The Palestine Chronology

The IDF carries out air strikes on a number of targets in the Gaza Strip, killing 1 armed Palestinian and wounding a number of civilians. Palestinian groups fire around 100 rockets and mortars into Israel, causing 3 injuries and structural damage. Israeli PM Netanyahu tells the weekly cabinet meeting that the army is prepared to intensify its attacks; a number of ministers urge an escalation in military operations (such as assassinations), as well as other measures, like cutting off electricity. A source in Netanyahu’s office says that the PM is preparing international public opinion for a military operation in Gaza. (AP, HA 11/11; JP 11/12; PCHR 11/14)

U.S. pres. Barack Obama tells PA pres. Abbas that his administration opposes a Palestinian bid for non-state membership of the UN. Abbas tells a rally in Ramallah marking the anniversary of Yasir Arafat’s death that the PA is under huge pressure to stop the UN initiative, but that they would continue regardless, as it is intended to save the two-state solution. (AFP, JP 11/11)

PA pres. Abbas announces that Russia will join an international investigation into whether Yasir Arafat was murdered. French and Swiss experts will exhume the late Palestinian leader’s body later in the month, after an Al Jazeera report in July suggested he was murdered with polonium. (REU 11/11)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Bethlehem (firing rubber bullets and tear gas at children going to school) in the morning; patrols in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 1 village nr. Ramallah. Israeli police deliver notices to 13 Israeli activists, banning them from taking part in weekly demonstrations in West Bank villages. (972mag 11/11; PCHR 11/14)

Israeli forces fire into Syria in what the military calls a warning, after stray munitions from fighting between Syrian troops and rebels hit the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The incident, described by Israel Radio as the 1st direct engagement of the Syrian military on the Golan since the countries’ 1973 war, highlights international fears that Syria’s civil war could ignite wider regional conflict. An Israeli security source said the military fired in the direction of a Syrian army mortar crew that had launched a shell that overshot the Golan disengagement fence on Sunday, exploding near a Jewish settlement without causing casualties. (REU 11/11)

Israel says it will ease travel of Christian pilgrims (fr. the territories, Israel, abroad) to Bethlehem but says Arafat still may not leave Ramallah. The IDF conducts arrest raids in the PA-controlled section of Hebron (arresting 8 Palestinians) and in Rafah (occupying 6 Palestinian homes); fires on residential areas of Nablus. In Ramallah, the IDF fires tear gas, sound grenades, rubber bullets at 1,000s of Palestinians and 350 foreign peace activists protesting the Israeli siege, injuring 15 Palestinians, 10 foreigners. The PSF shuts 2 metal workshops in Gaza that allegedly made homemade mortars for Hamas. (AP 12/27; WT 12/28; PCHR 1/2)

In Gaza City, the PSF clashes with some 2,000 Palestinian students protesting the U.S.-led strikes on Afghanistan, opening fire on the crowd with tear gas, rubber bullets, live ammunition. Anti-PA riots last into the night, with outraged Palestinians setting fire to PSF offices and vandalizing Palestinian Airlines offices, cars, stores. In total, 2 Palestinians are killed; 1 Palestinian, 1 PSF officer are left brain dead; 200 Palestinians, 20 PSF officers are injured; 120 Palestinians are arrested. The PA convenes an emergency mtg. with the National and Islamic Higher Comm. for the Follow-up of the Intifada (NIHC), representing all Palestinian factions. Participants issue a joint statement calling for national unity, appealing to the public for calm. Hamas says that Arafat agreed to suspend arrests of Hamas, Islamic Jihad mbrs. in exchange for their cooperation in halting further demonstrations, observing the cease-fire. (AP 10/8; MEZ, NYT, WP, WT 10/9; QA 10/9, ABC [Madrid] 10/10 in WNC 10/11; MM, PR 10/10; MM 10/11; al-Quds 10/11, AYM 10/13 in WNC 10/15; JP, MEI 10/12; LAW 10/13; JP 10/19)

Meanwhile, the IDF fatally shoots 2 Palestinians; occupies a Palestinian home in al-Qarara as a look-out post for several hrs.; demolishes a Palestinian home, bulldozes agricultural land nr. Bayt Lahia, where around 2,000 dunams have been leveled since 10/3. (MEZ, PMC 10/9; LAW 10/13)

Bush for the 1st time publicly endorses the creation of a Palestinian state, saying it "has always been a part of our vision, so long as the right of Israel to exist is respected." The State Dept. says this does not mark a change in either U.S. or admin. policy. (MENA 10/2 in WNC 10/3; MM, REU, WP, WT 10/3; AFP, AN, DUS, MA, al-Nahar, QA, al-Quds 10/3 in WNC 10/4; MM 10/4; JT, MA, MENA 10/4 in WNC 10/5; al-Quds, al-Ra'i 10/4, SA 10/5, AKH 10/8 in WNC 10/9; al-Quds 10/9 in WNC 10/10; AN 10/10 in WNC 10/11; MEI 10/12; MENA, al-Quds 10/13 in WNC 10/15)

In Gaza, 2 Hamas mbrs. raid Aley Sinai settlement, tossing grenades into buildings and shooting IDF soldiers guarding the settlement as well as residents, killing 2 Jewish settlers, wounding 7 soldiers and 8 settlers before being shot dead. Arafat orders the PSF to hunt for the assailants. Sharon calls an emergency mtg. of his cabinet. Palestinians also fire a mortar at a Jewish settlement in s. Gaza. The IDF fires tear gas, rubber bullets at Birzeit University students, staff conducting a peaceful protest march to Surda checkpoint, injuring 3 journalists covering the event, 1 marcher. (HA 10/2; MM, REU, WP, WT 10/3; MA, al-Quds 10/3 in WNC 10/4; MM 10/4; MM 10/8; LAW 10/10; JP, MEI 10/12)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes escalate, leaving 8 Palestinians dead, including senior Islamic Jihad mbr. Sa'ir al-Khruf, who is assassinated by the IDF. (1 Palestinian dies en route to the hospital when his ambulance is detained by the IDF for over 1 hr.) In Nablus, 20,000 Palestinians attend a funeral for 3 of the dead killed overnight. Israel allows a small number of West Bank, Gaza Palestinians over age 35 to attend Friday prayers at al-Aqsa Mosque. Those that are barred scuffle with Israeli police who respond with rubber bullets, stun grenades, tear gas. The IDF also placed curfews on Salfit, Qasrah to conduct an arrest sweep. IDF directed shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas in Aida, Aqbat Jabir camp, Bayt Jala (damaging an elementary school), al-Bireh, Dayr al-Balah, Nablus, Ramallah (damaging the PA Local Government Min.), Tulkarm; bulldozes Palestinian agricultural land across Gaza, in Qalqilya. In Rafah, the IDF fires a shell at a family protesting the bulldozing of their land, injuring 6 children. Jewish settlers attack Palestinian property around Qalqilya, shoot at Palestinians in Silt al-Thahir (wounding 1). (ADM, LAW 12/15; NYT, WP, WT 12/16; PCHR 12/18; NYT 1/17)

Israel's Ben-Ami meets with Arafat at Erez to discuss resuming peace talks, holds follow-up mtg. with PA Information M `Abid Rabbuh in Tel Aviv. The State Dept. says that midlevel Israeli, PA negotiators may come top Washington the wk. of 12/18. (NYT, WP 12/16) (see 12/10)

In Gaza, over 30,000 Palestinians attend a Hamas rally in support of continuing the al-Aqsa intifada no matter what stand the PA regarding negotiations with Israel. (MEI 12/22)

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)

At a PC mtg., PA chief negotiator `Abid Rabbuh resigns in protests after learning that secret PA-Israeli final status talks recently started in Stockholm. The Stockholm talks are being held btwn. Israel's Internal Security M Ben Ami, lawyer Gilead Sher and PC speaker Qurai`, PC mbr. Hassan Asfour, PSF chief Muhammad Dahlan. (MENL 5/15; MENA 5/15 in WNC 5/16; NYT, WT 5/16)

U.S. Consul General John Herbst delivers Arafat a letter fr. Pres. Clinton regarding the peace process. No details are released. (MENL 5/15)

PA, Israeli interim issue team meet. PA interim affairs negotiator Saeb Erakat says Arafat instructed him to discuss only the immediate demand that 230 Palestinian prisoners be released. Israeli negotiator Eran, however, asks that the Palestinian demonstrations in support of the prisoners be halted so the talks can be held in a positive atmosphere. (NYT, WT 5/15)

Across the West Bank and Gaza, Palestinians marking the 52d anniversary of the Nakba hold demonstrations to protest the continued detention of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails and to demand that the PA push the refugee issue in negotiations with Israel. In several locations, the IDF clashes with protesters, opening fire with live ammunition and rubber bullets, killing 1 Palestinian and wounding at least 30. 2 IDF soldiers are also injured. The worst clashes are in nr. Netzarim junction in Gaza and in Nablus, Qalqilya, and Ramallah in the West Bank. (AYM 5/14 in WNC 5/17; NYT, WP, WT 5/15; MEI 5/19)

Some 150 Palestinians fr. Dahaysha, Aida, Azza refugee camps nr. Bethlehem make a symbolic visit to the sites of their villages of origin, which were destroyed by Zionist forces in 1948: Bayt Nattif, Zakriyya, and Bayt Jibrin. (BDL 5/15) (see 5/10)

The PA and Israel announce that the PA has captured Muhammad Dayif, a leader of Hamas's Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades who is Israel's most wanted for allegedly organizing a series of suicide bombings in 2+n3/96. Israel also releases Salah Shihada, a Hamas leader who has been jailed for 12 yrs. It is uncertain whether the Shihada release and Dayif capture are part of a reciprocal agmt. related to the negotiations. (MM, NYT, WP 5/15; NYT 5/17; WJW 5/18)

Arafat sends letter to UN Secy. Gen. Kofi Annan, requesting full Palestinian membership in the UN, something thus far granted only to independent states. (WP 11/30)

King Hussein gives speech inaugurating Jordan's new parliament in which he reaffirms support for the Palestinians, including their right to have the capital of a Palestinian state "in Jerusalem." Jordanian opposition parties criticize the phrase as an acceptance of partition. (JTV 11/29 in WNC 12/7; MM 12/17)

Across the West Bank, Palestinians hold demonstrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the UN partition res., which created Israel. In Bethlehem, the IDF opens fire with rubber bullets on 5,000 Palestinians marching to demand Israel release Palestinian prisoners, injuring 40 (including a PA policeman), making today the worst single day of Palestinian-Israeli clashes in mos. In contrast, few Israelis celebrate the anniversary. (NYT, WP, WT 11/30; WP 12/1; MEI 12/5)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah detonates roadside bombs, killing 3 SLA mbrs., wounding 5 IDF soldiers. (RL 11/29 in WNC 12/9; WP 11/30)

Unnamed Western, Arab diplomats report that Syria is concentrating 3-4 army divisions at strategic points nr. Israel, including moving the 14th Special Forces Division to the Mount Hermon foothills, the 51st Division e. of Lebanon's Biqa` Valley. Syria says the redeployments are defensive. (WT 7/5)

Jordan announces that it has submitted to the World Bank 58 water sector proposals that would provide Jordan with 676 mcm of additional water fr. 1997 to 2000. (JT 7/5 in WNC 7/8)

IDF bans entry into the PA-controlled enclave of Hebron (H1) to prevent Palestinians fr. outside Hebron fr. entering H1 to take part in demonstrations. (Hatzofe 7/6 in WNC 7/8)

In Nablus, 30,000 Palestinians angered by distribution of anti-Muslim posters in Hebron stage protest, clash with IDF. Demonstrations also continue in Hebron, where the IDF wounds 6 Palestinians with live ammunition, 29 with rubber bullets. Netanyahu accuses Arafat of doing nothing to halt the protests. (NYT, WP, WT 7/5) (see 7/2)

In Ba'albeck, 10,000 Lebanese join the unauthorized "Revolution of the Hungry" demonstration called by fmr. Hizballah chief Shaykh Subhi Tufayli (who split with Hizballah Secy. Gen. Hassan Nasrallah in protest over Hizballah's decision to participate in the 1992, 1996 elections) to protest the government's economic policies, neglect of the Biqa` region. Lebanese army sends many troops, military police to monitor protesters. No clashes are reported. (MM 7/4; RL, RMC 7/4 in WNC 7/8; al-Safir 7/5 in WNC 7/9; al-Diyar 7/6 in WNC 7/11; MEI 7/11; MM 7/14; MEI 7/25)

Egypt's Baz shuttles btwn. Netanyahu, Arafat in an attempt to ease tensions, jump start PA-Israeli. (WT 6/15)

In Hebron, IDF troops firing rubber bullets wound 30 Palestinians protesting the 6/10 House vote on Jerusalem. (NYT, WT 6/15; MM, NYT, WT 6/16; MEI 6/27)

Unidentified gunmen shoot, wound an Israeli settler outside Har Adar settlement in the West Bank. IDF detains 6 Palestinian suspects fr. Biddu. (NYT, WT 6/15)

In Damascus, an Iraqi trade delegation holds series of mtgs. with Syrian Ms of economy, health, transportation to discuss export of Syrian medicines to Iraq under the UN oil-for-food deal. Head of Syria's chamber of commerce says that work is underway to repair the telephone network btwn. the 2 countries, which has been unused for 17 yrs. (RMC 6/14 in WNC 6/17; MM 6/16; INA 6/20 in WNC 6/23; MM 7/4) (see 6/8)

Turkey acknowledges that it has begun withdrawing troops fr. n. Iraq but denies that a total pullout is underway. (NYT 6/15) (see 6/10)

Hizballah releases 3 UNIFIL soldiers it detained 6/13 for filming nr. the homes of several Hizballah cmdrs. in the Burj al-Barahna district of Beirut. (RL 6/14 in WNC 6/17; WT 6/16) (see 5/30)

Arafat reportedly takes ill on his way to mtg. in Egypt, returns to Gaza with his physician under ambulance escort. PA makes no statement. (IDF Radio 4/9 in WNC 4/10)

At a mtg. in Gaza attended by Arafat, PA security chiefs refuse a request by the CIA, Israeli security officials to reestablish security coordination immediately. (ITV, MA 4/9 in WNC 4/10; MM 4/10; ITV, YA 4/10 in WNC 4/11; WT 4/11; ITV 4/11 in WNC 4/15; MEI 4/18)

In the Israeli controlled enclave of Hebron (H2), 2 Jewish yeshiva students open fire with Uzi submachine guns (provided by the IDF), killing a Palestinian, sparking riots in the PA controlled section of the city (H1) during which IDF troops kill 2 Palestinians, wound 100; 5 soldiers are also injured. PA policemen prevent riots fr. spilling over into H2; some are injured by Palestinian protesters, others by rubber bullets fired at the protesters by the IDF. (MM 4/8; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 4/9; ITV 4/9 in WNC 4/10; PR 4/11; MEI 4/18; JP 4/19)

Israeli FM Levy arrives in Turkey for talks with PM Erbakan. (MM 4/8; Anatolia [Ankara] 4/8 in WNC 4/9; VIRI 4/8, Sabah [Istanbul] 4/9 in WNC 4/10; VIRI 4/10; Milliyet (Istanbul) 4/11 in WNC 4/16)

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)

Jordanian-Israeli joint comm. on education, science, culture meets in Israel. Comm. mbrs. tour vocational, technical schools, discuss possible joint programs. (IGPO 1/18 in FBIS 1/19)

Israeli Housing Min. report leaked to Israeli press shows government authorized construction of 1,833 homes in West Bank in 1994, 3,230 for 1995, with emphasis on expanding areas around Jerusalem. (WT 1/18)

Jerusalem Comm. of the ICO ends 2-day mtg. in Morocco; issues statement criticizing Israel for law passed 12/26, calling on Israel to withdraw fr. occupied territories, incl. Jerusalem, demanding peace agmts. be based on UN Res. 242, 338, 425. Parties report high degree of coordination btwn. Jordanian FM al-Kabariti, Arafat. (RTM 1/17 in FBIS 1/18; MM 1/18)

Palestinians protest construction around 3 West Bank settlements. At Psagot, IDF troops fire rubber bullets, stun grenades at protestors led by PA Ms, injuring 3; detain, rough up PA M `Azmi al-Shu`aybi, Arafat advisors Ahmad Tibi, Marwan Barghouti. (CSM 1/17; QT 1/17 in FBIS 1/17; WT 1/18)

PFLP announces it will be closing some offices in Damascus, ceasing publication of paper, moving as many mbrs. as possible to home bases in West Bank, Gaza because of financial crisis. DFLP is taking similar steps. (Al-Bayan, Shihan 1/17 in FBIS 1/20)

Egyptian clerics, Muslim Brotherhood officials criticize Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia Shaykh Bin Baz's fatwa permitting peace with Israel. (al-Sha`b 1/17 in FBIS 1/25; MM 2/14) (see 12/21)

Palestinians protesting 5/31 killing in al-Ram attack police station in Ramallah with rocks and bottles.  IDF fires tear gas, rubber bullets, live ammunition in response, wounds 17 Palestinians, 1 critically.  (MM 6/1; NYT, WP, WT 6/2)

PLO Chmn. Arafat meets in Tunis with U.S. Senators Paul Simon (D-IL), Russell Feingold (D-WI), and Harry Reid (D-NV), says he will delay entry into Jericho until promised adequate funds for local admin.  (Algiers VOP 6/1 in FBIS 6/2; WT 6/2)

Informal mtg. of UNRWA donors opens in Amman.  (UNRWA News 6/1)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Teenager from W. Bank village of Bayt Wazin is electrocuted while trying to hang Palestinian flag from power cable. Commercial strike continues in W. Bank. Israeli officials order al-Awdah, Arabic and English weekly magazine, closed. Government announces it will begin cutting water and electricity to W. Bank and Gaza Strip towns that do not pay their bills [NYT 5/3]. Dr. Zakariya al-Agha, head of the Arab Medical Association, is arrested, placed under administrative detention for 6 months [FJ 5/8].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Several Balatah camp residents are arrested after military lifts curfew. Soldiers respond with live ammunition and rubber bullets to demonstration in 'Ayn Bayt al-Ma' camp. Several Palestinian protesters are injured by gunfire in 'Askar camp. Scattered demonstrations are reported in Bethlehem region, Ramallah region, and Gaza Strip. Army imposes curfew in 'Arrub camp [FJ 5/8].

Arab World: Led by tanks and helicopters, up to 2,000 Israeli troops cross into Lebanon in search of Palestinian commandos [WP 5/3]. Followers of Abu Musa battle Arafat loyalists in Shatila and Burj al-Barajinah camps; 10 have been killed and 40 wounded in 3 days of fighting [WP 5/3].

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: Shin Bet arrests 2 American schoolteachers in Ramallah on charges of possessing "inciteful materials" [LAT 2/29].

Arab World: PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat says he is submitting to U.S. names of Palestinians with whom Sec. of State Shultz can meet [NYT 2/28]. Sec. Shultz meets with Syrian f.m. Faruq al-Shar' and Pres. Hafiz al-Asad in Damascus and with Jordanian p.m. Zayd Rifa'i and Crown Prince Hasan in Amman to discuss new U. S. peace proposals [NYT 2/28]. Syria and Jordan restate their support for UN-sponsored international conference [WP 2/28].

Other Countries: Estimated 4,000 participate in Amsterdam march protesting Israeli policies in occupied territories [FJ 3/13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Cashes between IDF troops and worshipers outside mosque and hospital in Halhul result in 1 dead, at least 5 injured by tear gas inhalation and live ammunition [NYT 2/28]. Troops use tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition in effort to disperse crowds from nearby 'Arrub camp blocking Jerusalem-Hebron highway; 1 is killed, and 4 wounded. Towns along road are ordered under curfew [WP 2/28]. In 'Ubaydiyyah, soldiers impose curfew, arrest 32 [FJ 2/28]. Curfew is also imposed in Jabalya, 'Arrub, and Burayj camps [FJ 2/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P. M. Shimon Peres denounces Arafat's offer of "land for peace," characterizes the PLO as "talking peace in Jordan [while] killing people in Israel" [JP 9/9]. Soldiers fire rubber bullets and tear gas on a group called An End to Occupation as they demonstrate in Ramallah to protest Israeli deportation and administrative detention practices; 21 protesters are detained. Army declares the area a closed military zone [GU 9/18]. Ariel Sharon begins suit against Time magazine in a Tel Aviv court. Under Israeli law, Sharon need not prove malice to substantiate his claim [JP 9/9]. Charges have been filed against Israeli joumalist Amnon Kapeliouk for visiting Jordan in March and April. Under the 1948 Emergency Defense Regulations, Kapeliouk could receive up to a year in prison for entering acountry in a state of war with Israel [JP 9/8].

Other Countries: New York Times reports the Soviet Union has begun a new campaign to encourage Palestinians to reject American-sponsored efforts at Arab-Israeli peace talks. In recent weeks George Habash, Nayef Hawatmeh, Khaled al-Fahoum, and close Arafat aide Salah Khalaf (Abu lyad) have visited Moscow. Soviet leaders have expressed "total opposition" to the 11 February accord between Arafat and King Hussein [NYT 9/8].

Military Action

Arab World: Fighting continues for the 6th straight day between 2,500 Palestinian fighters inside Burj al-Barajinah refugee camp and Amal militiamen outside [NYT 9/9]. Lebanese officials meet with Syrian Vice Pres. 'Abd al-Halim Khaddam in Damascus to ask for Syrian military intervention to stop the fighting [LT 9/9].