The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault 2 Palestinians herding sheep near Burin. Israeli settlers also assault a Palestinian man and set fire to his car during a raid in Burqa. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers raid Arab al-Malihat, threatening shepherds with guns. An Israeli airstrike targeting a vehicle kills the 3 Palestinian occupants. PA forces subsequently violently disperse Palestinians protesting outside of the Jenin governor’s office demanding that a Palestinian prisoner is released to participate in the funeral procession, 30 are injured. A Palestinian allegedly collaborating with Israel is reportedly killed after the airstrike. Israeli forces also raid Tulkarm, razing infrastructure and damaging buildings. Elsewhere, Israeli forces arrest 30 Palestinians during raids in and around Tulkarm, Nablus, Hebron, Ramallah, Jericho, and Jalazone refugee camp. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Gaza City, Nuseirat refugee camp, Dayr al-Balah, Rafah, and al-Bureij, killing at least 104 people, including the head of aid distribution in Gaza Amjad Hathat. Israeli forces also continue the siege of al-Shifa Hospital and arrest Al Jazeera journalist Mahmoud al-Aliwa, the second Al Jazeera journalist to be arrested by Israeli forces at the hospital. Israeli military chief of staff Herzl Helevi tours the hospital. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Marjayoun, Houla, and Ghandouriya. Hezbollah forces fire rockets at Israeli soldiers in Metula and Avivim. (AJ, HA, HA, NYT, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/20; AJ, HA, HA, REU, UNOCHA 3/21)

More than 31,923 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 13,400 children and 8,900 women, and around 74,096 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 431 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 111 children. More than 4,665 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured in Israel since 10/7/2023, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 250 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,489 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. 181 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. Jordan, the U.S., Egypt, Singapore, and Germany airdrop aid over Gaza. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA 3/20; UNOCHA 3/21)

Israel says its forces have killed 90 people in and around al-Shifa Hospital since 3/18 and brought 160 out of 300 arrested Palestinians to Israeli detention centers in the Naqab. Hamas denies Israeli claims that Hamas members were in the hospital. The Gaza Media Office says Israeli attacks have killed more than 100 aid workers in the past week. (AJ, AJ, HA, REU 3/20; NYT 3/21)

Autopsy reports reveal that a Palestinian prisoner who died at the Ofer Prison on 2/8 died due to medical neglect while a prisoner who died on 1/1 at the Megiddo Prison died after being beaten. (HA 3/20)

The Israeli High Court of Justice approves the demolition of the family home of a Palestinian man who was killed by Israeli forces after he injured an Israeli soldier in East Jerusalem on 10/12/2023. It is the first time the Israeli court has approved a punitive demolition based on an attack that did not lead to Israeli fatalities. (AJ, HA, HA 3/20)

The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) urges FIFA to sanction Israel due to the Israeli attacks on Gaza. The PFA says 6 other national soccer associations endorse the proposal that will be discussed at the next FIFA congress in May. (AJ 3/20)

Palestinian MK Ayman Odeh is expelled from the Knesset after saying “[w]hat the Israeli army is doing [in Gaza] is murder, a massacre, the starvation of children.” (HA 3/20)

U.S. secretary of defense Lloyd Austin urges Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant to consider alternatives to a ground invasion of Rafah during a phone call. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says “gaps are narrowing” in the ceasefire negotiations. Hamas official Osama Hamdan says the Israeli response to the Hamas counterproposal was negative. Blinken also meets with Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman and Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud in Jeddah and UAE foreign minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the UAE. Blinken says the U.S. has submitted a new draft resolution at the UN Security Council calling for an immediate ceasefire. (AJ, AJ, HA, NYT, REU, REU 3/20; AJ, AJ, AX, HA, NYT, NYT, REU 3/21; AJ 3/22)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks with U.S. Republican senators via video link, telling them that he will continue attacking Gaza. Netanyahu also speaks with House speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA). Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer reportedly declined a request by Netanyahu to address the Senate Democrats. (HA, HA, NYT, REU 3/20; AJ, AJ 3/21)

19 Democratic senators, led by Tom Carper (D-DE), call on the Biden administration to “promptly establish a bold, public framework outlining the steps necessary” to establish a Palestinian state. (AJ 3/21)

Saudi Arabia donates $40 million to UNRWA. (AJ, REU, WAFA 3/20; AJ 3/21)

In the West Bank, a Palestinian man from East Jerusalem driving with Israeli license plates on his car is shot and killed in a drive-by shooting near the Ofra settlement north of Ramallah; it is unclear who the assailants are. Israeli settlers uproot 250 olive trees in Khallet al-Nahlah. Israeli settlers also assault several farmers and steal agricultural equipment in Maeen in the Masafer Yatta area. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers raid al-Juwaya in the Masafer Yatta area and Shuwe’er in the Jordan Valley, assaulting Palestinians. Israeli forces raid Jenin, killing 7 Palestinians in a drone strike in Jenin; 1 Israeli soldier is killed and 3 others are injured when an explosive device hits their car during the raid. Israeli forces also shoot and kill 3 Palestinians, including a 3-year-old girl, at a checkpoint near Beit Iksa; Israel claims the 2 adults had rammed and injured an Israeli soldier and says the girl was accidentally shot and killed and was in a different car not related to the alleged ramming incident. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shoot and kill a Palestinian man and injure another during a raid in Abwein. Israeli forces also assault a Palestinian near Deir Sharaf. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Khan Yunis, Maghazi, Faluja, Jabalia refugee camp, Nuseirat refugee camp, Dayr al-Balah, and Rafah, killing at least 85 people, including Al Jazeera Gaza bureau chief Wael Dahdouh’s son Hamza, who is also a journalist, and his colleague Mustafa Thuraya in an airstrike on their car in Khan Yunis. Israel has targeted Dahdouh and his family previously, killing his wife, 2 of his other children, and a grandchild among other relatives in October and injured Dahdouh in December. Medical Aid for Palestinians and the International Rescue Committee say their staff have been forced to evacuate al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital due to Israel declaring the area around the hospital a “red zone.” Rockets are fired at Sderot, Yakhini and Nirim, lightly injuring 1 in Yakhini. In Lebanon, Hezbollah militants fire a missile at an Israeli tank across the Blue Lin near Metula. Israeli forces attack Aita al-Shaab, Bint Jbeil, and Majdal Zoun. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/7; AJ, AP, WAFA 1/8)

More than 22,835 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 8,800 children and 6,300 women, and around 58,416 have been injured since 10/7. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 330 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 81 children. More than 4,042 people have been injured. Israel reports that 1,139 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured since 10/7, including Israeli soldiers. In addition, 174 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,023 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. As of 12/23, at least 65,000 housing units had been destroyed and 290,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting over 60% of all housing units. 102 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza via the Rafah and Karim Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossings. (UNOCHA, UNOCHA 1/7)

WAFA reports that the Israeli-run Jerusalem municipality has approved the Silicon Valley settlement project, to be built on the Wadi al-Juz industrial area in East Jerusalem, and approved a landfill near Isawiya. (WAFA 1/7)

Save the Children says more than 1,000 Palestinian children in Gaza have had 1 or both legs amputated after being hit by Israeli bombs, many of the amputations are done without anesthetics. Save the Children notes that on average 10 children are subject to amputations every day. The WHO says it has canceled plans to bring medical supplies to northern Gaza because “[h]eavy bombardment, movement restrictions, and interrupted communications, makes it too dangerous. UNRWA says 142 of its staff have been killed since 10/7. (HA, UNOCHA, WAFA 1/7; REU 1/8)

Authorities in Gaza call on Egypt to open the Rafah crossing further to allow more wounded Palestinians into Egypt, noting that 6,000 people are awaiting approval to cross to Egypt while 10-20 wounded people are evacuated daily. Hamas official Osama Hamdan says Israel has destroyed more than 200 heritage sites in Gaza and calls on the OIC, the Arab League, and the African Union to support South Africa’s filing at the ICJ. (AJ, HA 1/7; AJ 1/8)

The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor releases a report based on testimonies from Palestinians abducted by Israeli forces in Gaza and taken to Israel, saying civilians were tortured in detention, including being beaten, subject to electric shocks, burned with cigarettes, and tied up in stress positions. Euro-Med says many of the Palestinians taken from Gaza are being held at the Sde Teiman camp between Gaza and Beersheba in what was described as a Guantanamo-like prison. (Euro-Med 1/7)

Israeli military chief of staff Herzi Halevi says Israel will be fighting in Gaza all year. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant tells the Wall Street Journal that Hezbollah leaders “know we can copy-paste [Israel’s attacks on Gaza] to Beirut,” adding Israel’s priority is not a war in Lebanon. (AJ, HA, WSJ 1/7; AJ, HA 1/8)

Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir reiterates his calls for the displacement of Palestinians in Gaza to other countries and the resettlement of Gaza. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich calls Palestinians in Gaza “Nazis,” saying Israel must resettle Gaza. (HA, HA 1/7; AJ, AP 1/8)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken meets with Qatar prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in Doha, discussing the situation in Gaza and the Red Sea. Blinken calls the killing of Hamza Dahdouh (see above) an “unimaginable tragedy” and says Palestinians in Gaza must be allowed to return to their homes and “must not be pressed to leave Gaza.” Al Thani says the Israeli assassination of Saleh al-Arouri in Beirut has affected Qatari mediation efforts but that the negotiations continue. Blinken also meets with Jordanian king Abdullah II and foreign minister Ayman Safadi in Amman. King Abdullah II warns Blinken of “catastrophic repercussions” if Israel’s war on Gaza continues. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU, REU, WAFA 1/7; AJ, HA 1/8)

Israeli MK Ofer Cassif signs the petition filed by South Africa to the ICJ, accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. Several other members of Knesset call for his removal. Cassif says he signed the petition as part of his constitutional duty to Israeli society. (JP 1/7; AJ, HA 1/8)

Israel appoints former Supreme Court president Aharon Barak to represent Israel at the ICJ hearings on the Israeli genocide in Gaza. Bolivia endorses South Africa’s case at the ICJ. (HA, HA 1/7; AJ, AP, HA, NYT 1/8)

Israeli news website Globes reports that the fourth largest shipping company in the world, Chinese COSCO, has suspended shipments to Israel due to the attacks by Yemen’s Houthi governments on ships bound for Israel. (HA 1/7)

The Washington Post reports that U.S. president Joe Biden has tasked his staff with preventing an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah. The Post says U.S. officials are worried that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu sees an escalation with Hezbollah as a way to stay in power. A Defense Intelligence Agency report saying that Israel would have trouble winning a war against Hezbollah while fighting in Gaza is also leaked to the press. (HA 1/8)

U.S. envoy Dennis Ross arrives in Jerusalem, talks with PM Peres and FM Rabin, says "real gaps" remain btwn. Israeli, Syrian positions. Later meets with Arafat, discusses aid, elections. (MM 9/21; WT 9/22; VOP 9/22 in FBIS 9/22)

PLO Pol. Dept. head Faruq al-Qaddumi, Jordanian PM al-Majali meet in Jordan, agree to resume PLO-Jordanian contacts at the "ministerial level" before end of the month. (JT 9/24 in FBIS 9/26)

Al-Qaddumi vows to fight new U.S. position in UN, strengthen language of resolutions presented. Egypt, Jordan say they will also oppose U.S. moves. (Reuters 9/21; RJ 9/26 in FBIS 9/26)

Israeli PM Rabin holds consultations on Palestinian elections with FM Peres, MK Shahal, MK Sarid, Chief of Staff Barak, IDF, police officials. Rabin, Barak want negotiations on elections only, talks on extending autonomy later. Peres, others say there is no choice but to discuss all issues simultaneously. (ITV, QY 9/21 in FBIS 9/22)

Jordan's Crown Prince Hasan, Likud head Binyamin Netanyahu meet in London, discuss Jordanian, Likud views on negotiations. Netanyahu suggest Jordan, Israel reach a "strategic consensus" opposing PLO; Hassan gives no reaction. (JTV 9/21 in FBIS 9/22; MM 9/22; JP 10/1)

Arafat meets with Hamas mbrs. inc. spokesmen Mahmud al-Zahhar, Isma'il Haniyah; discusses ways to enhance national unity, safeguard security in autonomous areas; releases 3 Hamas mbrs. detained after shooting 9/17. (VOP 9/22 in FBIS 9/22; AFP 9/22 in FBIS 9/23)

IDF imposes curfew on village of Biddu nr. Ramallah after riot sparked by death 9/18 of Palestinian by IDF at roadblock. (QY 9/21 in FBIS 9/21)

Arafat approves license of pro-Islamist daily newspaper, Al-Istiqlal to be run by `Ala' al-Saftawi, `Adnan `Abu-Hasnah. (VOP 9/21 in FBIS 9/22)

Israeli border police arrests 7 Palestinian policemen for being in Jerusalem area without permits. (ITV 9/21 in FBIS 9/22)

Alleged Hamas mbr. Shadi Muslih 'Isa, 18, attacks Israeli police officer, civilian at Erez crossing point, Gaza Strip, and is shot dead. (MM 11/16)

16-yr.-old Palestinian student Rami Ghazzawi killed when IDF fires on youths stoning settler cars in al-Birah. 3 other students wounded. (MM 11/16)

Settlers in Hebron riot, overturning stalls at fruit and vegetable market and attacking Palestinian cars. (MM 11/16)

Israeli Justice M. David Libai, at Maale Ephraim settlement, warns settlers that no one could "take the law into his own hands," says govt. "will have to subdue any attempt to have influence by illegal means." IDF states it will act "firmly and aggressively" to stop settler assaults, will use "reasonable force." (MM 11/16; NYT 11/17)

PM Rabin tells Secy. of State Christopher 12/13 deadline for implementation of DoP may not be met. (MM 11/16, 11/17)

Israeli-Palestinian talks on implementation of Gaza-Jericho provisions of DoP resume in Cairo. Israeli delegation led by IDF Dep. Chief of Staff Amnon Shahak, Palestinian by PLO official Nabil Shaath. (Cairo TV 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Israel-PLO economic talks in Paris chaired by Fin. M. Avraham Shohat and PEDRA DG Ahmad Qurai' establish 3 subcomms. on trade and labor, taxation and banking, and currency. Subcomms. are to meet 11/23-25 in Paris, heads of delegations on 11/25. (Qol Yisra'el 11/16 in FBIS 11/17; MM 11/17)

Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) Gov. Muhammad al-Nabulsi says agreement reached with Palestinians to retain Jordanian dinar as o.t. currency, have CBJ supervise and monitor banking. (JTV 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Multilateral talks on Middle East environment end in Cairo with Israeli-Arab agreement on Gulf of Aqaba oil spills, dispute on Israeli nuclear waste, Jordan Valley land reclamation. Delegates fr. 40 countries, in 4th mtg., agree on 20 environmental projects. (MENA 11/16 in FBIS 11/17; MM 11/17)

Palestinian leaders in o.t., Jordan, "and elsewhere" submit memorandum to PLO Chmn. Arafat criticizing PLO performance, demanding reforms. (MM 11/17, al-Ray 11/18 in FBIS 11/18)

Knesset Golan caucus considers bill fr. Likud and NRP mbrs. to amend law annexing Golan to require majority of 80 MKs for any change in law. Labor mbrs. of caucus express sympathy with bill, which given current Knesset divisions would effectively bar negotiations with Syria. (MM 11/17)

Syrian VP Khaddam tells foreign correspondents PLO Chmn. Arafat "fell into a big trap" in signing DoP, notes "There are 4 million Palestinian refugees living outside the territories covered by the 'Gaza-Jericho First' agreement." Khaddam claims Arafat "abandoned coordination with the Arab parties," states "I believe the majority of the Palestinian people do not support the agreement." (MM 11/16; SARR 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Hizballah offensive on IDF and SLA; Katyusha barrages fired in "security zone," assaults on 2 IDF, 6 SLA posts. 12 SLA mbrs. taken prisoner, at least 2 IDF soldiers and 2 SLA mbrs. wounded. 1 Hizballah mbr. killed in attack. IAF bombs 3 Hizballah bases nr. Ba'labakk, knocks out radio antenna. "Black September 13 Brigades," Fateh group opposed to DoP, claims responsibility for katyusha barrage on Qiryat Shemona. (MM 11/16, 11/17; IDF Radio, AFP 11/16 in FBIS 11/17)

Turkish FM Hikmet Cetin, in interview with JP, says Syria behind Kurdish attacks in Turkey, Israel and Turkey should cooperate on counter-terrorism. (MM 11/16)

Israel Archaeologists Society calls for end to govt. Antiquities Authority search for scrolls in West Bank ("Operation Scroll"), saying search aims at denying Palestinian scholars access to materials and will complicate future Israeli cooperation with Palestinians and Jordan. (WT 11/17)

Washington Post reports costs of massive influx of Soviet Jews has begun to hurt Israeli citizens economically, while housing problems have panicked politicians, and strained Israel's budget [WP 7/30].

New York Times reveals for last 4 years, Israeli Foreign Ministry and Jerusalem radio studio have run covert program in which radio reporters were paid to report favorably on gov't.; Foreign Min. statement suspends relationship with radio because "some aspects of current arrangements might be misconstrued," adds there are no journalists on its payroll [NYT 7/30; WP, WT 7/31; IDF 7/30 in FBIS 7/31].

Housing Minister Ariel Sharon introduces to Knesset controversial 5-year $13.5 billion housing plan for Soviet Jews: gov't. to build 45,000 housing units this year and 60,000 in each of next 4 years; gov't. to buy 50,000 mobile homes and 40,000 prefabricated homes within 2 years. Action on proposal is delayed because of opposition from Finance Minister Yitzhak Modai [LAT, WT, MEM 7/30; JPI 8/11].

Israeli leaders are concerned-and King Hussein has recently stated he believes - that water is the only issue that could provoke conflict between Jordan and Israel; Jordanian minister Daoud Khalaf says Israel steals close to 59 billion cubic feet of water a year from Arab sources [WT 7/30].

Israeli police close 2 E. Jerusalem offices of the Institute of Arab Studies under directorship of Faisal Husayni and extend closure of 3d (closed since 7/ 88); offices are to remain closed for 1 year for "public welfare and public good" [JDS 7/29 in FBIS 7/30; MEM 7/30; FJ 8/6].

Israeli chief-of-staff Dan Shomron warns that Shiite fighting is of concern to Israel, which will not hesitate to intervene if it feels its security is threatened [AFP, JDS 7/29 in FBIS 7/30]. 

Military Action:

Phalange and Druze militia exchange artillery and rocket fire during night and morning in Shweifat, Baabda, Aley and Bhamdoun; lDF sets up checkpoints on Beirut-Damascus highway to divert traffic from areas of fighting.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Chief of Staff Eitan tells Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that 117 IDF were killed in western Lebanon, 8 in Beirut, that Begin denied Eitan's request during war for 2 more hours to cross Beirut-Damascus highway and destroy Syrian T-72 tank group, that critics such as Yossi Sarid and Shulamit Aloni harmed the war effort by talking about number of Palestinian homeless and refugees; Shamir and Kimche meet for 2'h4 hours with Habib and Draper; Sharon arrives in Zaire; 1DF spokeswoman confirms 10 Israeli Druze soldiers were jailed for defying orders in South Lebanon; Knesset votes 46-44 not to censure Kiryat Arba Council for destroying 4 of Hebron municipality's electricity pylons; Elias Freij and Rashad Shawa say they are willing to be members of a Palestinian-Jordanian delegation in peace talks with Israel.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: After 3 days of meetings in Damascus, PLO Executive Committee does not give Arafat support for alliance with Jordan; Lebanese Government insists end to state of war must be linked to complete Israeli withdrawal; Foreign Minister Elie Salem says another month or 2 of intensive discussion necessary to clear differences with Israel, he is confident Syrian and Palestinian forces will leave when Israelis leave, Lebanon is prepared to guarantee it will never again be base of operations against Israel, calls for multinational force and UNIFIL to double in size; Prime Minister Wazzan asks Justice Minister Roger Shikhani to investigate missing persons and to speed up interrogation of hundreds of detainees.

US and Other Countries: State Department says that Carter and Ford rightly focus on settlements as obstacle, but they are not the major obstacle to peace, and refuse to call settlements illegal; Weinberger and French Defense Minister Charles Hernu hold talks in Washington, Hernu says France will increase its contingent in Lebanon and take on more responsibility after the withdrawal of Syrian, Israeli and Palestinian forces, providing US and Italy do the same.

UN: Security Council votes to extend mandate of 5,800 UNIFIL troops for another 6 months; Israeli Ambassador Yehuda Blum says UNIFL has outlived its usefulness; US delegate says UNIFIL is a positive element in the negotiations.