The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 2 Israeli soldiers and 1 Palestinian man with tear gas when the 2 soldiers were asking the Palestinian about settler vandalism at al-Mughayyir near the Adei Ad settlement outpost. Israeli settlers from the Ariel settlement also vandalized Palestinian property in Marda, spraying racist graffiti on walls and vehicles and puncturing tires. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers stole olive harvesting equipment in Burin. Israeli forces issued a demolition notice for a newly built road connecting Ya‘bad and Khirbat Emreha. Israeli forces also delivered notices for the seizure of 40 dunams (9.9 acres) of land in Yasuf. 10 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around ‘Azzun, Beita, Burqa, Nawawrah, Beit Umar, and Hebron; during the raid in Beit Umar, Israeli forces damaged 2 vehicles and fired tear gas at Palestinians confronting the soldiers. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians from the Damascus Gate plaza, forcing them to leave the area. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen within 6 nautical miles west of Gaza; no injuries were reported. (HA, MEMO, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/13; HA, PCHR 10/14; AJ 10/17)

The Jerusalem local planning committee approved the expropriation of land in the planned East Jerusalem Israeli settlement of Givat Hamatos, where 1,257 housing units are planned, along with filing plans to expand Pisgat Ze’ev. (AJ, HA, MEE, MEMO 10/14; AP, TOI 10/15)

Some 400 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons started an open-ended hunger strike to protest new restrictions imposed after 6 prisoners escaped Gilboa prison on 9/6. (MEMO, WAFA 10/14)

In Syria, Syrian officials said Israel had conducted an air strike near Palmyra, targeting a telecommunications tower and causing damage. Russia said that the Syrian air defense system did not engage the Israeli-fired missiles because the Israeli jets firing them were using civilian airplanes as cover. 9 people were killed in the attack, according to the London-based Syrian opposition group Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. (AP 10/13; TOI 10/15)

Chairman of the Religious Zionist party Bezalel Smotrich told Palestinian Israeli lawmakers during a Knesset discussion that they are only in Israel because “Ben-Gurion didn’t finish the job and throw you out in 1948.” Smotrich also called the lawmakers “terror supporters.” (HA 10/13; MEMO 10/14)

Israel’s regional cooperation minister Issawi Frej and deputy minister of foreign affairs Idan Roll met with Sudanese justice minister Nasredeen Abdulbari in Dubai. They talked about promoting future projects between the 2 countries and how to further their normalization deal. (AP 10/13; ALM 10/14)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken met with Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid and later had a trilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Lapid and foreign minister of the UAE Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Washington D.C. During a press conference, Secretary Blinken said that the U.S. is moving forward with reopening the U.S. consulate to Palestinians in Jerusalem, despite Israeli opposition. Lapid also later confirmed that the U.S. had raised the issue of Israeli settlement expansion during his meetings with U.S. officials. (AJ, ALM, AX, HA, HA, MEE, REU, REU 10/13; AP, REU 10/14)

After a night of air strikes in Gaza, unidentified Gazans fire 5 rockets at southern Israel. Four are intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system; the 5th lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. The Israeli Air Force then conduct air strikes on sites near Jabaliya refugee camp and Khan Yunis, causing damage. In the West Bank, an IDF driver rams 2 Palestinians during a patrol near Qalqilya, causing moderate injuries to both. Separately, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem and Tulkarm; and patrol near Hebron. (HA, MNA, WAFA 10/27; PCHR 11/1)

An IDF spokesperson claims that Islamic Jihad in Palestine (PIJ) was responsible for the rocket fire on 10/26 “with clear guidance from Iran and the Revolutionary Guards’ Quds Force in Syria.” A PIJ spokesperson then says that the group has reached a new agreement to end the violence in Gaza, thanks to Egyptian mediation. “After contacts between the Islamic Jihad leadership and the brothers in Egypt, it was agreed that a comprehensive cease-fire will begin immediately,” he says. (HA, MNA, TOI, TOI, TOI, YA 10/27)

A day after Israeli prime minister Netanyahu visited Oman, Omani foreign minister Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah says that the Omani government is “very optimistic” about the Trump administration’s Palestinian-Israeli peace efforts. “We are not mediators in Israel-Palestine, but we offer facilitation and ideas to help 2 parties to come together,” he adds. “We are not saying that the road is now easy and paved with flowers, but our priority is to put an end to the conflict and move to a new world.” (AFP, HA, REU, TOI, YA 10/27)

The World Bank announces that it has increased its annual allotment of aid to the Palestinians from $55 million to $90 million this year. The organization’s new strategy, adopted in 12/2017, has a “very strong focus on job creation and private sector development,” according to a World Bank spokesperson. (WAFA 10/27)

Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces bomb Hamas military sites in Jabaliya refugee camp and Bayt Lahiya overnight, causing an unclear amount of damage. The IDF later says the attack was in retaliation for a previously unreported Hamas attempt to plant an IED along the border fence on 4/8. Later, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands near al-Maghazi refugee camp, Gaza City, and al-Bureij refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians protesting along the border fence near Gaza City, Jabaliya refugee camp, and Khan Yunis; 8 Palestinians are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers spray-paint racist graffiti on road signs near Hebron. IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian minor amid minor clashes in Nablus, arrest 4 Palestinians, and issue 3 arrest summons during late-night raids near Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Hebron; and patrol in and around Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 8 Palestinians during latenight raids in Sur Bahir, Hizma, and Issawiyya. (HA, JP, TOI, WAFA, YA 4/9; MNA 4/10; PCHR 4/12)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when the IDF violently dispersed peaceful protesters along Gaza’s border on 3/30, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 29. (TOI, WAFA 4/9)

The Palestinian who was stabbed by an Israeli settler near Jerusalem on 4/8 succumbs to his injuries. (PCHR 4/12)

The IAF conducts air strikes on the Syrian T-4 base near Homs, targeting drone deployment and air-defense systems, and killing 14 people, including at least 7 Iranian citizens. (HA, JP 4/9)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians and issue 4 arrest summons during late-night raids near Tulkarm, Hebron, Bethlehem, and in Nablus; and patrol near Qalqilya and Hebron. They also arrest 2 Palestinian laborers and issue stop-work orders for a building under construction in Hebron. Israeli settlers assault Palestinian construction crews repairing a home on Shuhada Street in central Hebron, causing no major injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault a number of Palestinian children and eventually arrest 2 in the Old City. They arrest 5 more Palestinians during a raid in Silwan and Abu Dis. (WAFA 2/10; PCHR 2/15)

Weeks after receiving Israeli PM Netanyahu in India, Indian PM Narendra Modi arrives in Ramallah for a visit to the oPt. His arrival marks the first time a sitting Indian PM has visited the oPt. PA pres. Abbas asks Modi to help mediate Palestinian-Israeli peace talks. (TOI, WAFA 2/10)

An IDF helicopter destroys an Iranian drone flying from Syria into the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, according to an IDF spokesperson (Syrian and Iranian officials deny sending a drone into Israel). The IAF then conducts a number of air strikes on a Syrian airbase near Palmyra, where the drone allegedly took off. During the Israeli sortie, Syrian aerial defense systems shoot down an Israeli F-16, injuring 1 pilot seriously (this marks the first time they have downed an Israeli aircraft since the IDF started flying missions into Syria). The IAF then conducts the “biggest and most significant attack . . . against Syrian air defenses” since the 1982 war in Lebanon, according to a senior IAF official. Israeli jets strike 12 Syrian and Iranian targets in southern Syria, killing 6 people. (AJ, HA, MNA, NYT, REU, TOI, WAFA, YA 2/10; HA, WAFA 2/11)

Near Jenin in the West Bank, Israeli forces carry out the punitive demolition of the home of a Palestinian imprisoned in connection with the killing of an Israeli settler on 10/4/2017. Meanwhile, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists at Friday protests against the 11/30 killing of a Palestinian farmer and Israel’s occupation, settlements, and separation wall in 3 villages near Ramallah (Nabi Salih, Bil‘in, and Ni‘lin), Kafr Qaddum near Qalqilya, Khirbat Qalqas near Hebron, and Qusra near Nablus; 1 Palestinian is injured. They also arrest 1 Palestinian and issue arrest summons for 2 more during raids in and around Bethlehem and Jenin. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working near al-Maghazi refugee camp and on agricultural lands near Bayt Lahiya, causing no injuries. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp and Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/1; PCHR 12/7)

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) launches an air strike at a military base outside Damascus, Syria. According to Syrian press sources, the target was an Iranian military base 13 km south of the city. The extent of the damage is not reported. (HA, TOI 12/2)

In the West Bank, IDF troops assault and arrest a Palestinian during a patrol in ‘Azun village near Qalqilya. They also arrest 13 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem, Ramallah, Hebron, Jenin, and Nablus, and patrol near Hebron. Palestinian youths throw stones at an IDF patrol outside a settlement near Hebron, sparking minor clashes; 1 Palestinian is arrested. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces clash with Palestinians in Qalandia refugee camp and Issawiyya; there are no serious injuries. They also arrest a Palestinian during a late-night raid in the Old City. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Bayt Lahiya. Off Gaza’s coast late at night, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. (MNA, WAFA 10/16; PCHR 10/19)

After days of positivity from both Hamas and the PA in the wake of the 10/12 reconciliation deal, a Hamas spokesperson criticizes the PA for not prioritizing the rollback of sanctions on Gaza. “It is not justified to continue the sanctions on Gaza, while the [PA] government is content with talking about getting control of border crossings and exploration for [natural] gas in Gaza,” he writes, on Twitter. His comments come after the Fatah Central Committee neglected to discuss the sanctions at a meeting on 10/15. Meanwhile, the PA’s director of border crossings, Nazmi Muhanna, arrives in Gaza. He says he is there to “to carry out the first article of the reconciliation agreement signed in Cairo [on 10/12] regarding taking over the crossings.” (TOI 10/16; MNA, TOI 10/17)

The Israeli NGO Peace Now reports that the Licensing Subcommittee of Israel’s Civil Administration has approved 31 building permits for new housing units in central Hebron, marking the first approval of new settlement construction in Hebron in 15 years. (AP, PCN, REU, TOI, YA 10/16; TOI 10/17)

A Syrian antiaircraft battery positioned east of Damascus fires on Israeli fighter jets allegedly flying in Lebanese air space, causing no damage or injuries. In response, the IAF launches an air strike on the battery. (HA, JP, NYT, TOI, YA 10/16)

Unidentified assailants fire a rocket from Gaza into s. Israel; it lands in an open area, causing no damage or injuries. Late at night, the Israeli Air Force launches air strikes on 2 Hamas military sites nr. Gaza City and Rafah, causing damage to a number of Palestinian homes. Israeli artillery positioned along the border fence fire on agricultural lands nr. Gaza City as well, causing no serious damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops clash with stone-throwing Palestinians during late-night raids in Dahaysha r.c. nr. Bethlehem, Bayt Umar and Bayt Awa nr. Hebron; at least 8 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 8 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids nr. Hebron and Ramallah; and patrol nr. Hebron and Nablus during the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 2 Palestinians during raids in Abu Dis. (TOI 6/26; HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 6/27; PCHR 7/6)

For a 3d day in a row, errant fire from Syria crosses into the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The IDF says it was only a few bullets, and that they caused no damage or injuries. (HA, YA 6/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 2 residential buildings in the Beit El settlement, despite the govt.-backed petition from the developer. Around 200 Israeli settlers gather in Beit El to protest the demolition, throwing stones at the Israeli troops and setting small fires. For the 2d day in a row, settlers also gather in the Sa-Nur settlement outpost that was evacuated in 2005, and they verbally assault Palestinians in the area. Late at night, IDF troops evacuate the outpost and the surrounding area; no violence is reported. Meanwhile, IDF troops conduct late-night raids in Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem, arresting 3 Palestinians. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a wedding hall and several other Palestinian buildings in Bayt Hanina. They also patrol in Issawiyya, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths; 3 Palestinians are arrested. (HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA 7/29; HA, JP, PCHR, YA 7/30; PCHR 8/6)

Israeli PM Netanyahu approves the “immediate” construction of 296 settler residences in Beit El, and 500 in East Jerusalem. Israel’s COGAT Mordechai signs a permit to immediately sell land for the construction, and the municipality will be allowed to issue construction permits within 15 days. The UN, EU, U.S. State Dept., Egyptian Foreign Ministry, and PLO all criticize the settlement announcement. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 7/29; MNA, WAFA, YA 7/30)

In Syria, an IAF drone launches an air strike nr. the border with Israel, killing 2 Hizballah fighters and 3 Syrian soldiers. The IDF does not comment on the incident, and reports differ on the nature of the attack. Separately, according to the PFLP-Gen. Command, an ally of the Syrian govt., Israeli jets strike an arms depot used by the group in Lebanon nr. the border with Syria, injuring 6. (HA, JP, YA 7/29; HA 7/30)

IDF troops on the Gaza border e. of Bayt Hanun shoot and injure a Palestinian man nr. the border fence. Meanwhile, IDF troops e. of al-Maghazi r.c. fire smoke bombs into agricultural lands nr. the border fence. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and raids in Jenin, a village nr. Hebron, and Aida r.c. nr. Bethlehem, arresting 2; patrols in 3 villages nr. Ramallah, 2 nr. Hebron, and in al-Fawar r.c. Israeli troops also arrest a Palestinian driving in Aida r.c. and clash with stone-throwing Palestinian youth in a village nr. Qalqilya. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian homes in Hebron, causing damage but no injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids in Jabal Mukabir, Issawiyya, and the Old City, arresting 7 Palestinians. (MNA, WAFA 4/26; PCHR 4/29)

An IAF jet attacks 4 unknown assailants attempting to cross the border from Syria into the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights to plant explosives; 3 of the assailants are killed. Hours later, several Arab media outlets release unconfirmed reports that the IAF responded to the attempted explosive attack with air strikes on Hizballah and Syrian army missile batteries nr. the border. (AFP, JP, YA 4/26; HA, JP, YA 4/27)

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

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

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

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

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops conduct a limited incursion nr. Khan Yunis, to level land close to the border fence. In response, Palestinians fire several mortar shells at the soldiers with 2 landing inside Israel, causing no damage or injuries, an attack claimed by Palestinian Islamic Jihad. In response, the IAF conducts an air strike against 2 sites in open land, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Jenin and Qalqilya in the afternoon, and in Hebron at night; patrols in 1 village nr. Hebron and in Qalqilya in the afternoon, and in 2 villages and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron at night. Israeli forces also cut down 100 olive trees in Ya‘bad nr. Jenin. (AFP, JP, MNA 11/14; PCHR 11/21)

White House National Security Adviser Susan Rice attributes in part “increased tensions on the ground” in Israel and the oPt to “recent settlement announcements,” in remarks to the Middle East Institute think tank in Washington. Rice affirms that the U.S. “does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlement activity.” (ToI 11/15)

Russian pres. Vladimir Putin and Syrian pres. Bashar al-Asad discuss plans for the proposed “Geneva 2” peace conference during a telephone call. No significant details are divulged. (REU 11/14)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF kills 4 mbrs. of Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades in 2 separate incidents. First, IDF troops working to close a tunnel on both sides of the border are targeted by an explosion, wounding 5 soldiers. Returning fire, they kill 1 Palestinian. Subsequently, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) bombs another tunnel, killing 3 Palestinians who were inside. In addition, IDF troops along the border nr. Jabaliya r.c. open fire on an open area, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Palestinian gunmen open fire on a settler vehicle close to Hawara checkpoint nr. Nablus, causing no injuries. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village each nr. Nablus and Jenin at night; patrols in 2 villages each nr. Hebron and Jenin and 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon. Jewish settlers vandalize around 300 olive trees nr. Qalqilya. Meanwhile, suspected Jewish settlers attack a Palestinian truck driver, as well as 2 Israeli soldiers at the entrance to Bet Ayn settlement. (HA, MNA ToI, YA 10/31; PCHR 11/7)

Reports emerge that Palestinian negotiators Saeb Erakat and Mohammed Shtayyeh have handed in their resignation letters to PA Pres. Abbas, in response to what the 2 describe as Israel’s lack of commitment to the peace process. However, PLO official Wassel Abu Yousef denies that any such resignation had taken place. At a meeting of the PLO executive cmte, Abbas says that the Palestinian leadership will take steps in response to Israeli settlement construction, but without specifying exactly what. (HA, JP, MNA, ToI 10/31)

The IAF attacks a shipment of missiles located at a Syrian military base, a strike confirmed by an anonymous Obama administration official. The air strike targets missiles at a base nr. Latakia thought to be en route to Hizballah. Meanwhile, the OPCW announces that Syria has met a deadline in the internationally mandated disarmament program, with equipment and production facilities rendered inoperable. (AP, REU 10/31)

U.S. VP Joe Biden and other administration officials work to convince lawmakers to hold off from passing further sanctions targeting Iran, to let the current efforts to secure a negotiated solution have some breathing space. Comments by sens. emerging from the private briefing with Senate Democratic leaders and Republican and Democratic mbrs. of the Senate Banking Cmte. indicate that the Obama administration had done enough to convince many of the need to wait. (AP, REU 10/31)

The Israeli Air Force makes an airstrike in Syria. U.S. officials say that the target was weapons, rather than a building or installation. An anonymous Israeli official subsequently says that the target was a shipment of missiles intended for Hizballah, believed to include a Syrianproduced surface-to-surface guided weapon. Meanwhile, Lebanese sources report several sorties by Israeli air force planes in Lebanese airspace, breaches of sovereignty which are condemned by Pres. Michel Suleiman. (HA 5/3; AP, REU 5/4)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF forces open fire on Palestinians picnicking close to the border fence nr. Jabaliya, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, in 2 villages nr. Hebron in the afternoon (injuring 4 Palestinians in clashes), and in 1 village each nr. Hebron, nr. Jenin, nr. Qalqilya, nr. Ramallah and 3 villages nr. Salfit at night. Also at night, IDF troops conduct house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon and 1 village nr. Salfit. IDF soldiers violently disperse Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals taking part in weekly nonviolent demonstrations against the Israeli occupation and in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners. Demonstrations are held in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Budrus, Bil‘in, al-Nabi Salih, Ni‘lin), 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), 2 villages nr. Bethlehem (al-Khader, al-Ma’sara), and al-Shakara area nr. Ramallah. There are no serious injuries, except 1 in in Budrus and 2 in al-Nabi Salih. (PCHR 5/9)

PLO official Nabil Shaath, visiting Jericho, postpones trip to Jerusalem's Haram al-Sharif in move interpreted as showing PLO reluctance to provoke Israeli right on Jerusalem issue.  (MM 6/20; NYT 6/21)

Jerusalem Waqf authorities stop Israeli bulldozers digging tunnel nr. Haram al-Sharif.  (TJT 6/24)

IAF airstrikes on Jabal al-Raffih in southern Lebanon wound 2 Hizballah guerrillas.  Raid follows Hizballah firing on 2 SLA positions. Incident is 22d IAF airstrike in Lebanon in year. Later, Hizballah ambush of IDF patrol in "security zone" kills 3 Israeli soldiers, wounds 3, according to Lebanese security sources.  IDF sources say only 1 killed.  Artillery and rocket duels erupt btwn. SLA, Hizballah.  (MM 6/20; CSM, WP, WSJ, WT 6/21; JP 7/2)

Syria deliberates on supplying Hizballah with SA-14 and SA-16 antiaircraft missiles in reaction to increased Israeli air raids, according to "diplomatic sources."  (WT 6/21)

Jordan's King Hussein, Secy of State Christopher meet in Washington.  Hussein says he hopes for high-level mtg. with Israel.  (MM 6/21; CSM, WP 6/22)

Military Action:

IDF Border Police and General Security Services HQ in Tyre destroyed by car bomb, Islamic Jihad group claims responsibility; Israeli Air Force attacks PSP and Palestinian targets in Aley, Bhamdoun and Sofar areas near Beirut-Damascus highway, Syrian positions at Sofar reportedly hit, 16 T-54 tanks destroyed; heavy fighting continues in Tripoli around Baddawi and Nahr al-Bared refugee camps.

Casualties:

29 IDF personnel, mostly Druze border police, 10 Palestinian and Lebanese detainees killed, 29 Israelis, 3 Palestinians and Lebanese wounded in Tyre bombing, 7 more IDF soldiers wounded when ammunition explodes in rubble; up to 60 killed, 100 wounded in Israeli air attacks, PFLP-GC HQ destroyed; 24-hour curfew imposed on Tyre; 6 prisoners killed at Ansar when bulldozer collapses escape tunnel.

Political Responses:

Israeli/ Occupied Territories: Arens says it doesn't matter who mounteid attack on IDF HQ in Tyre, Lebanon is one big network of murderers and Israel will hit back strongly; advocate Lea Tsemel reveals that Israeli prison service used teargas against 30 Palestinian women prisoners in their cells at Neve Tertza prison on October 3 1.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Geneva talks adjourn, Gemayel to travel to US, European and Arab capitals, talks to resume on November 14; Arafat, under fire in Tripoli, says Syrians want to eliminate him so as to gain control of PLO as part of American-Syrian deal.

US and Other Countries: US Intelligence reportedly focuses on Islamic Amal movement, based in Baalbek, as being associated with Beirut bombings; Defense Department tests and plans to order $200 million worth of Israeli-designed anti-tank weapons, to be manufactured in US.