The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers physically assault and pepper spray a Palestinian man in Nablus during a raid near Joseph’s Tomb. Israeli settlers also begin constructing a settlement outpost in al-Muarajat. Israeli forces shoot and kill an 11-year-old child and injure 2 others during a raid in Burin. Israeli forces also shoot and kill a 16-year-old child during a raid in al-Am’ari refugee camp. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and injure a Palestinian child in Fawwar refugee camp. Israeli forces also punitively demolish the home in Jenin of a Palestinian man killed by Israeli forces in May 2023. Meanwhile, Israeli forces raid Tulkarm and Nur Shams refugee camp, uprooting streets. Israeli forces also arrest 55 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Tubas, Bethlehem, Qalqilya, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers tour the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, Gaza City, Rafah, Bayt Lahiya, Jabalia refugee camp, and Nuseirat refugee camp, killing at least 124 people. A Palestinian child dies of hunger at the Abu Youssef al-Najjar Hospital in Rafah. Al-Awda Hospital in Jabalia refugee camp partially resumes operations after receiving fuel. In Lebanon, Hezbollah forces attack Israelis near the Blue Line, killing an Indian national and injuring 7 others near Margaliot. Israeli forces bomb al-Adisa, Chihine, Hula, Markaba, and Ayta ash Shab, killing 3 medics in al-Adisa. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/4; UNOCHA 3/5)

More than 30,534 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 13,400 children and 8,900 women, and around 71,920 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 413 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 107 children. More than 4,606 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, 244 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,453 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. 170 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. (REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA 3/4; UNOCHA 3/6)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas meets with Guinea-Bissau president Umaro Sissoco Embalo in Ramallah. Embalo met with Israeli officials in Israel on 3/3. Abbas later travels to Turkey for a 3-day visit. (WAFA, WAFA 3/4)

3 Palestinian members of the Knesset, Ayman Odeh, Ahmad Tibi, and Youssef Atauna, meet with Jordanian king Abdullah II in Amman, discussing Israel’s war on Gaza and planned Israeli restrictions on Palestinian entry to the Haram al-Sharif compound during the month of Ramadan. (AJ, HA 3/4)

At the UN General Assembly, countries discuss the U.S. decision to veto a 2/20 ceasefire resolution at the Security Council and are briefed by UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini. (AJ, WAFA 3/4)

U.S. president Joe Biden tweets that he will not give up on pushing for a 6-week ceasefire. Vice President Kamala Harris meets with Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz. A White House readout of the meeting says Harris reiterates Israel’s right to defend itself, expresses deep concern for the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and urges Hamas to accept a 6-week ceasefire. Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich says Gantz is in the U.S. to advance U.S. plans to establish a Palestinian state. Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Adviser for Energy and Investment Amos Hochstein meets with Lebanese Parliament speaker Nabih Berri in Beirut, discussing the escalation between Hezbollah and Israel. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby says “some members of the Israeli cabinet” are working to obstruct aid entering Gaza. (AJ, AP, HA, NYT 3/4; AJ, AX 3/5; AJ 3/6)

UNRWA says some of its staff have been forced to give confessions under torture and ill-treatment by Israeli forces. The statement follows an Israeli claim that there are more than 450 Hamas and Islamic Jihad affiliated people working for UNRWA and the release of audio files purporting to be evidence that 2 UNRWA workers confessed to taking part in events on 10/7/2023. Commissioner-General Lazzarini says Israel “seeks to eliminate [UNRWA’s] role in protecting the rights of Palestinian Refugees.” (AJ, AP, HA 3/4; AJ, HA, UNOCHA 3/5)

UN special representative of the secretary-general on sexual violence in conflict Pramila Patten says during a press conference that a UN investigation team has found that Palestinians in the West Bank are subject to “cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment” in detention and are subject to “disproportionate physical and sexual violence, including sexual harassment and threats of rape during house raids, including at night, and at checkpoints.” Patten also say that the team has “found clear and convincing information that sexual violence, including rape and sexual torture” has been committed against Israeli captives released after being held in Gaza and that there are “reasonable grounds to believe conflict-related sexual violence” occurred on 10/7/2023 in at least 3 locations. Patten says some highly publicized allegations of sexual violence were determined to be unfounded and stresses that the report is not the result of an investigation as Israel did not share any evidence of allegations. (AJ, AJ, HA, INT, NYT, REU 3/4; AP, NYT 3/5; UNOCHA 3/6)

The Israeli National Social Security Agency says 806 Israeli civilians have been killed since 10/7/2023, including 38 children. (HA 3/4)

Spain announces sanctions on 12 violent Israeli settlers. (WAFA 3/4; AJ 3/5)

In the West Bank, PA forces arrested 9 Palestinian protesters during a general strike in Hebron over rising food prices. Food prices have been rising throughout the world due to Russia’s blockade of Ukrainian wheat and global supply chain issues. In Palestine, prices on flour, sugar, and cooking oil have risen up to 30% in the last quarter. 1 Israeli settler opened fire at Palestinians, claiming they had thrown stones at him; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces delivered a demolition notice for part of a Palestinian home in al-Rakiz in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces also raided Nabi Salih, firing tear gas at Palestinians protesting the incursion; no injuries were reported. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed a Palestinian protest in Tubas, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also delivered notices to Palestinians in Tarqumiyah informing them that 600 dunams (148 acres) of agricultural land will be seized by Israel to expand the settlements of Telem and Adora. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided Silwan, firing tear gas at Palestinians and causing injuries. In Jerusalem, Israeli right-wing activists raided the Greek Garden and the Church of Holy Trinity on Mount Zion, damaging property of the Greek Orthodox church. The Greek foreign ministry called on Israel to take “appropriate action” against the perpetrators. (AN, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/6; WAFA 6/7; HA, MDW, PCHR 6/9; UNOCHA 6/17)

The Israeli Knesset failed to pass the 1st vote on extending the Emergency Regulations – Judea and Samaria, Jurisdiction and Legal Aid, extending Israeli law to Israeli settlers living in the West Bank. 58 voted against and 52 voted for, as the Israeli right-wing opposition voted against the measure to trigger the dissolution of the coalition government. The emergency regulation expires at the end of June. 2 party members in the Israeli coalition, Mazen Ghanaim from the United Arab List and Ghaida Rinawie Zoabi from Meretz, voted against the bill, as did the members of the Joint Arab List. (AJ, AJ, AP, GDN, NYT, POL, TOI 6/6; ALM, HA, HA, JP, MDW, TOI 6/7; AP 6/8; AP, TOI 6/10)

The Palestinian Prisoner Society reported that 1 Palestinian prisoner who has been hunger-striking for 96 days in protest over his administrative detention was in critical condition. (WAFA 6/6)

Amnesty International (AI) called on Israel to “immediately release” Salah Hammouri, a Palestinian-French human rights lawyer who works for Addameer and who has been held in administrative detention since 3/7. AI also demanded that Israel ensure that Hammouri’s East Jerusalem residency status will not be revoked. (AI 6/6)

A survey conducted by the Israeli Democracy Institute found that 60% of Israeli Jews favored segregation from the country’s Palestinian community, up from 45% in last year’s survey. In comparison, about 20% of Palestinian citizens of Israel favored segregation. (HA 6/6)

In Syria, Syrian media reported that the Syrian military had intercepted Israeli missiles targeting Damascus. (HA, REU 6/6; JP, TOI 6/7)

U.S. senators Mitt Romney (R-UT) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) sent a letter to U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken, urging the Biden administration to ensure a “full and transparent investigation” into the killing of Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh on 5/11 in Jenin refugee camp. The 2 senators gave the Biden administration 30 days to report on progress related to the investigation. (AJ, HA, MDW, MEE, TOI, WP 6/7)

Haaretz reported on recently released documents at the Israeli State Archive, which details conversations between Israeli and U.S. officials during the 1st Israeli Invasion of Lebanon. In the trove of released documents are conversations between then Israeli prime minister Menachem Begin and U.S. president Ronald Reagan, where President Reagan suggests that Palestinian refugees in Lebanon become Lebanese citizens. Prime Minister Begin responds by suggesting that Palestinians in Lebanon be deported to Libya, Iraq, Syria, or Saudi Arabia. (HA 6/6)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at al-Jaba‘ checkpoint nr. Ramallah after he allegedly attempts to stab 1 of them. After the incident, the IDF raids the alleged attacker’s home in al-‘Izzariya and arrests his father. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces begin leveling land nr. Nablus to expand settlement infrastructure in the area. IDF troops arrest 2 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces briefly detain an Islamic Waqf guard at Haram al-Sharif and summon 3 other guards for interrogation. (HA, MNA 6/20; EI, MNA 6/21; PCHR 6/22)

A day after the Israeli authorities began cutting the electricity supply to Gaza, a Hamas-affiliated source says that the Egyptian govt. has agreed to ship diesel fuel into the region via the Rafah border crossing to allow Gaza’s sole power plant to resume operations for a limited time. It’s unclear if the shipments are linked to a rumored agreement between Egypt and Hamas earlier this mo. (HA, TOI 6/20)

Israeli forces begin construction on Amichai, a new settlement to house residents of the illegal Amona outpost, which was demolished in early 2/2017 (see JPS 46 [3, 4]). Amichai is reportedly the 1st settlement built officially by the Israeli govt. in 25 years. (HA, MNA, TOI 6/20)

Thousands of Palestinians gather at rallies across the West Bank to commemorate the 69th anniversary of the Nakba. IDF troops violently disperse demonstrators in Bethlehem and 2 areas nr. Ramallah (the Beit El checkpoint and Nabi Salih); at least 15 Palestinians are injured. The IDF also shuts down the Beit El checkpoint later in the day. For a 2d day in a row, Palestinian activists block several roads nr. Ramallah in solidarity with the more than 1,500 Palestinian prisoners on hunger strike. Meanwhile, Israeli forces begin leveling land nr. Hebron in preparation for the construction of a new IDF watchtower. IDF troops conduct raids in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem late at night, arresting 3 Palestinians and sparking clashes; 2 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 16 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during further raids nr. Jericho, Hebron, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Qalqilya, and Nablus; and patrol nr. Hebron and Qalqilya during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault and arrest a Palestinian nr. Hizma and arrest 1 Palestinian during a latenight raid in Silwan. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c. on 2 separate occasions, seriously injuring 1 fisherman (he succumbs to his injuries later in the day). They confiscate 2 boats and arrest 6 fishermen. (JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 5/15; PCHR 5/18)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces open fire on a group of some 300 Palestinians demonstrating in solidarity with farmers denied access to the “no go” zone by the border fence, wounding 2. Meanwhile, Israeli forces open fire on Palestinians throwing stones at soldiers at the border fence on 2 separate occasions nr. Jabaliya r.c. and Bayt Lahiya, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, Palestinians and Israeli forces clash in Bethlehem, a spillover from weeks-long confrontations in Aida r.c. Stone-throwers are confronted by tear gas, but no serious injuries occur. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon, and in Hebron and 3 nearby villages, and in Bethlehem at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon, and in al-‘Arub r.c. at night. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements and occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, and Ni‘lin), 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), and 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara). There are no serious injuries, except in Bil‘in (5 wounded by bullets, including 1 international), Nabi Salih (2 wounded by bullets) and Kafr Qaddum (1 struck by tear gas canister). In East Jerusalem, the IDF shoots and wounds 2 Palestinians in clashes with protesters in al-‘Izzariya that begin when local youth try to break a hole in the separation wall. Clashes also spread to Abu Dis. (AFP, MNA 1/17; PCHR 1/23)

Around 20 rockets launched from inside Syria land in the Lebanese border town of Arsal, killing 7 and wounding 15. (REU 1/17)

srael holds parliamentary elections, dealing a significant setback to current PM Benjamin Netanyahu and the Likud-Yisrael Beiteinu joint ticket. The next Knesset will be almost evenly split between the right-wing/religious bloc and centrist/center-left blocs, with the headlines dominated by the rise of centrist party Yesh Atid (‘‘There Is a Future’’) and its leader Yair Lapid. The final tally gives 31 seats to Likud-Yisrael Beiteinu, 19 to Yesh Atid, 15 to a resurgent Labor party, 12 to Naftali Bennett’s Jewish Home, 11 to Shas, 7 to United Torah Judaism, 6 each to Meretz and Tzipi Livni’s party Hatnuah, 4 each to United Arab List and Hadash, 3 to Balad, and 2 to Kadima. Voter turnout overall is high, with the estimated turnout for Palestinian citizens of Israel at 56%, according to figures cited by Army Radio. At the end of the night, Netanyahu says that he sees ‘‘many partners’’ for his ‘‘goals’’ and will seek to assemble ‘‘the broadest’’ coalition possible. (REU, AP 1/22; JP 1/23; JP 1/24)

British foreign secretary William Hague warns that it is almost the last chance to bring about a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and condemns Israeli settlement construction. (REU 1/22)

Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the Gaza coast nr. al-Waha, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, Jewish settlers begin work to expand Halamish settlement nr. Ramallah. The IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah in the morning, and in al-Bireh at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 1 village each nr. East Jerusalem and Ramallah at night. (MNA, WAFA 1/22; PCHR 1/23)

Malaysia’s PM Najib Razak visits the Gaza Strip via the Rafah crossing. Pres. Abbas criticizes the visit as enhancing the Fatah-Hamas division. (MNA, NYT 1/22) 

The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate and the PLO’s Information and Culture Department condemn today’s arrest of journalists in the Gaza Strip by Hamas authorities. Most of those detained are affiliated with Fatah. (JP 1/22)

Secy. of State Clinton races to broker a deal with Israeli officials to extend the settlement freeze 1 day before it is scheduled to expire, while Mitchell meets with Abbas in New York to urge him not to walk away from peace talks immediately if Netanyahu allows the freeze to expire. On the ground Jewish settlers begin positioning construction equipment in some settlements. In addition, Jewish settlers in Revava settlement nr. Salfit seize 30 d. of Palestinian agricultural land, raze crops, and install 2 mobile homes as a “new quarter” of the settlement. Jewish settlers fr. Nokdim settlement nr. Bethlehem place 3 mobile homes on nearby Palestinian land. Jewish settlers fr. Barqan settlement nr. Salfit raze adjacent Palestinian land to expand the settlement’s industrial zone. Jewish settlers fr. Givat Ze’ev settlement enter Beitunia town nr. Ramallah and make preparations to celebrate the Sukkoth holiday; the IDF removes them. (NYT, WP 9/26)

Meanwhile, Israeli-Palestinian clashes in Issawiyya, which began on 9/22, taper off by the end of the day, leaving a total of 99 Palestinians (including 17 children) and 9 Israelis injured (7 lightly, 2 moderately), and 70 Palestinians under arrest; during the rioting, Palestinians set fire to or damage 8 Israeli cars and vandalize an Israeli tourist information center. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in Iraq Burin village nr. Nablus in the afternoon, firing tear gas and stun grenades at stone-throwing Palestinian youths who confront them, causing no serious injuries; fires rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades at Palestinian, Israeli, and international activists conducting a nonviolent march from Bayt Umar village to Karme Tzur settlement outside Hebron to protest land confiscations and settlement expansion; 10s suffer tear gas inhalation and 2 Palestinians and 3 Americans are injured. An Egyptian hospital reports that an armed Palestinian transported to Egypt for treatment has died of injures sustained in the 9/14 IDF shelling nr. Gaza Valley village. (NYT, WP 9/26; PCHR 9/30; OCHA 10/1)

Delegations headed by Hamas Political Bureau chief Khalid Mishal and senior Fatah official Azzam al-Ahmad meet for 3 hours in Damascus, afterward issuing a statement confirming a restart of national unity talks. (AP 9/24; AP, REU 9/25; JP 9/27; MNA 11/1) 

Israeli DM Ehud Barak comes to the U.S. with a backchannel proposal for Israel to extend its temporary settlement freeze (set to expire on 9/26) for a short period in exchange for rewards and guarantees from the U.S. He shuttles between New York and Washington discussing the proposal with various senior U.S. officials. Separately, Israel’s chief negotiator Yitzhak Molcho, Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erakat arrive in the U.S. for their own meetings with U.S. officials regarding the upcoming expiration of the settlement freeze and the consequences for peace talks. (NYT 9/21; WT 9/22; JPI 10/1)

Israel for the 1st time since 6/07 allows 20 used cars to be imported to Gaza. Israeli naval vessels fire on Palestinian fishing boats off the n. Gaza coast, forcing them back to shore. Unidentified Palestinians fire a Qassam rocket fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts morning patrols in 2 villages nr. Qalqilya, randomly checking Palestinian IDs, but making no arrests; late-night patrols in a village nr. Tulkarm, making no arrests. Jewish settlers fr. Ramat Gilad settlement nr. Qalqilya begin working a Palestinian olive grove near the settlement, telling local Palestinians who challenge them that they purchased the land; they leave when the Palestinian owner arrives. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities stage a predawn raid on several houses in Silwan village, arresting 4 Palestinians. In addition, Jewish settlers seize a Palestinian house in the suburb of Bayt Safafa (home to 20 people), sparking fights between settlers and the Palestinian owners. Israeli police and municipal officials intervene, arresting 2 Palestinians, and issuing an order to demolish the house (not immediately implemented). (JP 9/20; NYT 9/21; PCHR 9/23; OCHA 9/24)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts daytime arrest raids, house searches nr. Jenin and late-night raids, searches in and around Tubas, in ‘Aqbat Jabir r.c. and ‘Ayn al-Sultan r.c. nr. Jericho. For a 3d day, Jewish settlers in Hebron vandalize Palestinian property and attack local Palestinians; the IDF observes but does not intervene; 3 Palestinians have been injured since 3/21. Jewish settlers fr. Eli nr. Nablus kidnap 2 Palestinian boys herding sheep nr. the settlement, release them hrs. later after PA security forces request IDF intervention. Jewish settlers in Efrat nr. Bethlehem begin construction of 3 apartment buildings (54 units). In Khan Yunis, Hamas officials dismiss the Fatah-affiliated admin. officer at the College of Science and Technology and name a pro-Hamas officer to replace him, sparking a fight with local Fatah supporters; police intervene to disperse the crowd, with no injuries reported; classes are suspended until the issue can be resolved btwn. Hamas and Fatah. Islamic Jihad mbr. Nidal Shaqqura, wounded in an IDF assassination attempt on 3/18, dies of his injuries. (OCHA 3/26; PCHR 3/27)

Islamic Jihad and the PRCs in n. Gaza take joint responsibility for a predawn rocket strike on the IDF’s Zikim base nr. the Gaza border that hits a tent full of sleeping soldiers, critically wounding 1, seriously wounding 2, moderately wounding 7, marking the highest casualty toll in a rocket strike to date; another 60 soldiers are lightly injured or treated for shock. The IDF responds with air strikes, shelling on suspected rocketlaunching sites in n. Gaza, hitting a home in Bayt Hanun, wounding 4 Palestinian children and an adult. Palestinians retaliate by firing 7 mortars fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. The Israeli DMin. begins drafting an assessment for DM Ehud Barak of the impact of cutting water, electricity, fuel services to Gaza. In the West Bank, the IDF demolishes 21 agricultural structures in Anata nr. Jerusalem for being too close to the separation wall and a settler bypass road; conducts arrest raids, house searches in and around Hebron and Nablus, nr. Jenin and Tulkarm; issues military orders shutting the Ibrahimi Mosque/Tomb of the Patriarchs to Muslims for 5 days during Ramadan so that Jewish settlers may celebrate concurrent Jewish holidays. Jewish settlers fr. Avraham Avino, escorted by IDF troops, occupy the roof of al-Aqtab Mosque (seized by the IDF in 1994 after the Ibrahimi Mosque/Tomb of the Patriarchs shooting), begin construction on it to expand their outpost. In Jabaliya r.c., Hamas mbrs. occupy the home of the Fatah-affiliated PA prisoners’ affairs minister, who fled to Ramallah. (IFM, NYT, WP, WT 9/11; NYT, OCHA, WP, WT 9/12; PCHR 9/13; OCHA 10/19)

Hamas presses its offensive in Gaza, taking over all PA ministry offices in Gaza City, securing control of Rafah, forcing PSF officers to surrender their Gaza City headquarters (after destroying all equipment, computers, archives; eye-witness reports say Hamas mbrs. summarily execute at least 7 PSF mbrs.) and other main security compounds; capturing and executing Fatah’s n. Gaza cmdr. Samih al-Madhun. At least 27 Palestinians are killed (14 of them in the fight for the PSF headquarters), 70 wounded in fighting during the day. Nearly 100 senior Fatah security and admin. officials flee Gaza for Egypt by boat (Egypt has already returned the 40 PA presidential guards who fled on 6/13). At the same time, the IDF occupies hills outside Bayt Lahiya to prevent rocket fire into Israel. With Gaza under almost complete Hamas control, Abbas declares a state of emergency, fires Haniyeh, and dissolves the national unity government. He also for the first time orders PA/Fatah forces to take offensive action against Hamas. Late in the evening, Hamas gains control of Abbas’s Gaza City offices, the only remaining Gaza institution still in the hands of Fatah/the PA. In the West Bank, PA forces under Abbas’s control begin rounding up 10s of Hamas mbrs. In and around Nablus and in Jenin, Tulkarm, masked AMB mbrs. raid offices affiliated with Hamas, Change and Reform, looting and sometimes setting fire to them, exchanging fire with Hamas mbrs., leaving at least 13 Palestinians injured. The AMB also abducts 5 Hamas mbrs. in Jenin. Meanwhile, Abbas’s national security adviser Muhammad Dahlan (the U.S. and Israel’s hope for restoring order to Gaza) returns from an extended stay in Egypt, where he underwent minor surgery, going to Ramallah instead of Gaza to confer with Abbas. Meanwhile, the IDF sends an undercover unit into Saida nr. Tulkarm, driving a car with Palestinian license plates, assassinating wanted AMB mbr. Muhammad Twair in a driveby shooting, also wounding 2 bystanders; sends patrols in Ithna nr. Hebron, Kafr Dan and Kafr Ra’i nr. Jenin, firing on residential areas and on stone-throwing youths who confront them, seriously wounding 1 Palestinian. Jewish settlers burn 10s of olive trees nr. Tulkarm; the IDF bars firefighters fr. reaching the scene. In Gaza, 5 Palestinian children (ages 10–15) are killed and 4 (ages 9–16) are wounded by IDF UXO nr. Shuka while collecting scrap metal; the 8 children are from 3 families: 2 Mansour boys are killed, 2 Hessi boys are killed, and 1 Barbakh boy is killed and 4 are wounded. (AFP, Jerusalem Post, MENA, MNA 6/14 in WNC 6/15; AP, BBC, NYT, WP, WT 6/15; WP 6/18; PCHR 6/21)

Before dawn, the IDF responds to Hamas’s 7/3 rocket fire on Ashqelon by carrying out air strikes on the PA Interior Min. in Gaza City (destroying it and wounding at least 7 Palestinians in homes nearby, including 4 children), a Hamas-run school in Gaza City, a Hamas training camp in s. Gaza. Later, Hamas fires a 2d 2-engine Qassam rocket that lands outside Ashqelon, causing no damage or injuries, the Israeli security cabinet authorizes the IDF to step up operations in Gaza and the West Bank aimed at halting rocket fire and “striking at institutions and infrastructures that serve terrorism,” particularly targeting Hamas. During the day, the IDF moves more tanks, troops into n. Gaza and begins to push south toward Bayt Hanun and Jabaliya r.c., reoccupying fmr. settlement sites, occupying a 7th Palestinian home as an operational base, exchanging fire with Palestinian gunmen and shelling (fr. land and sea) areas where militants are allegedly burying explosives, killing 1 Hamas mbr., 1 PA naval officer, wounding at least 17 Palestinians (10 PA naval officers at a barracks nr. where the Hamas mbr. was killed, 7 children). In Gaza City, 2 Islamic Jihad mbrs. are killed when explosives they are handling detonate prematurely. In the West Bank, the IDF sends troops into ‘Ayn al-Sultan r.c. nr. Jericho, surrounds a building, orders wanted AMB cmdr. Mahmud Haymur to surrender, ordering him to undress when he emerges and then executing him by shooting him in the head at point blank range; surrounds, fires on a PA police station in Halhul nr. Hebron, demanding custody of an Israeli Palestinian believed to be held there (police allow soldiers to search the station to confirm he is not there); raids 3 Islamic charities nr. Hebron, Jenin, and Nablus, confiscating computers, vandalizing offices; conducts arrest raids, house searches in and around Jenin and Nablus, nr. Tulkarm and Qalqilya, and in Bethlehem. Jewish settlers fr. Kiryat Arba, under IDF escort, begin work on a new settler bypass road linking the settlement to the Ibrahimi Mosque/Tomb of the Patriarchs. In Gaza City, unidentified gunmen assassinate senior Hamas mbr. Husayn Abu Ajwa, who is considered a leading promoter of religious and political reform within the movement. (IFM, NYT, PCHR, REU, WP, WT 7/5; HA, NYT, OCHA, PCHR, WP, WT 7/6; HA 7/8; PCHR 7/13; OCHA 7/18)

As of midnight local time, the IDF seals the Gaza Strip in preparation for disengagement implementation beginning on 8/17, making it illegal for Israelis to enter Gaza. During the day, some 7,500 PA security forces, overseen byEgyptian security officers, begin deploying nr. Gaza settlements to prevent Palestinians fr. approaching them. Before dawn, Palestinian gunmen fire on Kefar Darom, causing no damage or injuries; an IDF tank returns fire, accidentally targeting an IDF personnel carrier, wounding 5 IDF soldiers. In the West Bank, the IDF sends troops into Tulkarm, closes the main street, interrogates residents; conducts arrest raids, house searches in villages around Tulkarm; occupies a house nr. Nablus as an observation post. Nr. Qalqilya, a Palestinian dies of heat stroke after being handcuffed by IDF troops, left in the sun for hrs. In light of threats by Jewish extremists to storm the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount and destroy the al-Aqsa mosque, 100s of Israeli police, troops deploy in and around the Old City of Jerusalem to prevent possible Israeli-Palestinian clashes; 1,000s of Muslims fr. Jerusalem and Israel attempt to converge to defend the site, but West Bank Palestinians are barred fr. entering Jerusalem, Israeli Palestinians under age 45 are banned fr. accessing the mosque compound. Jewish settlers gather outside Homesh settlement to protest the disengagement, throw stones at passing Palestinian vehicles. In Gaza, Jewish settlers block Palestinian access to roads btwn. Kefar Yam and Shirat Hayam. A French sound technician covering the disengagement in Gaza is kidnapped by unknown Palestinians; Hamas accuses the PA of not doing enough to protect internationals working in Gaza, says targeting foreigners should be a red line. In light of recent kidnappings, the UN moves all nonessential foreign staff in Gaza to Jerusalem until further notice. (AFP, XIN 8/14; IMEMC, WT 8/15; PR 8/17; PCHR, REU 8/18; IMEMC 8/19)

Israel lifts the seal on Gaza imposed after the 7/12 bombing (the seal on the West Bank remains in place), but cancels 7,000 work permits for Gazans, renewing permits of only 2,000 workers and 200 merchants. The IDF reinforces troops in Gaza, sending tanks and armored vehicles, expanding construction of roads in central Gaza in preparation for disengagement; announces that it will replace its rubber-coated steel bullets that have killed scores of Palestinians with compressed sand bullets originally developed for close-quarter hostage rescues; says sand bullets have already been used against Palestinians protesting the separation wall. Gaza settler leaders begin collecting settlers’ weapons ahead of disengagement; some settlers say they will not give up their arms. The IDF demolishes a Palestinian home in East Jerusalem; conducts arrest raids in al-Bireh (targeting Islamic Jihad), Halhul nr. Hebron. Jewish settlers fr. Ma’on attack, beat 3 Palestinian farmers working their land nearby; the IDF intervenes, declares the area a closed military zone, orders farmers to leave, arresting 1 farmer and 1 international peace activist. Late in the evening, AMB n. Gaza cmdr. Ahmad Abu Zayid is fatally shot by an unidentified gunman; initial reports indicate his death is a result of intra-Palestinian fighting, but the AMB later accuses Israel of assassinating him, saying that earlier in the evening, Israeli security personnel (suspected Shin Bet) questioned his family regarding the car he drives, whether he has a bodyguard, whether he travels armed. A grenade explodes outside the Gaza City home of PA Atty. Gen. Hussein Abu Assi causing serious damage but no injuries; no group takes responsibility (see 6/28). In Gaza City, unidentified gunmen driving in a car open fire on 2 PA military intelligence officers, injuring them. Nr. Khan Yunis, 2 Palestinians are killed when explosives they are handling detonate. (IMEMC, WAFA, YA 8/1; AP, Deutsche Presse Agentur, PCHR, YA 8/2; JP, PR, WT 8/3; PCHR 8/4; FT 8/8)

The IDF demolishes 6 Palestinian homes in Bayt Hanina, East Jerusalem; severely beats a Palestinian shepherd herding his flock nr. the separation wall outside Hebron; conducts arrest raids, house searches in ‘Azun, Husan, Marda nr. Nablus, Nabi Elias nr. Qalqilya, al-Ras (drawing maps of several homes), al-Til; patrols inside Tubas. Israel posts an Israeli border police company nr. Yitzhar settlement to prevent settler violence against Palestinians. A Jewish settler fr. Kiryat Arba shoots, wounds a Palestinian farmer working his field nr. the settlement. Jewish settlers fr. Kiryat Arba, escorted by the IDF, begin leveling Palestinian land for construction of a bypass road. Jewish settlers fr. Keddumim bar 10s of Palestinian farmers fr. neighboring Kafr Qadim fr. reaching their agricultural land. (YA 4/4; OCHA 4/6; PCHR 4/7)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Palestinian dead. The IDF shells a Force 17 post nr. Netzarim settlement, killing 1 Force 17 mbr., wounding 3. Claiming retaliation, Hamas's Izzeddine al-Qassam Brigades fires mortars at Jewish settlements in Gaza today, causing no injuries. The IDF also bulldozes 3 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Kissufim settlement in Dayr al-Balah; begin work on a new settler bypass road to Talamon settlement nr. Ramallah, bulldozing Waqf land. Jewish settlers bulldoze an olive grove in Nazla. (WT 3/23; LAW 3/24)

In New York, Sharon warns UN Secy.-Gen Kofi Annan that sending a UN observer force to the West Bank, Gaza could escalate violence. Annan urges Israel to ease restrictions on Palestinians, halt settlement expansion. (MM 3/21; MM, WT 3/22; MM 3/27)

Bush ends the CIA's role as security mediator btwn. Israel and the PA, saying the sides should cooperate directly. (NYT, WP 3/22; HA 3/23; WJW 3/29) (see Peace Monitor)

The Mitchell Comm. begins a 5-day visit to Israel, the West Bank, Gaza to meet with Palestinian community representatives, Israeli intelligence analysts, doctors, peace negotiators, politicians, statisticians. (NYT, WJW, WT 3/22; WT 3/23; NYT 3/26; ATL 3/26 in WNC 3/27; MM 3/27)

In Damascus, European Union (EU) special envoy Miguel Moratinos discusses with Syrian FM Faruq al-Shara` resuming the Syrian-Israeli negotiating track. Afterward, Moratinos says that the Syrians "respect [Barak] a lot, and they think Labor can achieve the final peace with Syria," possibly within a yr. (MM, WT 5/20, 5/21; WJW 5/27; CSM 6/8)

Russia, Syria sign agmt. on using atomic energy for peaceful purposes, including scientific, technical, economic cooperation. (ITAR-TASS 5/19 in WNC 5/20; al-Bayan 5/23 in WNC 6/1)

In Washington, King Abdallah of Jordan meets with congressional leaders to urge them to approve the $300 m. in Wye supplemental aid for the kingdom. (WT 5/20; MM 5/21; NYT 5/23)

Iranian pres. Khatami ends 5 day visit to Saudi Arabia, heads to Qatar for talks on expanding bilateral cooperation, Muslim issues. (MM 5/19; IRIB Television, IRNA, Radio Qatar 5/19 in WNC 5/20; GIU, MM 5/20; IRNA, VIRI 5/20 in WNC 5/21; IRNA 5/21 in WNC 5/25) (see 5/16)

Israel's National Union party head Benjamin Begin, the ultranationalist son of fmr. PM Menachem Begin, resigns his Knesset seat, leaves the party (which won only 4 seats in the 5/17 elections), retires fr. politics. (NYT 5/20; WT 5/23; JP 5/28)

In Hebron, IDF demolishes Palestinian reservoirs that local Palestinians built to collect rainwater to irrigate their crops during the ongoing drought. (WP 5/20)

In Damascus, Armenian, Syrian officials hold talks on expanding bilateral ties, particularly in the economic sphere. (Snark [Yerevan] 5/20 in WNC 5/21)

In `Ayn al-Hilwa refugee camp in Lebanon, unidentified gunmen kill Amin Kayid, an official in PA head Yasir Arafat's Fatah organization, and his wife, possibly in retaliation for the murder of Shaykh Hisham Shreidi in 1990. (RL 5/29 in WNC 5/20; NYT 5/20; MEI 6/4; al-Safir 6/30 in WNC 7/2)

2 day Euro-Med conference opens in Stuttgart, Germany. (MENA 4/15, al-Quds 4/17 in WNC 4/19; MM 4/16; al-Ayyam 4/17 in WNC 4/21; PR 4/23; al-Wasat 4/26 in WNC 4/30)

Most of the 81 diplomatic missions in Israel, including the EU and U.S., decline an invitation fr. Israeli FM Sharon to participate in a 2 hr. "study tour" of the West Bank on 4/16 to gain a better understanding of Israeli security needs in advance of final status talks with the PA. (MM 4/15)

In response to death of IDF soldier 4/12, IDF reoccupies Arnun, outside its self-declared security zone, this time setting up SLA camp inside the village. Lebanese PM Salim al-Huss asks France, the UN, the U.S. to intervene with Israel. U.S. suggests that Lebanese army be deployed in Arnun, but Huss refuses, saying army will not be used as a "screen to defend" the IDF. (RL 4/15, AFP, IRNA 4/16 in WNC 4/19; MM, NYT 4/16; NYT, WP 4/17; RL, Xinhua 4/20 in WNC 4/21; MM 4/21; MEI 4/23, 5/7) (see 2/28)

Shas head Deri is sentenced to 4 yrs. in prison. Analysts believe the ruling could improve PM Netanyahu's chances for reelection by rallying Shas supporters to his cause; one of Netanyahu's campaign promises has been to aid Israelis who feel marginalized by what he describes as the "elites," including judges. Deri will remain free pending appeal, may remain party leader even if jailed. (MM 4/15; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/16; JP, MEI 4/23) (see 3/17)

3 UN comms. on Iraq (disarmament, sanctions, missing-in-action issues) present their first reports to an informal mtg. of the UN Security Council (UNSC). UNSC mbrs. are still divided on how best to proceed with monitoring (e.g., whether or not to lift sanctions, dissolve UNSCOM). (MEI 4/23)

IDF begins clearing 300 dunams of Palestinian land, olive groves held by Bayt Dujn, al-Sawiyya villages for construction of new bypass road to Ariel settlement. In other incidents, settlers place 8 trailers on hilltop nr. Karnei Shomron settlement, begin expansion of Elkana settlement onto some 200 dunams of Palestinian land held by Mashah village. (al-Ayyam 4/16 in WNC 4/23)

Syrian pres. Asad goes to Sharm al-Shaykh for important discussion with Pres. Mubarak on Wye agmt. Joint press conference scheduled for after the mtg. is canceled. (MENA, SATN 11/1 in WNC 11/6; MM 11/2)

Hamas's Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades threatens to ignore orders against attacking the PSF if crackdown continues. PSF has arrested more than 130 alleged Hamas mbrs. since the Wye agmt. was signed. PA, Hamas officials meet on reducing tensions. Hamas agrees to avoid issuing "fiery" statements denouncing the PA. PA releases Gaza spokesman Mahmud Zahhar, arrested in recent sweeps, as good will gesture. (CSM, MM, WP, WT 11/2; MM 11/4; CSM, PR 11/6; JP 11/9; YA 11/12 in WNC 11/13)

PM Netanyahu approves construction of 200 housing units on 80 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Kiryat Arba. IDF says that settlers are setting up farms outside existing settlement boundaries to create facts on the ground before an FRD. Secy. Albright phones Netanyahu to discuss the matter. (ITV, MA 11/1 in WNC 11/6; MM, NYT 11/2; MM, WT 11/3; PR 11/6; MA 11/9 in WNC 11/12; LAW 11/11)

Jewish settlers erect barbed-wire fence around the area of Ras al-Amud in East Jerusalem, begin leveling land for new settlement. Settlers also place trailers on a hill nr. Ramallah. (AFP [Internet] 11/1; ITV 11/1, al-Quds 11/3 in WNC 11/6; NYT, WP 11/2; AFP 11/2, al-Ahram, ITAR-TASS 11/3 in WNC 11/6; MM 11/3; PR 11/6; JP 11/9) (see 8/27)

Former PM Menahem Begin dies in Tel Aviv. (WP 3/9)

Nayif Hawatima, head of one faction using the name DFLP, states in interview published in German press that he favors opening an "immediate dialogue" with Yitzhak Rabin and the Labor party. (Berliner Zeitung 3/9 in FBIS 3/18)

N. Korean ship which U.S. officials thought might be transporting ballistic missiles (Scud-1D missiles, also called Scud-C) from N. Korea to Syria and Iran docks at Bandar 'Abbas, Iran, after eluding U.S. naval search for the vessel [U.S. Defense Dept. officials state navy had been searching for the ship after receiving Israeli intelligence reports]. Incident is most recent example of growing Western readiness to intercept arms shipments to Syria, Iran. In October 1991, another N. Korean ship carrying equipment for Scud missiles turned back before reaching Syriafter Israel indicated it might stop it [see also 1/29 and 2/3]. (NYT, WP 3/11)

Lebanese police issue first official casualty report from Lebanese civil war. Report states 144,240 died and 197,506 were wounded during fighting from 1975-90. An additional 17,415 are missing and presumed dead, including 13,968 kidnapped by various militias. The figures did not include an additional 6,630 Palestinians killed and 8,000 wounded in related conflicts. (NYT, MM 3/10)

Palestinian youth killed in 'Asirat al-Qibliyya near Nablus. Palestinians claim he was shot by a settler and not by IDF. A second youth killed by soldiers during clash in 'Arrub refugee camp near Hebron. (MM 3/10)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike is observed in most of the occupied territories [WP, NYT 2/17]. Occupied territories' civil administration lowers limit on amount of money that can be brought into W. Bank from Jordan [NYT 2/17]. Maj. Gen. Ehud Barak, Israel's deputy chief of staff and Def. Min. Rabin confirm soldiers buried 4 Palestinians alive 2/5 [WP 2/17]. Rabin announces his intention to establish military appeals court in occupied territories [CSM 2/17]. In Tel Aviv, 800 attend conference organized by Israeli intellectuals demanding Israeli government begin peace talks with Palestinians [NYT 2/18]. Israeli High Court upholds army order banning distribution of al-Quds newspaper in occupied territories [FJ 2/21]. Jewish settlers raid 'Azzah refugee camp near Bethlehem, shoot and wound 1 youth [FJ 2/21].

Arab World: UNRWA announces the suspension of all activities in Lebanon requiring intemational staff, and transfer of operations from Lebanon to Syria [FJ 2/21].

Other Countries: Israeli P.M. Shamir ends 2-day visit to Italy [WP 2/17].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli riot police halt bus carrying Palestinian high school students from Haifa to Umm al-Fahm; several students are beaten. At least 1 Palestinian is shot, wounded during clash with Israeli soldiers in Jenin. In Qabatiyyah, 2 Palestinians are shot, wounded when soldiers open fire on demonstrators [WP 2/17]. Army seizes 3 school buildings for military posts in Nablus [FJ 2/21]. Palestinian demonstrators bum tires and throw stones at entrance to Gush Qatif settlement in Gaza. In Rafah camp 4 are wounded in clash with soldiers [FJ 2/21]. In Sura and Majd villages, near Hebron, protesters bum Israeli buses. Soldiers use tear gas, rubber bullets to break up demonstration in Fawwar refugee camp, wounding 9. Protests are held in Jenin refugee camp, Duhayshah camp and Bani Na'im village [FJ 2/21].

Military Action:

Christian suburbs north of Beirut fired on from Syrian-controlled mountains; Syrian Army position attacked in Tripoli; fighting continues in Chouf.

Casualties:

1 Syrian soldier wounded in Tripoli; dozens of marked and unmarked graves, used by IDF to bury bodies of Palestinians, Lebanese and Syrians killed in Lebanon, discovered in northern Galilee, IDF denies it is mass grave site.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Begin, citing personal reasons, postpones visit to Washington scheduled for July 26-29; leaders of Druze community in Israel ask government to remove Phalangist militia from Chouf before IDF withdraws, say they fear massacres.

US and Other Countries: Gemayel arrives in Washington for 3 days of official meetings.

Military Action:

Grenade thrown at IDF convoy near Sidon; IDF reports 4 other attacks on its positions over weekend; Syrian forces maintain encirclement of loyalist PLO positions.

Casualties:

2 IDF soldiers wounded in grenade attack.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Grand Mufti of Jerusalem issues statement urging PLO rebels to support Arafat, promises martyr status to any Muslim who assassinates Assad; 700 West Bank representatives of student, professional, political and trade union organizations meet at Al-Aqsa mosque, criticize Syrian and Libyan intervention in Palestinian affairs, call on rebels to support present PLO leadership; Habib arrives in Israel for talks with Begin, Shamir, Arens, reportedly will seek to delay IDF redeployment until Begin-Reagan meeting on July 27.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat returns to Tunis; PFLP official calls Arafat expulsion from Syria an insult to the entire PLO; PFLP and DFLP, split since 1969, announce merger to enhance unity of PLO.

Arab Governments: Syria describes Arafat as a defeatist who has chosen the path of the wilderness.

Military Action:

4 attacks on IDF positions reported: 2 shells fired near Amiq in eastern sector, RPGs fired at roadblock south of Sidon, light arms fire at convoy near Jezzine; fighting continues in Chouf.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat expelled from Syria, escorted to Damascus airport by Syrian security officials, placed on flight to Tunis; Abu Jihad also declared persona non grata in Syria and Syrian-controlled areas of Lebanon.

US and Other Countries: Habib and Draper begin visit to Middle East in effort to persuade Syria to withdraw its troops; GAO issues heavily censored report on US aid to Israel, says US likely to come under more pressure to provide grants and concessions as Israel's debt grows.

Military Action:

Bomb explodes as IDF vehicle passes in Beirut suburb of Baabda; IDF vehicle detonates mine near Ein Zahlata; IDF tank hits mine in Bekaa region.

Casualties:

6 IDF soldiers wounded in Baabda attack, 3 in Ein Zahlata; Lebanese police report 3 Palestinians killed in two attacks on IDF positions in South Lebanon; stray machine gun fire by IDF penetrates US Marine base after Baabda attack, no injuries; UNRWA officials report escalation in attacks on Palestinians in Sidon, said to coincide with arrival there of Phalange officer Elie Hobeika, armed and masked men of Guardians of Cedars threatening Palestinians, 4 killed, 2 wounded since April 28.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Shultz returns to Jerusalem, meets with Begin, Shamir, Arens; Begin says he will call Cabinet meeting to decide on draft troop withdrawal agreement; Ministry of Absorption reports that only 11 of the 114 Jews leaving the Soviet Union last month came to Israel; Elon Moreh settlers fire on Nablus youths when stones are thrown at their car, 13 students arrested, school closed; window of Israeli truck broken by stones near Kalandia camp; 400 students hold sit-in demonstration at Tireh UNRWA Training Center.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: President Gemayel says the danger of signing an agreement with Israel without obtaining the withdrawal of Syria, the PLO and some Iranians is that Israel will not withdraw and the agreement will have no value; PLO seeks guarantees for security of Palestinians in Lebanon as precondition for withdrawal of PLO forces, Saudi information minister to intervene with Lebanese officials this week on issues of murders of Palestinians, threats to refugees, bombings of shops, expulsions, detention, attacks by Lebanese Army on Palestinian women crossing into East Lebanon to visit husbands and fathers with PLO forces.

Arab Governments: Jordan considering limitations on export of West Bank produce to East Bank, restrictions on entry of West Bank students to University of Jordan, holding of elections on East Bank only.

US and Other Countries: Shultz continues talks in Beirut, then returns to Jerusalem; Reagan says PLO council was never elected by the Palestinian people, referendum on alternative leadership might not be practical; French foreign minister meets PLO official, asks PLO to cancel UN conference on Palestine scheduled for UNESCO's Paris headquarters in August.

Military Action:

Syria reportedly receiving up to 1,000 Soviet military personnel to help operate new SA-5 missiles.

Casualties:

Preliminary Lebanese government study records 9,888 Beirut housing units damaged or destroyed, total losses estimated at $700 million; UNRWA reports 15 bodies found near Ain el-Hilweh in past two weeks; WAFA reports that the bodies were found in a mass grave and that the victims had recently been held at Ansar camp; Lebanese police say at least 8 Palestinian men have been abducted from their homes and murdered in Sidon, and a further four kidnapped and wounded PFLP General Command invites relatives of two IDF prisoners it holds to visit them; Prime Minister Wazzan asks Habib for US/Israeli intervention on behalf of Palestinians subjected to intimidation by Lebanese militiamen; 21 children injured during war are to be flown to US for treatment this month.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Labor Party leader Shimon Peres says he is willing to meet with Begin to discuss how to keep the peace between opposing political and social factions; President Navon says Israel is on the brink of an abyss; thousands march in Tel Aviv in support of Commission of Inquiry recommendations, negotiations with Palestinians.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO Executive Committee continues meetings in Algiers to draft resolutions for PNC meeting; relations between Israel and Phalangists deteriorating.

US and Other Countries: US officials reportedly consider replacement of Sharon by Ambassador to US Moshe Arens will have positive effect on negotiations for IDF withdrawal from Lebanon.

Military Action:

PLO makes withdrawal of 7,000 troops from Bekaa and Tripoli areas contingent on safety guarantees for half million Palestinians living in Lebanon; IDF sets up fortified position 100 yards from British forces' headquarters.

Casualties:

European Community grants $20 million for rebuilding Beirut drinking water system; Phalangists have evicted 70 Palestinian families from apartments in Sidon in past two weeks and forced them to move to Ain el-Hilweh camp; UNRWA HQ in Vienna, responding to intimidation of Palestinians in South Lebanon, calls on IDF to ensure safety of civilians in areas under its control.

Politicial Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israeli Cabinet fails to reach agreement on whether to carry out Commission of Inquiry recommendation that Sharon and three senior generals leave their posts, considers early elections; Sharon says he has no intention of resigning; demonstrations outside Cabinet meeting; representatives of West Bank and Gaza settlements meet Begin and oppose removal of Sharon; Sharon welcomes Zaire's Defense Minister on official visit in Tel Aviv; Chief of Staff Eitan testifies in court-martial of 7 Israeli soldiers accused of beating, kicking and clubbing students in Hebron, defends orders from his office to harass West Bank Palestinians by repeated arrests, punishment of parents, collective punishment, etc.; Foreign Minister Shamir reiterates that Israel will not talk to PLO even if it recognizes Israel.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Chairman of PNC Foreign Relations Committee Khaled Hassan says revolutionary tactics is only option, which means violence until success; Arafat flies from Amman to Jeddah for talks with Saudi leaders.

Arab Governments: President Mubarak meets Bethlehem Mayor Freij in Cairo.

US and Other Countries: Defense Secretary Weinberger rejects proposal that Israel share military information it obtained in Lebanon because of Israeli conditions; American Jewish leaders praise Commission of Inquiry Report as evidence of Israeli democracy and moral strength; Austria mediating arrangements to exchange 6,000 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel for 8 Israelis held by PLO; trade between Britain and Israel in 1982 totals £498 million.

Military Action:

2 Katyusha rockets fired from Lebanon land near kibbutz Zarit in northern Israel; IDF receives order from Sharon not to cross Marine lines, even in pursuit of Palestinian guerrillas.

Casualties:

Lebanese security forces chief Hisham Shaar says 4 killed in 10 days by IDF reconnaisance by fire.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Shamir reiterates Israeli rejection of Reagan plan, says only Camp David accords are acceptable; panic selling on Tel Aviv stock market with 40% fall in one week, paper loss of $500 million, following Government announcement of new regulation on mutual trust funds; head of Najah Univ. Student Council says he and other detained student leaders were subject to daily interrogations and beatings during 2 weeks of detention; Mayor Freij, in Cairo, meets with Foreign Minister Kamal Hassan Ali, urges PLO to negotiate with Israel on basis of Reagan plan.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: President Gemayel and representatives of MNF countries discuss ways to stop Israeli provocations against Marines.

US and Other Countries: US officials say Begin's visit to US delayed until agreement on troop withdrawal from Lebanon.

UN: Secretary General Perez de Cuellar, at press conference, says Middle East conflict can be settled through compromise formula of Reagan, Fez and Franco-Egyptian plans, that UN could provide framework for negotiations once a plan is agreed on.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Prime Minister's office reacts angrily to reports that US may postpone Begin's visit if no progress is made in Lebanon peace talks; Eitan is criticized by Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee for comments on Lebanon yesterday; former military intelligence chief Shlomo Gazit, now President of Ben Gurion University in Beersheba, says Arafat's success is the large number of men Israel keeps mobilized to prevent terrorism, that security forces should not be kept on alert in the West Bank; El Al airlines resumes operations after 4 month strike over issue of flights on Sabbath and Jewish holidays; Minister for Science and Development Yuval Ne'eman, acting chair of Cabinet settlement committee, issues communique that settlements in West Bank, Gaza Strip and Golan Heights will continue despite US criticism; Israeli military experts reported organizing Zairian army; military roadblock around Najah University effectively implementing Order 854 which requires students from other districts to have special permit to attend university; Civil Administration says it is not involved in land dispute over Hebron municipality electricity pylons torn down by Kiryat Arba residents, that IDF is responsible; military authorities declare Hebron closed military area to prevent 50 Peace Now members from assisting Hebron residents re-erect and guard electricity pylons.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO Chairman Arafat meets with CPSU Secretary-General Yuri V. Andropov and Foreign Minister Andrei A. Gromyko, Arafat and Andropov declare that US shares full responsibility for Israel's criminally aggressvie actions because it gives Israel all the assistance it needs; Lebanese Government states preference for expanded role for UNIFIL throughout Lebanon after withdrawal of Israeli, Syrian and Palestinian forces; Dany Chamoun visits Saad Haddad in Marjayoun and Christian notables in Klea.

Arab Govemnments: King Fahd confers in Riyadh with Walid Jumblatt; Morocco retracts announcement on Arab League delegation, saying no decision will be made until Arab foreign ministers meet in Marrakesh; President Assad tells visiting Arab news agencies' directors that Syria rejects current Middle East peace plans, but would attend an Arab summit to map out collective action.

US and Other Countries: 500 at United Jewish Appeal luncheon addressed by Israeli President Navon, who says both Labor and Likud parties agree that a return to 1967 borders is not acceptable, PLO is a terrorist organization, a West Bank Palestinian state would be a security threat to Israel and base for Soviet intervention in the region, that Jerusalem is the undivided capital of Israel, but he says that Israel would take into consideration any change in the PLO covenant; Italian General Confederation of Labor meets with leaders of Rome's Jewish community to formulate plans to combat anti-Semitism.

Military Action:

Marines prevent IDF from entering Bourj-al-Barajneh for second time, but IDF moves into Lailaki using random anti-tank grenades and machine gun fire to search area; after fourth encounter between IDF and Marines in 1 week, US Embassy in Beirut expresses concern; truce in Tripoli policed by PLO because Lebanese security forces refuse to patrol area so long as opposing forces maintain positions.

Casualties:

1 PLO member killed, 3 wounded in Tripoli.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israeli Government rejects US-proposed compromise on agenda for Lebanon negotiations; at Cabinet meeting Begin promises Deputy Premier David Levy and Communications Minister Mordechai Zipori, both Herut Party critics of Sharon, that Cabinet will hold special debate on Lebanon; Young Guards of Labor Party elects as chairman Moshe Cohen, a political centrist who will seek to end leftward lurch of party, to terminate Labor's alignment with Mapam and a rapprochement with religious parties; all police units launch anti-terrorist drive following attack on bus, reveal several bomb incidents since summer, including 280 kg bomb in car in Negev defused, bomb under bench in Herzliya which wounded 4, 4.5 kg bomb in Jerusalem defused, security forces played down and withheld information on incidents; Israeli trade with Lebanon valued at $8 million each for November and December; Peace Now group demonstrates outside Prime Minister Begin's office; dozens of Palestinians arrested in Tel Aviv after yesterday's grenade attck, 2 molotov cocktails thrown at police station in Dheisheh refugee camp, no injuries, security forces seal area, search but no arrests; 10 Najah University students arrested, charged with incitement; Kiryat Arba residents pull down Hebron municipality electricity poles for second time, and Acting Mayor Mustafa Natshe says he received threatening letter from Kiryat Arba council demanding removal of the utility poles; Elon Moreh settlers fire shots into Nablus Dal al-Tafel kindergarten and its bus, military authorities seal off Nablus market area.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat holds talks with King Hussein in Amman, also attending are members of Joint Committee, as Hussein tells Arafat his talks with Reagan were positive and successful; Lebanese Director General of Internal Security Forces Hisham Shaar says conscription may be necessary to keep balance of Christians and Muslims in police force; reports circulating in Beirut that AUB President David Dodge, kidnapped during war, may be alive and held in Bekaa Valley; Internal Security Chief Hisham Shaar and Syrian Deputy Chief of Staff General Ali Aslan meet in Tripoli, agree to patrols there by Lebanese security forces.

Arab Governments: Egyptian President Mubarak calls on Hussein and Arafat to negotiate on the basis of the Reagan plan, before US presidential elections and more settlements make it too late to reach agreement, says that only thing that bothers him about US foreign policy is US Congress' decision to increase aid to Israel; Egyptian Foreign Minister Kamal Hassan Ali says Egyptian ambassador to Israel will return to his post as soon as agreement is reached on Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon; Saudi King Fahd holds series of meetings with Walid Jumblatt, Moroccan Foreign Minister Mohammed Boucetta, Fateh Executive Committee member Abu Mazen.

US and Other Countries: Senator Charles Percy (R-IL) states support for Israeli position that withdrawal from Lebanon should be accompanied by business-like relations; columnist Jack Anderson publishes opinion poll of the world's worst leaders with Menahem Begin ranking fifth after Khomeini, Qaddafi, Mobutu and Duvalier; 1,500 New York area Jews who have applied for aliya attend speech by Israeli President Navon in synagogue.