nr. Qalqilya, killing 2 Israelis, wounding 4. Hamas, and a previously unknown group named the Popular Army Front Return Battalions claim responsibility. Israeli sappers disarm bombs in the Israeli cities of Petah Tikva, Netanya. This evening, after the Arab summit ends, Sharon orders air, land, sea strikes against Force 17 targets in Dayr al-Balah, Jabaliyya, Khan Yunis, Rafah, Ramallah, killing 3 Palestinians, injuring 62. Nr. Beitunia, a Palestinian woman is shot dead by IDF troops. In Rafah, a Palestinian boy is killed when he triggers unexploded IDF ordnance. The IDF reinforces its troop presence around Abu Sunayna in Hebron with 8 tanks, 15 troop carriers, numerous military jeeps and 3 new outposts; shells residential areas in Nablus; confiscates 28 dunams of Palestinian land in Beitunia to expand an IDF post; bulldozes Palestinian land in Mount Jarzim, Wadi Silqa. Israel issues demolition orders for 19 Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem for construction of the "ring road" linking the Jewish settlements around Jerusalem; 658 dunams of Palestinian land is slated to be bulldozed for the project. Jewish settlers attack Palestinians and their property in Bayt Furik, Hebron, Silat Dahir. Settlers fr. Ma'ale Adumim, Kefar Atsion reportedly move into the Israeli controlled section of Hebron to reinforce settlers there. In Hebron, the PSF arrests a local Fatah mbr. for the 3/26 shooting that killed a settler baby. (BBC, CNN, HP, MM, REU 3/28; AFP, ATL 3/28 in WNC 3/29; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/29; AFP, Interfax, MENA, al-Quds 3/29 in WNC 3/30; LAW, MM, WP 3/30; MA, MENA, al-Safir 3/30 in WNC 4/2; MM 4/3; JP, MEI 4/6; al-Quds 4/15 in WNC 4/16; WP 4/23; al-Ahram [Internet] 4/26)

The Arab League summit closes. Arab states approve a $240 m. emergency aid for the PA over the next 6 mos. (MM 3/28; HJ 3/28 in WNC 3/29; MM, NYT, WP 3/29; JT 3/29 in WNC 3/30; HJ 3/29 in WNC 4/3; al-Ra'i 3/30, Star 3/31, JT 4/1 in WNC 4/2; JP, MEI 4/6; al-Quds 4/10 in WNC 4/12)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. The largest demonstrations are in Ramallah, where 2,000 Palestinian artists, intellectuals stage a nonviolent protest, and students attempt to open the road to Birzeit University, where spring registration begins today. In the ensuing clash soldiers fatally shoot 1 Palestinian who was standing next to Fatah tanzim leader Marwan Barghouti, raising speculation that Barghouti was the target. The IDF directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Jinin, Rafah (severely damaging a mosque); bulldozes 4 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Rafah. A Palestinian assailant throws a hand grenade at an IDF post in Gaza, causing no injuries. Israel tightens the siege on Ramallah but eases blockades on Bethlehem, Hebron, Qalqilya, Tulkarm. Later in the day, after shooting nr. Qalqilya, the blockade on Qalqilya is reimposed. (HA 3/12; HA, JP [Internet], MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/13; Interfax, MA, MENA 3/13 in WNC 3/14; HA 3/14; WJW 3/15; CSM 3/16; LAW 3/17)