The Palestine Chronology

The IDF pulls most troops out of Bayt Hanun before dawn; bulldozers and tanks remain positioned nr. Bayt Lahiya. Clashes continue in Jabaliya during the day, leaving at least 8 Palestinians dead, including an AMB mbr. assassinated in an air strike on his car in n. Gaza (3 AMB mbrs. are wounded), 2 Islamic Jihad mbrs. nr. Bayt Lahiya, the sister-in-law of Change and Reform PC mbr. Jamila al-Shanti (who helped organize the 11/3 women’s demonstration in Bayt Hanun), 2 Palestinians affiliated with Hamas are killed in Jabaliya r.c. when the IDF fires tank shells at Palestinians who allegedly fired RPGs fr. Shanti’s home, a Palestinian civilian fatally shot nr. Bayt Lahiya. IDF air strikes destroy the Gaza City home of a senior Hamas military cmdr., damage several neighboring homes after ordering the residents to leave. A Palestinian wounded in Bayt Hanun on 11/6 dies. Palestinians fire 6 rockets fr. Gaza into Israel (4 hitting nr. Ashkelon), causing no damage or injuries; IDF artillery shells Bayt Hanun in response. The IDF says it seized “large amounts of weaponry” during the operation, including rocket launchers, RPGs, mines, rifles, ammunition but no rockets or antitank weapons. The UN estimates that some 250 Palestinians were wounded, 30 Palestinian homes demolished, 100 damaged (residents put the number at around 40 demolished, 400 damaged), water and sewerage systems damaged, large tracks of trees uprooted during the operation. In the West Bank, the IDF sends undercover units into Qalqilya (in a car with Palestinian license plates to arrest several wanted Palestinians, wounding 1), al-Yamun nr. Jenin (assassinating AMB mbrs. Tahir ‘Abahra, Salim Abu al-Hayja, Mahmud Abu Hasan, ‘Ala’ Khamaysa and killing 1 Palestinian bystander, wounding 3 Palestinians); conducts arrest raids, house searches nr. Bethlehem. (IFM, REU 11/7; NYT, WP, WT 11/8; PCHR, WP 11/9)

The IDF allows EU monitors to open the Rafah crossing; makes an air strike destroying a storage shed nr. the Rafah border after warning residents to evacuate the area. In the West Bank, the IDF bars all Palestinians fr. entering East Jerusalem until 9/24 for the Rosh Hashanah holidays; patrols in al-Fara‘a r.c., Tamun, Tubas, Yamun nr. Jenin (firing percussion grenades, live ammunition on residential areas); conducts arrest raids, house searches in Balata r.c., Jenin town and r.c. Fatah supporters rally in Gaza’s Jabaliya r.c. to protest Hamas’s refusal to recognize Israel. ESF, Fatah mbrs. exchange fire in Bayt Lahiya, wounding 4 Palestinian bystanders. Unidentified Palestinian gunmen shoot, wound a Force 17 officer nr. Rafah Crossing. (NYT 9/23; OCHA 9/27; PCHR 9/28)

The IDF raids Yamun nr. Jenin, surrounds the house of wanted Islamic Jihad mbrs. Zahir and Warad Abahra (uncle and nephew), begins to bulldoze the house when they do not surrender, sparking an exchange of gunfire that leaves both men dead; also conducts arrest raids, bulldozes part of a 2d Palestinian home, uproots 10s of olive trees elsewhere in Yamun; razes the remains of a Byzantine church nr. Dayr al-Balah, known for its mosaic floors dating to 586 A.D.; fires on residential areas of Dura nr. Hebron; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Tulkarm, around Hebron; sends undercover units to arrest a wanted Palestinian in Bethlehem; bulldozes Palestinian agricultural land in Shufa nr. Tulkarm to widen the buffer zone around Avni Hefetz and Einav settlements; issues military orders confiscating 15 d. of land nr. Qalqilya for the construction of new settler bypass roads. 1,000s of Israeli disengagement protesters demonstrate in s. Israel for a 2d day. A Palestinian teenager stabs, lightly injures an Israeli in Jerusalem. Hamas fires 7 Qassam rockets, 19 mortars at Gush Katif and Neve Dekalim, injuring a foreign worker, damaging a house. Jewish settlers fr. Karnei Shomron throw stones at Palestinian cars on the Nablus–Qalqilya road, damaging 1 bus. PA security forces make a predawn raid on a Hamas educational center in Jabaliya r.c., seize computers and documents, while armed AMB mbrs. working with them torch 2 of the offices and 2 cars. (Senior Fatah, AMB officials say that in recent days, Abbas asked the AMB to help fight Hamas and ensure calm in Gaza in advance of disengagement, but that this is not official PA policy.) Hamas mbrs. attack the security forces and AMB mbrs., resulting in heavy clashes that leave 13 people wounded. In reaction, 100s of Palestinians demonstrate outside the PC offices in Ramallah to call for national unity and an end to the security chaos. Late in the evening, the Egyptian delegation secures agmt. of Fatah, Hamas to withdraw all armed forces fr. the streets of n. Gaza. 5 PA intelligence officers raid the al-Quds University forensics lab, the only forensics lab in the West Bank, rummage through and tamper with evidence in several murder, malpractice investigations; 100s of students mass to protect the lab, scuffle with plainclothes intelligence officers; the PA Justice Min. opens an investigation. (AFP, AP, IMEMC, XIN 7/19; MENA, VOI, VOP, YA 7/19 in WNC 7/20; HA, NYT, OCHA, PR, PRCS, REU, WAFA, WP, WT, XIN 7/20; VOP 7/20 in WNC 7/21; PCHR 7/21)

The IDF pulls tanks out of Bayt Lahiya, marking the 1st de-escalation of Operation Days of Penitence; makes an air strike on Jabaliya r.c., killing 2 Hamas mbrs. allegedly planting a bomb, before withdrawing late in the evening. In Rafah, the IDF conducts an air strike, killing 2 Hamas mbrs., a 70-yr.- old Palestinian bystander; bulldozes 30 Palestinian homes. The IDF also bulldozes a Palestinian home in Hebron; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Bethlehem, Jenin r.c., Nablus, Yamun. Jewish settlers fr. Suissa nr. Hebron prevent Palestinian olive pickers fr. reaching their groves. ( JT 10/14; VOI 10/14 in WNC 10/16; NYT, WP 10/15; ITAR-TASS 10/15 in WNC 10/19; PR 10/20; PCHR 10/21)

The PA opens an embassy in Belarus. (Interfax, VOP 10/14 in WNC 10/16; PR 10/20)

The IDF escalates its n. Gaza incursion, sending troops deep into Jabaliya r.c., occupying several homes as outposts, sparking clashes with Palestinians, shelling and conducting at least 5 air strikes on residential areas, leave at least 27 Palestinians dead (including 15 armed Palestinians; 12 unarmed bystanders, including 10 killed by IDF shelling at an UNRWA school) and more than 131 wounded; 6 IDF soldiers are also wounded. Troops also demolish at least 22 Palestinian homes in Jabaliya to allow better access for military vehicles, occupy a UN school and a PA security office. Palestinian gunmen fatally shoot 2 IDF soldiers, 1 Jewish settler jogger outside Jabaliya nr. Aley Sinai settlement, before being shot dead by troops. In the evening, Sharon’s security cabinet approves a plan, codenamed Days of Penitence, for a major, prolonged ground offensive in n. Gaza. Elsewhere in Gaza, the IDF bulldozes 2 d. of greenhouses and apiaries in Dayr al-Balah; demolishes 2 Palestinian homes, fires on residential areas in Rafah. In the West Bank, the IDF declares the northern and central Jordan Valley a closed military zone; conducts arrest raids, house searches in ‘Azun, Dura, Faqqu’a and Yamun nr. Jenin, Hebron, Qalandia r.c. (AP, HA, MM 9/30; AFP, VOI, VOP 9/30 in WNC 10/2; MM, NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 10/1; QA 10/1 in WNC 10/5; PCHR 10/7)

A Hamas suicide bomber fr. Hebron detonates a device on a bus in Haifa, killing 14 Israelis, 1 American, wounding 40; Israel seals the West Bank and Gaza borders until further notice, vows to respond “but not [on] a scale that would disrupt any U.S. preparations for a possible attack on Iraq.” Overnight, Palestinians also reportedly fire 13 antitank missiles and grenades at IDF forces on the Rafah border, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF demolishes 1 Palestinian home in Nablus, 1 in Qalqilya, a mosque in Rafah r.c. that had been heavily damaged in earlier attacks; conducts arrest raids in Bethlehem, Qalqilya (targeting Fatah), Ramallah (nabbing senior Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades mbr. Abdallah Barghouti), Yamun; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis. Late in the evening, the IDF launches a major raid into Jabaliya r.c., sending in 50 tanks and helicopters, firing several missiles, killing 3 Palestinians, wounding 11; fatally shoots Islamic Jihad mbr. Muhammad al-‘Asas in an exchange of gunfire in Bethlehem, leaving 1 IDF soldier wounded. A Jerusalem court sentences Israeli Arab Murad Ajluni to life plus 20 yrs. for taking part in a 3/02 AMB shooting in Tel Aviv that left 3 Israelis dead. (HA 3/5; Interfax, VOI 3/5 in WNC 3/6; HA, MM, NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 3/6; MA 3/6 in WNC 3/7; HA 3/7; LAW, PR 3/13; PCHR 3/13; JPI 3/14)

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: Washington Post reports U.S., Israel had secret agreement authorizing joint anti-terrorist operations in 1985-86; the operations were supervised by Oliver North, Amiram Nir [WP 12/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In al-Yamun 75- year-old man dies after exposure to tear gas. Soldiers raid 3 schools in Jabalya camp; several people are injured. At least 4 Palestinians are wounded on W. Bank [FJ 12/12]. Arab World: Israel shells Lebanese village of Habush killing 2, injuring 3 [FJ 12/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinians set fire to 2 businesses whose owners defied Unified National Command call for commercial strike [NYT 4/14].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF patrol kills 3 Palestinian commandos who crossed Lebanese border north of Kafr Yuval [NYT 4/14]. In Gaza demonstrators protest expulsion of 8 Palestinians. In Jabalya, 2 are wounded by gunfire, and UN clinic reports elderly woman suffocated from tear gas. At least 51 are injured by rubber bullets, tear gas, and beatings. Curfews are imposed in Jabalya, Nusayrat, and Khan Yunis camps; curfews continue in Beach and Dayr alBalah camps [FJ 4/17]. In W. Bank's Asirah al-Shamaliyyah village, 9 demonstrators are shot, wounded in clash with troops. Protesters demonstrate in Nablus, Balatah camp, and Hebron-district villages of Bayt Awwa and Dhahriyyah. Israeli sources report 70 Palestinians are arrested in early morning raid of Salfit village, near Nablus. Curfews are lifted in Yamun, Silat al-Harthiyyah, and Maythalun villages [FJ 4/17].

Social/Economic/Political Occupied Palestine/Israel: Likud ministers David Levy and Ariel Sharon criticize IDF Chief of Staff Dan Shomron; Sharon demands demolition of all houses in Bayta, except those belonging to those who aided Israeli youths, and establishment of new settlement near village [WP 4/11]. Army spokesman announces it is investigating Palestinian charges that soldiers used bulldozers to damage more than 70 shops and houses in Bayt Ummar on 4/8. Army bulldozes 7 acres of olive trees near Bayta village [WP 4/11]. Israeli youths from group involved in Bayta clash meet with Trade Minister Sharon, criticize army's report of incident [NYT 4/11].

Other Countries: During meeting in Moscow, Gen. Sec. Mikhail Gorbachev urges PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat to recognize Israel's right to exist [WP 4/11].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops and Palestinians clash in several Jenin-district villages and camps. At least 86 are injured or affected by tear gas in Gaza Strip. At Jabalya refugee camp, protesters attack military post for 4th consecutive day. Demonstrations also erupt in Beach camp, Gaza City, and Rafah. Am'ari, Balatah, Jalazun, and 'Ayn Bayt al-Ma' camps as well as Bayta and Sa'ir villages are under curfew. Food shortages reported in Jalazun and Am'ari camps. Maythalun, Silat al-Harthiyyah, and Yamun are sealed off and report food shortages [FJ 4/17]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian general strike in occupied territories marks 20th anniversary of Israeli raid on Karamah, Jordan. Unified National Command issues pamphlet calling on Palestinians in occupied territories to develop a home economy in preparation for extended struggle against Israel. IDF announces new administrative detention regulation eliminating judicial review of case within 96 hours and permitting local commanders to order arrests [WP 3/22; NYT 3/23]. Jabalya camp resident isfoundead in village of Bayt Hanun [NYT 3/22]. Jewish settlers bum cars, attack houses in town of Bayt Sahur [FJ 3/27].

Other Countries: PLO defies U.S. order to vacate UN observer mission. UN Gen. Assembly emergency session continues to discuss the matter [WP 3/22].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Army seals off most of the Gaza Strip [NYT 3/22]. In Rafah, on the Egyptian border, Israeli troops drop tear gas from helicopters, fire live ammunition in effort todisperse rockthrowing protesters; 1 Palestinian is killed, 4 others wounded. Town is ordered under curfew [WP, NYT 3/22]. Palestinian sources report Bayt Hanun resident is also shot dead by Israeli troops. Stone- and bottle-throwing demonstrators clash with soldiers in Ramallah, Nablus, Far'ah camp, 'Askar camp, Bani Na'im village, 'Arrub camp, and Fawwar camp. Ya'bid, 'Arrab, Safur, Jaba, Jalamah, Qabatiyyah, and Yamun villages are still sealed [FJ 3/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Sec. of State Shultz holds separate meetings with P.M. Shamir, F.M. Peres, and Def. Min. Rabin. Palestinian leaders boycott talks with Shultz [WP 2/27]. Shamir rejects proposed international conference and exchange of land for peace [NYT 2/27]. Members of Likud and Tehiya parties demonstrate outside meeting between Shamir and Shultz [NYT 2/27]. IDF bans media from several W. Bank, Gaza Strip cities [WP 2/27].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Protests are reported throughout the W. Bank and Gaza Strip. In Gaza's Jabalya cmp, youth is killed accidentally by piece of concrete thrown by protesters; some sources claim youth was shot and killed at mosque in Bayt Lahiyah [FJ, LAT 2/28]. At least 20 are hospitalized after soldiers break into homes in Jabalya [H 2/28]. Officials at Gaza's Shifa Hospital reportreating 11 wounded by gunshot, about 20 injured by tear gas, beatings. In Tubas near Nablus, soldiers open fire on worshipers leaving mosque after Palestinian throws knife at officer; bystander is shot, killed. Army is investigating whether Hebron resident was killed by tear gas inhalation or gunfire. Army is also investigating death of resident of 'Arrub refugee camp near Bethlehem; hospital sources report he was shot in chest by soldiers. Army announces arrest of 4 soldiers filmed beating, breaking arms of 2 Palestinians and suspension of unit's deputy commander; the Palestinians are released [WP 2/27; LAT 2/28]. In Jenin 3,000 marching Palestinians clash with IDF troops; soldiers respond to crowd throwing stones and bottles with tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition, wounding 3 [LAT 2/28]. Soldiers shoot, kill 2, wound 6 during clash in Halhul [Fl 3/6]. At least 6 are wounded by gunfire in violent clash in Dahriyyah, near Hebron. Troops in military vehicles accompanied by bulldozer and helicopter clash with villagers in Mazra'ah al-Sharqiyyah, Dayr al-Sudan, Ibwayn, and Mazra'ah al-Nubani [Fl 3/6]. Ya'bad village, near Jenin, is ordered under curfew after Palestinian is run over, killed by military vehicle [Fl 3/6]. Curfews are imposed in Maghazi camp, Rafah's Shabura quarter, and Dayr al-Balah camp; curfews continue in Yamun village and Beach, Jalazun, and Am'ari camps [FJ 2/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Sec. of State Shultz arrives in Israel [WP 2/26]. Stores and businesses remain closed in general strike to protest Shultz visit [NYT 2/26]. Near Nablus, camera crew working for U.S. network films 4 Israeli soldiers systematically beating, breaking arms of 2 bound Palestinians [WP 2/27].

Other Countries: Congressional committee investigating Iran-contra affair releases testimony revealing Lt. Col. Oliver North had budgeted $2.5 million to finance secret U.S.-Israel operations [WP 2/26].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Military raids Qabatiyyah, arrests at least 100 villagers, destroys 2 houses [NYT 2/26]; village remains under curfew [FJ 2/28]. Israeli soldiers use tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition to disperse stone-throwing demonstrators in Jenin; 1 Palestinian is killed, at least 4 wounded [WP 2/26; FJ 2/28]. In Nablus, Palestinian youth is shot dead by army gunfire; 4 others are wounded. Soldiers raid al-Ittihad Hospital in Nablus, beating patients and staff and breaking fumiture [WP 2/26]. Soldiers clash with Palestinian protesters in E. Jerusalem neighborhoods. At least 5 are wounded during clashes in Tulkarm, Balatah refugee camp, and Yatta village near Hebron [NYT 2/26]. Demonstrations are also reported in 'Ayn Bayt al-Ma', Ramallah, Mazra'ah al-Nubani village, 'Anata, Ram village, and Jabalya camp [FJ 2/28]. Yamun village and Nusayrat, Burayj, Beach, Jalazun, and Am'ari camps are under curfew [FJ 2/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Shamir threatens to force early elections unless Israeli govemment unifies stand on peace process before arrival of U.S. sec. of state Shultz [NYT 2/23]. In Kafr Ni'mah, hundreds march, carry Palestinian flags to protest shooting death of village resident 2/20 [FJ 2/28]. Ramallah water department decides not to collect money for water from residents of Ramallah's refugee camps [FJ 2/28].

Other Countries: Atty. Gen. Meese's lawyers release memo in which E. Robert Wallach detailed arrangement with then P.M. Peres to send Israel's Labor party a share of profits from proposed Iraqi pipeline project [WP 2/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In W. Bank village of Silat al-Khartihiyyah, protester is wounded by army gunfire. In Ramallah Israeli soldier is injured in attempted stabbing; Palestinian attacked is also wounded [NYT 2/23]. In village of Baqa al-Sharqiyyah on W. Bank, Palestinian youth is shot, killed during demonstration, apparently by Israeli settler. In village of Yamun, IDF patrol opens fire on crowd throwing stones and Molotov cocktails, killing 1. Death toll since uprising began 12/9 is now at least 61 [LAT 2/24]. Violent clashes are also reported in Nablus, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Rafah, and Nusayrat and Jabalya camps [FJ 2/28]. Army imposes curfew in Nahalin village after fire bomb is thrown at Israeli military vehicle; curfews continue in Qalqiliyyah town, Tulkarm camp, Zanabah village, and Am'ari and Jalazun camps [FJ 2/28]. Soldiers close entrance to Qalandiya camp [FJ 2/28].