The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers raid Burin, setting fire to a vehicle and vandalizing 2 others. Israeli forces shoot and kill 2 Palestinians, including a child, and injure 3 others in al-Jib. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces shoot and kill a 12-year-old boy in Shu’fat refugee camp, seizing his body to withhold it from his family in order to dictate the size and location of the funeral as conditions for the return of the body. A video of the incident shows that the boy and his friends are playing with fireworks when he is killed by a sniper. Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir praises the soldier who shot the child, saying he deserves an award. In Gaza, Israeli forces bomb Jabalia refugee camp, Dayr al-Balah, Gaza City, Nuseirat refugee camp, al-Bureij refugee camp, Maghazi, Rafah, and Khan Yunis, killing at least 72 people. Israeli forces also shoot and kill at least 9 people and injure 20 others waiting for aid at the Kuwait Roundabout in Gaza City. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces shoot and kill 2 Palestinian fishermen west of Dayr al-Balah. In Lebanon, Israeli forces bomb Bint Jbeil and the Beqaa Valley, killing 2 people near Baalbek. Hezbollah forces attack Israeli forces in Zar’it, Barakat Risha, Hadab Yarin, and Jal al-Alam. (AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/12; HA, HA, NYT, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA 3/13; AJ, HA, UNOCHA 3/14)

More than 31,184 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 13,400 children and 8,900 women, and around 72,889 have been injured since 10/7/2023. At least 7,000 people are missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 422 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7/2023, including 110 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, 247 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 1,475 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. 134 trucks carrying aid enter Gaza. The U.S. and Jordan airdrop aid into Gaza. The World Food Programme delivers meals for 25,000 people in Gaza City. (AJ, REU, UNOCHA 3/12; NYT, NYT, UNOCHA 3/13)

The Gaza Media Office says more than 400 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces while waiting for aid since the Flour Massacre on 2/29. (AJ 3/12)

Haaretz reports that, based on testimonies from Israeli officials who have visited a medical facility for Palestinian captives from Gaza held at the Sde Teiman military base, the wounded Palestinians are shackled to their hospital beds and blindfolded 24 hours a day. There are no nurses at the facility and the Israeli soldiers refuse to feed the prisoners, so they are forced to drink liquid formula. (HA 3/12)

PA Supreme Judicial Council president Issa Abu Sharar resigns. PA president Mahmoud Abbas and Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki meet with Canadian foreign minister Melanie Joly in Ramallah. Abbas also speaks with Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.  (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/12)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says via video-link to the AIPAC conference in Washington D.C. that Israel “will finish the job in Rafah while enabling the civilian population to get out of harm’s way.” (AJ, HA, REU 3/12)

EU high commissioner for foreign affairs Josep Borrell tells the UN Security Council that Israel is using starvation as a “weapon of war.” (AJ 3/13)

U.S. national security advisor Jake Sullivan urges Hamas to accept a 6-week ceasefire and release women, wounded people, and elderly captives in order to build a more enduring ceasefire. Sullivan also says that Biden does not have any “red lines” for Israel’s conduct in Gaza. (HA, NYT, REU 3/12; NYT 3/13)

Hebrew University in Jerusalem suspends Palestinian law professor Nadera Shalhoub-Kevorkian because she called for a ceasefire and said Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. (HA 3/12; HA 3/13)

The New York branch of the American Civil Liberties Union and Palestine Legal sue Columbia University for unlawful suspension of its chapters of Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace. (AJ, AP, HA 3/12)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces delivered stop-work notices for 18 structures in Qarawat Bani Hassan. Israeli forces also demolished 1 house under construction in Furush Beit Dajan, 1 agricultural structure in al-Jib, and 4 houses in Jiftlik. 21 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Bethlehem, Beit Fajjar, Dheisheh refugee camp, Aqabat Jaber refugee camp, Tammun, Kafr Ni‘ma, Jenin, Qalqilya, Hebron, and Beit Umar. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/13; PCHR 12/15; UNOCHA 12/22)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 1 house under construction in Kafr ad-Dik and 1 agricultural structure in Birin. Israeli forces also demolished 2 homes near Hebron, displacing 12, demolished a nursery in al-Jib, and delivered a demolition notice against 1 school in Khashem al-Karm in the Masafer Yatta area. 3 Israeli soldiers also threw an explosive device at a house in Bethlehem; the 3, who are Druze citizens of Israel, were later arrested by Israel. 19 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Tuqu’, Hizma, Qatanna, al-Bireh, Qalqilya, Nil’in, Deir Sharaf, Tulkarm, and Tammun. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces arrested 6 Palestinian fishermen and seized their boat northwest of Rafah. (HA, MEE, MEMO, MEMO, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/28; PCHR 11/29; PCHR 12/1; UNOCHA 12/16)

The Israeli military reported a rise in Israeli settler attacks on Palestinians from 426 recorded incidents in 2021 to 838 in 2022. It also released data claiming that Palestinian attacks on Israeli forces and settlers had risen from 91 incidents in 2021 to 281 in 2022. The Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission said the number of attacks carried out by Israeli settlers and soldiers was 833 for the month of November. (HA 11/28; MEMO 11/29; MEMO 12/2)

Israeli prime minister Yair Lapid wrote a letter to more than 50 heads of state, urging them to pressure the PA not to move forward with a UNGA resolution calling for the International Court of Justice to provide a legal opinion on the Israeli occupation. The draft resolution was adopted by the UN special political and decolonization committee with 98 votes in favor on 11/11. In the letter, Prime Minister Lapid also asked the countries to vote against the resolution should it be brought to the assembly. (HA, MEMO, REU 11/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians in Huwwara, injuring 6. Israeli settlers also threw stones at Palestinian vehicles outside of the Yitzhar settlement, causing damage. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers vandalized some 40 olive tree saplings in al-Khader. Israeli forces shot and killed 2 Palestinians and injured 1 other during a late-night raid in Jalazun refugee camp. Israel claimed the 3 attempted to ram Israeli soldiers with a car, but this was disputed by Palestinians present at the scene. Israeli forces also fired tear gas near a high school in Tell during a raid, causing tear-gas related injuries among students and staff. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished 1 house and 2 storage facilities in al-Rifaya in the Masafer Yatta area, 1 house in Beit Einun, displacing 11, and 1 house near Jabal Johar, displacing 8. Israeli forces also raided Khirbet ad-Deir, injuring 1 Palestinian with a baton round and others with tear gas. 17 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Jalazun, Beit Sira, Safa, al-Jib, Dheisheh refugee camp, Jericho, Nablus, Barta‘a, and Silat al-Harithiya. In East Jerusalem, 2 Palestinians were arrested in the Old City and al-Tur. (ABC, AJ, ALM, AP, HA, JP, MDW, MEE, MEE, MEMO, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/3; PCHR 10/5; PCHR 10/6; UNOCHA 10/16)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh warned UK prime minister Liz Truss that if the UK moves its embassy to Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, it would be seen by the PA as a recognition of the Israeli annexation of Jerusalem. The UK political parties Labour, Scottish National Party, and Liberal Democrats told Middle East Eye that they oppose moving the UK embassy to Jerusalem. (REU, TOI 10/3; HA, MEE, MEE 10/4; MEE, MEE, WAFA 10/5; MEMO 10/6; MEE 10/7; AJ 10/9; MEE, MEE, MEE, MEMO 10/11; MEE 10/19)

The EU-Israel association council convened for the 1st time since 2012. Addressing the EU representatives, Israeli prime minister Yair Lapid said that “Palestinians need to put an end to terrorism and incitement” in order for a 2-state solution to happen. After the meeting, EU ministers published a paper hailing cooperation with Israel, condemning Hamas, and criticizing Israel for its settlement policies, mentioning settlements in East Jerusalem and plans for E1. The minister also criticized Israeli policies of evictions and forced transfer of Palestinians and demolitions of EU-funded projects. (AJ, ALM, HA, MEMO 10/3)

The Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem appealed to ICC prosecutor Karim Khan to have the ICC act to protect Palestinian residents of Masafer Yatta from expulsion by Israel. (BTselem 10/3; HA, MEE 10/6; MEMO, WAFA 10/7)

In the West Bank, 1 Israeli settler was injured by glass from his vehicle window after shots were fired at his car near Huwwara. For the 2d day in a row, Israeli settlers escorted by Israeli forces shot and injured Palestinians in Sinjil, including 2 with live ammunition and others with baton rounds and assault; 6 vehicles were damaged. Israeli settlers also vandalized 1 Palestinian-owned vehicle near Ya‘bad. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in al-Jib, causing tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 4 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 2 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, causing tear-gas related injuries. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Silwad, Husan, Dheisheh refugee camp, and al-Azza refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family demolished their own agricultural structure. In Gaza, Israeli forces fired tear gas at Palestinians herding cattle east of Abasan. 2 Palestinians were arrested while attempting to enter Israel east of Khan Yunis. In Israel, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian citizen of Israel near the separation wall at Baqa al-Gharbiyye, claiming he was helping Palestinians in the West Bank enter Israel through the wall. (HA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/9; WAFA 9/10; HA 9/11; PCHR 9/15; UNOCHA 9/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers set fire to agricultural lands between Turmus ‘Ayya and al-Mughayyir, damaging olive trees, and threw stones at vehicles, damaging 1. Israeli settlers also vandalized 55 grapevine saplings and damaged a water tank in al-Khader. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man and injured 1 other with live ammunition during a raid in Tubas; the man was said to have been buying bread after dawn prayers when he was shot in the head. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian protester and injured others with tear gas in Hebron. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beita, injuring 1 with live ammunition and 5 with tear gas. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Bayt Dajan, injuring 1 with a baton round and 37 with tear gas. Meanwhile, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 6 with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also uprooted 55 grapevine saplings and demolished 1 water well in al-Khader. 8 Palestinians were arrested, including 5 during late-night raids in Tubas and 3 at checkpoints near Nablus and al-Jib. (AJ, AP, MEE, MEMO, PCHR, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/19; PCHR 8/25; UNOCHA 9/2)

Israel approved granting an additional 1,500 work permits for Palestinians in Gaza. (AP 8/19)

The Israeli central command froze the administrative detention of Khalil Awawdeh while he is in the hospital for treatment related to his 170 days of hunger strike. Awawdeh’s lawyer also petitioned the Israeli high court of justice to have him released from administrative detention. (HA, TOI 8/19; WAFA 8/20)

The foreign ministers of Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden released a joint statement calling the Israeli raids on 7 Palestinian rights organizations “not acceptable,” expressing deep concern over the raids and reiterating that the countries have not seen evidence that justify the Israeli attacks on Palestinian civil society. (HA, JP, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA 8/20)

The Republic of Korea donated $1 million to UNRWA technical and vocational education and training programs in Jordan. (WAFA 8/19)

In the West Bank, a large group of Israeli settlers threw stones at 2 Palestinian farmers near Dayr Istya. Israeli forces raided Burin, leading to clashes with Palestinians; tear-gas related injuries were reported. Israeli forces also delivered demolition orders for 10 structures in Jib and 1 agricultural structure in al-Walaja. 1 Palestinian was injured by an explosive device left behind by Israeli forces in the Masafer Yatta area. 5 Palestinians were arrested in Jenin and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 3 Palestinians were arrested. In Israel, 2 Palestinians were arrested for working without a permit. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/9; WAFA 3/10; PCHR 3/11)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh said that West Bank hospital intensive care units are at 100% capacity due to a sharp increase in severe COVID-19 cases. 1,693 new cases of the virus and 13 deaths were reported in the West Bank, while 135 new cases were reported in Gaza. (REU, WAFA 3/9)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 300 olive trees in al-Khadir. Settlers also wrote racist graffiti on walls of buildings and slashed the tires of 25 vehicles in al-Jib. Israeli forces clashed with Palestinians in al-‘Arub, causing tear-gas related injuries. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Qalqilya, Jenin, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israel struck targets in Gaza after a rocket was fired from Gaza toward Israel. No injuries were reported, but damage was reported. Israeli forces fired tear gas at Palestinian agricultural lands east of Khan Yunis, forcing farmers to leave. Israeli naval forces fired a water cannon at a Palestinian fisherman, causing damage to his boat. Israel also reduced the fishing zone to 6 nautical miles. 3 Palestinians were arrested after trying to enter Israel by the Gaza fence; all 3 were released on 12/20. (AJ, HA, HA WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/19; PCHR 12/26)

The Israeli high court of justice criticized Israeli police handling Palestinian complaints of destruction of their property. The court said the police’s handling of such complaints “is troubling, to say the least” and that in 1 case, “except for taking the Palestinian plaintiff’s statement, the police did virtually nothing.” (HA 12/20)

The United Arab Emirates announced a $25 million contribution to the UNRWA. (WAFA 12/19)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished part of a house, a car wash, and another small structure in al-Jib. Israeli forces also razed land and set up caravans in Huwwara. Israeli settlers set up mobile homes on Palestinian-owned land near the Maskiyot settlement in the Jordan Valley. 8 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Salfit, Jenin, and Bethlehem. In the raid near Bethlehem, Israeli forces clashed with local residents, leaving 1 Palestinian injured by live ammunition. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolished a car wash in Sur al-Bahir, a commercial structure in Bayt Hanina, and 4 commercial structures in Silwan. Israeli forces also raided Issawiyya, confiscating Palestinian flags. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/17; WAFA 7/18)

Several heads of international organizations such as the UN, the World Bank, and the UNRWA called for Israel to halt planned demolitions of 10 residential buildings in Sur al-Bahir in East Jerusalem. The buildings are scheduled to be demolished on 7/18. (WAFA 7/17)

U.S. special representative for international negotiations Jason Greenblatt said in an interview with PBS that he rejects the term “occupied” to describe the West Bank, saying that, “Judea and Samaria . . . is disputed” rather than occupied. Of illegal Israeli settlement, Greenblatt said, “I don’t even like the word settlement. I think it’s a pejorative term. I use the term neighborhoods and cities.” (PBS 7/17; HA 7/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers contaminated a water container with poisonous material in Yatta south of Hebron. Elsewhere, in the village of al-Jib, Israeli settlers with military escort stormed an archeological site while closing the main road to the village for 2 hours. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces escorted some 300 Israeli settlers while touring Haram al-Sharif. Meanwhile, Israeli forces set up checkpoints and roadblocks impeding access for Palestinians in the Old City. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on Palestinian farmers; no injuries were reported. (MNA, MNA, PNN, WAFA 4/25)

The Israeli foreign ministry announced that Israel would participate in the World Expo in the United Arab Emirates in 2020. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Israel’s participation an expression of Israel’s “rising status in the world and the region.” (HA 4/27)

A federal judge in Texas temporarily blocked the enforcement of a Texas state law that prohibits boycotting Israel as a condition of public employment. The judge cited the 1st Amendment as a reason for his decision. The ruling comes after 2 federal judges in Kansas and Arizona blocked similar state laws last year. (WP 4/26)  

The Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov warned in a report that the financial crisis due to Israel withholding 6 percent of the PA tax revenue, and the PA refusing to accept any of the revenue as long as it is not 100 percent, “threatens the stability of the West Bank and the very survival of the Palestinian state-building effort.” (MNA, UNSCO, WAFA 4/25)

At EU urging, the Quartet convenes a senior-level mtg. in Washington to discuss issuing a statement on how to jumpstart the peace process, but because of sharp disagreements over a draft prepared by the U.S. in consultation with Israel, the members fail to issue a statement. (AFP 7/11; AP 7/12; WJW 7/14; Foreign Policy [online] 7/22; WJW 8/5) 

Unidentified assailants attack Egypt’s natural gas pipeline to Israel and Jordan again (see 7/4). In the West Bank, the IDF demolishes a grocery store, sheep farm, and garage on land in al-Jib village nr. Jerusalem, strategically located between Givat Ze’ev and Givon settlements; declares a Palestinian olive grove in the Wadi Qana area nr. Salfit a closed military zone and uproots 600 trees; patrols in 3 villages nr. Ramallah, 2 nr. Salfit, and 1 nr. Jenin; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in and around Jenin town and r.c. and in Qalqilya. The World Zionist Organization’s settlement division (newly transferred to Netanyahu’s control; see 6/19) allocates 54,000 d. of agricultural land to 21 Jewish settlements in Jordan Valley, nearly doubling the total farmland under their control to 110,000 d.; it also increases water allocations to Jewish farmers in the Jordan Valley. (JP 6/28; WP 7/12; PCHR 7/14; OCHA 7/15)

The Knesset passes (47-38) into law a bill that would sanction individuals and organizations that call for a boycott of Israel or its settlements, denying them tax breaks and barring them from working for the government. The Knesset’s legal adviser warns, however, that the measure is “borderline illegal” since it strays into the right to free political expression. Human rights groups plan to challenge the law in the High Court within days. (HA, JTA, MNA 7/11; JTA, WJW 7/14; JPI, WP 7/22)

Soon after the 6:00 A.M. Palestinian ceasefire deadline, the IDF withdraws all troops fr. Gaza, ending n. Gaza operations that began on 11/21 that killed 22 Palestinians (including at least 6 civilians), wounded at least 67 (including 28 children), destroyed 10 houses and 10 businesses, razed 80 d. of agricultural land. (After the pullout, the UN reports extensive damage—estimated at $6.4 m.—to Dahaniyya airport buildings by the IDF stationed there, noting that damage could not have been caused by crossfire with Palestinians.) Btwn. 6:00 and 10:15 A.M. local time, Palestinians fire 9 rockets fr. Gaza into Israel, damaging a house but causing no injuries; Israel does not retaliate and the truce seems to hold. Two Palestinians are killed when a tunnel they are digging under the Rafah border collapses. In the West Bank, IDF troops patrol in ‘Azun nr. Qalqilya, fire on stone-throwing Palestinian youths who confront them, wounding 1; conduct arrest raids, house searches in and around Nablus, in Qabatya (fatally shooting 2 Palestinian bystanders) and Qalqilya, nr. Bethlehem and Hebron; issues a military order confiscating 565 d. of land belonging to al-Nabi Samwil, Bayt Surik, Bayt Iqsa villages n. of Jerusalem for construction of the separation wall. The Israeli High Court rejects a petition to reroute a section of the separation wallthat would envelope Bayt Hanina, Bir Naballah, al-Jadira, al-Jib, and Qalandia villages, cutting them off fr. the rest of the West Bank. A Palestinian dies of injuries received in the 10/13 IDF attack on Abasan. (IFM, WP 11/26; MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/27; OCHA 11/29; PCHR 11/30; OCHA 12/13; PLONAD 2/14)

After Palestinians fire 2 rockets into Israel, causing no damage or injuries, an IDF helicopter fires missiles at an Islamic Jihad charity in Gaza City, damaging the building, lightly wounding 1 bystander. In response, Palestinians fire 3 rockets fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In retaliation, the IDF carries out artillery and F-16 air strikes on open areas in Gaza, firing at least 30 shells and 3 missiles, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF fires on, sinks a Palestinian fishing boat in Palestinian waters off Gaza, killing 1 Palestinian, leaving 1 missing; the IDF says that it attempted to halt the boat after the Palestinian sailor headed toward Egyptian waters alone and returned with a passenger, but the boat ignored warning shots and fired back at the naval vessel, causing no damage or injuries. (The IDF says that videotape that routinely records the naval unit’s activity ran out about three minutes before the incident.) The IDF also begins work on a new segment of the separation wall northwest of Jerusalem in al-Jib, Dahiyat al-Barid; conducts arrest raids, house searches in al-Khadir, Qabatya nr. Jenin. A Jewish settler injures a Palestinian child in a deliberate hit-and-run nr. Qalqilya. A PA policeman, 4 Palestinians are shot dead in Bayt Hanun during a clash btwn. rival Palestinian clans that erupts at the funeral for the mbr. of 1 family who was killed on 12/1. (AP, HA, IMEMC 12/3; AFP, HA 12/4; PCHR, WT 12/5; PCHR 12/8; IMEMC 12/10)

The IDF fatally shoots a 60-yr.-old Palestinian who strays into a closed military zone nr. the Rafah-Egypt border; issues notices to residents of al-Jib northwest of Jerusalem that 2,362 d. of their land is slated for confiscation for construction of the separation wall; bulldozes at least 50 d. of agricultural land s. of Hebron (on top of at least 90 d. bulldozed in the previous wk.) apparently to turn the land over for Jewish settlers’ use; conducts arrest raids, house searches in al-Mawasi. Jewish settlers fr. Suissa settlement nr. Hebron uproot 300 Palestinian olive trees in neighboring al-Mu‘in. (VOI 1/30 in WNC 1/31; NYT 1/31; PCHR 2/3)

The IDF conducts arrest raids, searches in and around Hebron, targeting 6 Islamic charities, a development organization, and local Palestinian Prisoners’ Society offices, detaining 65 heads and board members of the institutions as well as local Islamic leaders and imams; conducts arrest raids, house searches nr. Bethlehem and in Dura, Ithna, Salfit, Surif, Tulkarm; issues military orders confiscating 89 d. of land in al-Jib, 72 d. in Biddu, and 100s of d. fr. Bayt Duqqu and Bayt Ijza for construction of the separation wall northwest of Jerusalem. A Hamas mbr. infiltrates Ganei Tal settlement nr. Khan Yunis, fires at settlement guards (causing no injuries), is killed by return fire. Hamas fires 3 mortars, 3 Qassam rockets at Jewish settlements in Gaza, causing no damage or injuries. A 6-yr.-old Palestinian boy in Hebron is hit by an IDF jeep; soldiers take him to a hospital in Kiryat Arba settlement, but he is pronounced dead. (IMEMC 1/6; VOP 1/6 in WNC 1/11; OCHA, PR 1/12; PCHR 1/13)

PA chief negotiators Local Government Saeb Erakat, Planning M Nabil Shaath arrive in Washington at Secy. Albright's invitation to discuss "refinements" to U.S. FRD proposal. Albright admits that the U.S. cannot get Israel to accept the 13.1% proposal; says PA will have to reopen talks with Israel itself. (MM 7/10; NYT 7/12; MEI, PR 7/17; WP 7/23)

The Israeli human rights group B'Tselem reports that since 6/28, 100s of Israeli security forces have been conducting aggressive searches in East Jerusalem's Shu'afat refugee camp. (B'Tselem press release 7/9; MENA 7/13 in WNC 7/15; PR 7/17)

IDF demolishes 3 Palestinian homes in Anata, al-Jib, Kharabtha villages nr. Ramallah. (LAW 7/10; PR 7/17)

In a 2d spy case, Lebanon's military prosecutor charges 18 mbrs. of the Lebanese Forces (a banned Christian right-wing militia group active during the 1975-90 civil war) with colluding with Israel; carrying out bombings (including 12/18/96 bus attack in Tabarja), attacks aimed at assassinating Lebanese politicians. 11 of the accused are under arrest, 7 are at large. (MM 7/9; RL 7/9 in WNC 713; MM, WP 7/10; MEI 7/17; al-Watan al-Arabi 7/17 in WNC 7/23) (see 6/19, 7/8)

Israeli and Palestinian negotiators in Cairo announce agreement on Palestinian police force, release of prisoners. Police force set at 9,000, with 2,000 recruited fr. o.t. and 7,000 fr. outside. Police will be armed with automatic rifles, handguns, and be equipped with 45 APCs and 120 medium MGs. U.S. to supply 200 jeeps and other vehicles; Saudi Arabia loans C-130 aircrafto transport police. Israel agrees to release 5,000 Palestinian prisoners-2,500 after signing of accord, 2,500 when Palestinian police take over, according to PLO official Nabil Shaath and Israeli negotiator Amnon Shahak. Hamas prisoners will not be released. Negotiations on remaining issues to resume 4/17. (NYT, WP 4/13)

Israel-PLO economic talks in Paris achieve "very significant progress" according to Israeli Finance M Avraham Shohat. Agreement reportedly close on direct and indirect taxation and financial affairs, "except for currency." Sides also divided on trade and labor. (MM 4/12, 4/13)

Settler fr. Shiloh fires at stone-throwers in al-Jib village, West Bank, kills 18-yr.-old Palestinian, 4 mos.' pregnant, in nearby house. Settler arrested, curfew imposed on al-Jib. (MM 4/12, 4/13; WP, WT 4/13)

IDF kills 1 Palestinian, wounds another during stone-throwing clashes in Jalazun r.c., West Bank. In Jericho, 5high-school students wounded by Border Police rubber bullets. (MM, NYT 4/13)

Ramallah placed under curfew as IDF searches for Palestinian fugitives; house of Dr. Muhammad Wahidi, Fateh supporter whose daughter Abir was sentenced to 17 yrs.' imprisonment for mbrship. in Fateh cell that killed a settler, attacked with gunfire and antitank rockets before being bulldozed. (NYT, WT 4/13)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Paestinians in W. Bank, Gaza, Israel mark Land Day by observing general strike [FJ 4/3]. Knesset approves $29 billion austerity budget, avoids vote on funding of settlements, religious institutions, kibbutzim [MET 4/ 11].

Arab World: PLO executive committee proclaims Arafat president of State of Palestine [NYT 3/3 1].

Other Countries: Canadian diplomats for first time meet with PLO representatives at UN [NYT 3/31].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Tulkarm soldiers shoot, kill 17-year-old Palestinian. In al-Jib 22-year-old Palestinian is shot, killed by Israeli troops. In Jabalya camp soldiers open fire, kill 24-year-old Palestinian [FBIS 4/3]. In Salfit 20-year-old Palestinian is shot, killed by Israeli troops. In Hebron at least 6 Palestinians are shot by Israeli troops. In Bayt Ummar 7 Palestinians are shot. At least 30 other Palestinians are wounded in O.T. [FJ 4/3]. IDF destroys the homes of 4 Palestinians in Gaza and demolishes part of a 5th house [FBIS 4/3]. In the Galilee, Israeli authorities arrest 17 Palestinians for possessing "inciting material" [FJ 4/10].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike continues in occupied territories. Def. Min. Rabin threatens to introduce additional sanctions in W. Bank and Gaza Strip. Israeli authorities close Hebron National Bus Co. for 1 week for honoring strike. Palestinian American political activist Mubarak 'Awad is arrested in Jerusalem on charges of organizing an illegal demonstration [WP 3/17]. Israel cuts phone lines to W. Bank, Gaza Strip [NYT 3/17]. Jews from Teqoa settlement attack Bethlehem-area village of Za'tara after demonstration; settlers bulldoze walls, damage water pipes, and smash windows of houses and cars before troops intervene [FJ 3/20].

Other Countries: Pres. Reagan stresses that U.S. will not change or abandon peace proposals in talks with Israeli p.m. Shamir [CSM, WP 3/17]. Shamir suggests ceremonial opening for Arab-Israeli peace talks at U.S. -Soviet summit in Moscow [LAT 3/17].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Demonstrators in Tulkarm bum tires, block roads, and throw rocks at soldiers; troops respond with tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition, killing 3 and wounding at least 12. Palestinian is shot dead in West Bank village of Ya'bad [WP 3/171. Violent clashes are also reported in Gaza Strip's Khan Yunis and Nusayrat camps, Bethlehem's Duhayshah camp, Jalazun camp, and Jib village, near Ramallah [NYT 3/17]. Military curfews are in force in Qalqiliyyah, Jalazun camp, Tulkarm, Tulkarm camp, 'Azzun, and Nur Shams camp; Qabatiyyah and Yamun are sealed off [FJ 3/20].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Farmers from Surif and Jib'a villages near Hebron claim settlers have recently prevented them from entering 2,000 dunums of their land planted with olive and other trees [JP 9/4].

Arab World: Yasir Arafat arrives in Cairo for talks with 'Usama al-Baz, Pres. Mubarak's chief political advisor UP 9/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldier Avraham Sorek, 37, stabbed to death, another soldier seriously wounded by two unidentified men in Hebron's old marketplace. Hebron declared "closed military area"; many arrests reported. Sorek is 15th Israeli killed this year, allegedly by Palestinian guerrillas [NYT, WP, LAT, FT 9/4; LT 9/5].

Arab World: Fighting breaks out between Palestinian and Shi'ite militiamen around Burj al-Barajinah refugee camp in southem Beirut [MG 9/12]. Car bomb explodes at a South Lebanon Army checkpost; Israeli sources say only the driver, Ahmad Husayn Khadr, 24, is killed. Pro-Syrian Lebanese Ba'th party claims responsibility, states 30 SLA militiamen died in attack [WP, NYT, PI 9/4]. Beirut radio states SLA gunners shell 10 villages in retaliation [WP 9/4].

Other Countries: Attacker believed to be linked to Black September organization throws two hand grenades into Greek hotel, injuring 18 British tourists. Woman telephones Greek newspaper threatening Black September will "fill Athens with bombs" unless Greek police release Palestinian arrested 8/31 near Jordanian embassy with suitcase full of weapons [PI 9/4].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: PM Peres willing to meet with joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation [as suggested today by Pres. Mubarak] as long as it does not include PLO members [NYT 2/26].

Arab World: Pres. Mubarak urges the Reagan administration to invite Israel, joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation to US for groundwork peace talks; states he would attend; offers to host such meeting in Cairo; intl. conference thereafter could be last stage [NYT 2/25]. Syria condemns 2/11 Arafat-Hussein accord [WP 2/25].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 30 stores closed in Hebron in response to 2/22 attack on bus [JP 2/25].

Arab World: IDF continue large-scale actions in S. Lebanon: besiege Sir al-Gharbiya, Kabrika, Jubeiyeh, 'Arab Salim, Burj Rahhal, Toura, Ma'rakah, Deir Qanun, Bidias. Teenager killed by IDF in al-Bazouriya [NYT 2/25]. IDF kill one after indiscriminate fire in Nabatiya [WP 2/25]. RPGs fired at IDF patrols near al-Bazouriya, Jwaiyeh; no casualties [WP 2/25]. Roadside bomb wounds 2 IDF troops in Jib Jinnine [LAT 2/25]. 2 shells fired into southern Golan Hts.; no injuries [JP 2/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF N. Command Cmdr. Orr predicts commandos will attempt return to S. Lebanon after IDF withdrawal [JP 1/20].

Other Countries: New York jury declares Time magazine article on Ariel Sharon (11/12) false; still debates 3rd point [NYT 1/19].

Military Action

Arab World: In in S. Lebanon 3 IDF troops wounded in bomb explosion near Jwaiyeh. Katyusha fired on IDF position near jib Jinnine. IDF patrol attacked with RPGs as it passes over Qasimiya Bridge. RPGs destroy IDF jeep on coastal road south of Zahrani River. SLA soldier wounded by gunshots near Nabatiya [FJ 1/25]. Near Qlai'ah (3 km. N. of Metulla), IDF discover 2 Katyusha rockets, launchers [JP 1/20].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gov't. orders Palestinian money-changers in Jerusalem stop trading in US dollars. Ramallah military court fines Fatmeh Ja'afari IS 20,000 for possessing "illegal literature" [purchased in Jerusalem]. DM Rabin meets with Mayor Freij, approves $700,000 Saudi grant for Bethlehem development projects. FM Shamir calls for creation of new UN including "only democratic countries." Nahal inaugurates 4 settlements: Rotem in Jordan Valley, Heahzut near Gush Etzion, Amitai & Ye'elon in Negev. Morechet Benyamin Co. dumps truckloads of rubble on jib village land, rendering it unusable for farming. FM Shamir expresses alarm to visiting US congressmen at apparent Jordanian-PLO rapprochement.

Arab World: PNC Chrmn. Khalid Fahoum declines to issue invitations to PNC mtg. called by Chrmn. Arafat pending further unity talks. Christians & Muslim unite in general strike through S. Lebanon to protest Israeli kidnapping of Amal Shi'ite leaders; Phalangist Joseph Ghanem sends letter of solidarity with demonstrators in Sidon.

Other Countries: 9th anniversary of UN resolution equating Zionism with racism. Special UN panel publicizes findings on Israeli activity in occupied territories; reports Israel continues to disregard Geneva Convention on civilian rights under occupation. In New York Federal Court, hearings begin for Ariel Sharon's libel suit against Time magazine.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Curfew imposed on Dheisheh camp after Border Policeman hit with thrown rock; boys' school raided by Border Police; area declared closed military zone.

Arab World: 2 Israeli soldiers wounded by light arms fire in Jibsheet; 2 wounded by RPG fire in Ghaziya village, S. Lebanon.

Other Countries: Bomb explodes in El AL office, Vienna; no injuries.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Al-Jib land broker sells village land to Israeli authorities. Nablus customs police randomly raid local shops exacting advance tax payments.

Other Countries: Swiss Foreign Ministry confirms its Paris embassy was venue for mtgs. between Iranian & Israeli officials. NY Metropolitain Museum of Art announces disputed Israeli archaeological exhibit rescheduled for fall 1985. [See 1/27/84].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: State attorney denies June 1980 car bomb victims Karim Khalaf & Ibrahim Tawil access to files compiled from evidence. Bulldozers open several roads on al-Jib villagers' land; owners file case in protest. Arriving in Jerusalem, UN Sec. Gen. De Cuellar received by PM Shamir and FM Kimche who charge UN encourages "terrorists and murderers" seeking Israel's destruction. Kfar Darom yeshiva members tour Gaza, looking for site of future settlement in heart of Gaza city.

Arab World: Lebanese parliament votes in favor of Karami government.

Other Countries: In Geneva, Arab & Muslim countries walk out when Costa Rica Pres. Monge addresses ILO conf. to protest his moving embassy to Jerusalem; US delegation leads standing ovation by Western bloc.

Military Action

Arab World: IDF conducts search of Burj al-Rahal, S. Lebanon; residents hurl stones at IDF, troops shoot at villagers, killing 2. Head of Israel-backed "national guard" in Idwri village, S. Lebanon injured by car-bomb explosion. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Al-Jib residents request authorities remove roadblocks between the village and Jerusalem.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: In Jerusalem incident, settlers spray acid on Arab Old City residents.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Residents of al-Jib, Ramallah district, present land deeds proving 154 dunums falsely registered in name of land broker. Israeli bulldozers destroy 7 dunums of cucumbers in Rafah; authorities claim Palestinians must sign rental contract with state to farm village land. Nablus court sentences Jenin resident to 31/2 yrs. for throwing stones, writing slogans. Gaza farmers complain to Israeli tax dep't. for exacting monthly taxes in advance. Settlers break into Sa'ir secondary school, shooting in air, arresting 2 students on stone-throwing charge. As acting DM in Arens' absence, PM Shamir outlaws Arab-Jewish "Progressive Slate for Peace" (formed 5/31/84). Following Zorea Commission report, Att.-Gen. Zamir appoints civilian-military committee to investigate murder of commandos (4/12/84). Bank of Israel estimates Israel's war in Lebanon has cost $900 million to date (Haaretz). Military occupation authorities issue order No. 1 108 increasing sentence for stone-throwing to maximum 20 yrs.

Other Countries: The Jewish Press donates $26,000 to defense of the Jewish terrorist suspects.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Dep. Knesset Speaker Cohen-Avidov justifies telling his son serving in West Bank to ignore IDF restriction on use of arms against stone-throwers. Student council elections held in Gaza Islamic U. and Bir Zeit U; Student Youth Movement wins all 9 seats in BZU council. Striking dock workers force business, gov't. and port authorities to create special fund to transport cargoes by air.

Arab World: Arafat and some 4,000 loyalists sail from Tripoli on 5 chartered Greek passenger ships escorted by French Navy.

Other Countries: Resolutions adopted in UN Gen. Assembly: denouncing new US-Israeli accord [87-29, 29 abstentions]; condemning increasing collaboration between Israel and S. Africa (especially in nuclear field) [101-18, 20 abst.]; calling for economic and military sanctions against Israel [84-24, 31 abst.]; declaring Israel's decision to impose jurisdiction over Jerusalem null and void [137-1, 3 abst.]; and condemning Israel's plundering of Palestinian cultural property during occupation of Lebanon [ 120-1, 20 abst.]. S. California Edison Co. buys $15 million solar plant from Israeli firm, Ormat.

MILITARY ACTION:

Occupied Palestine!Israel: Hand-grenade thrown at Border Patrol vehicle in Gaza. Israeli troops use teargas against about 100 students protesting occupation and attempts to put al-Najah National U. under military control; hours later, petrol bomb flung at Israeli foot patrol, no injuries. Greek Orthodox nun and Muslim muezzin injured when 2 IDF grenades explode in al-Eizariya (Bethany); "TNT" claims responsibility.

Arab World: 2 Israeli soldiers and 5 Lebanese civilians wounded by grenade hurled at Israeli patrol in Sidon; 2 Israeli soldiers wounded by land mine near Jib Jennin; explosive device wounds 1 Israeli in Ghaziyeh village in S. Lebanon; attacks on Israelis in Lebanon total 6 today.