The Palestine Chronology

In an apparent assassination, a car explodes in Jinin, killing 2 AMB mbrs. wanted by Israel. The IDF reportedly executes 3 Palestinians following a clash in Tal nr. Nablus that leaves 1 IDF soldier. (Palestinian Red Crescent Society press release, PMC 11/6; NYT, PMC, WP, WT 11/7; MENA 11/7 in WNC 11/8; HP, PCHR, WP 11/8)

The Knesset revokes the parliamentary immunity of Israeli Arab MK Azmi Bishara, clearing the way for his prosecution on charges of encouraging violence, supporting a "terrorist organization" (Hizballah) for making statements against Israel's occupation of s. Lebanon, organizing illegal trips to Syria for Israeli Arabs to visit relatives. This marks the 1st time that an MK's immunity has been revoked for making political statements. (HP, WP 11/8; NYT 11/10; MM 11/13, 11/14; WJW 11/15; JP 11/16; HA 11/17)

The U.S. identifies 19 hijackers (fr. Egypt, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, the UAE), including 7 trained pilots, who participated in the 9/11 attacks; 16 held valid U.S. visas, 12 had lived in Florida (some for yrs.), 2 were the sons of a high-ranking Saudi diplomat once posted to Washington, at least 3 had studied at the same college in Germany. (NYT, WP, WT 9/15; WP 9/18; CNN 9/21)

Asst. Secy. of State for Near East Affairs William Burns official meets with 15 Arab envoys, including the PLO rep., and tell them they must either declare their nations "mbrs. of an international coalition against terrorism or risk being isolated." Later, Arab envoys meet at the home of Saudi Arabian amb. Prince Bandar Bin Sultan to discuss U.S. plans. Egyptian amb. Nabil Fahmy warns the admin. to focus on finding and punishing those responsible for the 9/11 attacks and not to broaden the effort to include other geopolitical goals. (NYT 9/15; MM, WP 9/17; SA 9/17 in WNC 9/19)

Sharon rejects direct appeals by Bush, Powell to hold peace talks with the PA, which would facilitate U.S. efforts to form a coalition to strike at Bin Laden. Instead, he cancels tentative plans to hold an Arafat-Peres mtg. on 9/16, saying it would be "inappropriate" in light of the 9/11 U.S. attacks; tells Bush that Israel opposes the U.S. bringing the PA, Syria into its antiterrorism coalition. (AFP 9/14; AP, HP, NYT, WP 9/15; JP [Internet], WT 9/16; XIN 9/16 in WNC 9/17; WJW 9/27; JP, MEI 9/28)

Meanwhile, 3 Palestinians are killed by IDF fire in Gaza. Israeli authorities detain Mufti of Jerusalem Shaykh Ikrima Sabri following Friday prayers for several hrs. of questioning regarding his recent visit to Beirut. In Gaza's Nussayrat refugee camp, 100s of Palestinians protest against the U.S.'s threat to attack Afghanistan, fearing the U.S.'s "international campaign against terrorism" will be campaign against Muslims; undercover PSF officers confiscate reporters' film. Some 40,000 Israeli Arabs in Umm al-Fahm Israel hold a similar rally, denouncing the killing of American civilians but also condemning U.S. support for Israel. (HP, WP, WT 9/15; WP 9/16; WT 9/17; al-Quds 9/18 in WNC 9/19; WJW 9/20; LAW 9/29)

In the U.S., as many as 20 hijackers commandeer 4 commercial jets bound from east coast airports to California. Minutes apart, 2 planes hit the World Trade Center (WTC) in New York City, destroying the twin towers and killing possibly 1,000s of people. Within an hr., the 3d plane hits the Pentagon in Washington, killing up to 200 people, and the 4th plane crashes in w. Pennsylvania, killing all aboard. Bush vows retaliation, saying, "We will make no distinction between those who committed these acts and those who harbored them." Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT), a mbr. of the Senate intelligence comm. claims that the U.S. intercepted reports by associates of Saudi dissident Osama Bin Laden saying they had hit 2 targets; another intelligence official says, however, that the information was not so definitive. Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the PA, Hamas, Afghanistan's ruling Taliban immediately condemn the attacks. (ATL, MENA 9/11 in WNC 9/12; JT 9/11, DUS, ITAR-TASS, JT, QA, al-Quds, al-Ra'i 9/12 in WNC 9/13; HP, MM, NYT, PR, WP, WT 9/12; AFP, HA, WJW 9/13; WP 9/15; MENA 9/16 in WNC 9/17; JP 9/21; JP, MEI 9/28)

Hopes for an Arafat-Peres mtg. fade as Israel steps up its attack on Jinin. Before dawn, IDF tanks encircle the town, cut electricity, shell residential areas of Jinin and a nearby refugee camp, killing 2 Palestinians. A 3d Palestinian is fatally shot when the IDF opens fire on a taxi in Gaza. The IDF also shells areas of Gaza City, hitting 2 factories, a PSF office. Palestinian snipers fatally shoot 2 IDF soldiers nr. Tulkarm. Israel's Jerusalem Municipality demolishes 3 Palestinian homes in Bayt Hanina, issues demolition orders for another 5 houses. (AP, BBC, LAW, MM, NYT, WP 9/11; MEZ, NYT, WP 9/12; LAW 9/20; MEI 9/28)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 4 Palestinians dead. The IDF declare a curfew, reinforces its positions in Bayt Jala, saying forces will remain in the town indefinitely--marking Israel's 1st reoccupation of West Bank area A. State Dept. spokesman Richard Boucher warns Israel that it is inflaming the conflict, urges Syria to keep a rein on Hizballah. Among the buildings taken over by the IDF are 5 Palestinian homes and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America's orphanage, where troops turn the upper floors into a firing base for heavy machine guns. Residents of the occupied homes, orphanage are confined to a single room of their homes; the Lutheran bishop accuses the IDF of using the 45 children in the home as human shields. Troops also level a number of Palestinian houses; skirmish with Palestinians at Aida refugee camp, nr. Bayt Jala. Fighting around Bayt Jala and Gilo intensifies throughout the day, leaving 1 Palestinian dead, at least 6 injured. Palestinians fire 6 mortars at Gilo, causing damage but no injuries, marking the 1st sustained mortar attack in the West Bank. The IDF also sends undercover units into Hebron to capture PSF Hebron cmdr. Abdallah Salim; sends forces into Rafah refugee camp to demolish another 14 homes, wounding 12 Palestinians; sends troops into Dayr al-Balah camp, touching off gun battles; bulldozes part of a school, 50 olive trees in Abu Najim; shells residential areas of Dayr Samit, Dura, Kharsa; conducts arrests raids in Jalbun; seals a main north+nsouth Gaza road. (AP, BDL, HA, LAW, MM, REU 8/28; XIN 8/28 in WNC 8/29; BDL, NYT, WP, WT 8/29; PMC, WJW 8/30; MEI, WT 8/31; JP 9/7)

In Ramallah, 10,000s of Palestinians attend the funeral of PFLP leader Mustafa. In refugee camps in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, 1,000s of Palestinian refugees protest Mustafa's assassination. In Amman, 100s of demonstrators call for the Israeli amb. to be expelled. Outside the Israeli DMin. in Tel Aviv, 100s of Israelis demonstrate against the IDF incursion into Bayt Jala, Bethlehem. (AP, GS, JP 8/28)

Israel eases the IDF's open-fire restrictions, allowing soldiers initiate fire if Palestinians who "appear to be preparing an attack." A Jewish settler is fatally shot outside Tzofim settlement. The IDF seals neighboring Qalqilya in response. The IDF also directs heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Bethlehem; tightens the closures on Jinin, Khan Yunis, Tulkarm. 2 roadside bombs explode nr. IDF convoys in the West Bank, causing no damage. (PMC, WP, WT 8/8)

The U.S. rejects PA requests to intervene with Israel to prevent the further deterioration of violence and to send international observers to the region immediately, instead dispatching Dep. Asst. Secy. of State Satterfield for a week-long tour of the region. He will discuss regional tensions with officials in Lebanon, Syria, Israel, and the West Bank and Gaza, but will not bring new initiatives. (NYT, WP, WT 8/8; NYT 8/10; JT 8/12 in WNC 8/14)

In Nablus, 10,000s of Palestinians attend the funeral of those in the 7/31 IDF attack in Nablus. Palestinians across Jerusalem, Gaza, the West Bank observe a general strike; marches are held in Jinin, Qalqilya, Ramallah, Tulkarm, refugee camps in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Israel continues to defend the assassination strike, saying it will carry out more such assaults if Israeli lives are at risk. Meanwhile, 1 Palestinian is killed in a severe clash with the IDF in Hebron. The IDF also directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Khan Yunis, Rafah, Ramallah, Silat Dahir, Tulkarm; conducts arrest raids, searches in Abu Dis, al-Arub, Nablus; reinforces positions around Birzeit, Jinin, Qalqilya, Tulkarm. A pipe bomb explodes in Jerusalem, causing no injuries. Palestinian gunmen kill 3 suspected Palestinian collaborators in Bethlehem, Ramallah. (REU 8/1; HP, NYT, WP, WT 8/2; LAW 8/6; MEI 8/10)

Responding to Mubarak's urgent appeal (8/1), Bush states that "we're still very much engaged in the process . . . that we take violence very seriously," but not indicating the U.S. will do more. Egyptian FM Maher says Egypt is "astonished that the United States has not reacted with the necessary firmness to this [latest] Israeli behavior." (NYT, WP, WT 8/8; AKH 8/8 in WNC 8/10)

The PA suspends participation on the trilateral security comm. to protest Israel's 7/31 strike against Hamas. (WP 8/2, 8/6)

The UN admits that it has misled Israel about the existence of a video tape filmed by UNIFIL 1 day after the 10/7/00 abduction of 3 IDF soldiers in Shaba` Farms, which might provide clues to where the soldiers are being held; says it will give Israel the tape but will blur the faces of Hizballah mbrs., since its mandate bars it fr. providing either side with military intelligence. Israel, Lebanon, Hizballah all protest. (WP, WT 7/7; WT 7/8; MM 7/9; MA 7/9 in WNC 7/10; MEI 7/13, 7/27)

An Israeli official says that since Israeli-Palestinian violence has continued, the initial 7-day period of Powell's new cease-fire time line has not yet begun. Today, the IDF directs machine gun fire on residential areas of Silwad; bars Palestinians fr. exiting Qalqilya; begins bulldozing 100s of dunams of Palestinian land n. of Jerusalem for a new 300 m. settler bypass road; blocks/digs trenches across the Bayt Rima-Abud road, roads leading to Jinin fr. the south; sets up a new checkpoint outside Tulkarm. Jewish settlers attempt to set up a new settlement site nr. al-Jamla, n. of Jinin; continue leveling 200 dunams of land nr. Masha for a 70-unit expansion of Elkana settlement. (HP, PMC 6/30; WT 7/1; HP 7/2)

Arafat, Peres meet for a 2d time in Lisbon. (WT 7/1; MM 7/3; MENA 7/3 in WNC 7/6; MM 7/5)

Holding Syria responsible for the 6/29 Hizballah attack, Israeli warplanes fire missiles at a Syrian radar station nr. Baalbek, Lebanon, wounding 2 Syrian, 1 Lebanese soldier. The attacks sparks an exchange of rocket fire btwn. Hizballah, IDF forces in Shaba` Farms, causing no injuries. (AP, WT 7/1; MENA, RL 7/1 in WNC 7/2; MM, WP 7/2; IRNA, MENA 7/1, Interfax, SA 7/2 in WNC 7/3; al-Safir 7/4, SA 7/5 in WNC 7/7)

Palestinians fire up to 6 mortars, several grenades at an IDF post in Gaza, causing no damage. The IDF fires a shell at a Palestinian vehicle in Khan Yunis, injuring 5 Palestinians. Around 1,000 Palestinian demonstrators clash with IDF soldiers at a checkpoint outside al-Bireh. Another serious clash is reported in Tulkarm. The IDF also directs heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Bayt Sahur, Silat al-Dahir; bulldozes Palestinian land nr. Salfit; places a closure on Bayt Furik; tightens the closure on Dayr Istya, Qalqilya; sets up new blockades, checkpoints around Azun, Nablus, Qalqilya. Jewish settlers raise 10s of trees in Dayr Balut, cut of running water to 6 Palestinian villages nr. Nablus. (AFP [Internet], HP 6/29; HP, NYT, WP 6/30)

Around 100 Israeli, international peace activists attempt to reach the Palestinian village of al-Khadir, nr. Bethlehem, where they have planned to set up a "peace camp" with local Palestinians to protest ongoing Israeli violence. The activists are halted outside the village by the IDF, which says the area is a closed military zone, although settlers passes unimpeded. When the activists set up a nonviolent roadblock to settler vehicles, Israeli police arrest the organizers, forces the others onto their busses and back to Tel Aviv. Inside al-Khadir, 150 Palestinian participants also demonstrate, but the IDF disperses them with gunfire, wounding 4, and imposes a curfew. (Gush Shalom press release 6/29)

On the sidelines of a conference in Lisbon, Arafat, Peres hold talks on maintaining the cease-fire. (RTP Internacional TV [Lisbon] 6/30 in WNC 7/2; AFP [Internet], NYT, WT 7/1; MM 7/2, 7/5)

Hizballah fires rockets at an IDF post in Shaba` Farms, injuring 2 soldiers. Israel sends warplanes into Lebanese air space 5-6 times. (Daily Star [Internet] 6/30; al-Safir 6/30 in WNC 7/2; WT 7/1: MM, WP, WT 7/2; al-Safir 7/4, SA 7/5 in WNC 7/7; MEI 7/13)

The IDF directs shells/heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Rafah, Salim; tightens the closures on Salim, Tulkarm, several villages nr. Ramallah; places new checkpoints at 2 intersections outside Tulkarm, a new observation tower at al-Muntar crossing in Gaza; extends the curfews on PA-areas of Hebron for the 3d day, on Silat al-Dahir for the 8th day; imposes a curfew on Dayr Istya; opens fire on a PSF checkpoint at the entrance to Qalqilya, causing no injuries; conducts an arrest sweep in Abruqin; fires on Palestinian fishermen off the coast of Rafah. Palestinians fire on Jewish settlers in the West Bank, causing no damage; fire antitank grenades at an IDF post in Gaza and detonate a roadside bomb nr. an IDF patrol nr. Nablus, causing no injuries. Jewish settlers open fire on a bus transporting Palestinian workers, injuring 9; set fire to Palestinian trees in Dayr Istya. A Palestinian, possibly a collaborator, is found shot dead in Qalqilya; 1 Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. (HP, JT [Internet] 6/27; HP, NYT 6/28)

After a brief stop in Egypt to confer with Mubarak and urge him to press Arafat to halt violence, Powell opens mtgs. with Israeli, PA officials on strengthening their cease-fire. Powell reiterates that, while the U.S. does not believe that complete quite is likely or necessary for implementation of Tenet's plan to move forward, only Sharon can decide what level of violence is low enough. (MM 6/27; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/28; WP 7/1; MEI 7/13)

Survivors of the Sabra-Shatila massacre file a suit against Israeli PM Sharon in Lebanese court. (Daily Star [Internet] 6/28; JT 7/29 in WNC 7/30)

Palestinians fire 5 mortars at Gush Katif settlement in Gaza, causing no damage. Jewish settlers fire on Palestinian homes in Safarin, injuring 1 Palestinian; place 3 mobile homes, a tent on a new settlement site nr. Tulkarm. The IDF reinforces the blockade on Tulkarm, digging 3 trenches around the city; tightens closures on Jinin, Nablus; digs trenches around Tubas. Another Israeli injured in the 6/1 Tel Aviv bombing dies of her injuries, raising the toll fr. the attack to 22. A Palestinian dies of injuries received on 6/17. (MM 6/19; AP, NYT, WP, WT 6/20; WJW 6/21; LAW 6/23)

Israel accuses the PA of failing to act to prevent "terrorism" during the 1st wk. of the cease-fire implementation, declares that the 6-wk. cooling-off period (stage 3 of the Tenet plan) will not begin on 6/20 as scheduled, demands that Sharon "reassess" the cease-fire with the Palestinians. Sharon convenes his security cabinet to discuss the issue. (AP, MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/20; MM 6/21; DUS 6/25 in WNC 6/27)

Lebanon says that in 6 days, Syria has withdrawn 6,000 troops fr. the Beirut area. Some troops reportedly have redeployed to the Biqa` Valley, but most have returned to Syria. (NYT 6/20; JT 6/20 in WNC 6/21; Economist [Internet] 6/21; al-Nahar 6/22 in WNC 6/26; al-Nahar 6/26 in WNC 6/28; MEI 6/29)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes increase slightly. A faction of Fatah claims responsibility for the drive-by shooting deaths of 2 Jewish settlers in the West Bank. In response, the IDF reimposes the blockade on Silat al-Dahir, Tulkarm. Palestinians fire mortars at Israeli targets in Gaza, causing no damage. In Haifa, the IDF disables 4 pipe bombs discovered hidden in a motor bike. The IDF dismantles roadblocks, eases restrictions on Halhul and Qalqilya, but sets up barriers on the Betin-`Ayn Yabrud road, tightens the closure on Hebron, confiscates 10s of dunams of Palestinian land nr. Ofra settlement, conducts an arrest sweep in Aqraba. Most secondary routes in the West Bank remain sealed. Jewish settlers burn 10s of dunams of Palestinian fields in Luban al-Gharbiyya, raze agricultural land in al-Zawiya, assault 3 Palestinian children (ages 8, 11, 13) in Hebron. (PMC 6/18; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/19; NYT, WJW 6/21; MEI 6/29)

28 survivors of the 1982 Sabra-Shatila massacre in Lebanon bring a war crimes case against Sharon before a Belgian court. Earlier this mo., 2 other survivors submitted a similar case to the same court. (REU 6/18; Guardian, HA, Independent, WP 6/19; MM 6/20; WJW 6/21; AFP [Internet] 6/26; WJW 6/28; MM 7/11; MEI 7/13, 7/27)

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 continue, leaving 2 Palestinians dead. Palestinians fire mortars at a Jewish settlement in Gaza; in response, the IDF sends 5 tanks into nearby PA-controlled territory. The IDF also shells residential areas of Bayt Jala, Bethlehem; bulldozes 30 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Gaza City. (REU 5/24; WP 5/25; PCHR 6/4)

On the anniversary of the IDF pullout fr. s. Lebanon, Israel shoots down a civilian light aircraft that crosses the border fr. Lebanon, killing the pilot. Israel sends jets into Lebanese airspace to break the sound barrier. (HA, MM 5/24; RL 5/24 in WNC 5/29; NYT, WP, WT 5/25; MEI 6/1)

Palestinians mark Nakba commemoration day by observing 3 minutes of silence. Large rallies are held in every major Palestinian city in the West Bank and Gaza, after which a recorded message by Arafat is read over loudspeakers. Israeli Arabs hold marches to the sites of their destroyed villages. Marches, rallies are also held in Amman (where 1,000s demonstrate), Cairo, Tehran, Washington. (MM 5/15; IRNA, MENA 5/15 in WNC 5/16; SA 5/15, HJ, JT, al-Quds 5/16 in WNC 5/17; NYT, WP, WT 5/16; WJW 5/17; HA, WP 5/18)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes escalate due to the Nakba anniversary, leaving 5 Palestinians, 1 Israeli settler dead, some 250 Palestinians wounded. In an apparent assassination in Gaza, the IDF fires a tank shell at the car driven by `Abd al-Hakim al-Manama, bodyguard of Hamas spiritual leader Shaykh Yasin, killing him and a passenger. In Ramallah, an IDF soldier shoots French TV reporter Bertrand Aguirre, who captures his targeted shooting on video; Aguirre escapes fatal injury because he is wearing a bulletproof vest. A Palestinian woman gives birth at an IDF checkpoint when soldiers refuse to let her pass to reach a hospital. The IDF directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Rafah, Tulkarm. (AP, LAW 5/15; HP, NYT, WP, WT 5/16; PCHR 5/17; CSM 5/18; JP 5/25)

The Higher Follow-Up Comm. for the Arab Community (HFCAC), composed of Israeli Arab political and community leaders, reports that Israel is restricting the freedoms of Israel Arabs in light of the al-Aqsa intifada. Israeli Arab journalists, poets have been detained for questioning, warned against "incitement" for writing on the intifada; community activists have received threatening telephone calls fr. police, intelligence officials; Israel police have opened investigations against 4 Israeli Arab MKs; 1 Israeli Arab has been placed under administrative detention; several Israeli Arabs have had their passports confiscated for taking part in a trip to Syria. (HFCAC press release 5/15)

In Washington, PA senior negotiator Abbas holds talks with Secy. of State Powell, National Security Adviser Condoleeza Rice on halting violence, Arafat visiting the U.S. (WP, WT 5/16; MENA 5/16 in WNC 5/17; NYT 5/17, 5/21)

Israel, the PA submit their official responses to the Mitchell Comm. report, generally welcoming the report as a basis for a cease-fire. (MM 5/15; NYT 5/16; AYM 5/16 in WNC 5/18; NYT 5/17)

Israel reinforces troops in Shaba` Farms, directs machine gun fire across the border into Lebanon, flies helicopters along the border area. (RL 5/15 in WNC 5/16)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving a total of 7 Palestinians dead. Hrs. before dawn, without warning, the IDF opens fire with M-16s and heavy machine guns on a PSF post in Beitunia, killing 5 PSF officers. Later in the day, 10,000s of Palestinians attend a memorial for the 5 in Ramallah. The U.S. says Israel's actions mark a "very disturbing" escalation. When a Palestinian throws a grenade at an IDF checkpoint nr. Khan Yunis, IDF soldiers open fire on cars waiting to pass through, killing the assailant (who is reportedly wearing an explosive device), 1 bystander, wounding 5 bystanders. The IDF also demolishes a PSF building nr. Tulkarm. Palestinian gunmen fire on Gilo settlement, wounding 4 Jewish settlers. (LAW, MEZ, MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/14; MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/15; AN, MENA 5/15 in WNC 5/16; AYM 5/16 in WNC 5/18; PCHR, WP 5/17; LAW, MEI 5/18)

Hizballah fires 5 rockets fr. Lebanon into the Israeli-occupied Shaba` Farms. The IDF responds by firing mortars at Hizballah targets in s. Lebanon, overflying the area. Neither side reports damage. (RL 5/14 in WNC 5/15; NYT 5/15; MEI 5/18)

Claiming Syria is responsible for allowing the 4/14 Hizballah attack, Israel conducts late-night air strikes against a Syrian radar station deep inside Lebanon, killing 3 Syrian soldiers, wounding 4. The State Dept. urges all sides to exercise maximum restraint but refuses to condemn Israeli actions, saying "the primary event in this situation is the fact that Hizballah escalated the situation in what we think was a clear provocation." (BBC, CNN, NYT, USIS Washington File, WP, WT 4/16; JP [Internet], MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/17; AFP, Interfax, IRNA, MENA, RL 4/16 in WNC 4/17; MA 4/17 in WNC 4/18; MENA 4/17, IRNA, JT, QA 4/18 in WNC 4/19; MM, WT 4/18; WJW 4/19; MEI, WP 4/20; JP 4/27; MA 4/27 in WNC 4/30)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. The IDF shells residential areas of Hebron, Khan Yunis, Rafah; bulldozes 22 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Qalqilya; conducts arrest raids in Jama`in, Sawahara al-Sharqiyya. (LAW 4/20)

To protest Israeli raids on Lebanon, Jordanian FM `Abd al-Ilah Khatib cancels his planned visit to Tel Aviv on 4/16. (al-Ra'i 4/15 in WNC 4/16; WP 4/16; NYT, WP 4/17; MEI 4/20)

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)

After Israel announces it is ending its "policy of restraint," Israeli-Palestinian clashes intensify sharply, leaving 6 Palestinians dead, 136 wounded. The IDF directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at PA-controlled areas in Hebron, in the heaviest barrage there since the beginning of the al-Aqsa intifada. Serious clashes are also reported in Gaza and in Nablus, where 10,000 Palestinians rallying to mark Land Day clash with IDF troops, who shoot dead 5 Palestinians. The IDF also directs shelling, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of al-Bireh, Jinin, Rafah, Tulkarm; confiscates 100 dunams of land nr. Qalqilya for a new settlement bypass road. Frustrated with Israeli security checks, Palestinian workers at Erez industrial zone riot, prompting Israel to close the zone--an unprecedented move since the purpose of the zone is make Palestinians who work there and the businesses that employ them (60% of which are Israeli-owned) immune to closures. (AP, HP, LAW 3/30; NYT, WP, WT 3/31; Sunday Times [London], WT 4/1; HJ 4/1 in WNC 4/5; Globes 4/2 in WNC 4/3)

In Sakhnin, Israel, 10,000 Israeli Arabs participate in a peaceful Land Day rally--the 1st major protest since the 10/00 demonstrations, which were violently suppressed by Israeli police, who, this time, are ordered to intervene only if protesters block major roads. Major Land Day commemorations are also held in Jordan, Lebanon. (HP, MM 3/30; NYT 3/31; JT 4/1 in WNC 4/2)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes intensify, especially around Khan Yunis, leaving 1 Palestinian dead. Sharon returns fr. his trip to the U.S., immediately goes into talks with his security cabinet. The IDF shells residential areas of Brazil, Khan Yunis. Jewish settlers bulldoze 2 olive groves nr. Elazar settlement. (AFP [Internet], HA, MM, WJW 3/22; WT 3/23)

Lebanon passes a law aimed at Palestinian refugees that forbids "anyone who does not have citizenship in a recognized state" from owning property. (al-Safir 3/23)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 2 Palestinians dead. A Jewish settler is killed in a drive-by shooting nr. Bethlehem; the IDF reseals the city. Some 600 mbrs. of the Union of Palestinian Women's Comms. hold a nonviolent march nr. the al-Ram checkpoint, where the IDF fires tear gas and percussion grenades, beating some with their rifles, injuring 15, including Hanan Ashrawi. The IDF directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Brazil, Khan Yunis, Rafah (hitting an elementary school, injuring 8 children); bulldozes 50 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Bayt Hanun, destroying a PSF post. Nr. Jerusalem, IDF soldiers stop, arrest, beat 2 ambulance drivers returning from a call; the pair are freed after the International Comm. of the Red Cross intervenes. (MM, Palestinian Red Crescent Society press release, REU 3/19; HP, MM, WT 3/20; WJW 3/22; MEI 3/23; LAW 3/24; JP 4/6)

At Manara kibbutz on the Israeli-Lebanese border, residents find the kibbutz's security head murdered, the kibbutz's arsenal ransacked, 60 rifles and handguns stolen. The border fence with Lebanon is intact, so Israel suspects Palestinians or Israeli Arabs. (MM 4/20; WJW 3/22; MA 3/24 in WNC 3/26)

Sharon arrives in Washington for his 1st mtg. with U.S. officials since his inauguration; also addresses the annual American Israel Public Affairs Comm. conference. (MM 3/19; WT 3/20; WJW 3/22; MM 3/23; JP 3/30; NYT 4/19; MEI, WP, WT 4/20; NYT 4/22; MM 4/24; WJW 4/26)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes, which have left 365 Palestinians, 19 Israeli Arabs, and 58 Israeli soldiers, settlers, and civilians dead, stretch into their 5th mo. The most severe clashes are in Ramallah. 2 Palestinians are killed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Palestinian Auhority (PA) General Intelligence Service (GIS) officer Anwar Mar'i is stabbed to death by Palestinian assailants nr. Salfit; the PA claims it is an IDF-backed assassination. A 4th Palestinian dies of a heart attack when the IDF delays his passage through a checkpoint to a hospital for over 1 hr. The IDF bulldozes Palestinian land nr. the Rafah border, demolishing 7 Palestinian homes, 10 greenhouses; shells residential areas nr. al-Bireh. (WT 2/17; LAW 2/18; SA 2/19 in WNC 2/21; LAW 2/22)

Outgoing Israeli Labor PM Ehud Barak announces he will join a unity government with Likud's PM-elect Ariel Sharon as DM, pending finalization of the government guidelines and the coalition. (MM 2/16; WT 2/17; AYM 2/17 in WNC 2/22; AYM 2/18 in WNC 2/21; MM 2/19; NYT 2/20)

Hizballah fires mortars at an IDF convoy in the disputed Shaba` Farms area of the occupied Golan Heights, killing 1 soldier, wounding 2. In response, the IDF bombards s. Lebanon, using tanks, artillery, helicopter gunships. (NYT, WP, WT 2/17; MM 2/19-21; WJW 2/22)

The U.S., Britain bomb 5 Iraqi sites, marking the 1st strikes outside the no-fly zones since 12/98, signalling a more confrontational approach to Baghdad by the new administration of U.S. Pres. George W. Bush. 3 Iraqi civilians are killed, 25 are injured. France, Turkey, the Arab states condemn the action. (ATL 2/16, ATL, MENA, MIL 2/17, ATL, HJ, JT, al-Quds 2/18, JT, MA, MENA 2/19 in WNC 2/20; NYT, WP, WT 2/17; MIL 2/17, 2/18 in WNC 2/21; NYT, WP, WT 2/18; MM, WP, WT 2/19; MM 2/20; HJ 2/20 in WNC 2/22; MM, WT 2/21; WP 2/22; MIL 2/22 in WNC 2/23; MEI, MM 2/23; al-Quds 2/23 in WNC 2/27; AP, WP 2/25; JP 3/2)

Fearing an escalation of Israeli-Palestinian clashes because of a planned funeral march today fr. Jerusalem to a West Bank settlement for a Jewish settler killed 2/1, the IDF tightens the encirclement of all West Bank towns excluding Jericho and Qalqilya. 100s of Palestinians rally in Nablus to protest. The Israeli DMin. orders the IDF to identify roads that have been the target of frequent Palestinian attacks, allow Palestinians to travel those roads only by public transportation. The IDF also steps up patrols along roads during peak hrs. 1 Palestinian dies from injuries received earlier. (JP [Internet] 2/2; NYT 2/3; HA 2/4; LAW 2/8)

The IDF begins bulldozing an area outside Bayt Sahur in Jerusalem for work on a new road. In 1998, Israel's Jerusalem Municipality approved the site for one of the few new developments for Palestinians in the city, the 150-unit Mazmoriyya housing project. (Palestinian Center for Rapprochement Between People press release 2/2)

The UN reports that Israel appears to be extending its border fence into Lebanon beyond the divided border village of Ghajar, effectively annexing 400 m². Israel vows to halt the construction, move the fence. (HA 2/2; NYT 2/3; MEI 2/9) (see 1/19)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue at the same low level as in the past 2 wks. The IDF bulldozes 8 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Bayt Lahia, 10 dunams nr. Netzarim Junction (demolishing 1 Palestinian home); shells residential areas of Khan Yunis. IDF soldiers detain a Palestinian man at a roadblock nr. Jinin, handcuff and severely beat him. (MEZ 1/29; LAW 2/3; ADM 2/5)

In Taba, Israel, the PA end 6 days of talks; issue a joint statement saying they have made substantial progress on each of the issues discussed, they will not be able to finalize an agmt. by the 2/6 Israeli elections. They hope to resume talks following the elections, quickly bridge remaining gaps. (AP, REU 1/27; AFP, MENA 1/27, AYM 1/29 in WNC 1/29; NYT, WP, WT 1/28; AYM 1/28, JT 1/29 in WNC 1/30; MM 1/29; AYM 1/29 in WNC 2/5)

Despite statements that talks will not be resumed until after elections, Israel confirms that Barak is exploring holding a mtg. with Arafat to formulate a joint statement that could be issued before 2/6. (AP, REU 1/27; NYT, WP, WT 1/28; AYM 1/29 in WNC 1/29) (see Peace Monitor)

IDF troops in the Shaba` Farms area shoot dead 2 PFLP-GC mbrs. on the border inside Lebanon. (Tehran Times 1/30 in WNC 1/31; WT 1/31; WJW 2/1; MM 2/2; SA 2/4 in WNC 2/5; MEI 2/9)

Israel, the PA teams hold several rounds of talks, alternating btwn. Taba, Elat. Mtgs. break this evening for the Jewish Sabbath, are expected to resume tomorrow night. (AP, MM 1/26; MENA 1/26, MENA, al-Quds 1/27 in WNC 1/29; NYT, WP, WT 1/27)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. The IDF fires warning shots at a 20-mbr. EU parliamentary delegation visiting Khan Yunis; the EU says it will file a formal complaint. Jewish settlers beat up Palestinian street vendors in Hebron. (AFP [Internet] 1/26)

Responding to an attack on the Shaba` Farms area by Hizballah, Israel shells Lebanese areas, injuring 1 Lebanese civilian. (WT 1/27, 1/30, 1/31)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. Jewish settlers fr. Harsina shoot at nearby Palestinian homes. The IDF tightens the internal closure; directs shells, heavy machine gun fire on residential areas in Khan Yunis (damaging 3 Palestinian homes, 3 commercial buildings), Rafah; razes 137 dunams of Palestinian agricultural land nr. Dugit settlement (destroying 10 homes, 6 irrigation networks, 4 greenhouses, 2 cars), 5 dunams nr. the Rafah border (destroying 1 greenhouse, damaging several others). (HJ 1/4 in WNC 1/8; PCHR 1/12)

In a final mtg. with Clinton, Arafat agrees "with reservations" to accept the 12/23 parameters, promises to take steps to curb the clashes. U.S. mediators plan to work with PA, Israeli negotiators to narrow differences on the parameters. If sufficient progress is made, Clinton will bring both sides together for a last attempt to finalize a comprehensive permanent status agmt. (MM 1/3; MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/4; MA, SA 1/4 in WNC 1/5; Arab News [Jeddah], AYM, al-Quds 1/4 in WNC 1/8; JP, MEI 1/12)

Barak says he has given up on reaching a comprehensive final status agmt. before the 2/6 election, Israel is on "strategic alert for war." (MA [Internet], MM, YA 1/3; Star 1/3 in WNC 1/5; HA 1/4)

Hizballah fires 7 mortars at an IDF post in the Shaba` Farms area, causing no damage. The IDF retaliates firing 44 tank, mortar shells at s. Lebanon, forcing a Lebanese family to flee their home. (MENA 1/3 in WNC 1/4; Daily Star [Internet] 1/8; WP 1/30)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes subside slightly, though at least 1 Palestinian is killed. When 2 roadside bombs explode nr. Dugit settlement in Gaza, injuring 1 IDF soldier in a passing convoy, the soldiers fire at "suspicious points" in the area, killing a Palestinian farmer working his field. Palestinian snipers fire on a vehicle nr. Ramallah, injuring 2 Jewish setters. IDF troops in Gaza bar the passage of 2 ambulances to al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City. The IDF also shells residential areas of Bab al-Zawiyya, Bir al-Hummus, al-Mighraqa, al-Shaykh; bulldozes 75 dunams of agricultural land nr. Bayt Lahia, 35 dunams nr. Kefar Darom settlement; demolishes at least 1 Palestinian home. (NYT 1/3; AYM 1/4 in WNC 1/8; PCHR 1/6; Guardian [Internet], MEI 1/12)

Arafat arrives in Washington, meets with the Egyptian, Saudi Arabian ambs. before entering 2 rounds of talks with Clinton, who presses Arafat to accept his 12/23 proposals and focuses on what the PA can do to halt the clashes. Arafat also meets with CIA Dir. George Tenet, agrees to resume the tripartite (Israel, PA, U.S.) security comm. (REU 1/2; AYM 1/2 in WNC 1/3; AP, HA, NYT, WP, WT 1/3; AYM 1/3, 1/4, SA 1/7 in WNC 1/8; JT, MA, QA, SA 1/4 in WNC 1/5; MEI 1/12)

A Lebanese gunman fire across the blue line at an IDF post, injuring an Israeli workman, the 1st Israeli civilian injured in a crossborder incident since the IDF withdrew fr. Lebanon in 5/00. (NYT 1/3)