The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, a Palestinian man succumbs to injures sustained from Israeli forces during a raid in Fawwar refugee camp on 6/17/2023. Israeli settlers set fire to a vehicle in Kafr Ni’ma. Israeli settlers also vandalize olive, almond, grape, and fig trees, demolish an agricultural structure, and steal property in Qusra. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian child and vandalize wheat and barley fields in Ein al-Beida in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces raid al-Fara’a refugee camp, destroying infrastructure and property. In East Jerusalem, 80,000 Muslim worshippers attend Friday prayers at the Haram al-Sharif compound. Thousands of worshippers from the West Bank are denied entry to East Jerusalem for the prayers. Israeli forces block Palestinian Red Crescent medics from entering the compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Nuseirat refugee camp, Beit Hanun, and Rafah, killing at least 149 people, including 36 members of the same family gathered to break their fast in a home in Nuseirat refugee camp. Rockets are fired at Sderot; no damage is reported. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Hula, Marwahin, Kafr Kila, Ayta ash Shab, and Labbouneh. Hezbollah forces attack an Israeli radar site in Shebaa Farms. In the Red Sea, a missile fired from Yemen hits a tanker. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/15; AJ, HA, HA, WAFA 3/16; WAFA 3/17)

More than 31,490 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 13,400 children and 8,900 women, and around 73,439 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 425 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 4,665 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, 247 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,476 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. UNICEF says that 31% of children under the age of 2 in Gaza are suffering from acute malnutrition. The UN says the rubble caused by Israeli attacks take years to clear. 187 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. U.S. forces airdrop 35,700 meals and 31,800 bottles of water over northern Gaza. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 3/15; HA, REU 3/16; WAFA 3/17; UNOCHA 3/18)

Hamas, Islamic Jihad, the PFLP, and the Palestinian National Initiative criticize the appointment of the new PA prime minister Mohammed Mustafa, calling it a “unilateral” designation by President Mahmoud Abbas that “inflicts harm on our people and national cause,” saying the formation of the new government should be done by national consensus. Fatah responds by saying Hamas caused the Israeli invasion of Gaza by “undertaking the October 7 adventure.” Agence France-Presse reports that Hamas, Islamic Jihad, PFLP, and Houthi movement members discussed coordinating their actions against Israel last week. (AJ, HA, REU 3/15; AJ, HA, HA 3/16) 

PA ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour sends letters to UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres and the presidents of the Security Council and General Assembly, urging them to act to stop the genocide in Gaza. (WAFA 3/15)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issues a statement saying that Israel will send a delegation to Qatar to continue ceasefire negotiations and that the Israeli military is preparing to invade Rafah. U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby says Hamas’s ceasefire proposal is “within the bounds” of what has been discussed in recent months. Times of Israel, Channel 12, and Ynet report that an invasion of Rafah is not imminent. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant presents the security cabinet with 4 scenarios for the political situation in Gaza after Israel’s war, including Hamas control, Israeli occupation, chaos, and local rule in coordination with the PA, saying he prefer the latter scenario. (AJ, HA, REU 3/15; AJ, AJ 3/16)

Australia resumes funding of UNRWA. Foreign Minister Penny Wong says the “best available current advice from agencies and the Australian government lawyers is that UNRWA is not a terrorist organization and that existing additional safeguards sufficiently protect Australian taxpayer funding.” Australia will also deploy a military cargo plan to help airdrop aid in Gaza. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, REU, WAFA 3/15)

German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock tweets on X that a “large-scale [Israeli] offensive in Rafah cannot be justified.” (AJ 3/15)

The Elders’ chairperson Mary Robinson calls on the U.S. to end arms transfers to Israel and says the “government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is on the wrong side of history completely.” (AJ 3/15)

The ICJ says it will hear arguments in Nicaragua’s case against Germany, in which Nicaragua accuses Germany of “facilitating the commission of genocide” in Gaza on 4/8 and 4/9. (AJ, REU 3/15)

In the West Bank, armed Israeli settlers assaulted 1 Palestinian and threatened others during a raid in Yarza. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinians harvesting olives in Khirbet Quweis in the Masafer Yatta area, stealing the olive harvest and a tractor. Israeli forces shot and injured 8 Palestinians during a raid in Beit Umar. Israeli forces also opened fire at vehicles near Ya’bad, causing damage. 50 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Fawwar refugee camp, Beit Umar, Bethlehem, Jaba’, Balata refugee camp, Deir Jarir, and Nil’in. 1 Israeli soldier was lightly wounded by gunfire near Nabi Ilyas. In Gaza, Israeli forces killed 231 Palestinians and injured 650 others. Israel bombed al-Nasser Children’s Hospital and al-Wafa Hospital in Gaza City, reportedly killing patients and causing damage, including to solar panels. Israel also bombed al-Fakhoora School in Jabalia refugee camp, killing at least 15 people and injuring 45. Hamas said it killed 5 Israeli soldiers northwest of Gaza City. Rockets were fired at Israel, causing damage. In Lebanon, Israel conducted airstrikes and Hezbollah attacked several Israeli army posts. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, REU, REU, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/4; WAFA 11/5; HA 11/6)

The Ministry of Health in Gaza said at least 9,488 Palestinians have been killed, including 3,900 children and 2,430 women, and 24,173 have been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. At least 2,200 people were buried in rubble, including 1,250 children. 144 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 43 children. More than 2,274 people have been injured. Around 1,400 Israelis, including foreign nationals, have been killed and 5,431 injured since 10/7. Over 1.5 million Palestinians, more than half 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 Israel blockade. As of 10/23, at least 27,781 housing units have been destroyed and 150,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. The number is likely much higher given the lack of recent data. The generators at the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza shutdown due to a lack of fuel. 30 truckloads of aid entered Gaza through the Rafah crossing. No injured people or foreign passport holders were evacuated to Egypt. (AJ, AP, HA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 11/4)

Hamas military spokesperson Abu Obeida said 60 Israeli captives were missing after intense Israeli bombing and that the bodies of 23 captives were trapped under rubble. Abu Obeida also said Hamas fighters had destroyed 24 Israeli military vehicles in Gaza in the past 24 hours. (AJ, HA, REU 11/4)

Iranian state-run IRNA news agency said Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei met with Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. (REU 11/4; AP, REU 11/5)

Al-Haq said it had documented abuses of Palestinian workers from Gaza who were in Israel on 10/7, including beatings, arbitrary detention, having their property stolen, and degrading treatment. 1 worker said he saw people beaten to the point that they were unable to walk, and dead Palestinians being urinated on by Israeli settlers. (AJ 11/4)

Axios reported that Israeli officials told the news outlet that Israel was working on a plan accept the delivery of fuel to southern Gaza under an international monitoring regime. (AJ, AX 11/4)

Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich said when Israel finishes its attack on Gaza, the area will be under Israeli military control for years. (HA 11/4; HA 11/5)

Turkey and Chad recalled their diplomats in Israel. Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also said that Israeli prime minister Benjamin “Netanyahu is no longer someone we can talk to. We have written him off.” (AJ, AJ, AJ, HA, HA, REU, WAFA 11/4; WAFA 11/5; HA 11/6)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken met with the foreign ministers of Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, and Qatar in Oman. Lebanese caretaker prime minister Najib Mikati, who also took part, urged Blinken to call for a ceasefire in Gaza and to end “Israeli aggression” in southern Lebanon. Jordanian foreign minister Ayman Safadi said Israel was committing war crimes and that Jordan does not accept the Israeli claim that Israel is acting in self-defense. Blinken dismissed the group’s call for a ceasefire, insisting on calling for “pauses.” Before meeting Blinken, the group held a meeting with PLO secretary-general Hussein al-Sheikh. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, WAFA 11/4; AP 11/6)

Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian spoke with UK foreign minister James Cleverly, discussing the situation in Gaza. (AJ 11/4)

France said Israel had hit a French cultural institute in Gaza, saying it was in dialogue with Israel to understand why the institute was hit. Agence French Presse (AFP) called for an investigation into the Israeli bombing of its offices in Gaza City, saying the Israeli statement on the bombing “does not explain the extent of the damage caused to the AFP bureau,” and that the bombing “sends a deeply troubling message to all the journalists working in such difficult conditions in Gaza.”  (AJ 11/4)

U.S. president Joe Biden said progress had been made on the issue of “humanitarian pauses.” U.S. senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) called for “pauses,” saying Israel was violating international law with its indiscriminate killing in Gaza and that Israel was offending U.S. values. (AJ, AP 11/4)

Thousands of people protested in Washington D.C., Paris, Berlin, London, and elsewhere around the world, demanding an end to the Israeli attacks on Gaza. 300,000 reportedly partook in the demonstrations in Washington D.C. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, WAFA 11/4; AJ, AJ, NYT, WAFA 11/5)

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian man succumbed to injuries sustained from Israeli forces in Tell on 11/1. Israeli settlers shot and injured 1 Palestinian in Shu’fat refugee camp. Israeli settlers also destroyed a water pipeline to Beit Lid, cutting off the town’s access to water. Israeli forces shot and killed 9 Palestinians during raids in Jenin refugee camp, Budrus, Qalandia refugee camp, Hebron, and Fawwar refugee camp, including 1 child and 2 others in a drone strike on Jenin refugee camp. Israeli forces also shot and injured 19 people during raids in Jenin refugee camp, Fawwar refugee camp, and Qalandia refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces used tear gas and water cannons to prevent Palestinians from entering the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, at least 196 Palestinians were killed and 605 injured in Israeli airstrikes. Israeli forces attacked an ambulance outside of al-Shifa Hospital, killing at least 15 and injuring 60 others. Israel also attacked the Indonesian and al-Quds hospitals and the office of Agence France-Presse in Gaza City, causing significant damage. Israel said it assassinated Hamas member Mustafa Dalul in an airstrike. 4 Israeli soldiers were killed in Gaza. U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drones circled Gaza, reportedly gathering intelligence on the whereabouts of the captives held by Hamas. The New York Times said the U.S. drones have been flying over Gaza since 10/28. Rockets were fired at Israel, causing damage. In Lebanon, Israel killed 1 person it said was a member of Hezbollah and attacked several areas in South Lebanon. 2 Israeli soldiers were injured in a drone attack in the Golan Heights. (NYT 11/2; AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/3; AJ, AJ, HA, HA, WAFA 11/4)

The Ministry of Health in Gaza said at least 9,257 Palestinians have been killed, including 3,826 children and 2,405 women, and 23,516 have been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. At least 1,800 people, including 940 children, have been reported missing. 144 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 40 children. More than 2,300 people have been injured. Around 1,400 Israelis, including foreign nationals, have been killed and 5,431 injured since 10/7. Over 1.5 million Palestinians, more than half 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 Israel blockade. As of 10/23, at least 27,781 housing units have been destroyed and 150,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. The number is likely much higher given the lack of recent data. 17 wounded Palestinians were transferred to Egyptian hospitals via the Rafah crossing. Between 300 and 400 foreign passport holders left via the Rafah crossing. The evacuation efforts were halted after the Israeli attack on the ambulance outside of al-Shifa Hospital. 47 truckloads of aid entered Gaza. Israel reconnected 2 water pipelines to Gaza. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 11/3)

3,026 Palestinians from Gaza employed in Israel prior to 10/7 were expelled to Gaza via the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing. Palestinian laborers from Gaza have been held in internment camps in Israel and some were deported to the West Bank. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, HA, REU 11/3)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu continued to invoke biblical history, referring to Palestinians as Amalek and the “sons of darkness,” in a letter to Israeli soldiers. (HA 11/3)

An Israeli soldier accused of shooting and killing a Palestinian harvesting olives was released to house arrest. (HA 11/3)

Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah gave a televised speech saying a wider escalation could not be ruled out if Israel continues attacking Gaza. Nasrallah said he did not know about Operation al-Aqsa Flood before 10/7.  (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU 11/3; HA, HA 11/4)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken arrived in Israel, saying he would push the Israeli government to agree to humanitarian pauses to allow aid into Gaza and to facilitate a release of the captives. After the meeting, Netanyahu issued a statement saying Israel will continue to attack Gaza with “all of its power” and not agree to a temporary ceasefire that does not include a return of all of the captives. U.S. officials told Axios that Blinken expressed concern over the Israeli decision to withhold PA tax revenue. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, AX, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU 11/3; AJ, AX, NYT 11/4)

Honduras recalled its ambassador to Israel. (AJ, AP, HA, REU 11/3; WAFA 11/4)

Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar told the Irish radio station RTE, “[w]hat I am seeing unfolding at the moment is not self-defense. It looks, resembles something more approaching revenge,” in referencing Israeli attacks on Gaza. (AJ, HA, REU 11/3)

Dozens of U.S. activists were arrested at U.S. Senate office buildings after holding sit-ins at 8 senators’ offices, demanding a ceasefire. (AJ 11/3)

The New York Times reported that Israel used 2 2,000-pound bombs to attack Jabalia refugee camp on 10/31. (NYT 6/3)

CNN reported that the U.S. expects Israel will reduce its airstrikes on Gaza in the coming days and focus on the ground operation. (AJ, HA 11/4)

French officials said France will host an international conference on the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza on 11/9. (REU 11/3)

Bloomberg News reported that Israel no longer gives Russia advanced warning about its airstrikes in Syria. (HA 11/3)

The UK charged 2 women with terrorism offenses for allegedly displaying pro-Hamas imagery at a pro-Palestinian demonstration in London on 10/14. The 2 women reportedly wore stickers with paragliders on them. (REU 11/3)

Japan said it would donate $65 million in humanitarian aid to Palestine after a meeting with PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki. (REU, WAFA 11/3)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers perform religious rites on Palestinian land nr. Jenin late at night. In East Jerusalem, around 20 rightwing Jewish activists tour Haram al-Sharif; Israeli forces detain a Palestinian youth in the sanctuary. Late at night, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians on a raid in al-Tur. (MNA, WAFA 4/22; PCHR 4/29)

In Birzeit University’s student govt. elections, the party affiliated with Hamas wins 26 seats, defeating the Fatah-affiliated list, which wins 19. The Hamas-affiliated list last won in 2007. (MNA, TOI 4/22; MNA, WAFA 4/23; HA 4/26; JP 5/9)

Israeli Air Force (IAF) jets launch air strikes on a Hizballah missile convoy in Syria nr. the border with Lebanon, killing 1 soldier. (HA, TOI 4/25)

Reps. of Iran and the P5+1 meet in Vienna for 3-day negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program ahead of their final accord deadline of 6/30. They open discussions on the remaining issues, including the pace of sanctions relief and verification requirements. This is the 1st round of talks since they agreed on “key parameters” for a final deal on 4/2. (AFP, AP 4/22)

In the Gaza Strip, around 200 Palestinians violently protest outside the UN’s headquarters in Gaza City against UNRWA’s 1/27 suspension of its cash assistance program. The protest was organized by a Hamas comm. IDF troops e. of Khan Yunis open fire on agricultural lands, causing damage. Unknown assailants set fire to a Fatah official’s car in Gaza City. Also, dozens of Palestinian health professionals gather outside the Ministry of Health building to protest unpaid salaries. In the West Bank, a Palestinian youth is moderately injured when he sets off a piece of unexploded Israeli ordnance left over after recent IDF exercises nr. ‘Ayn al-Hilwa in the Jordan Valley. The IDF conducts arrest raids and house searches nr. Hebron and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, IDF troops conduct house searches and arrest raids in the Old City. An Israeli settler attempts to kidnap a Palestinian youth in Silwan, moderately injuring him in the attack. (AFP, MNA, WAFA 1/28; HA, MNA, PCHR 1/29; HA 1/30; PCHR 2/5)

Hours after the IDF retaliated to projectile fire from Syria on 1/27, Hizballah fighters fire an antitank missile from inside Lebanon at an IDF convoy in a disputed area along the border nr. Shaba‘ Farms, killing 2 soldiers and injuring 7. The IDF responds with artillery fire, killing a Spanish peacekeeper with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). About an hour later, Hizballah fires mortars at several IDF positions in the area, causing no injuries. The IDF responds again by firing between 25 and 50 artillery shells and conducting IAF flyovers. Following the exchange, Hizballah and the Israeli govt. then exchange messages through UNIFIL expressing the desire to avoid further escalation. (AFP, BBC, HA, JP, MNA, TOI 1/28)

U.S. House of Reps. minority leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) calls Israeli PM Netanyahu and asks him to postpone or cancel his planned 3/3 congressional address. Netanyahu also speaks to Sens. Harry Reid (D-NV), the minority leader, and Chuck Schumer (D-NY), a prominent supporter of Israel. (RC 1/28; JP 1/29; HA 1/30)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces launch air strikes targeting 2 chicken farms, a border fence tunnel, and an Islamic Jihad training site nr. Khan Yunis. There are no injuries reported in any of the attacks. IDF troops also conduct a limited incursion in s. Gaza to level land nr. the border fence. The IDF also shells agricultural land nr. Gaza City, with no damage or casualties. Separately, a Palestinian fighter is killed in an accidental explosion in Gaza City. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 3 nearby villages and al-‘Arub r.c., and 1 village each nr. Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus, and Ramallah at night. Meanwhile, a Palestinian man shot by Israeli forces in 2006 dies of his wounds. Jewish settlers vandalize 2 cars and leave racist graffiti in a village nr. Nablus. (MNA 11/19; PCHR 11/21)

Following the 11/16 decision by Hamas officials, Ma’an News Agency’s office in Gaza City reopens, following 4 mos. of closure, with the authorities also announcing that Al-Arabiya TV’s offices would also reopen. Hamas closed the 2 news organizations on 7/25 after they reported that Muslim Brotherhood officials who had fled Egypt were being sheltered in the Gaza Strip. (MNA 11/19)

UNRWA Under Secy.-Gen. Jeffrey Feltman tells the UN Security Council (UNSC) that the agency will be unable to pay salaries to roughly 30,000 employees in 12/2013, including teachers and medical personnel, due to a $36 m. deficit. Meanwhile, hundreds of teachers gathered outside the High Court of Justice in Ramallah after the PA appealed to the court with the claim that the limited strike launched on 11/17 was in contravention of labor laws. (AFP, MNA 11/19)

A double suicide bombing kills 23 outside the Iranian embassy in Beirut, including an Iranian diplomat. The attack was claimed by al-Qa‘ida linked group Abdullah Azzam Brigades that, in a statement, said their demands were the withdrawal of Hizballah forces from Syria and the release of Salafist jihadists from Lebanese jails. Following the bombings, Hizballah’s dep. leader Naim Kassem says that the group will not be swayed from its course of support for the Syrian govt. Saudi Arabia condemns the attack as “cowardly.” (AFP 11/19; AP, REU 11/20)

Egyptian security forces storm Tahrir Square in Cairo, clashing with protesters who had gathered to mark the anniversary of deadly 2011 demonstrations. One person is killed in the confrontation. (AFP 11/19)

In the West Bank, IDF forces demolish 10 commercial properties nr. Jenin. The IDF patrols in 1 village each nr. Jenin and nr. Qalqilya in the morning, in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in 4 villages nr. Jenin and 2 villages nr. Ramallah at night. Also at night, IDF troops conduct house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Qalqilya. (MNA 5/9; PCHR 5/10)

Palestinian amb. to Egypt Barakat al-Farra says that Palestine has called an emergency meeting of Arab League representatives to discuss recent clashes in al-Aqsa Mosque compound (see 3/8). (MNA 5/9) 

Hamas says that PA security forces arrest 9 of its members in Hebron, Nablus, Qalqilya, and Ramallah. (MNA 5/9)

Hizballah leader Hasan Nasrallah says that Syria will supply the organization with ‘‘game-changing’’ weapons, following recent Israeli air strikes, and that Hizballah would help other groups looking to liberate the Syrian Golan Heights from Israeli occupation. Meanwhile, deputy Syrian FM Faisal Miqdad says that his country will ‘‘respond immediately’’ to any further Israeli attack in its territory. (AFP 5/9; DS 5/10)

Palestinian prisoner and administrative detainee Samer al-Issawi agrees to end his hunger strike—which has lasted for more than 8 months and inspired widespread Palestinian protest in solidarity—in exchange for an early release. At one such rally today, IDF soldiers clash with residents in Abu Dis, East Jerusalem, shooting and injuring 1. In the West Bank, Jewish settlers destroy hundreds of almond and olive trees in Bayt Dajan nr. Nablus, while in Dayr Jarir nr. Ramallah, settlers attack Palestinian property and set fire to 10 vehicles. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the morning, and in 1 village nr. Hebron, 2 villages nr. Jericho, 3 villages nr. Jenin, 1 village nr. Qalqilya, 1 village nr. Salfit and 1 village nr. Tulkarm at night. IDF soldiers conduct house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin and in 1 village nr. Jericho at night. The IDF conduct a ground incursion close to the border nr. Bayt Hanun and level land. (REU, WAFA 4/22; MNA 4/23; PCHR 4/25)

An Israeli delegation meets their Turkish counterparts in Ankara to discuss ways of improving bilateral relations, including the question of financial compensation by Israel to the families of Turkish activists killed on the Mavi Marmara in 2010. (JP 4/21)

Al-Ahram cites Palestinian government sources claiming that Palestinian pres. Mahmud Abbas has asked Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan that Turkey play a more prominent role in the drive for national reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas. (HA 4/22)

U.S. Defense Secy. Chuck Hagel announces an arms deal with Israel at a press conference in Tel Aviv alongside Israeli DM Moshe Ya’alon. The sale includes V-22 Osprey helicopter-plane aircraft, refueling tankers, advanced radars for fighter jets, and advanced missiles that target air defenses. During their remarks, Ya’alon tacitly confirms that Israel was responsible for a 1/30 air strike on an army convoy in Syria, saying that Israel has already acted to stop weapons falling into Hizballah’s hands: ‘‘When they crossed this red line, we acted.’’ (AFP, JP 4/22)

A UNHRC investigation into Israel’s settlements in the West Bank publishes its conclusions, declaring such activity a contravention of the Geneva Convention and thus a potential war crime under the jurisdiction of the ICC. The investigators, led by French judge Christine Chanet, call on Israel to halt settlement expansion and withdraw all settlers. Israel’s Foreign Ministry rejects the report, calling it counterproductive and the result of a ‘‘one-sided and biased approach towards Israel.’’ PLO Executive Comm. member Hanan Ashrawi welcomes the report, saying that the Palestinians are encouraged by its ‘‘candid assessment of Israeli violations.’’ (JP, REU 1/31)

Area council head for the Gush Etzion settlement bloc Davidi Perl says that the Israeli Defense Ministry has moved forward plans to build 346 housing units in Tekoa and Nokdim settlements. (JP 1/31)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, and in ‘Ayn al-Sultan r.c. nr. Jericho and 1 village each nr. Jericho and Ramallah at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Bethlehem and 1 village each nr. Hebron and Jenin at night. (PCHR 2/7)

Senior Hamas official Yahya Moussa denies recent reports (see 1/30) that Khalid Mishal told Jordan’s King Abdallah to inform U.S. pres. Barack Obama that Hamas accepts the two-state solution. (MNA 1/31)

Syria and its allies condemn the presumed Israeli attack on a site close to the Lebanese border, which the Syrian military says struck a research center and which Western officials stated was a convoy of anti-aircraft batteries headed toward Lebanon for Hizballah. Israeli officials refuse to comment. Syrian amb. to Lebanon Ali Abdul-Karim Ali says that the country may choose a ‘‘surprise’’ response to Israeli ‘‘aggression,’’ while Syria also summons the head of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Golan Heights to formally protest the raid. Russia says that if reports are confirmed, then the Israeli attack is a violation of the UN Charter and is ‘‘unacceptable.’’ The Arab League condemns what it calls Israel’s ‘‘cruel aggression,’’ while Hizballah releases a statement expressing ‘‘solidarity’’ with Syria and calling the strike ‘‘barbaric aggression.’’ (AFP, AP, FT, REU 1/31)

Iran writes a letter to the International Atomic Energy Agency to announce its plans to install and operate advanced uranium-enrichment machines. The U.S. says that installation of new Iranian centrifuges would be a ‘‘provocative step.’’ (REU 1/31)

Pres. Barack Obama’s nominee for defense secretary, Republican Chuck Hagel, is questioned at a Senate Armed Services Comm. hearing, and is attacked by Republic lawmakers over his record on Israel and Iran. Hagel repeated his apology for his previous use of the term ‘‘Jewish lobby’’ in a 2006 interview with Aaron David Miller, and says it was wrong to suggest that pro-Israel groups ‘‘intimidate’’ Congress into doing ‘‘dumb things.’’ (AP, JTA, REU 1/31)

The last U.S. combat troops pull out of Iraq 2 wks. ahead of Obama’s 12/31/11 target date; 1,000s of U.S. diplomats and contractors remain in the country, as well as 150 U.S. soldiers tasked to train Iraqi security forces. (National Public Radio, REU 12/18; NYT 12/19)

Israel frees 550 Palestinian prisoners in the 2d stage of the swap that freed IDF Cpl. Gilad Shalit in 10/2011; 41 are released to Gaza, more than 500 to the West Bank, a few to East Jerusalem and Jordan. Under the terms of the deal, Israel picked which prisoners to free and picked mostly Fatahaffiliated West Bankers as a gesture to Abbas; none are mbrs. of Hamas or Islamic Jihad or were involved in killing or wounding anyone; Palestinians complain that “many of those being released were due to get out within months anyway. . . . If Israel had wanted to make a real good-will gesture, the list would have been totally different.” (NYT, WP 12/19)

Stone-throwing Palestinian youths clash with IDF at the Beitunia checkpoint where some of the Palestinian prisoners freed by Israel are released, leaving 10s of Palestinians and 1 IDF soldier injured. Elsewhere in the West Bank, the IDF patrols in Jenin in the morning and in 3 villages nr. Jenin, Qalqilya, and Salfit in the evening (firing tear gas at stone-throwing youths in Jenin); makes a brief incursion into Qalqilya where they set up 2 checkpoints, detain 2 PA security forces officers for several hours, and summon 1 Palestinian for questioning. Jewish settlers block a Palestinian road nr. Moshe Zouhar settlement outpost nr. Qalqilya. Israeli naval vessels fire on Palestinian fishing boats off the Gaza City shore, detaining 1 boat and questioning 4 Palestinians (3 are released, 1 is sent to Israel for an unrelated medical issue). Gaza’s Interior Min. drops requirements for Gazans to register in advance of leaving Gaza through the Rafah crossing. The Israeli Housing Min. published tenders for construction of 1,028 Jewish settlement units in East Jerusalem (500 in Har Homa, 348 in Beitar Ilit, and 180 in Givat Ze’ev). The Gaza Central Drug Store receives an urgent shipment of medicine and supplies fr. the West Bank, enough to replenish its stores for several weeks (see 12/6/12). (HA 12/18; NYT, WP 12/19; PCHR 12/22; OCHA 12/23)

IDF chief of staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz announces that in light of the dramatically increasing number of covert foreign operations Israel has undertaken in the past year, the Israeli DMin. has formed a new operational branch called the Depth Corps specifically to handle special operations “deep in enemy territory.” The new branch (separate fr. the existing Northern, Southern, and Central Commands) will be headed by former special operations commander Maj. Gen. Shai Avital and will pull and coordinate resources fr. the military’s various elite commando units on an ad hoc basis, depending on the mission. While Israel does not confirm or deny covert operations abroad, media reports over the past year have indicated that Israel has carried out operations in Sudan (targeting arms traffic to Hizballah and Hamas), Iran, Lebanon, and Syria. According to HA, since most recent covert ops have targeted Iran, IDF insiders often refer to the Depth Corps as “Iran Command.” (AFP, IHY 12/16; HA 12/18; JPI 2/10)

The IDF makes a brief incursion into s. Gaza to level lands and clear lines of sight along the border fence e. of al-Qarara. In the West Bank, the IDF begins leveling land for construction of a new segment of the separation wall nr. al-Walaja nr. Bethlehem; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in Jenin r.c. Hamas authorities in Gaza hang 2 Palestinians convicted of collaborating with Israel; the father and son were arrested in 2003 and convicted and sentenced in 2004 by the Fatah-led PA. (WP 7/27; PCHR 7/28; OCHA 7/29)

The U.S. for the first time explicitly states that it would veto a UN resolution endorsing Palestinian statehood. (JAZ, NYT 7/27)

In Lebanon, unidentified assailants detonate a roadside bomb nr. a UNIFIL convoy outside Sidon, wounding 5 French soldiers. Hizballah condemns the attack. (AFP, DPA 7/26; WT 7/27; DPA 7/28) (see 5/27)

In the West Bank, IDF undercover units raid the Nablus homes of 3 AMB mbrs. (Nadir al-Sarkaji, Ghassan Abu Sharikh, and ‘Anan Sobeh) allegedly behind the fatal shooting of a settler on 12/24, killing all 3 and wounding 1 bystander. The deaths constitute assassinations, as the men could have been detained: 2 of them are called to surrender and are fatally shot as they leave their homes unarmed; in the 3d case, soldiers enter the home, and when the wanted man refuses to exit a closet and surrender, soldiers rig the closet door with explosives and detonate the charge, killing him. IDF soldiers surrounding the buildings fire tear gas to disperse stone-throwing Palestinian youths who confront them, hitting 2 (ages 12 and 19) with tear gas canisters, injuring them. PA PM Fayyad denounces the IDF’s failure to coordinate the raids with the Dayton-trained PASF units responsible for security in Nablus, which were in the process of conducting a police investigation of the 12/24 killing. IDF troops in the West Bank also conduct late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Hebron, Nablus. (NYT, WP, WT 12/27; JPI 12/28; PCHR 12/30; OCHA 1/6)

Hamas officials in Lebanon confirm that 2 senior Hamas bodyguards and a 3d person (possibly a Hamas mbr.) were killed and 5 people wounded late on 12/26 in a large explosion at a Hamas office in the Dahiya neighborhood of s. Beirut (Hizballah’s stronghold). (HA 12/26; Associated Press, Wall Street Journal, WT, XIN 12/27; AFP, Kuwait News Agency, Middle East News Agency, MNA, YA 12/28; MNA, al-Nahar, al-Sharq al-Awsat 1/6)

The UNSC passes (14–0, with the U.S. abstaining) res. 1860, calling for an “immediate, durable, and fully respected cease-fire, leading to the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza” but not outlining an implementation or enforcement mechanism (see Doc. A8). Israel says it will not halt its operations until a Hamas cease-fire can be guaranteed. Meanwhile, Egypt begins intensive bilateral talks with Israeli and Hamas envoys to mediate a cease-fire.

Combat notes: The IDF carries out another 60 air strikes across Gaza, with heavy bombing of the Rafah border. Targets include more than 18 homes of senior IQB members (all believed to be in hiding), “a number of armed operatives” assassinated (not named), several groups of armed men, 15 tunnels (including some homes believed to be covering entrances to tunnels), 11 suspected weapons depots (including 1 mosque in n. Gaza), 15 rocket-launching sites, the PASF headquarters and PA Youth and Sports Min. offices in Rafah, and an Islamic Jihad office in Abasan. Target areas include Abasan, Bani Suhayla, Bayt Hanun, Bayt Lahiya, al-Bureij r.c., Dayr al-Balah, Gaza City (city center, al-Nasser), Jabaliya town and r.c., Khan Yunis, al-Nasser (n. of Rafah), Nussayrat, Rafah. Heavy naval shelling of Dayr al-Balah and the nearby al-Qur’an area of c. Gaza is also reported. As ground operations continue, the IDF begins moving a small number of reservists into the Strip for the 1st time since OCL began. Heavy artillery and ground fire is reported in Abasan, Gaza City (al-Sha‘af, al-Shuja‘iyya, Tal al-Hawa, alZaytun), al-Qarara. Late in the evening, IDF troops withdraw from al-Qarara; residents report at least 20 homes destroyed since the IDF took up positions in the city on 1/6.

Palestinians fire at least 15 rockets and 1 mortar into Israel, lightly injuring 4 Israelis. Areas hit by rockets include Ashdod, Ashqelon, Beersheba (4 Grads), Ofakim.

The Palestinian toll, including bodies recovered during the humanitarian lull today (see below), reaches at least 758 dead and more than 3,100 injured. In addition, a Ukrainian woman (married to a Gazan) and her toddler are killed by an IDF shell in Gaza City, becoming the 1st foreign casualties inside Gaza (1 Egyptian was killed on the Rafah border on 12/28). Today, 3 IDF soldiers are killed and 14 are wounded (1 seriously, 1 moderately, 12 lightly) during clashes inside Gaza, bringing the Israeli toll to 13–14 dead and more than 100 injured.

Humanitarian notes: IDF soldiers fire on relief workers in 3 incidents in which the UN and ICRC had fully coordinated their movements with the IDF in advance (providing the IDF with the license plates of the vehicles, giving precise times and routes of travel, and using clearly marked vehicles) and received IDF assurances that travel would be safe. One UN driver is killed and 2 other UN employees and 1 ICRC employee are wounded. The UN and other groups scale back or suspend aid deliveries to Gaza, citing security concerns.

During the humanitarian lull, the IDF allows ICRC workers back into a heavily damaged residential block of al-Zaytun (see 1/7), where they rescue 103 injured Palestinians who have been stranded since 1/5 and report finding 40–50 bodies, fearing that more dead and injured may be trapped under demolished homes. The Israeli human rights group B’Tselem reports (WP 1/9) new evidence that IDF soldiers stationed outside the destroyed houses were aware people were trapped but denied aid. UN Undersecy. Gen. for Humanitarian Affairs John Holmes urges Israel to investigate, calling (WP 1/9) it “a particularly outrageous incident” and “absolutely horrifying.”

Israel allows 223 Palestinian dual nationals to exit Gaza via the Erez crossing for Jordan (see 1/2).

The UN estimates that 20,000 Gazans have been internally displaced by the fighting. (AP, HA, IDF, IHY, JP, MA, NYT, UNIS, YA 1/8; AFP, Daily Star, IDF, IFM, ITARTASS, MET, NYT, RFM, UNIS, WP, WT 1/9; AFP, AP, NYT, WT 1/12; AYM, JP, NYT, WT 1/13; IHY, MM 1/14; PCHR 1/15; WJW 1/16; NYT 1/17; ITIC 1/18; JPI 1/23)

In the West Bank, the IDF fatally shoots a Palestinian who allegedly attempts to set fire to a gas station outside the Ma’ale Adumim settlement e. of Jerusalem; fires live ammunition and rubber-coated steel bullets at Palestinians demonstrating against OCL in al-Fawar r.c. nr. Hebron, seriously wounding 2 (including a 12-yr.-old boy); fires live ammunition at Palestinians protesting against the separation wall in Bil‘in, wounding 1; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in and around Nablus, in Qabatya nr. Jenin. (PCHR 1/15)

The PFLP General Command fires 4 rockets fr. s. Lebanon into Israel, 3 of which explode near Nahariya, lightly wounding 4 Israelis (5 others are treated for shock). The IDF fires 5 shells the border as a “measured response” and intensifies surveillance overflights of s. Lebanon. Hizballah, the Lebanese government, and Fatah and Hamas reps. in Lebanon condemn the fire, assuring Israel they have no intention of opening a 2d front. The Lebanese army and UNIFIL pledge to step up surveillance in s. Lebanon (ITV, MM, MNR, RFM 1/8; Guardian, HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT, SFR, al-Watan, YA 1/9; YA 1/10; AFP, AP, NYT, WT 1/12; HA, MM 1/15; JPI 1/23)

Meeting with Abbas in Jerusalem, Olmert pledges to release 150 Palestinian prisoners as a gesture to improve the climate of negotiations and support for Abbas; the release is tentatively set for 8/25. Today, Israel releases 6 Palestinian prisoners (fulfilling a requirement of the 7/16 prisoner release deal with Hizballah): the 6 include Hamas-affiliated Nablus mayor Adli Yaish (see 7/14) and 5 minors arrested for stone-throwing. Meanwhile, the IDF sends undercover units into Ramallah to arrest a wanted Palestinian; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Hebron, and in and around Jenin town and r.c., Tulkarm (breaking into a taxi company, stealing 3 cars). Armed Jewish settlers attempt to enter East Jerusalem’s Shu‘fat r.c. to establish an unauthorized outpost, claiming ownership of land inside the camp; the IDF bars their entry. (AFP, NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 8/7; OCHA 8/13; PCHR 8/14)

The IDF opens fire on Palestinians attempting to block bulldozers fr. clearing land nr. Bayt Surik for construction of the separation wall, wounding at least 1; demolishes a Palestinian home in Sawahara al-Sharqiyya nr. Jerusalem for construction of the wall; begins construction of a new 42 km wall segment btwn. Elkana settlement nr. Qalqilya and Ofer detention center s. of Ramallah; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Artas nr. Bethlehem, in Rafah, in camps and villages around Hebron and Jenin; raids, seals a Tulkarm charitable organization allegedly linked to Hamas, confiscating equipment, furniture. PA security officials confirm that Hizballah helped fund the 1/29 and 2/22 suicide bombings. (AFP, MM 2/24; VOP 2/24 in WNC 2/26; AP, NYT 2/25; HA, LAW, PCHR 2/26)

IDF troops raid Askar r.c., accompanied by 4 armored personnel carriers, 14 military jeeps, 2 armored bulldozers, and 2 helicopters; surround the apartment building where wanted Hamas mbrs. Hamis Abu Salam, Fayiz al-Sadar live, sparking a fire fight that leaves at least 1 of the Palestinians, 1 IDF soldier dead; shell the 4-story building by helicopter, destroying it; the body of the 2d Palestinian is found in the rubble. The attack, which Hamas considers an assassination, sparks demonstrations in Askar; the IDF fires live ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas at the crowds, killing 1 Palestinian, wounding 6; a Palestinian, overcome by teargas, dies at a hospital. Nr. Jenin, 3 Palestinian gunmen fire on an IDF outpost, are wounded and arrested. Israel indicts 2 Jewish settlers, arrested on 7/17, on charges of transporting explosives, membership in a “Jewish terror cell.” (AFP, BBC, HA, MM 8/8; VOI, XIN 8/8, MENA, al-Quds 8/10 in WNC 8/12; NYT, WP, WT 8/9; AYM 8/10 in WNC 8/14; PCHR 8/14)

Hizballah, retaliating for the 8/2 car bombing, fires mortars, antitank rockets at an IDF post in the disputed Shaba‘ Farms area of the Golan. Israel responds by shelling Hizballah positions by plane, artillery. No injuries are reported in the exchange. (BBC, HA, MM 8/8; NYT, WP, WT 8/9; Islamic Republic News Agency 8/10 in WNC 8/12)

The IDF attempts to assassinate senior Islamic Jihad mbr. Muhammad Sidir by firing missiles at his car in Hebron; Sidir is injured, 2 Palestinian children are killed, 6 others are injured. (1 of the dead, 5 of the injured are bystanders.) A 3d Palestinian is killed in al-Bireh by an IDF tank shell. The IDF also shells, destroys a PSF headquarters in n. Gaza; enters Rafah to bulldoze 3 Palestinian homes; uproots 200 olive trees in Sinjil. Palestinians fire a mortar at a Jewish settlement in Gaza, lightly injuring 1 Jewish settler. Jewish settlers in Hebron severely beat 2 Palestinian girls. Palestinians, Israeli peace activists stage a nonviolent protest at an IDF roadblock in Qalandia. (HP, LAW, MM 12/10; AP, MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/11; WT 12/12; AYM 12/12 in WNC 12/13; HA, LAW 12/13)

Arafat, Sharon meet separately with Zinni, urge him not to cut his trip short. Powell says that Zinni will indeed stay, that he never really intended to leave but just wanted to pressure the sides to act. (AP, MM, NYT, WT 12/11) (see 12/9)

In Washington, Bush hosts the White House's 1st menorah-lighting and Hanukkah party. Speaking privately with American Jewish leaders, Bush reportedly assails Arafat and the State Dept., identifies with Sharon, says that winning the war on terror means getting rid of groups like Hamas, Hizballah. (MM 12/12; MM, WJW 12/13; NYT 12/14; AYM 12/14 in WNC 12/17; WP 12/15; JT [Internet] 12/19; JP 2/1)

In Brussels, EU FMs call on Arafat to dismantle the "terrorist networks" of Hamas and Islamic Jihad; to declare, in Arabic, the end to the "armed intifada." Also call on Israel to halt assassinations, settlement expansion, attacks on the Palestinian infrastructure. (AFP 12/10; NYT, WT 12/11; IRNA, MA, SA 12/11 in WNC 12/12; AFP, MM, WT 12/12; Le Monde 12/12 in WNC 12/13; DUS 12/12 in WNC 12/14; MEI 12/21)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes diminish overall, though sharp fighting is reported on the Gaza coast. (WP 11/4)

On the sidelines of a Euro-Mediterranean economic conference in Spain, Spanish PM José María Aznar hosts a working lunch with Arafat, Peres, Mubarak to discuss the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Although Peres lacks a mandate fr. Sharon to conduct negotiations, the men reportedly hold "serious and intense" talks on the situation. (AFP, MM, REU 11/2; RNE 11/2 in WNC 11/3; MENA 11/2, EFE [Madrid], RNE 11/3 in WNC 11/5; WT 11/3) (see 10/30)

The U.S. widens its campaign to freeze "terrorist" assets to include all groups on the State Dept. list of "terrorist" orgs., including Hamas, Hizballah, Islamic Jihad, the PFLP. (NYT, WP 11/3; WJW 11/8; SAF 11/8 in WNC 11/9; MM 11/13; SA 11/13 in WNC 11/14; JT 11/19 in WNC 11/20) (see 9/24)

Based on new intelligence information, the IDF chief rabbi officially declares dead the 3 IDF soldiers kidnapped by Hizballah in 10/00. (MM 11/2; WP 11/3)

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 at the same lower rate as they have since 10/12, causing no fatalities. 1 Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. The IDF begins digging trenches, installing barricades at crossing points btwn. Israeli-, PA-controlled areas. The PA reportedly arrests 34 Hamas mbrs. in the West Bank, Gaza. (LAW 10/15; Gulf News [Internet], Khalij Times [Internet] NYT 10/16)

Hizballah announces it has taken a 4th IDF soldier hostage. The IDF confirms that Col. Elhanan Tennenbaum (res.) was in Switzerland on business when he "disappeared on his own initiative on personal circumstances a wk. ago." (ADM, REU, WP 10/15; MM, NYT, WT 10/16; MM 10/17; MA 10/17 in WNC 10/18; Daily Star [Internet] 10/19; MEI 10/27)

2 IDF soldiers are lightly wounded by gunfire across the Jordanian border. (WP 10/15)

In Sydney, Australia, a rally in support of the Palestinians turns violent when 20-50 of the 2,500 protesters attempt to storm the U.S. consulate. Rally organizers quickly get the crowd under control and the demonstration disperses without police intervention. Other pro-Palestinian rallies are held in Madrid, San Diego, Washington. (AFP 10/15 in WNC 10/16)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes escalate again. In Ramallah, 2 IDF reservists--"at least partially in uniform," driving a private vehicle, most likely armed--stray deep into area A, cross paths with a funeral procession. The crowd, assuming the soldiers are on an undercover operation, attack them and set their car afire. (Some reports say a body burned beyond recognition, possibly a 3d IDF soldier, is found in the vehicle.) PA police intervene and take the 2 reservists into protective custody, removing them to a nearby police station. When news of the incident spreads, 1,000s of Palestinians descend on the station (manned by 21 officers), break in, and kill the soldiers, injuring 15 policemen in the process. Declaring that the PA has "crossed the line," Barak seals borders with Egypt and Jordan, authorizes IDF air strikes against Arafat's headquarters in Ramallah and Gaza, the Palestinian Broadcasting Center in Ramallah, the Gaza port, various PA police stations, including those in Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah. When the strikes occur, Arafat is in his Gaza office waiting for CIA Dir. Tenet to arrive to discuss the possibility of convening the U.S.-Israeli-PA trilateral security comm. (formed in 1998) to explore ways of halting the violence. Neither Arafat nor Tenet is injured, but 43 Palestinians are wounded. In Gaza City, Palestinians pack belongings into cars, prepare to flee. In Jericho, Palestinians set fire to a 6th-century synagogue. Jewish settlers attack, fire on Palestinian cars nr. Bethlehem, Jinin. In retaliation, IDF helicopters fire rockets at the PA police academy in Jericho. During the Israeli air strikes, the PA releases around 60 Hamas, Islamic Jihad prisoners for their safety. (ADM, AP, LAW, MM, NYT 10/12; ATL, AYM, IRNA, LPA, MENA, XIN 10/12 in WNC 10/13; MENA, XIN 10/12, SA 10/13 in WNC 10/16; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/13; WP, WT 10/14; MENA 10/16 in WNC 10/17; WJW 10/19; JP 10/20; MEI 10/27; MA 11/6 in WNC 11/9)

In Yemen's port of Aden, a small, explosive-laden boat rams the USS Cole, an Aegis destroyer in port for refueling, killing 17 U.S. servicemen, injuring 35. (AP, MM 10/12; AFP [Internet], CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/13; NYT, WP, WT 10/14, 10/15, 10/16; MEI 10/27)

In the U.S., the primary concern of the public, government, and media is the attack on the USS Cole, while Israel's attacks on the Palestinian infrastructure, PA offices are viewed as a limited military response to the death of Israeli soldiers in PA custody, if not at the hands of the PA. Clinton, Albright express outrage over the murder, call on both sides to halt the violence. Clinton says he appreciates Palestinian frustration, but "there can be no possible justification for mob violence." 96 senators send Clinton a letter urging him to express solidarity with Israel "at this critical moment." (NYT, WP, WT 10/13; MEI, MM 10/27; MEI 11/10) (see Doc. D4)

Mubarak invites Arafat, Barak, Clinton to Sharm al-Shaykh for a summit. Mubarak also meets with King Abdallah of Jordan on the escalating crisis, upcoming Arab summit. (MENA 10/12 in WNC 10/13; MM, NYT, WP 10/13)

In Biarritz, France, Pres. Chirac convenes an emergency EU mtg. to discuss the escalation of Israeli-Palestinian violence, implores both sides to halt the fighting. (MM 10/13; AFP, EFE [Madrid] 10/13 in WNC 10/16; WP 10/14; SA 10/15 in WNC 10/17)

UN Secy.-Gen. Annan, in Lebanon to discuss the Hizballah kidnapping of 3 IDF soldiers, cuts short his visit, returns to Israel to try to calm the situation. (WP 10/13)

The Arab League denounces the Israel air strikes, warns that "all options" are open to the Arab world if the escalation continues. In Cairo, angry crowds march through the streets demanding Egypt take military action against Israel. In Beirut, demonstrations break out on university campuses. Elsewhere in Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria--including in the Palestinian camps--the streets are quiet; the governments release no official statements on events but heighten visibility of police, military. Anti-Israeli, anti-U.S. demonstrations are noted in Indonesia, South Africa. In the U.S., demonstrations are held in Boston, Dearborn, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, Raleigh, San Diego, Washington. In France, numerous acts of anti-Jewish vandalism, including attacks on synagogues, are noted in Lille, Paris, Rouen. (AP 10/12; AFP [Internet], WP 10/13; JT 10/13 in WNC 10/16; WP 10/14)

At the UN, U.S. Amb. Holbrooke warns Arab, nonaligned diplomats they may "jeopardize" relations with the U.S. if they push for a special session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) to censure Israel, for a UNSC res. calling on Israel to cease hostilities. (TT 10/12 in WNC 10/13; MM 10/13; NYT, WP 10/14)

In response to recent attacks that have killed 5 IDF soldiers in s. Lebanon, Israel carries out airstrikes against Hizballah bases in the Biqa` Valley and 3 power stations n. of the self-declared security zone, wounding 18 Lebanese civilians and leaving much of Lebanon without electricity. The raids are the most severe since 6/99, before Barak took office. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/8; AFP 2/8 in WNC 2/10; MEI 2/11; JP 2/18)

The PA says it is suspending negotiations until Israel provides acceptable answers questions on FAPS talks, FRD implementation. (NYT 2/8; SA 2/8 in WNC 2/10; AYM 2/8 in WNC 2/14)

The PA releases senior Hamas official `Abd al-`Aziz Rantisi, who has been jailed for nearly 2 yrs. without charges for his outspoken criticism of the Oslo process. (NYT 2/8; JP 2/18)

Egyptian FM Musa makes 1-day trip to Syria to discuss with Pres. Asad developments in the peace process. (MENA 2/7 in WNC 2/8; NYT 2/9)

Tunisian secy. of state for foreign affairs Tahar Sioud meets with Israeli FM Levy, marking the 1st visit to Israel of a high-ranking Tunisian since the countries established diplomatic relations 6 yrs. ago. (NYT 2/8)

Palestinian judges go on a 3-day strike to protest the failure of the PA police to stop an attack on a Bethlehem courthouse on 2/6. (LAW 2/7; NYT, PCHR 2/8)

IDF troops storm a home in West Bank area C to arrest 2 Palestinians wanted for security reasons. The mother of the 2 men suffers a fatal heart attack fr. the shock of the predawn raid. (LAW 2/9)

In Gaza, the PLO Central Council (PCC) opens debate on statehood declaration, with 96 of 124 mbrs. attending. Arafat opens the mtg. by affirming Palestinians' right to independence, but recommending against declaring a state on 5/4. Hamas sends a 4 mbr. observer group led by Shaykh Ahmad Yasin, marking 1st time it has participated in a PLO mtg.; the move is criticized by Hamas political leaders in Jordan. Islamic Jihad, Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine boycott. (MM 4/27; AFP, IDF Radio, JT 4/27 in WNC 4/28; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/28; IDF Radio, MBC 4/28 in WNC 4/29; al-Ayyam 4/28, 4/29 in WNC 5/3; PR 4/30; MEI 5/7; al-Istiqlal 5/7 in WNC 5/17; CSM 5/17)

In Nablus, 1,000 Fatah mbrs. march in support of a statehood declaration on 5/4. (WT 4/28)

A Palestinian arrested by Israeli police on burglary charges on 4/27 is admitted to a Tel Aviv hospital having been beaten so severely that one of his kidneys stopped functioning. (Reuters [Internet] 5/6)

Without explanation, the GIS orders the Hamas weekly newspaper al-Risala closed "until further notice." Under pressure fr. unnamed PA officials, the paper is allowed to reopen several hrs. later. (AFP 4/27 in WNC 4/28; al-Hayat al-Jadida 4/29 in WNC 5/3; PR 4/30)

In Geneva, the UN Human Rights Commission passes (52-1) a resolution reaffirming the Palestinians' right to self-determination, right to return. The U.S. votes against. (ADC press release 4/28; Xinhua 4/28 in WNC 4/29; Prime Minister's Report 4/30) (see 4/23)

Israel claims that the PA has released 3 Hamas prisoners involved in attacks in which Israelis were killed. PA, Hamas deny the story. (IDF Radio 4/27 in WNC 4/28; NYT, WP 4/28; al-Ayyam 4/28 in WNC 4/29; PR 4/30; JP 5/7)

In Washington, Israeli DM Moshe Arens meets with Secy. of State Albright, NSA Berger, Secy. of Defense Cohen for talks on Arrow missile program, Israeli receipt of 60 new F-16D fighters, regional issues. Albright, Berger criticize Israeli settlement policy. (USIS Washington File 4/27; MM 4/28; IDF Radio, MA 5/3 in WNC 5/4; WJW 5/6; JP, MEI 5/7)

Lebanese security personnel arrest an Israeli woman, Mary Vizeman, on suspicion of spying after she is found in Tyre without a passport. Vizeman, who speaks Arabic well, claims that she came fr. Nazareth to visit a friend in Beirut. (VOL 4/28 in WNC 4/29; JP 5/7)

Hizballah attempts to capture 2 IDF/SLA posts in s. Lebanon, wounding 8 IDF soldiers, 3 SLA mbrs. IDF shells Hizballah targets in response, wounding 2 civilians. (VOL 4/27 in WNC 4/28; MM 4/28)

In Cairo, Pres. Mubarak, Arafat discuss peace process. (MENA 6/14 in WNC 6/17; WT 6/17)

Saying that he alone will discuss political issues, PM Netanyahu cuts off presentation to the cabinet by IDF Chief of Staff Gen. Amnon Shahak on the IDF's assessment that there could be Palestinian violence if an FRD agmt. is not reached soon, dismisses Shahak fr. the room. Before leaving, Shahak says that from now on, he will tell the cabinet "only what it wants to hear." (MM 6/15; MA 6/15 in WNC 6/17; MA 6/16 in WNC 6/18; WT 6/29; JP 6/27)

Hamas, Islamic Jihad say they are considering Arafat invitation to join the EA. Israel says that inviting Hamas to join the authority without demanding that it "renounce terrorism and disarm its military wing makes a mockery of the PA's promise to . . . uproot the terrorist infrastructure." (IGPO, MM, WP 6/15; WT 6/17; PR 6/19)

Egypt, Iran sign memorandum of understanding on extending trade exchanges, preparing for mutual investment, establishing joint banks. (VIRI 6/15 in WNC 6/17; IRIB Television 6/17 in WNC 6/18)

Iraq, UNSCOM agree on 2-mo. plan to speed up disarmament verifications. (NYT, WP, WT 6/15; MA 6/16 in WNC 6/18; MM 6/17, 6/19) (see 6/4)

Israeli media reports that Israel has been holding talks in Europe with leaders of the previous anti-Taliban government in Afghanistan, possibly regarding setting up intelligence bases on the Iran border or establishing diplomatic ties. (YA 6/14, MA 6/17 in WNC 6/18)

Lebanon holds last round of municipal elections. Hizballah-supported candidates win only 5 of 21 seats in Baalbeck, while Amal-supported candidates win 16. (AFP 6/14, RL 6/15, 6/16 in WNC 6/17; MM 6/16; MM, WP 6/17; MEI 6/19; MM 6/23)

30 Jewish settlers from the Ateret Cohanim group accompanied by Israeli police and guard dogs evict a Palestinian woman fr. her rented home in East Jerusalem, lay foundations for 9 new buildings on adjacent 2,000-sq.-m. plot (apparently without permits). (IDF Radio 5/25 in WNC 5/27; LAW, NYT 5/26; MM, NYT 5/27; PR 5/29; ITV 6/3 in WNC 6/4; MEI 6/5; PR 7/3)

Arafat returns to Cairo to meet with Pres. Mubarak. (MENA 5/25 in WNC 5/27) (see 5/24)

Iran, Syria sign mining cooperation agmt. for development of phosphorus, ferrous mines in Syria. (IRNA 5/25 in WNC 5/27)

Jordan refuses to grant entry to Hamas's Shaykh Yasin, who planned to arrive 5/27. Meanwhile in Damascus, Yasin meets with Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) leader George Habash on ways to strengthen relations btwn. their groups. (AFP, MENA 5/25, AFP, RJ 5/26 in WNC 5/27; WT 5/26; al-Sabil 6/2 in WNC 6/3; MEI 6/5; JP 6/6; Shihan 6/6 in WNC 6/8) (see 5/24)

At the owner's request, PA security forces evict tenants of a Palestinian house in Ramallah and demolish the building, which has been the focus of a rent dispute. (Birzeit press release 5/25; JP 6/6)

In s. Lebanon, 1 Hizballah mbr. is killed, 1 SLA mbr. and 4 civilians are injured in several clashes. (VOL 5/25, RL 5/26 in WNC 5/27)

Pres. Clinton asks Secy. Albright to cancel her trip to Europe for the G-8 summit, meet with PM Netanyahu in Washington 5/13 in another effort to "overcome the remaining differences." (MM 5/11; MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/12)

In a 2d emergency session, CPMAJO mbrs. vote 27-3 to ask for a mtg. with Clinton; to draft letter objecting pressure on Israel, Hillary Clinton's 5/6 statements. (WP, WT 5/12; WJW 5/14) (see 5/7)

In Beirut, FM Buwayz discusses Israel's conditional withdrawal proposal with Nigerian FM Mamane Sambo Sidikou. (RL 5/11 in WNC 5/12)

In Ankara, Turkish PM Mesut Yilmaz, Dep. Chief of Staff Gen. Çevik Bir attend 50th anniversary reception at the Israeli embassy. (Anatolia 5/12 in WNC 5/13)

13 yrs. after denying him sanctuary claiming that he was not its spy, Israel officially recognizes Pollard as its agent in hopes of negotiating his release. (NYT, WP, WT 5/12; MA 5/13 in WNC 5/14; WJW 5/14) (see 4/14)

Iran, Iraq launch their 1st joint operation to search for remains of soldiers killed in their 1980+n88 war. (WP 5/12)

Hamas's Shaykh Yasin arrives in Kuwait. (MM 5/12)

In retaliation for SLA shelling of Lebanese village that wounded 2 civilians, Hizballah units in s. Lebanon fire rockets at IDF base just inside n. Israel, injuring 2 soldiers. (AFP, ITV, MBC, RL 5/11 in WNC 5/12; ITV, VOL 5/11 in WNC 5/13; WT 5/12; al-Diyar 5/12 in WNC 5/18)

In Cairo, Arafat, Egyptian pres. Mubarak, Jordan's King Hussein discuss 9/4 bombings, peace process, upcoming Albright visit; issue statement calling on Israel to implement outstanding Oslo II agmts., particularly the 2d FRD. (NYT, WP, WT 9/7; CSM, MM 9/8; MENA 9/7, al-Ittihad, JT, MENA, RE, RJ 9/8 in WNC 9/9; MM 9/8; MENA 9/9 in WNC 9/10; MEI, PR 9/12)

Israel's inner cabinet meets to discuss 9/4 suicide bomings. Shin Bet believes that Arafat is not behind, but rather against, "terrorism"; IDF Intelligence Branch believes that Arafat approved acts, will never fight "terrorism." (IDF Radio, MA 9/8 in WNC 9/9; MM 9/26)

IDF says that it has arrested around 170 suspected Hamas mbrs. since the 9/4 bombings. (IDF Radio, QY 9/7 in WNC 9/9; CSM 9/8)

Jordanian authorities arrest local Hamas spokesman Ibrahim Ghawshah for making statements that "pose a threat to national security." (AFP, RJ, RMC 9/7, AFP, al-Ittihad, JT 9/8 in WNC 9/9; MM 9/8; AFP 9/11 in WNC 9/12; MEI 9/12; Shihan 9/13 in WNC 9/19; al-Wasat 9/15 in WNC 9/17)

Hizballah attacks an IDF position in s. Lebanon, killing 1 IDF officer. (RL 9/7 in WNC 9/9; CSM, MM, NYT 9/8; JP 9/12)

In Gaza, Arafat opens 2-day national dialogue mtg., meets with Hamas leader `Abd al-Aziz Rantisi, warns that Israeli actions in response to the 7/30 bombings could lead to another uprising. Islamic Jihad mbrs. also attend. (CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/21; RMC 8/21 in WNC 8/22; MM, NYT, PR, WT 8/22; RE 8/22 in WNC 8/25; PR 8/29; CSM 8/30, 9/8) (see 8/16)

In Amman, a 2-day "popular conference for the defense of Jerusalem" opens. (al-Dustur, JT 8/21 in WNC 8/22; JT 8/23 in WNC 8/26)

In Bethlehem, PA police beat Palestinian Salih Musa during a traffic dispute, take him to Bethlehem hospital. 6 policmen are later arrested in connection with the incident. Bethlehem is still under the internal closure imposed by Israel following the 7/30 bombings. (LAW 8/21)

In retaliation for Hizballah's 8/19 shelling, Israeli air force (IAF) strikes far n. of the self-declared security zone, hitting a Hizballah base, an area nr. the Lebanese army unit that took part in the 8/18 shelling, a power station, injuring 2 Lebanese civilians. ILMG holds an emergency mtg. to discuss the deteriorating situation. Israel says that strike on power station was meant to show the Lebanese government that "a situation in which Israeli citizens cannot live peacefully while the Lebanese continue to live their lives normally will not be tolerated." (MM 8/20; AFP, RL, VOL 8/20 in WNC 8/21; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/21; WT 8/25)

PM Netanyahu decides not to fire Amb. to the U.S. Ben-Elissar. Instead he appoints his long-time personal friend Leonard Davis, fmr. head of AIPAC's Jerusalem office, to be the embassy's no. 2 man. Davis, a dual citizen who has never held a diplomatic position or worked with the FMin., will give up his U.S. citizenship. (WT 5/30) (see 5/19)

Jordanian PM `Abd al-Salam al-Majali announces plans to open a Human Rights Unit under his office. (RJ 5/29 in WNC 5/31) (see 11/30/96)

Al-Azhar head, Shaykh Muhammad Sayyid Tantawi sanctions the death penalty against those who sell Palestinian land to Jews. (VIRI 5/29 in WNC 5/31)

U.S. intelligence says that Egypt hopes to buy advanced SAM missiles fr. Russia, which would give Egypt the best tactical anti-ballistic-missile capability in the world, very good antiaircraft and anti-cruise-missile defenses. Congress is concerned Egypt will use its U.S. military aid to purchase the SAMs, which would be illegal. 90% of U.S. aid is tied to purchases of U.S. goods. (WT 5/30)

Brother of the Hamas suicide bomber who carried out the 3/21 attack, Omar Ghanimat, who has been detained without charge since the bombing, appeals to the Israeli High Court to stop his interrogation, charging that Shin Bet agents have tortured him. The High Court rejects the appeal, orders the Justice Min. to investigate. (WP 5/30; LAW 6/1)

UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) complains that 7 Hizballah gunmen halted and damaged a UN vehicle in s. Lebanon, performed mock executions on the 2 UNIFIL soldiers. In a separate incident nr. Tyre, 5 Hizballah gunmen stop, interrogate 2 UNIFIL soldiers driving in a marked UN truck. It is the 1st time in 10 yrs. that Hizballah has harassed UNIFIL soldiers. (AFP, RL 5/30 in WNC 6/2)

PA Justice M Frayh Abu-Madayn announces that Palestinians who sell or facilitate the sale of land to Jews will face the death penalty. (NYT, WT 5/6; NYT 5/16; JP 5/17; IDF Radio 5/19 in WNC 5/21; WT 5/21)

U.S. says that it has repeatedly protested to Israel "at the highest level" over complaints Israel has threatened to take away the U.S. passports of Palestinians who do not give up claims of residency in Jerusalem, stresses that Palestinian Americans cannot lose their U.S. citizenship involuntarily. (WT 5/6) (see 5/4)

In Cairo, EU special envoy Moratinos discusses peace process with Arab League secy. Gen. Ismat `Abd al-Majid. (RE 5/5 in WNC 5/6)

Israel's new amb. to Jordan, Oded Eran, fmr. head of the Israeli delegation to the donor conferences, assumes his post in Amman. (RJ 5/5 in WNC 5/6)

U.S. releases Hamas political leader Abu Marzuq after 22 mos. in detention, flies him to Jordan. (AFP 5/5, JTV, al-Ra'i, RJ, RMC 5/6 in WNC 5/7; NYT, WT 5/6; RJ 5/6, JT 5/7 in WNC 5/8; MM 5/7; WJW 5/8; WP 5/9; SA 5/9 in WNC 5/13; mei 5/16; JP 5/17; al-Wasat 5/19-25 in WNC 5/21) (see 5/4)

PA policeman shoots, kills Palestinian at a checkpoint in Hebron. (WP 5/6; MEI 5/16)

IDF demolishes 5 Palestinian homes in Hebron's H2, saying they were constructed without permits. (LAW 5/6; WT 5/7; PR 5/16) (see 4/23)

Israeli court charges Manbar with assisting the enemy, providing information to an outside enemy with the intent of harming state security, providing Iran with means to manufacture chemical weapons in exchange for $16 m. (IDF Radio 5/5 in WNC 5/6; MA 5/7 in WNC 5/8; JP 5/17) (see 4/25)

Iranian FM Velayati arrives in Cairo on a 2-day visit to invite Pres. Mubarak to attend the upcoming (12/97) OIC conference in Tehran. This is the 1st high-level contact btwn. Iran, Egypt since Mubarak accused Tehran in 1995 of trying to have him killed. (IRNA 5/5 in WNC 5/6; NYT, WP, WT 5/6; IRNA, RE, SA 5/6 in WNC 5/7; MM 5/8, 5/9)

The Jordanian Popular Movement merges with the National Constitutional Party. (JT 5/6 in WNC 5/7; JT 5/7 in WNC 5/8) (see 2/28)

Hizballah detonates 3 roadside bombs in s. Lebanon, wounding 5 civilians, 2 SLA mbrs. (RL 5/5 in WNC 5/6, 5/7; WP 5/7)