The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, 1 Palestinian man was shot to death after allegedly running toward a checkpoint with a knife near Tulkarm. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum during their weekly anti-settlement protest, causing several tear-gas related injuries; 1 Spanish activist was arrested. Elsewhere, Israeli forces closed the Ramallah-Nablus road for hours to allow Israeli settlers to use the road for a marathon. Israeli settlers prevented Palestinians from harvesting olives near Burqa. 2 Palestinians were arrested in Jenin during late-night raids, 1 other Palestinian was summoned for interrogation. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces stormed a wedding party in Sur Bahir, resulting in clashes with some of the attendees. In Gaza, 97 Palestinians were injured during the 79th weekly Great March of Return protest, including 35 from live ammunition, 42 from rubber bullets, and others from tear-gas related injuries. (HA, PCHR, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/18; PCHR 10/24)

In Lebanon, for the 2d day in a row, thousands of protesters demonstrated against the Lebanese government’s plans to raise a new tax for WhatsApp calls and the country’s economic crisis. (AJ, AJ 10/18)

Israeli newspaper Ma’ariv reports that U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry is planning to visit Jerusalem and Ramallah ‘‘once every two weeks’’ in a bid to revive peace talks. His third trip to the region in 2 weeks (3/4, 3/24) begins 4/6. (AFP, AP 4/3)

Israeli soldiers stationed at a military post shoot and kill a Palestinian teenager nr. Tulkarm, after what the IDF says was a firebomb attack (an account disputed by witnesses). A Fatah-called general strike is observed in Hebron and East Jerusalem, as protests continue following the death of prisoner Maysara Abuhamdieh. Palestinians protesting the death clash with IDF forces in and around Hebron, in Nablus and Tulkarm, nr. Bethlehem, and outside Ofer prison nr. Ramallah (where 7 are injured with rubber bullets). In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in and around Hebron and nearby al-‘Arub r.c. in the afternoon, and in 1 village nr. Hebron at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in al-‘Arub r.c. and 1 village nr. Hebron, in 1 village nr. Ramallah, and in Tulkarm at night. Unidentified Palestinian militants fire 2 rockets from Gaza into Israel, causing no injuries or damage. (HA, MNA 4/3; HA, PCHR 4/4)

A source in the office of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says that special envoy to Turkey Joseph Ciechanover and National Security Adviser Yaakov Amidror will go to Ankara on 4/11 for the start of talks on restoring Turkish-Israeli ties. (HA 4/3)

U.S. and Jordanian officials say that the two countries are training Syrian opposition forces that could be used to establish a future buffer zone alongside Syria’s southern border. (WP 4/3)

Hundreds of Palestinian activists set up a tent camp they name ‘‘Bab al-Shams’’ (‘‘Gate of the Sun’’) in the area of the West Bank nr. East Jerusalem known as E1, land Israel has earmarked for further settlement development. Elsewhere in the West Bank, the IDF patrols in and around Hebron and the nearby al-‘Arub r.c., in Jenin, and in 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. Israeli soldiers attack weekly nonviolent demonstrations held by Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, al-Nabi Salih), 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are no serious injuries, except in al-Nabi Salih, where 1 Palestinian is wounded by a rubber-coated steel bullet. Jewish settlers from Esh Kodesh outpost destroy over 200 olive trees in Qusra village nr. Nablus. In the Gaza Strip, the IDF opens fire on Palestinians in the Israelideclared buffer zone long the border nr. Jabalya r.c., killing 1 man and wounding another. (MNA, REU 1/11; PCHR 1/17)

Hamas releases a report estimating that 885 Palestinians have been killed in Syria’s civil war, and around 20,000 Palestinians have fled to Lebanon. (Daily Star 1/11)

Palestinian officials confirm that PA pres. Abbas will pursue the UN bid despite warnings by the U.S. and Israel. (AP 10/29)

Israeli polls show that the NetanyahuLieberman alliance would not necessarily translate into a gain in votes, though it is likely that a right-wing coalition would emerge with a Knesset majority. (ToI, 972mag 10/29)

The Israeli NGO Peace Now states that the Jerusalem municipality has approved plans for a new neighborhood for retired police and soldiers in the East Jerusalem district of Sur al-Bahir. (AFP 10/29)

The Israeli media report that over the previous few months, the Israeli security agency Shin Bet has arrested around 30 Hamas activists in the West Bank on suspicion of rebuilding the organization’s infrastructure. (NYT, YA 10/29)

IDF troops on the Gaza border fire shells nr. Gaza’s Islamic Martyrs cemetery at night, causing no reported injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts latenight house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 2 villages and the al-Fawar r.c. nearby; invades 1 village nr. Hebron to demolish a home, arresting a resident and firing tear gas and rubber bullets at stone-throwing Palestinians who confront them. (PCHR 11/8)

The IDF makes a brief incursion into s. Gaza e. of Khuza village to level land and clear lines of sight, firing on nearby residential areas to keep Palestinians away. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 3 villages nr. Salfit, 2 nr. Qalqilya, 1 nr. Jenin, and 1 nr. Ramallah, photographing several homes in Hijja village nr. Qalqilya, stopping several Palestinians on the street in ‘Azun village nr. Qalqilya and summoning them for interrogation, and firing rubber bullets and tear gas at stone-throwing youths who confront them in Nabi Salih village nr. Ramallah, arresting 1. Late at night, the IDF conducts arrest raids, house searches nr. Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities demolish a Palestinian home in Shaykh Jarrah neighborhood. (PCHR 1/6; OCHA 1/7)

As the campaign period for the 1/25 Palestinian elections opens, Israeli police in East Jerusalem arrest Independent Palestine candidate Mustafa Barghouthi as he campaigns, releases him after 4 hrs.; detain 7 Fatah candidates campaigning in the city; disperse a Third Way rally led by Palestinian Council (PC) mbr. Hanan Ashrawi (Jerusalem); in 2 separate incidents, bars Central Election Commission (CEC) staff mbrs. fr. crossing a Tulkarm checkpoint to attend an election-related mtg. in nearby Dayr al-Ghusun and the Jordan Valley; blocks the transportation of election campaigning material fr. the West Bank to Gaza; sends troops into Jenin town and r.c. Meanwhile, the IDF opens the new Kerem Shalom commercial crossing on the Egypt-Gaza-Israel border; fatally shoots wanted Palestinian Mustafa Muhammad during an arrest raid nr. Hebron; raids a Palestinian school in Anata n. of Jerusalem, firing rubber bullets, injuring 1 teacher, 1 student and then fires on stone-throwing Palestinians who confront the troops, wounding 8; bulldozes a Palestinian home in Bayt Hanina; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Bethlehem, Jalazun r.c., Jenin town and r.c., Nablus, Qalqilya; dismantles 3 unauthorized settlement outposts nr. Bat Ayin, Efrat, Pdu’el. In response to the 1/2 assassination, Islamic Jihad fires at least 12 rockets at the Negev, the ARB fires a rocket at Sederot, causing no damage or injuries; the IDF responds with artillery fire on 8 roads leading to the n. Gaza no-go zone, causing no injuries. The AMB, ARB claim joint responsibility for detonating an explosive device nr. an IDF bulldozer operating on Jenin r.c., seriously injuring 1 IDF soldier. PA police arrest Gaza AMB leader Ala’ al-Hams for plotting the kidnapping of 3 Britons on 12/28. Jewish settlers fr. Avraham Avino break into, rob, vandalize several Palestinian shops in Hebron. (AFP, AP, BBC, HA, IMEMC, JAZ 1/3; IMEMC, PMC, WP, WT, YA 1/4; HA, NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 1/5; HA 1/6; PLO Negotiation Affairs Dept. press release 1/23)

The IDF shells residential areas of Khan Yunis, killing 1 Palestinian; attempts to assassinate senior AMB mbr. Mahmud Abu Khalifa by firing a missile at his car as he drives through Jenin, missing it and hitting a nearby building, injuring a 9-yr.-old Palestinian girl; imposes curfews on villages around Jenin; fires on an ambulance waiting to cross Mahatin checkpoint nr. Khan Yunis, seriously injuring a doctor and a paramedic; fires rubber bullets at Palestinians in Budrus w. of Ramallah to disperse their nonviolent protest against the construction of the separation wall. Late at night, Israel border police raid and search homes in the Dahiyat al-Salam neighborhood of Anata in East Jerusalem, take all men ages 16–80 to a nearby base for ID checks, warn those without blue Jerusalem IDs that they could be arrested, detained, possibly sent to the West Bank if they are caught staying in the village overnight again. The IDF also removes a group of Jewish settlers fr. Kiryat Arba who attempt to set up an unauthorized outpost along the route to the Ibrahimi Mosque/Tomb of the Patriarchs. Palestinian gunmen fire on a crane doing construction work in Neve Dekalim, lightly injuring an Israeli construction worker. (VOI, VOP 8/30 in WNC 9/1; VOP 8/31 in WNC 9/2; PR 9/1; PCHR 9/2)

The IDF undercover units conduct arrest raids in Jenin, shooting and wounding 5 Palestinians, detaining 4; conduct additional arrest raids in Aida r.c., Balata r.c., Bayt Jalah, Nahalin, Ramallah. The IDF also fires rubber bullets at several Palestinian children (ages 9–14) allegedly violating a curfew in Hebron, wounding 1; fires live ammunition at a checkpoint nr. Gaza City for no apparent reason, injuring 1 Palestinian child, damaging several vehicles; shells residential areas of Khan Yunis; demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in Bayt Furik, threatens to demolish a 3d house if the son of the family does not turn himself in for questioning; bulldozes 10s of dunams of olive groves in East Jerusalem to make way for a settler bypass road. A roadside bomb explodes nr. an IDF vehicle in Hebron, causing no damage or injuries. Hamas fires 2 Qassam rockets at Sederot, lightly injuring 1 Israeli. (HA 4/21; HA 4/23; LAW, PCHR 4/24)

U.S. dir. of the reconstruction of Iraq U.S. Lt. Gen. Jay Garner (ret.) arrives in Baghdad to begin work. Garner visited Israel in 1998 at the expense of the pro-Israel lobbying group the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs (JINSA), has signed a statement blaming the Palestinians for Israeli-Palestinian violence, has said that the U.S. needs Israel to project U.S. force in the Middle East. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/22)

The IDF fatally shoots a 8-yr.-old Palestinian girl in Khan Yunis; fires flechette shells at 2 unarmed Palestinians who stray too near the Israeli border nr. Bayt Hanun, seriously injuring them; fires rubber bullets, stun grenades at Palestinian students protesting in Bethlehem; demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in Dura; bulldozes 10 dunams of land nr. Dayr al-Balah. A car bomb explodes prematurely in East Jerusalem, lightly injuring the East Jerusalem Palestinian driver, who is arrested. Hamas mbrs. for the 1^st time fire a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) at an IDF patrol in Gaza, destroying an armored car, seriously injuring 2 IDF soldiers. (HA 12/28; BBC, WP, WT 12/29; WP 12/30; LAW, PCHR 1/1; HA 1/14)

On the 2d Friday of Ramadan and the 13th anniversary of the outbreak of the 1st intifada, Israeli-Palestinian clashes escalate sharply, leaving 7 Palestinians, 2 Jewish settlers, 1 IDF soldier dead. 5 of the Palestinians are killed when IDF tanks open fire on a PSF post nr. Jinin; 15,000 Palestinians march in Jinin to protest. The soldier, 2 settlers are killed in separate incidents nr. Hebron and Jericho in which Palestinian gunmen fire on their vehicles. In response, Barak tightens the blockade on Palestinian villages, which had been eased slightly for Ramadan. 50 Jewish settlers rampage through the Arab section of Hebron, damaging Palestinian property, occupying a Palestinian home. Settlers also attempt to occupy 3 Palestinian homes in Banidar, Musharqat al-Fawqan. The IDF bars West Bank Palestinians fr. reaching East Jerusalem to attend prayers. Tensions erupt into clashes after services, with Israeli police in Jerusalem opening fire on worshipers with tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition, killing at least 1. Serious clashes are also reported in Ramallah. (AP, IDF Radio [Internet], LAW, REU 12/8; NYT, WP, WT 12/9; LAW, NYT 12/10)

For the 1st time in 6 yrs., Israel places an Israeli Arab, Ghassan Athamla of Nazareth, under administrative detention on charges of incitement stemming fr. clashes btwn. Israeli Jews and Arabs in Nazareth in 10/00. Barak personally signs the order, which is based on secret evidence. (HA 12/8; Adalah press release 1/15)

Barak extends indefinitely his 48-hr. deadline for Arafat to halt Palestinian riots passes in light of international mediation efforts. Clinton, Albright spend the day on the phone, discussing with Arafat, Barak, Mubarak, various EU leaders ways of halting the violence. UN Secy.-Gen. Annan, Russian FM Ivanov meet with Barak in Tel Aviv, Arafat in Gaza. Arafat goes to Cairo to confer with Mubarak. (MM, NYT, WT 10/9; Interfax, IRNA, MENA 10/9 in WNC 10/10; Interfax 10/9, Le Monde 10/10 in WNC 10/10; MENA 10/9, DUS 10/10, MA 10/11 in WNC 10/12; HA [Internet], CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/10; WJW 10/12; MEI 10/13)

Meanwhile, Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue throughout the West Bank and Gaza and inside Israel. The IDF extends the West Bank-Gaza closure indefinitely, cancels all permits issued to Palestinians working in Israel. 100s of Israeli Jews fr. Upper Nazareth rampage through Arab Nazareth, firing automatic weapons and wielding clubs, injuring 50 Israeli Arabs, damaging homes and shops. Israeli police break up the ensuing riot, firing tear gas and rubber bullets. 2 Israeli Arabs are shot dead with live ammunition either by Jews or the police. In Tel Aviv, 500 Israeli Jews attack Arab apartment buildings, set Arab-owned stores on fire. In Jaffa, Israeli Jews set fire to 2 mosques, a number of Palestinian homes. In East Jerusalem, Jewish settlers attempt to vandalize the Latin Patriarchate Church. In the West Bank, 2 Palestinians are found dead, both apparently killed by Jewish settlers avenging the murder of a rabbi on 10/8 (1 is later judged by international experts to have died in a car accident). 2 Palestinians die of injuries received earlier. (Gush Shalom press release, MM 10/9; AYM 10/9, MA 10/10 in WNC 10/12; ADM, LAW, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/10; WJW 10/12; MEI 10/13)

10,000 Kuwaitis rally in solidarity with the Palestinians. Smaller rallies are held in Canada, Egypt, Italy, and the UK, as well as in Chicago. (MENA 10/9 in WNC 10/10; MM, WP 10/10; MEI 10/13; MM 10/17)

Palestinian-Israeli clashes sparked by Likud MK Sharon's visit to Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount on 9/28 continue for a 2d day. Palestinian worshipers leaving Friday prayers at al-Aqsa Mosque throw stones at the estimated 2,000 Israeli sharp shooters and riot police surrounding the site, who in turn storm the mosque compound, shooting live ammunition and rubber bullets, killing 4 Palestinians, wounding around 220. At least 2 Palestinians are killed elsewhere in East Jerusalem, and other clashes are reported nr. Bethlehem, in Hebron. Barak meets with his security cabinet to formulate a strategy to contain the violence, calls Arafat to say that "further violence will not be tolerated." Arafat calls Pres. Clinton to urge him to press Barak to pull back forces fr. the holy site. (LAW, MM 9/29; NYT, WP, WT 9/30; HJ, al-Quds 9/30 in WNC 10/2; CSM, HA [Internet], JP [Internet] 10/2; MENA 10/2 in WNC 10/3; MEI 10/13)

PA-Israeli security cooperation in the West Bank deteriorates. In Qalqilya, a PA policeman working on a joint patrol shoots, kills an IDF colleague. Arafat phones Barak to express condolences, promise an investigation. (MM 9/29; NYT, WP, WT 9/30; WT 10/4)

In Wihdat camp in Jordan, 6,000 Palestinian refugees attend a demonstration sponsored by the Muslim Brotherhood to protest Israeli actions in Jerusalem. (DUS 9/30 in WNC 10/2; JT [Internet] 10/1)

In Washington, the Israeli, PA delegations end consultations with the U.S. peace team, return home. (REU 9/28; NYT 10/2; WP 10/22)

With the authorization of Barak and Ben-Ami (who is also Israel's internal security M), Likud MK Sharon leads a group of Likud MKs into the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount under heavy escort and police helicopter guard to assert Israeli sovereignty over the disputed site. 1,000 Israeli riot police are deployed on the buildings surrounding the mosque compound. Sharon attempts to enter the Marwani Mosque (which some Jews consider to be the site of Solomon's stables) but is barred by 200 Palestinians, including several Israeli Arab MKs, who sit peacefully in his path. After Sharon leaves, Palestinians scuffle with and throw stones at police, who fire tear gas, rubber bullets at them. 24 Palestinians, 25 policemen are injured. Rioting spreads throughout East Jerusalem and to Ramallah, where 6 Palestinians are injured. (IsRN, LAW, MA [Internet], MM 9/28; HJ 9/28, al-Quds, MENA 9/29 in WNC 10/2; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 9/29; WP 10/1; NYT 10/3; WJW 10/5; MEI 10/13)

In Gaza, another roadside bomb explodes nr. an IDF patrol causing no injuries. An IDF soldier injured by a roadside bomb on 9/27 dies. (WP, WT 9/29)

Rachelim settlement issues tenders for construction of 14 new housing units and related infrastructure. (IsRN 9/28)

In Cairo, Egyptian FM Musa receives an Israeli Peace Now delegation headed by Mordechai Bar-On. (RE 7/14 in WNC 7/16)

Following talks 7/13, 200 PA policemen resume joint patrols with the IDF in Hebron in an attempt to quell riots. IDF allows some shops in the downtown area to reopen (see 7/12). (MM 7/14; CSM, MM, NYT, WT 7/15; MM 7/16; MEI 7/25)

IDF claims that the PA is paying protesters $8+n$11 for every day that they participate in disturbances against the IDF in Hebron. PA denies this. (MM 7/14; IDF Radio, MA 7/14 in WNC 7/16)

IDF arrests 3 PA policemen who were allegedly planning an attack on the Jewish settlement of Har Bracha nr. Nablus. This is the 1st time that the IDF has arrested any mbr. of the PA security services. (YA 7/15 in IL 7/15; ITV 7/16 in WNC 7/17; PR, WT 7/18; ITV 7/18 in WNC 7/22; MEI 7/25)

In Bayt Sahur, an explosion in an apartment kills 1 Palestinian man, wounds a woman. IDF claims that the man, Issa Khalil Shukah, was a mbr. of Hamas. (PR 7/18)

Palestinians clash with IDF in the West Bank town of Bayt Sahur. 1 Palestinian boy is killed by rubber bullet to the head. (WT 7/17; PR 7/18)

In East Jerusalem, IDF demolishes Palestinian home allegedly built without a permit. (YA 7/14 in WNC 7/16)

Iraqi trade delegation postpones indefinitely a visit to Lebanon planned for next mo. (INA 7/14 in WNC 7/16) (see 7/11)

In s. Lebanon, 2 Lebanese civilians are killed, 1 is wounded by Israeli shelling. (RL 7/14, 7/15 in WNC 7/16)

Israeli citizen David Mir, who owns 50% of the land which Israel confiscated for Har Homa and disapproves of Israel's decision to build, announces that he has been negotiating with Palestinians, other Arabs to transfer his rights to the land so as to turn the construction at Har Homa into construction on land confiscated fr. Arabs. (ITV 4/4 in WNC 4/7)

Turkey ratifies free trade agmt. with Israel (passed by the Knesset in 1996). (Analtolia [Ankara] 4/8 in WNC 4/9; VIRI 4/8 in WNC 4/10)

400 Palestinians clash with IDF troops in Hebron. 16 Palestinians are wounded by rubber bullets. Other clashes occur in Bethlehem, East Jerusalem. (WT 4/5)

Greece complains to the U.S. about recent Israeli initiatives, U.S. relations with Turkey. (MA 4/6 in WNC 4/8) (see 4/3)

In Lebanon, delegation fr. Hamas's political bureau meets with Hizballah Secy. Gen. Hasan Nasrallah to discuss peace process, Jerusalem. (al-'Ahd 4/4 in WNC 4/9)

In Tel Aviv, a suicide bomber detonates explosive device killing himself, 3 Israelis, wounding 47. An anonymous caller claims responsibility on behalf of Hamas's Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades, though some Hamas leaders deny the claim. Netanyahu blames Arafat, criticizes the U.S. for ignoring his warnings, seals the West Bank and Gaza, hints he may suspend negotiations with the PA, denounces as "obnoxious and immoral" a reporter's question linking bombing and Har Homa. Arafat condemns the attack. (MM 3/21; IDF Radio, ITV, RJ, RE, SATN, VIRI 3/21 in WNC 3/24; AFP 3/21 in WNC 3/31; NYT, WP, WT 3/22; al-Ra'i, VOA 3/22, YA 3/23 in WNC 3/25; CSM 3/24; NYT 3/26; PR 3/28; JP 3/29)

IDF identifies the suicide bomber as Musa Ghanimat, a 28-yr.-old man fr. Surif village nr. Hebron (in area B); seals the village; places curfew on Hebron; arrests 13 people, including Ghanimat's 68-yr.-old father, other relatives; prepares to demolish family's house. Family mbrs. say that Ghanimat supported neither Hamas nor Fatah. (MM 3/21; IDF Radio 3/21 in WNC 3/24; WP 3/23; MA 3/25 in WNC 3/27; NYT 3/26; PR 3/28)

In Hebron, Palestinians protesting Israel's Har Homa, redeployment plans clash with armed settlers. IDF uses tear gas, rubber bullets on Palestinians to keep the two groups apart, injuring 30 Palestinians. (MM 3/21; IDF Radio 3/21 in WNC 3/24; YA 3/21 in WNC 3/24; NYT 3/22; PR 3/28)

Some 1,000 Palestinians in al-Baq'a r.c. in Jordan protest Israel's construction in East Jerusalem. (QPAR 3/21 in WNC 3/24)

U.S. vetoes a 2d UNSC resolution calling on Israel to halt construction at Har Homa. UNSC also issues statement expressing "revulsion" at today's bombing. (WP 3/21; RE 3/21 in WNC 3/24; NYT 3/22; WT 3/23; al-Dustur 3/23 in WNC 3/25; MM 3/24; al-Akhbar 3/24 in WNC 3/27; PR 3/28; MEI 4/18) (see 3/7)

King Hussein leaves for the U.S. for medical check-up, mtg. with Pres. Clinton. (RJ 3/21 in WNC 3/24; JT, RJ 3/23 in WNC 3/25)

In Baalbeck, Lebanon, a bomb explodes outside the home of a policeman, killing him, wounding 6 family mbrs. The bombers and their motive are unknown. (NYT 3/22)

PC holds the 1st mtg. of its 2d session. Mbrs. reelect (62-20) Ahmad Qurai` as PC speaker. (PR 3/28)

In Cairo, Pres. Mubarak holds separate mtgs. with Arafat, Israeli PM Netanyahu's adviser Dore Gold, Lebanese PM Rafiq Hariri, Syrian FM Shara` on the Har Homa situation and Netanyahu's 3/19 proposal for skipping the interim negotiations. (MM 3/20; RE, RL 3/20 in WNC 3/21; SATN 3/20 in WNC 3/21; WP 3/21; RE 3/21 in WNC 3/24)

In Bethlehem and Bayt Omar, 100s of stone throwing Palestinians protesting the Har Homa construction clash with IDF troops, who respond with rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannons, sound grenades. PA security forces sporadically attempt to hold back demonstrators, beating them with batons. (WP, WT 3/21; NYT 3/22)

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command (PFLP-GC) holds a large rally in al-Yarmuk r.c. in Damascus to protest Israeli construction in East Jerusalem. (QPAR 3/20 in WNC 3/21)

5 Jewish families seize, move into a Palestinian building in Silwan under the protection of heavily-armed private security guards. The Israeli government says it is legal for settlers to "acquire" home in the area. 9 Palestinian homes have been taken by settlers over the past 6 yrs. (PR 3/28)

In the worst fighting since the peace process began, Palestinians, IDF clash in Ramallah. IDF shoots rubber bullets, stun grenades, live ammunition at protesters. IDF, PA security forces engage in firefight. 7 Palestinians are killed, 100s (incl. 2 EA mbrs., the mufti of Jerusalem) wounded; 8 IDF soldiers are injured by rocks, bottles; Ramallah is declared closed military zone; West Bank, Gaza are sealed. Clashes also occur in Bethlehem (wounding 12 Palestinians, 2 Israelis), East Jerusalem. In Ramallah, Bethlehem fighting dies down when officers fr. IDF, PA negotiate cease-fire, pullback. PM Netanyahu, Israel officials accuse PA of instigating violence. PA says outbursts were spontaneous reaction to 9/24 tunnel opening, months of closure. (MM 9/25; IDF Radio, IGPO, ITV, JTV, al-Quds al-Arabi, RMC 9/25 in WNC 9/27; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 9/26; MM 9/27; TJT 9/27 in WNC 10/1; MEI, PR 10/4)

Egyptian Pres. Mubarak receives phone calls fr. Arafat, Netanyahu, appealing to Egypt to intervene to calm the situation in the territories; suggests holding Arafat-Netanyahu mtg. in Cairo. Mubarak adviser Baz holds urgent phone conversations with U.S. special envoy Ross. (RE 9/25, 9/26 in WNC 9/27; MBC 9/26 in WNC 9/30)

PM Netanyahu arrives in Paris, meets with Pres. Jacques Chirac, leaves for Bonn. (WP 9/26)

At the UN, Israeli FM Levy signs Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, briefs U.S. special envoy Ross on events in West Bank, Gaza. Ross says U.S. demands that Israel "make a gesture" concerning the tunnel. (ITV 9/25 in WNC 9/27; ITV 9/26 in WNC 9/30)

Egyptian Pres. Mubarak invites fmr. PM Peres to visit Cairo. Peres accepts but sets no date. (IDF Radio 9/25 in WNC 9/27)

Tel Aviv district court extends for 3 mos. the remand of Hizballah's Shaykh `Abd al-Karim Obeid (abducted fr. Lebanon in 7/89), fmr. Amal leader     Mustafa al-Dirani (abducted fr. Lebanon 5/21/94). (ITV 9/25 in WNC 9/27) (see 2/23)

ILMG opens 3d day of mtgs. to discuss issues raised 9/24 and new Lebanese complaints concerning Israel's expulsions 9/22, repeated Israeli attacks; releases statement stressing that firing fr. populated areas endangers civilians, Hizballah should refrain fr. carrying out attacks fr. or nr. villages. Lebanese FM Buwayz complains of U.S. bias toward Israel in ILMG. (RL 9/25, 9/26 in WNC 9/27; RL 9/26 in WNC 9/30)

In Damascus, Iranian, Syrian cultural attachés discuss expanding cultural ties. (IRNA 9/26 in WNC 9/30)

Crowds in Gaza, Jericho awaiting arrival of PLO police clash with settlers, IDF. In Gaza, settlers kill 16-year-old Palestinian during stone-throwing at Neve Deqalim settlement. 2,000 Palestinians awaiting police nr. Rafah crossing stone IDF. Over 40 wounded by IDF stun grenades and rubber bullets. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 5/10)

Rightist settlers led by NRP MK Hanan Porat stage sit-in protest at Jericho's Shalom Al Yisrael synagogue despite IDF closure of Jericho area. Porat says group will establish yeshiva, settlement in Jericho. (MM 5/10)

Israeli Brig. Gen. Yom Tov Samia and PLO police cmndr. Maj. Gen. Nasr Yusuf announce agreement on arrival of police contingent in Gaza. (NYT, WP, WT 5/10)

"Jerusalem Day," marking capture of East Jerusalem by IDF in 1967 war, observed by c. 50,000 participants. 2,000 police, Border Police deployed to provide security. (MM 5/9)

PLO, UNDP sign agreement on development in o.t. (Jerusalem Times 5/20)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Rabbi Moshe Levinger, afounder of Gush Emunim and indicted for the murder of a Palestinian merchant, demonstrates in front of the E. Jerusalem house of Faisal Husayni, calling for Husayni to be tried in his place [NYT, LAT 8/29; MET 9/5].

Arab World: Arab League UN representative Clovis Maksoud says that Arab countries will call for transferring General Assembly meetings to Geneva if Washington refuses to grant Arafat an entry visa [FBIS 8/29].

Other Countries: U.S. Consulate says there were 10,588 U.S. tourist-visa applications from Palestinians during the first six months of 1989 and 1,499 applications for permanent immigration visas. 48,500 Israelis applied for tourist visas during the first five months of 1989 [NYT 8/29].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In overnight skirmish, Israeli police in Beit Safafa shoot, kill 20-year-old Palestinian, then attempt to break up a memorial procession for him. 4 officers are wounded, as well as an Israeli cameraman who is shot with a rubber bullet. 23-year-old Palestinian dies of gunshot wounds received last week in Gaza Strip [NYT 8/29; MET 9/5].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: CSM reports that by mid-August 91 alleged collaborators had been killed by fellow Palestinians since the intifada began [CSM 8/21].

Arab World: Palestine National Fund (PNF) offices in Amman are reopened [FBIS 8/22].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: At least 3 Palestinians are killed, 6 wounded in clashes throughout O.T. General strike in W. Bank. IDF soldier in Tulkarm injured by a rock. Molotov cocktail hurled at a patrol in Jabaliyyah camp, no injuries. Police use rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse stone-throwing youths in E. Jerusalem. Curfew imposed on al-Ram and Dahiyat al-Barid, north of Jerusalem, following clashes between youths and IDF [FBIS 8/22].

Arab World: UNIFIL places forces on alert because of heavy Israeli and SLA military activity in S. Lebanon [FBIS 8/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: A general strike is observed on W. Bank including E. Jerusalem protesting imprisonment of women [LAT 7/30].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Abu Daif, 24- year-old Palestinian dies of wounds sustained 7/20 [LAT 7/30, FJ 7/31]. Troops use tear gas, rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators in 'Aidah refugee camp. In Nusayrat authorities destroy 3 homes. In Husan, 40 people are arrested. In Gaza, 2 border policemen are injured [FJ 7/31]. Throughout the territories curfews keep 145,000 people in their homes [LAT 7/30].

Arab World: Near Sidon, PLO fighters clash with Amal militia [FJ 8/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Schools on the W. Bank close month earlier than planned due to military order [WP 7/22]. General strike is observed in Gaza [NYT 7/22].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus troops shoot, kill 2 Palestinians [NYT 7/22, WP 7/22]. In Tulkarm soldiers shoot, kill 1 Palestinian. Disturbances throughout W. Bank are sparked by early closure of schools. Police use rubber bullets, clubs to break up riot in E. Jerusalem [WP 7/22]. In E. Jerusalem 50 Palestinians are arrested [LAT 7/22].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike is observed in territories marking the 21-year anniversary of annexation of E. Jerusalem [FJ 7/3].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Authorities deploy 1500 police in Jerusalem anticipating demonstrations on 21-year anniversary of annexation of E. Jerusalem [FJ 7/3]. In Duhayshah troops shoot youth in eye with rubber bullet [FJ 7/3].

Arab World: Fateh fighters surrender control of Shatila camp to Palestinian dissidents under Abu Musa. At least 90 Palestinians have died in latest round of fighting [WP 6/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian merchants observe general strike in W. Bank, Gaza Strip, and E. Jerusalem [FJ 5/22]. In Jerusalem, 3,300 police patrol streets in effort to prevent demonstrations [MET 5/26]. Elderly Palestinian dies of wounds sustained when he was beaten by settlers in Hebron 5/8 [FJ 5/22]. Israel announces cost of living rose 2.7% in April [MET 5/26].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Beach camp is placed under curfew after stone-throwing incidents. Soldiers use tear gas, rubber bullets to disperse crowds of protesters in Jabalya camp. Zayta village, near Tulkarm, is ordered under curfew after demonstrations. Curfew continues in 'Anabta, east of Tulkarm [FJ 5/22].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Def. Min. Rabin tells Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Com. that 4,912 people are being detained in Israeli jails [WP 4/27]. Israeli govemment suspends official accreditation of 2 American reporters for not submitting stories about assassination of Khalil al-Wazir (Abu Jihad) to military censor [WP 4/27]. Bulldozers uproot olive trees in Qatannah village, north of Jerusalem; village is under 2-day curfew [FJ 5/1]. In E. Jerusalem, shopowners strike to protest 4/25 arrest of 14 merchants [FJ 5/1].

Arab World: PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat leaves Damascus. PLO Pol. Dept. head Faruq al-Qaddumi remains in Syria for further talks with govemment officials [CSM 4/28]. In Damascus, DFLP leader Nayif Hawatmah threatens more attacks on Israel from S. Lebanon [NYT 5/1]. National Resistance Front also claims responsibility for attack on Israel [WP 4/27].

Other Countries: In The Hague, World Court rules U.S. must submit to arbitration over legislation ordering PLO to close its observer mission to UN [WP 4/27].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli patrol kills 3 Palestinian guerrillas who entered Israel across Lebanese border; 2 Israeli soldiers are killed [WP 4/27; NYT 4/28]. In Gaza Strip, student demonstrators stone soldiers in Gaza City and Jabalya, Beach, and Khan Yunis camps. Soldiers respond with tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition. In Sha'jiyyah quarter of Gaza City, authorities seal 6 rooms; 2 houses in Dayr al-Balah camp are also sealed [FJ 5/1].

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: In Jerusalem, thousands join in Peace Now demonstrations. Protest in Haifa draws close to 5,000 Israeli Arabs and Jews [WP 2/14]. Merchants strike throughout occupied territories [FJ 2/14]. Israel orders all government schools in E. Jerusalem closed [FJ 2/21].

Other Countries:

Military Action: In Rome 50,000 marchers protest Israel's policy in the occupied territories [NYT 2/16]. 

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Curfews continue in Qalqiliyyah, 'Anabta, Bayt 'Ur alTahta, Bayt Ummar, as well as in Am'ari, Jalazun, Tulkarm, and Dayr al-Balah camps. Military lifts 9-day-old curfew in Tulkarm [FJ 2/21]. In Nablus area, Israeli troops use tear gas and rubber bullets in clash with demonstrators, wounding Balatah camp youth. Clashes are also reported in al-Birah, Ramallah, Abu Dis village, Jerusalem-area village of Jabal al-Mukabir, Shu'fat camp, and Gaza [FJ 2/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Kafr Qaddum on the W. Bank, settlers whose van was stopped by roadblock open fire on Palestinian demonstrators, killing 1, wounding another [LAT, NYT 2/9]. At least 51 Palestinians have died and more than 800 been injured since uprising began 12/9 [WP 2/9]. Merchants observe 2-day commercial strike to mark beginning of uprising's 3d month [FJ 2/14]. In interview, Def. Min. Rabin opines diplomacy, not force, will end occupied territories diturbances, says forcing striking Palestinian merchants toopen will be lower priority [CSM 2/9]. Settlers vandalize Arab cars in night attack on Bituniyyah village, near Ramallah [FJ 2/14].

Arab World: Syrian officials conclude 3 days of talks with U.S. envoy Richard Murphy, reject U.S. peace proposal [WP 2/9].

Other Countries: Foreign ministers of 12 EEC countries condemn Israeli violations of international law, human rights in W. Bank and Gaza Strip [WP 2/9].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Burayj youth dies from severe beating by soldiers. Demonstration erupts during youth's funeral. Army responds with clubs, live ammunition, wounding at least 2. Camp is put under curfew [LAT 2/9]. In Nusayrat camp, residents attack soldiers with stones; soldiers use live ammunition when tear gas, rubber bullets fail to disperse crowd. Maj. Gen. Yitzhaq Mordechai orders release of "several dozen" accused of throwing rocks. In W. Bank city of Qalqiliyyah, troops open fire in effort to quell disturbances. Police raid 3 suburbs of E. Jerusalem, firing tear gas, arresting dozens [LAT 2/9]. At least 12 towns, cities, and refugee camps are under curfew [NYT 2/9]. Curfew on Shu'fat refugee camp is lifted for 2 hours to allow residents to buy food. Curfews continue in Nablus area, including region's refugee camps, Tulkarm, Qalqiliyyah, and 'Anabta, as well as Bayt 'Ur al-Tahta, al-Fuqa, Bani Na'im, and 'A'idah camp [FJ 2/14]. In village of Silwan, demonstrators bum Israeli car after driver runs from scene; 2 soldiers are injured trying to disperse stone-throwing crowd. Military closes 2 main entrances to Am'ari camp; 9 entrances to Qalqiliyyah are closed [FJ 2/14]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In al-Birah, firebomb attack on car seriously injures Jewish settler [WP 2/2; FJ 2/7]. Commercial strike in E. Jerusalem, W.Bank, and Gaza Strip continues [FJ 2/7]. Hebron U. reopens [FJ 2/7]. Other Countries: Charles Hill, executive assistant to U.S. Sec. of State Shultz, holds talks with Nimrod Novik, senior advisor to F. M. Peres [NYT 2/2].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Troops use tear gas, rubber bullets to break up rockthrowing demonstrations i Bethlehem, Hebron, Gaza Strip, and E. Jerusalem. Dayr al-Balah and Balatah are placed under curfew [LAT 2/2]. At least 42 Palestinians are shot, injured by soldiers during fierce battles in Nablus. Curfew isimposed on Nablus and Jalazun, 'Ayn Bayt al-Ma', and old and new 'Askar camps. Village of Ithna, near Hebron, is declared closed military area. Violent demonstrations are reported in Ramallah, al-Birah, Bayt Sahur, and Am'ari camp [FJ 2/7].