The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers open fire at Palestinians during a raid in Shaab al-Butum in the Masafer Yatta area; no injuries are reported. Israeli settlers also open fire at 2 commercial structures and an electric transformer in al-Naqura, causing a power outage in the village. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers raid Tuqu’, threatening Palestinian shepherds. Israeli settlers also set up 3 mobile homes in Wadi Rahal. Israeli forces shoot and kill 2 Palestinians after they allegedly shot and killed 1 Israeli settler and injured 10 others on a highway near the Ma’ale Adumim settlement. Israeli forces also bomb Jenin using a drone, killing 2 Palestinians, including a child, and injuring 15 others. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure 2 Palestinians during a raid in Balata refugee camp. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian during a raid in ad-Doha. Meanwhile, Israeli forces detain 2 10-year-old Palestinian boys for 6 hours in Sinjil. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces assault and arrest 2 Palestinians outside of the compound’s Lions Gate. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Jabalia refugee camp, Dayr al-Balah, Rafah, Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Nuseirat refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, and Maghazi, killing at least 97 people, including 18 people from the same family in a home in Gaza City. 5 patients die at the Nasser Hospital due to the lack of power and oxygen as Israeli forces continue to occupy the hospital. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Kafr Remen, Tayr Harfa, Jbaa, Kafr Kila, Maroun al-Ras, Khiam, Umm al-Tut, and Shehin, killing 4 people in Kafr Remen. Hezbollah attacks an Israeli military building in Kfar Yuval. In the Red Sea, a ship is hit by 2 missiles fired from Yemen. Israel’s Arrow missile defense system shoots down a ballistic missile the Houthi movement says is fired by its forces. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/22; AJ, HA, NYT, REU, UNOCHA 2/23)

More than 29,410 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 12,000 children and 7,200 women, and around 69,465 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 8,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 399 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 102 children. More than 4,530 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, 235 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,396 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. 42 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. (UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 2/22; UNOCHA 2/23)

Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich issues a statement after meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, saying the government will submit plans for 2,350 new settlement units in Ma’ale Adumim, 300 in the Keidar settlement, and 694 in the Efrat settlement in response the killing of an Israeli settler earlier in the day. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir says Israeli settlers’ right to freedom of movement in the West Bank overrides that of Palestinians’, adding he will further limit the freedom of movement for Palestinians. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA 2/22; HA 2/23)

Israel confirms its forces are building a new road through central Gaza “to move logistics and soldiers.” (AJ 2/22)

Prime Minister Netanyahu presents his post-war plan for Gaza to the Israeli war cabinet, which includes installing “local officials” to govern the area, “maintain an indefinite freedom to operate throughout” Gaza, enlarge the “buffer zone” inside Gaza, and the complete demilitarization of Gaza before reconstruction is allowed to begin. Netanyahu’s plan also includes the permanent closure of UNRWA and the rejection of “unilateral recognition” of a Palestinian state. The Times of Israel reports that Israel has agreed to allow U.S. flour to enter Gaza. (AJ, AX, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA 2/23)

Defense Minister Gallant meets with U.S. National Security Council coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk, saying Israel will expand the authority of Israeli negotiators to reach a prisoner exchange deal in Paris over the weekend. U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby calls the meetings McGurk had with Gallant and Egyptian officials “constructive.” (AX 2/21; AJ, AP, AX, AX, HA, HA, REU, REU 2/22; AJ, NYT 2/23)

Jordanian representatives, including Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, give statements to the ICJ on the fourth day of the hearings on the legality of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, saying Israeli policies and practices show that Israel intends for the occupation to be permanent. Japan’s representative argues that even territory that is not internationally recognized cannot be acquired by force. Ireland’s representative says Israel has committed serious breaches of international law during its occupation. China says the issue of Palestinian self-determination is a UN issue, countering a U.S. argument made on 2/21, and argues that because of the occupation the right to self-defense lies more with the Palestinians than with the Israelis. Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Luxembourg, Malaysia, and Mauritius also present arguments. (AJ, AJ, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 2/22)

UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini writes a letter to UN General Assembly president Dennis Francis, saying Israel is making a “concerted effort” to dismantle UNRWA, including by ordering UNRWA to leave a vocational center in East Jerusalem and pay Israel $4.5 million for using the facility, pointing out that the facility was given to UNRWA by Jordan in 1952. Lazzarini also says Israel is only giving UNRWA staffers visas for 1-2 months, that Finance Minister Smotrich has threatened UNRWA with revoking its tax exemption, that an Israeli bank has blocked the UNRWA account, and that Israeli customs has suspended shipments of goods to UNRWA. (AJ 2/22; AJ 2/23)

The UN Security Council convenes to discuss the situation in Gaza. UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process Tor Wennesland and representatives from Doctors Without Borders brief council members on the situation. (WAFA, WAFA 2/22)

U.S. president Joe Biden says in a tweet that the “overwhelming majority of Palestinians are not Hamas . . . In fact, they’re also suffering as a result of Hamas’ terrorism.” (HA 2/22; HA 2/23)

After a 2-day G20 meeting in Brazil, EU high commissioner for foreign affairs Josep Borrell and Brazilian foreign minister Mauro Vieira say that there is unanimous agreement among the G20 members in support of a 2-state solution. (REU 2/22)

The Houthi movement announces that Israeli, UK, and U.S.-owned ships are banned from the Red Sea. (AJ, AJ 2/22)

Haaretz reports that Israeli forces shot and killed an Israeli citizen and injured his girlfriend on 10/7/2023, mistaking them for Palestinians. (AJ, HA 2/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raid ‘Asira al-Qibliya, injuring a Palestinian, and attempt to set a house on fire. Israeli settlers also begin construction of a settler road in al-Muarajat. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers raid al-Minya, threatening Palestinians. Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian, uproot streets, and damage property during a raid in Jenin. Israeli forces also shoot and kill a Palestinian child in ‘Azzun. Elsewhere, Israeli forces issue demolition notices for a house and an agricultural structure in Khillet al-Farra in the Masafer Yatta area. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli authorities force a Palestinian family to demolish their 3-story apartment building in at-Tur, displacing 5 families comprising 23 people. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza City, Rafah, Dayr al-Balah, and Khan Yunis, killing at least 118 people, including 12 at a square in Nuseirat refugee camp, 22 in a home in Nuseirat refugee camp, 25 in a home in Dayr al-Balah, and 2 at a Doctors Without Borders shelter for staff members and their families in Khan Yunis. 8 patients die due to a lack of power and oxygen and 21 people are evacuated from the Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Majdal Zoun, killing a woman and a child. Hezbollah militants fire rockets at Israeli military bases in Metila and Matzuva. In Syria, Israeli forces bomb Damascus, killing 2 people in an apartment building. In Yemen, U.S. forces attack 4 Houthi-related sites. (AJ, AJ, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/21; AJ, AJ, UNOCHA 2/22; UNOCHA 2/23)

More than 29,313 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 12,000 children and 7,200 women, and around 69,333 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 8,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 395 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 101 children. More than 4,528 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, 235 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,396 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. The UK and Jordan airdrop 4 tons of aid to the Tal al-Hawa Hospital. 50 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. (AJ, HA, REU, REU, UNOCHA, UNOCHA 2/21; UNOCHA 2/22)

Khaled Shawish becomes the ninth Palestinian prisoner to die in an Israeli prison since 10/7/2023. 53-year-old Shawish had been imprisoned by Israeli since 2007. 20 lawyers representing Palestinians at the Ofer military court announce a strike, citing poor treatment of Palestinian prisoners and defense lawyers, including beatings of prisoners on their way to court and searches of lawyers entering Israeli facilities. (AJ, WAFA 2/21; HA 2/22)

UNOCHA reports that around 4,000 Palestinians were displaced in the West Bank and East Jerusalem in 2023, including 1,326 from demolition of which 173 were from punitive demolitions, 911 during Israeli military operations which destroyed 220 structures, 1,539 from settler violence, and 200 due to movement restrictions in the Masafer Yatta area. (UNOCHA 2/21)

The Israeli-run Jerusalem District Attorney’s Office announces that it will prosecute the head of the Supreme Islamic Council in Jerusalem Ekrima Sa’id Sabri for incitement to terrorism, saying he visited families of Palestinians who carried out attacks on Israelis in October 2022. (HA 2/21)

Israeli military advocate general Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi issues a warning to Israeli soldiers that “improper conduct” including unjustified use of force, destruction of property, and looting are criminal actions. Tomer-Yerushalmi says her office has “come across cases of improper conduct.” (HA 2/21; AJ 2/22)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh meets with UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process Tor Wennesland, EU representative to Palestine Alexandre Stutzman, and World Bank country director for the West Bank and Gaza Stefan Emblad in Ramallah, discussing the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, long-term aid for rebuilding Gaza, and the PA’s financial crisis. (WAFA 2/21)

The Knesset votes 99 to 9 to reject “international dictates regarding a permanent settlement with the Palestinians and the establishment of a Palestinian state.” (AJ, AJ, HA, REU 2/21)

At the third day of the ICJ hearings on the legality of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, the U.S. argues that the ICJ should not order the unconditional withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied territories without security guarantees. Hungary similarly says the ICJ should not exercise its jurisdiction. Colombia, the Comoros, Cuba, Egypt, the UAE, Russia, France, the Gambia, and Guyana also present arguments. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA 2/21; NYT 2/22)

UK House of Commons speaker Lindsay Hoyle breaks with precedent by allowing the Labour Party to introduce its own amendment to a motion introduced by the Scottish National Party (SNP) calling for a ceasefire. The Labour Party amendment waters down the language of the SNP motion, removes language criticizing Israel, and adds language defending its conduct. The Labour motion is adopted after SNP and Conservative Party MPs leave the vote in protest. (AJ, AJ, AP 2/21; AJ, AP 2/22)

The UK High Court of Justice rejects a petition to suspend UK arms exports to Israel. The Guardian reports that the UK is considering suspending arms export licenses to Israel if Israel invades Rafah. (AJ, GDN 2/21)

A video from 2/15 shows U.S. congressman Andy Ogles (R-TN) telling a pro-Palestinian activist that “I think we should kill them all if that makes you feel better. Hamas and the Palestinians have been attacking Israel for 20 years. It is time to pay the piper.” (AJ, HA 2/21)

The Wall Street Journal reports that the U.S. intelligence community has assessed with “low confidence” that some UNRWA staffers took part in Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, suggesting that the U.S. has not seen corroborating evidence. (HA 2/21; AJ 2/22)

The European Broadcasting Union says it is reviewing the lyrics of the Israeli song submitted to the Eurovision contest to examine if it is too political. The song is titled “October Rain” and is about events on 10/7/2023 and its aftermath. The Israeli contestant, Russian Israeli singer Eden Golan, performed in Russian-annexed Crimea in 2016. (HA, NYT 2/22)

In the West Bank, Palestinians protest outside the UNRWA headquarters in Ramallah against the countries that have suspended funding to the agency. Israeli settlers assault Palestinians in Khillet al-Farra in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces raid Nur Shams refugee camp, killing 3 Palestinians and injuring 1, uprooting streets, and destroying property. Israeli forces also shoot and injure a Palestinian during a raid in Wadi al-Fara’a. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolish a home under construction in Bayt Jala. Israeli forces also arrest 25 Palestinians during raids in Jenin, Hebron, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Rafah, Khan Yunis, and Gaza City, killing at least 123 people, including 13 people collecting water from a truck distributing aid in Gaza City. Israeli forces also shoot and kill a paramedic and injure 2 others while they are evacuating injured people in Gaza City and open fire at al-Amal Hospital in Khan Yunis, injuring 2. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and kill a woman trying to collect water for the Nasser Hospital. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli forces kill 2 Palestinian fishermen northwest of Rafah. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Khiam, killing 1 civilian and wounding 2 others. Israeli forces also bomb Marwahin and Bani Haiyyan. In Iraq, U.S. forces kill at least 3 people, including a senior member of Kataib Hezbollah, in an airstrike on Baghdad. (AJ, AJ, AP, AX, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/7; AJ, UNOCHA 2/8)

More than 27,708 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 11,500 children and 7,200 women, and around 67,147 have been injured since 10/7. At least 8,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 379 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 96 children. More than 4,426 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 225 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,304 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. At least 70,000 housing units have been destroyed and 290,000 have been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 169 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. The Gaza Ministry of Health says 11,000 sick and wounded Palestinians need evacuation for treatment. The Gaza Media Office says Israeli has burned 3,000 housing units in Gaza during its ground invasion. The UN says Israel has prevented 51 out of 61 planned aid missions to northern Gaza. Israelis continue to block the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing for the second day in a row. (AJ, AP, UNOCHA, UNOCHA, WAFA 2/7; AJ, UNOCHA 2/8)

The Palestinian Prisoner’s Society says that there are 3,484 Palestinians held in administrative detention, including 40 children and 11 women. (WAFA 2/7)

An Israeli soldier dies of a fungal infection after being exposed 7 weeks ago in Gaza. (HA 2/7)

Details of Hamas’s counterproposal to the Israeli, U.S., Qatari, and Egyptian ceasefire proposal are unveiled. The Hamas proposal includes 3 stages of 45 days. In the first stage, Israel and Hamas would exchange the remaining female, child, and elderly Israeli captives for 1,500 Palestinian prisoners, see 500 trucks of aid enter Gaza daily, allow Palestinians to return to their homes in Gaza, allow the entry of 60,000 temporary homes and 200,000 tents, and stop Israeli settlers from entering the Haram al-Sharif compound. In the second stage, male captives would be exchanged for more Palestinian prisoners. In the third phase, the bodies of those killed would be exchanged. The proposal also calls for securing the reconstruction of Gaza and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces. Hamas political bureau member Mohammad Nazzal says the Hamas proposal has clear deadlines which the original proposal lacked, that Qatar, Egypt, Russia, Turkey, and the UN will be guarantors for maintaining the ceasefire, and that the proposal is final. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu calls the counterproposal “delusional,” saying Israel will not end its war on Gaza and will continue until “total victory.” (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, AX, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU 2/7; NYT, NYT 2/8)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken meets with PA president Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah, discussing negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza, Israel’s withholding of PA tax funds, and settler violence. Abbas also expresses the importance of the U.S. recognizing the state of Palestine. Blinken also meets with Prime Minister Netanyahu, military Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and President Issac Herzog. The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation reports that Netanyahu promises Blinken that Israel will not invade Egypt at the Philadelphi Corridor without coordination with Egypt. Blinken says at a press conference that Hamas will not play a role in the future governance of Gaza, that the death toll in Gaza remains too high, and that Israel should open the Beit Hanun (Erez) crossing to allow more aid to enter Gaza. Blinken also says that the Hamas response to the ceasefire deal has “clear non-starters,” but that he thinks there is space for an agreement to be reached. Lastly, Blinken says that Israel cannot use the events of 10/7/2023 as a “license to dehumanize others.” Netanyahu says he complained to Blinken about the U.S. executive order allowing the U.S. sanction Israeli settlers, calling the order “inappropriate” and “highly problematic.”  (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AX, AX, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA 2/7; HA, HA, NYT, REU 2/8)

Hamas says a delegation led by political bureau deputy leader Khalil al-Hayya will travel to Egypt for continued ceasefire talks with officials from Egypt and Qatar. (AJ 2/7)

PA health minister Mai al-Kaila sends a letter to UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres, calling on him to ensure that medical personnel in Gaza are protected as 340 doctors and health workers have been killed by Israeli forces. Al-Mezan says in a letter to Guterres that the UN Office on Genocide Prevention has failed in its mandate, calling it “double standards.” (AJ, WAFA 2/7)

The Saudi Arabian Foreign Ministry issues a statement saying “in light of what has been attributed to the U.S. National Security Spokesperson, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that the position of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has always been steadfast on the Palestinian issue . . . The Kingdom has communicated its formal position to the U.S. administration that there will be no diplomatic relations with Israel unless an independent Palestinian state is recognized on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, and that the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip stops and all Israeli occupation forces withdraw from the Gaza Strip.” In the statement, Saudi Arabia also calls on UN Security Council members to recognize the state of Palestine. The PLO and PA welcome the Saudi statement. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/7)

Argentinian president Javier Milei meets with Prime Minister Netanyahu in Jerusalem, saying Argentina will designate Hamas as a terrorist organization. On 2/6, Milei said he would move the Argentinian embassy to East Jerusalem. The Arab League and OIC condemn Milei’s promise to move the embassy. (AJ, HA, HA, WAFA, WAFA 2/7)

The U.S. Senate rejects a $118 billion bill that would fund Israel’s war on Gaza, send military aid to Ukraine, and fund the U.S.-Mexico border. Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VA) says he voted against the bill because the military aid to Israel is “unconscionable” given the Israel’s “horrific war against the Palestinian people,” and because of the provisions in the bill that would prevent UNRWA funding. (AJ, AJ, HA 2/7)

The American Civil Liberties Union writes a letter to U.S. secretary of education Miguel Cardona, calling on him to reject the International Holocaust Remembrance Association’s working definition of anti-Semitism, saying it conflates anti-Semitism with political speech. (AJ 2/7)

Canadian immigration minister Marc Miller says Egyptian and Israeli authorities have not allowed 1,000 Palestinians who have been granted permission to come to Canada to be evacuated. (AJ 2/7)

Norway transfers $26 million to UNRWA, saying millions of people should not be collectively punished for the alleged wrongdoing of 12 staff members. (AJ 2/7)

The Higher Planning Council of the IDF’s Civil Admin. meets to advance plans for 3,400 new settlement homes in the E1 area between Ma’ale Adumim and Jerusalem. Construction is expected to begin in 1–2 years. (HA, JP 12/5)

In Berlin, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu meets German chancellor Angela Merkel, who expresses dismay at settlement expansion. Israeli media reports say that Merkel’s message is that Netanyahu must choose between the peace process and establishing a Palestinian state on the one hand, and continued settlement growth and international isolation on the other. Meanwhile, the E.U. summons Israel’s amb. for a meeting, following similar moves by Britain, Denmark, France, Spain, and Sweden on 12/3. Palestinian pres. Abbas says he is determined to block the proposed settlement construction E1 with all legal and diplomatic means. Islamic Jihad issues a warning Israel to expect recent actions, such as settlement expansion and demolitions, to provoke a response. (REU 12/4; AP, HA, MNA, REU 12/5)

Hamas-affiliated Reform and Change mbr. Nasser al-Shaer tells Palestinian media that national reconciliation is the PA’s top priority following the successful UN bid. Senior Hamas official Ahmad Yousef cautions, however, that political instability in Egypt could delay unity talks mediated by Egyptian officials. (MNA 12/5)

In the West Bank, Jewish settlers uproot around 200 Palestinian-owned olive trees in a village nr. Bethlehem. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Jericho, and 6 villages nr. Hebron at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Tubas, 2 villages nr. Jenin, and 1 village each nr. Nablus, Tulkarm, and Tubas at night. (IMEMC 12/5; PCHR 12/13)

A mortar shell fired during an exchange inside Syria accidentally lands inside the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, nr. an IDF base, causing no damage or injuries. Israel lodges a formal complaint with the UN. Meanwhile, the UN Disengagement Observer Force, deployed in the Golan since 1974 to monitor the Israel-Syria cease-fire, announces that it will reinforce its security due to threats of cross-border violence posed by Syrian rebels. (JP 12/5)

Armed clashes take place in Tripoli as Syria’s civil war continues to spill over into Lebanon, with gunmen loyal to opposing sides in the Syrian fighting clashing in the city. The fighting has killed 6 people and wounded around 60 since the beginning of the week, sparked by the deaths on 11/30 of over a dozen Lebanese fighting with the rebels. (AP 12/5)

The IDF raids a branch of the Arab Bank in Azariyya, East Jerusalem, confiscates documents related to bank accounts belonging to Jerusalem residents allegedly linked to Hamas. A roadside bomb explodes nr. a Jewish settler bus in the West Bank, causing no injuries. A Palestinian dies of injuries received on 2/23. (HA, JTA 2/27; PCHR 3/6; LAW 3/13)

The Knesset approves (68–48) Israeli PM Ariel Sharon’s (reelected on 1/28/03) new coalition government. The 68-seat coalition includes the right-wing, pro-settler National Religious Party (6 seats), opposed to creation of a Palestinian state; the right-wing, secular nationalist Shinui (15 seats), which supports unilateral separation; and the ultraright-wing National Union Party (7 seats), which represents Jewish settlers, opposes talks with the Palestinians, and advocates expelling PA head Yasir Arafat and Palestinians from the occupied territories and annexing the land. Acting FM Benjamin Netanyahu (Likud) becomes finance minister, acting Finance M Silvan Shalom (Likud) becomes FM; Likud’s Tshai Hanegbi (previously under criminal investigation by Israeli police) becomes internal security minister; Mofaz remains DM. Sharon says that the economy will be his 1st priority, the peace process his 2d; that the Palestinians would have to give up the right of return, agree to Jerusalem remaining the unified capital of Israel, and halt all violence if they want a comprehensive peace. (HA, MM, NYT, WP 2/27; NYT, WP, WT 2/28; MA 2/28 in WNC 3/3; WT 3/1; MEI 3/7)

Israel claims that during his international tour, Arafat has been urging nations to support UN Res. 181 as the basis of a peace agreement; says that the 1947 res., calling for partitioning Palestine into Jewish and Arab states, was nullified by the Arab side and cannot be invoked now by Palestinians. (WT 4/1; MENA 4/2, 4/4 in WNC 4/5; al-Quds 4/2, al-Ahram 4/4, MENA 4/6 in WNC 4/7; JP, PR 4/9)

Israel celebrates passover, leaving borders with occupied territories open rather than sealing them as it usually does on Jewish holidays. (WT 4/1)

PA releases 11 political detainees, all mbrs. of Hamas or Islamic Jihad, to mark Id al-Adha. (PR 4/9)

The IDF places a blockade on the West Bank village of Dayr Abu Mishal, nr. Ramallah, after a Jewish settler claims that Palestinians threw stones at him fr. the direction of the village. Israeli soldiers arrest 21 teenagers. (LAW 4/5)

2 mbrs. of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine are wounded in a clash with mbrs. of Fatah Uprising in al-Baddawi refugee camp in s. Lebanon. (VOL 4/1 in WNC 4/2; SA 4/2 in WNC 4/5)

E. Jerusalem newspapers list names of some 30 new members of the political committees in the o.t. The committees already count some 150 members, reportedly largely Fateh activists but some from the Palestine Communist Party, DFLP-'Abd Rabbuh faction. (Qol Yisra'el 11/12, 11/14 in FBIS 11/14)

Fateh leaflet circulated in o.t. orders political committees to disband after receiving orders to this effect from Yasir Arafat. The order stated that the committees should be reorganized by a special committee made up of seven representatives from both the West Bank and Gaza, plus a president. Fateh leaflet asserts that the underground committees of the intifada, not the political committees, should form the basis for the future Palestinian state. (Qol Yisra'el 11/12, Al Ha'mishmar 11/15 in FBIS 11/15)

Some 200 supporters of Hamas, leftist factions demonstrate against peace talks at a gathering ofsome 500 supporters ofthe peace process who were listening to a presentation made by Faisal Husseini in Hebron. (MEM 11/14)

Celebrations marking the third anniversary of Palestinian "declaration of independence" [11/15/89] begin in the occupied territories. (MEM 11/15)

Two alleged Palestinian collaborators are found dead in Gaza. (MEM 11/15)

Fighting continues in S. Lebanon as SLA artillery shells Iqlim al-Tuffah, Nabatiyya areas of S. Lebanon. Israeli helicopters attack PFLP office in Rashidiyya cmp, S. Lebanon. Aircraft later bomb Hizbullah bases in Malita village, Jabal Safi area of S. Lebanon. (MEM 11/14)

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: PLO chairman Yasir Arafat calls on Israeli Arabs to "push forward the peace process" by voting in Israel's upcoming elections [LAT 10/24]. Pres. Mubarak of Egypt and Arafat fly to Baghdad, meet with Saddam Husayn [LAT 10/24].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Troops wound 9 Palestinians during protests in the occupied territories [NYT 10/24]. Clashes occur in Nablus, Jenin, Ramallah, Jabalya, Rafah, Beach, Sa'ir [FJ 10/30].

Arab World: Between 4 and 6 PFLP guerrillas are killed by Israeli troops in south Lebanon [NYT 10/24]. Israeli troops arrest "several" others in south Lebanon in connection with 10/19 car bombing [NYT 10/ 24, WP 10/25]

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bethlehem U. reopens after 3-month military-ordered closure and immediately receives new closure order [NYT 2/4]. Hebron Polytechnic Institute and Hebron U. are closed indefinitely. Israel postpones indefinitely reopening of schools in Nablus, Jenin, and Tulkarm [FJ 2/7]. In Nazareth, 50 Muslim, Christian, Druze, and Jewish leaders condemn Israeli measures in occupied territories, express support for uprising [FJ 2/7].

Arab World: Lebanese Shi'i coalition Islamic Resistance Front threatens to kill Israeli soldier held captive for 2 years [WP 2/2].

Other Countries: U.S. envoy Philip Habib meets with Egypt's Pres. Mubarak in Paris before returning to Washington [WSJ 2/2]. U.S. vetos UN Security Council resolution setting forth UN role in Palestinian-Israeli peace negotiations and calling on Israel to abide by Geneva Convention terms [WP 2/2]. In Rome, Jordan's King Hussein visits with Pope John Paul II, meets with Egyptian F. M. 'Ismat 'Abd al-Magid [NYT 2/2].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In village of 'Anabta near Tulkarm, stone-throwing Palestinians attack army bus, settlers' cars, and police vehicle after blockading road. Israeli fires on demonstrators, killing 2, wounding 1. Officials are uncertain whether shots were fired by soldiers or settlers. Army patrol later disperses crowd with live ammunition, wounding 2 more. Settlers attack village during curfew, vandalizing houses, cars [WP 2/2; FJ 2/7]. Crowds throw rocks, bottles and block roads in cities, villages, and camps throughout W. Bank; 3 Palestinians are wounded in Jenin, and 2 are injured by army gunfire in Hebron-region village of Bani Na'im; village is placed under curfew. Violent disturbances are also reported in E. Jerusalem [WP 2/2; FJ 2/7]. Israeli authorities arrest 14 Palestinians during raid of Jerusalem's Thuri quarter [FJ 2/7]. More than 20 are arrested in early morning raid in Nablus [WP 2/2]. Balatah, new and old 'Askar, Duhayshah, Tulkarm, and Am'ari refugee camps and Nablus are under curfew [FJ 2/7]. In Gaza Strip, military imposes curfew on Burayj camp following violent stone-throwing demonstrations; curfew is lifted in Dayr al-Balah camp. Violent clashes are reported in Gaza Strip camps and cities; many Palestinians are injured by army gunfire and beatings [FJ 2/7]. At least 40 Palestinians have been killed since uprising began 12/9 [NYT 2/2]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nazareth, more than 7,000 Israeli Palestinians demonstrate peacefully in solidarity with Palestinians in occupied territories. MK 'Abd al-Wahab Darawshah announces at demonstration that he is resigning from Labor party to protest army's policy of beating Palestinians in W. Bank and Gaza Strip [WP 1/24; CSM 1/25]. Between 30,000 and 50,000 Israeli Jews participate in Peace Now-organized rally in Tel Aviv [WP 1/24; NYT 1/25]. Curfew on Jerusalem's al-Tur neighborhood is lifted after all male residents are rounded up, interrogated; 4 are arrested [WP 1/24]. Commercial strike continues in W. Bank despite army policy of breaking locks to force merchants to open [FJ 1/24].

Other Countries: Morris Abram, head of Conference of Presidents of Am. Jewish Organizations, criticizes Israel's policy of beating demonstrators [WP 1/25]. Asst. Sec. of State for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs Richard Murphy meets with Arab League representative Clovis Maksoud and diplomats from Jordan, Tunisia, and Kuwait to discuss U.S. role in Middle East peace process [NYT 1/24].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Israel says it will increase supervision of soldiers in the field after charges of excessive brutality. Soldiers raid Am'ari refugee camp near Ramallah, arresting at least 11 [NYT 1/24]. Scattered demonstrations occur in Ramallah, Nablus, and Bethlehem areas. Most curfews remain in effect [FJ 1/24].

Arab World: Syrian troops detain 3 Palestinians leaving Shatila camp [FBIS 1/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Peres meets with 25 non-PLO Palestinians from West Bank and Gaza, mostly pro-Jordanian Israeli-appointed mayors not previously involved in peace process, to discuss plans to appoint Arabs from the occupied territories to head various departments of the Israeli military govemorates in the occupied territories and to give these officials powers to run daily affairs; Peres also suggests Arabs may be appointed mayors to West Bank cities which are currently run by Israeli officers [BG, JTA 8/4; FJ 8/8]. Chicago Tribune reports that P.M. Peres and Defense Minister Rabin approved plan to send $2 billion worth of weapons to Iran, in violation of U.S. policy [CT 8/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli cabinet resolves 8-day coalition government crisis by agreeing that Justice Minister Moshe Nissim and Finance Minister Yitzhak Modai change jobs, to satisfy P.M. Peres' demands that Modai be ousted from his post for insulting Peres [NYT, WP 4/14]. Tehiya party convention opens in Jerusalem, to be followed by working sessions at Kiryat Arba; party leader Yuval Ne'eman calls for transfer of 500,000 Palestinian refugees from occupied territories to Arab countries as precondition for peace negotiations [JTA 4/16]. Several hundred Israeli settlers in the Gaza Strip demonstrate near Rafah, protestingovernment plans to resettle some 7,000 Palestinian refugees from the Egyptian side of the town [JP 4/14].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Three Israelis are wounded, one seriously, when their bus is attacked by gunfire in the West Bank; roadblocks are erected on road to Ramallah for several days [CSM 4/14; FJ 4/18].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jewish underground defendants sentenced, ending thirteen-month trial: 3 get life sentences for murder, other 12 get terms ranging from 4 months to 7 years [NYT, WP 7/23]. Sentences include time already served and all convicted are likely to get one-third off for good behavior [JP 7/23]. Mayor Meir Nitzan of Rishon Lezion tells press conference his town has been targeting Palestinians for firing first over past 2 years, dismissing 71; he cites Jewish law as rationale [JP 7/23].

Arab World: Egyptian Prime Minister Kamal Hasan 'Ali states increased Soviet Jewish emigration to Israel could hamper peace process by contributing to settlement in the occupied territories [MG 7/23]. Foreign Min. Shamir pledges to continue contacts with Soviets [JTA 7/22].

Military Action

Arab World: Gunfire breaks out between Finnish UNIFIL soldiers and SLA troops when three SLA soldiers refuse to submit to searches at UNIFIL roadblock near Barajit [JP 7/23].

Other Countries: Bombs explode in Copenhagen synagogue and U.S. Northwest Orient airline office, injuring 27; Islamic Jihad claims responsibility, says was in retaliation for recent Israeli raid on Lebanese village of Qabrikha [NYT 7/23].

Military Action:

Druze and Phalange militia exchange fire in Chouf; US Marines on full alert and deploy in firing positions as IDF patrol confronts Marines at checkpoint near Lebanese University; IDF armored car backs into barbed wire fence at another Marine checkpoint; US Embassy expresses concern over incidents to Israeli Government.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Following week of meetings in Tripoli, Libya, PFLP, DFLP, PFLP-GC, Saiqa and PSF statement rejecting Fez and Reagan plans and any form of recognition or negotiation with the expansionist Zionist entity, adherence to armed struggle to liberate Palestine and all the occupied Arab territories; Lebanese- Israeli-US negotiators, meeting for 51?2 hours at Khalde, discuss ending state of war and security zone, make enough progress to turn issues over to subcommittee of Antoine Fattal, Eli Rubenstein, Christopher Ross, and form another subcommittee to deal with timetable for withdrawal of troops.

Arab Governments: Egyptian President Mubarak says Arabs must act on Reagan plan by end of year, PLO Chairman should recognize Israel, unilaterally if necessary; Syrian Foreign Minister Khaddam tours Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE and Qatar; King Hussein returns to Jordan from talks with King Fahd in Saudi Arabia.

US and Other Countries: Habib and Draper will divide responsibilities to accelerate the peace process; State Department refuses to qualify last week's statement suggesting possibility of shortening the autonomy period; US says USSR has sent 90 aircraft, mostly MiG-21s, and 12 SA-5 missiles to Syria, which would be particularly effective against E2-C Hawkeye surveillance aircraft used by Israel in Lebanon war; 2 US soldiers in multinational force in Sinai wounded in mine explosion near Ofira; former Presidents Carter and Ford, in joint article, say that Israeli occupation of West Bank and Gaza is a major obstacle to any moderate Arab initiative for peace in the Middle East, and urge King Hussein to join autonomy talks; West German Foreign Minister Genscher attacks Israeli settlement policy, does not recognize the PLO or support an independent Palestinian state, but supports the June 1980 Venice Declaration that the PLO be involved in the peace process.

Military Action:

IDF bus in Kfar Sil ambushed by Lebanese National Resistance using rocket propelled grenades and machine guns, IDF returns fire into groves alongside road; artillery, rocket and hand-to-hand fighting in Tripoli.

Casualties:

21 IDF wounded in ambush, bringing total IDF casualties in 3 weeks to 25 wounded, 6 dead, and since Sept. 1, total IDF casualties are 104 killed, 203 wounded; one attacker killed by IDF; 19 killed in Tripoli fighting.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: MK Charlie Biton, at lunch hosted by PLO in New York, calls for Palestinian state on the West Bank, urges US to negotiate directly with the PLO, Israel to cut military spending; Bedouin whose herds were seized in December win order nisi from Israeli High Court calling for Defense Ministry, Chief of Staff and Nature Reserves Authority (Green Patrol) to give reason within 10 days why the herds should not be returned; Palestinian union activists, journalists, writers and poets from Nablus, Tulkarm and Hebron arrested and detained by military authorities now number over 300 in Fara'a prison.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO Chairman Arafat in Kuwait calls on Arab states to exert economic pressure on US, then goes to Damascus for celebration of 18th anniversary of Fateh; Lebanese and Palestinian women from Bourj al-Barajneh protest detention of relatives; 3-week training by US Marines of Lebanese Army air assault battalion completed with display of heliborne hit and run attacks; $10 million worth of US military equipment, including 24 APCs, trucks and spare parts, for Lebanese Army arrives at Beirut port.

Arab Governments: Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tarik Aziz says Iraq is encouraging the PLO to negotiate with Jordan, and does not oppose peace negotiations between Israel, the PLO and Arab partners.

US and Other Countries: US expresses official concern to USSR over construction of SA-5 missile sites in Syria, as USSR Ambassador Anatoly Dobrynin is called to the State Department to meet with Undersecretary for Political Affairs Lawrence Eagleburger; Senator Paul Tsongas (D-MA) meets with Begin, then Hussein, tells reporters if Syria is obstacle to peace and troop withdrawal from Lebanon, this obstacle must be removed, and that Begin told him he accepts Hussein in the peace process but will never freeze settlements