The Palestine Chronology

The IDF allows wheat, flour, rice, sugar into Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing; fatally shoots 2 Palestinians planting a bomb on the Gaza border nr. Kerem Shalom; conducts arrest raids, house searches in and around Tulkarm. Unidentified gunmen raid the broadcast studio of the leftist, anti-PA al-Ru’ah TV nr. Bethlehem, destroying its equipment. (OCHA 3/23; NYT 3/24; al-Quds 3/25; PCHR 3/30)

Israel transfers Jericho to PA security control; reporters in the town say there is no real change as a result, only one checkpoint on the main road into town has been removed (replaced by a PA checkpoint 500 yds. away, as a sign of the PA asserting its control), though all other checkpoints into and out of the city remain in place; reporters covering the transfer say that many Palestinians interviewed during the day did not realize a transfer had occurred. The IDF fires on stone-throwing Palestinians in Anabta nr. Tulkarm. Jewish settlers fr. Avraham Avino settlement in Hebron attack 1 of the few remaining Palestinian homes in the city’s Jewish enclave, demolishing its roof, damaging its foundation, clashing with Israeli police who intervene, injuring 1 officer. Jewish settlers fr. Keddumim settlement uproot 45 olive trees belonging to Palestinians fr. nearby Kafr Qadim. (BBC, HA, IDF Radio, JAZ, MM, PR, VOI, VOP 3/16; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/17; AFP, ITAR-TASS, PCHR, al-Quds 3/17; HA 3/18; HJ 3/19; OCHA, PR 3/23; PCHR 3/24)

The IDF sends troops into al-Bathan nr. Nablus who surround, open fire on a car carrying 3 Palestinians, wounding 1, arresting all 3 without explanation; later conducts arrest raids in the same area; also conducts arrest raids, house searches in al-Yamun nr. Jenin. Jewish settlers fr. Asfar uproot more than 55 olive trees belonging to Palestinians in nearby Hebron. The Ramallah–al-Bireh governorate removes, bans all pictures, placards, graffiti on building walls in the 2 cities in a “beautification” campaign. (PCHR, al-Quds 3/10; OCHA 3/16; PCHR 3/17)

The IDF discovers, disarms a bomb underneath a truck with Israeli license plates at a checkpoint outside Nablus; fatally shoots 2 armed Palestinians attempting to infiltrate Morag settlement; fires tear gas to disperse a group of Palestinians in Hebron demonstrating against the Yasin assassination, causing an elderly Palestinian to suffocate, die; fires on stone-throwing youths outside al-Fawwar r.c. nr. Hebron, on residential areas of Rafah (wounding a Palestinian construction worker at an UNRWA school site, a Palestinian inside her home); conducts arrest raids, house searches in Jayyus nr. Qalqilya; bulldozes 62 dunams of Palestinian land in al-Qarara. In the Hebron area, Palestinians throw stones at IDF troops, Jewish settler vehicles on bypass roads, causing no injuries but forcing the IDF to close the bypass routes temporarily. The Israeli navy fires on a “suspicious object” in the water 2 mi. off Gaza’s shore; Palestinian fishermen say they were targeted. Palestinian gunmen fire at a Jewish settler bus nr. Ofra, causing no injuries. Palestinians also fire a mortar at Gush Katif settlement, an antitank rocket at an IDF patrol in Gaza, causing no damage or injuries in either incident. In Israel, 1,000s of Israeli Arabs in Nazareth march in protest of Yasin’s assassination. A Palestinian dies of injuries received in the IDF missile attack on Rafah on 3/17. (AFP, AP, HA 3/23; HA, WT 3/24; PCHR 3/25)

Hamas names hard-line spokesman ‘Abd al-‘Aziz Rantisi as acting political head in Gaza and Hamas politburo chmn. Khalid Mishal, currently in exile in Damascus, acting head of the whole movement. (HA, MM 3/23; VOP 3/23 in WNC 3/25; al-Arabiyya TV [Dubai] 3/23 in WNC 4/27; HA, MM, NYT, REU, WP, WT 3/24; IDF Radio, LBC, MA, al-Quds, SA, VOI 3/24 in WNC 3/26; WP, WT 3/25; AYM 3/25, al-Quds 3/26 in WNC 3/30)

An AMB mbr. and a Hamas mbr., both fr. Gaza’s Jabaliya r.c., stage a double suicide bombing inside Israel’s Ashdod port, some 30 mi. north of the Strip, killing 11 Israelis, wounding 20, and marking the 1st suicide bombing inside Israel staged fr. Gaza and the 1st targeting civilian infrastructure. Hamas, AMB issue a communiqu´e stating that “joint, qualitative operations” involving various factions will be their practice in the future. In response, the IDF launches air strikes against 3 metal foundries, a printing press (alleged weapons factories) in Gaza City, wounding 1 Palestinian. The IDF also fatally shoots 3 armed Palestinians attempting to infiltrate Netzarim settlement; fatally shoots a Palestinian during an arrest raid in Rafah; fires on Palestinians playing soccer on a field nr. Neve Dekalim settlement, wounding 1; fires rubber bullets, stun grenades at Palestinian, Israeli, international demonstrators protesting the separation wall nr. Mod’in Ilit settlement, wounding 10; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Aida r.c., al-Qarara and nr. Nablus, Qalqilya. Jewish settlers fr. Ma’ale Shomron nr. Qalqilya bulldoze 150 dunams of adjacent Palestinian land. Jewish settlers fr. Asfar nr. Hebron confiscate 60 dunams of nearby Yatta village land (see 3/6). (BBC, HA 3/14; VOP 3/14 in WNC 3/16; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/15; MM 3/16; QA, al-Quds 3/16 in WNC 3/18; MM, PR 3/17; HA, PCHR, WJW 3/18; MEI 3/19; JPI 3/26; WP 4/1)

After Friday prayers in Jerusalem, some Palestinians demonstrate against the U.S.-led attack on Iraq; Israeli police use stun grenades, tear gas to disperse the crowd, causing only light injuries. The IDF fires on Palestinians in Qalqilya who defy the 24-hr. curfew to attend Friday prayers, injuring 4; demolishes a Palestinian home in Bethlehem; bulldozes 64 dunams of land nr. Dayr al-Balah. (AFP, HA 3/21; al-Quds 3/22 in WNC 3/24; PCHR 3/27; LAW 3/28)

U.S.-led coalition forces launch the “shock and awe” air campaign across Iraq, intended to precede a major ground offensive toward Baghdad. Ground troops launch operations to capture Umm Qasr, Basra ports and the Rumayla oil field in the south, meeting significant resistance. (CNN 3/21; NYT, WP, WT 3/22)

As the U.S.’s 48-hr. deadline for Hussein to leave Iraq draws near, Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, fearing Israel will step up attacks and impose stiff closures and curfews as soon as war on Iraq begins, close schools and businesses, hoard provisions, stay inside. Israel extends the closure on the territories (imposed 3/17 for Purim) until 3/30. The IDF demolishes a Palestinian home in Dayr al-Balah; conducts arrest raids in Jenin, al-Maghazi r.c., Qalqilya, Tulkarm. AMB gunmen ambush, fatally shoot a Jewish settler driving nr. Jenin. Israeli police arrest 3 Israeli Arabs fr. Acre on suspicion of joining Islamic Jihad, plotting attacks on Israelis. (AFP, JTA 3/19; HA, NYT, PCHR 3/20; PCHR 3/27; HA 4/3)

Abbas accepts Arafat’s nomination as PM, is given 3 wks. to form a government. (HA, MM 3/19; AYM, Interfax 3/19 in WNC 3/20; HA, NYT, WP 3/20; AYM 3/25, al-Quds 3/27 in WNC 3/28)

Just 90 mins. after the U.S. deadline passes for Hussein to leave Iraq, the U.S. makes a single strike on Baghdad, acting on intelligence of where Hussein, his top officials and sons could be found, assassinated. The strike marks the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom, but not the start of the “shock and awe” air campaign that the U.S. previously indicated would launch the war. Iraqi TV airs 2 videos of Hussein that suggest he was unharmed. (MM 3/19; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/20; MM 4/21)

Senior Hamas mbr. Ali Alan, an IDF soldier are killed in an exchange of gunfire nr. Bethlehem; a 2d IDF soldier is injured. The IDF fatally shoots senior Hamas mbr. Nasir Assida nr. Nablus in what may be an assassination. A 3d Palestinian dies of injuries received on 3/17. The IDF also demolishes a Palestinian home nr. Bethlehem; occupies a Palestinian home, bulldozes 12 dunams of land in Dayr al-Balah. (HA 3/18; NYT, WP 3/19; PCHR 3/20)

The Palestinian Council (PC) approves (69–0, with 1 abstention) a bill creating the position of PM. Arafat immediately issues a presidential decree officially nominating Abbas as PM. (HA 3/18; XIN 3/18 in WNC 3/19; MM, NYT, PR, WT 3/19; MENA, al-Quds 3/19 in WNC 3/20)

The IDF raids a building in Jenin r.c., killing local AMB cmdr. Yusif Masharqa, 4 Islamic Jihad mbrs. in what may be an assassination; fatally shoots a stone-throwing Palestinian in Azun; conducts arrest raids in Hebron, Rafah; fires on residential areas of Rafah; bulldozes 8 dunams of land in Khan Yunis. A Palestinian gunman fires on a car traveling a bypass road nr. Adora, lightly wounding 1 Jewish settler (HA, MM 3/14; HA, NYT 3/15; al-Quds 3/15 in WNC 3/17; PCHR 3/20)

Bush says he will not release the road map until the PA appoints a “credible” Palestinian PM in a “position of real authority.” (HA 3/14; XIN 3/14, MENA, al-Quds, XIN 3/15, JT, MA, SA 3/16 in WNC 3/17; al-Ra’i 3/15 in WNC 3/18; HA, NYT, WP, WT 3/15; NYT 3/16; MM 3/17; AYM 3/17 in WNC 3/19; MM 3/18; AYM 3/18 in WNC 3/20; PR 3/19; WJW 3/20; MEI 3/21; NYT 3/23) (see 3/8)

After a wk. of outrage over his comments on Jewish political leverage (see 3/10), Rep. Moran gives up his House leadership post as mid-Atlantic regional whip for the Democratic Caucus, apologizing for his “insensitive” remarks. The American Jewish Comm. says his resignation is “a step in the right direction.” (WP 3/15; WP 3/16; WJW 3/20)

The IDF assassinates senior Hamas political official Ibrahim Maqadama, the most senior Palestinian to be killed by Israel since the start of the intifada, firing missiles at his car as he drives in Gaza City, also killing his 3 bodyguards, injuring a 4th bodyguard and 2 bystanders. Hamas fires 4 Qassam rockets at Sederot, despite the IDF reoccupation of the n. Gaza border area, causing no damage or injuries. The IDF also fatally shoots a Palestinian demonstrator in Bayt Lahia; shells residential areas of Jaba, killing 1 Palestinian; conducts arrest raids in Hebron, Nablus; demolishes 3 Palestinian homes in Hebron, 1 in Dayr al-Balah, 1 nr. Kefar Darom, 1 in Qabatiyya. An Israeli dies of injuries received in the 3/5 Haifa bombing. A Palestinian dies of injuries received in Jabaliya on 3/6. Jewish settlers fr. Kiryat Arba forcibly evict a Palestinian family fr. their home in Dayr al-Mahawir, outside Hebron, and occupy the building. (VOI 3/8 in WNC 3/10; HA, NYT, WP, WT 3/9; PM, WT 3/10; PR 3/12; LAW, PCHR 3/13; MEI 3/21)

The Bush admin. announces that the U.S. will not release the road map until after the Iraq crisis is resolved. (NYT 3/9; PR 3/12; al-Quds 3/13 in WNC 3/14)

The IDF continues operations in Jabaliya r.c., demolishing 8 Palestinian homes, shelling an apartment building and attached store; as firemen fight the blaze and Palestinians gather at the scene, an IDF tank fires a shell, possibly containing flechettes, at the crowd, killing 8 Palestinians (including 1 firefighter, 3 children), wounding more than 60 (including 2 Reuters journalists; another 60 Palestinians are wounded in Jabaliya during the day); the IDF pulls out of the camp later in the morning. The IDF also fatally shoots a Palestinian demonstrator in Nablus; fatally shoots a Palestinian during an arrest raid in Bethlehem; returns gunfire directed at an IDF patrol outside Hebron, killing a Palestinian shepherd tending her flock nearby; demolishes a Palestinian home outside Jenin; fires on residential areas of Nablus, al-Qarara. A 13th Palestinian dies of injuries received on 2/5/03. Late in the evening, the IDF fatally shoots a Palestinian allegedly attempting to infiltrate Hamra settlement; arrests Islamic Jihad Jenin head Muhammad Abu Rub. Palestinians fire 2 Qassam rockets at Sederot, causing no damage or injuries. (AP, HA, MM, REU 3/6; MENA 3/6 in WNC 3/7; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/7; al-Quds 3/7 in WNC 3/10; PR 3/12; LAW, PCHR 3/13; MEI 3/21)

Arafat nominates Abbas as his candidate for PM. Abbas says he would accept only if it is not merely a symbolic post. The PM’s duties have yet to be defined. (HA, MM, NYT 3/7; AYM, al-Quds 3/8 in WNC 3/10; PR 3/12; WJW 3/13)

In a rare speech to the nation, Bush prepares the public for imminent war with Iraq, claiming that Iraq has trained and financed “al-Qa‘ida and al-Qa‘ida-type organizations” and is building new missiles and weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) rather than destroying them. (NYT, WP, WT 3/7)

A Palestinian wounded by the IDF 2 wks. ago deteriorates rapidly, dies after an Israeli hospital insisted on transferring him to a Palestinian hospital on 2/25 despite the extreme weather. The IDF arrests an Islamic Jihad mbr. in the West Bank, blows up a car it says he was rigging as a bomb; blows up 9 Palestinian homes in Rafah, 1 in Balata r.c. (also destroying 2 nearby homes). An IDF military court accuses a Nablus-based PFLP cell of plotting to assassinate Shas leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, the Israeli amb. to Jordan. A Tel Aviv court sentences an Israeli Arab to 4 yrs. for transferring arms to the tanzim. (HA 2/26; HA, LAW, PCHR, PM 2/27; LAW 3/13)

Bush outlines his vision for the Middle East in a post-Saddam Hussein environment, arguing that the overthrow of the Iraqi pres. and his regime will serve as a catalyst for peace in the region, explicitly linking resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and creation of a “truly democratic Palestinian state” to removing Hussein (HA, NYT, WP, WT 2/27; MENA 2/27 in WNC 2/28; JP, WP 2/28; al-Quds 3/2 in WNC 3/5; MM 3/5; WJW 3/6; MEI 3/7)

In Netanya, in n. Israel, a Hamas suicide bomber detonates a device in a hotel restaurant were Israelis are holding Passover dinner, killing at least 19 Israelis, wounding around 100. The PA denounces the bombing, sends PSF branches a list of senior Hamas activists it wants arrested. The IDF shells Palestinian residential areas of Hebron; enters, directs heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Brazil. (AP, CNN, HA, PCHR 3/27; MM, NYT, PMC, WP, WT 3/28; ITAR-TASS 3/28 in WNC 3/29; MA 3/31 in WNC 4/1; JP, MEI 4/5)

The Arab summit opens in Beirut. Crown Prince Abdallah presents his 2/17 initiative for consideration. (HA, MM 3/27; AFP, MENA, QA, RMC, SA, XIN 3/27 in WNC 3/28; AKH 3/27, QA, al-Quds 3/28 in WNC 3/29; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/28; HA 4/4; MEI 4/5)

When 2 AMB mbrs. are halted by soldiers at an IDF checkpoint into Jerusalem, they detonate a bomb, killing only themselves. Unidentified gunmen open fire on a car on a road typically used by Jewish settlers, killing 2 mbrs. of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH) observer force, wounding 1; the car is clearly marked as a TIPH vehicle. The wounded TIPH mbr. says the gunman wore a PSF uniform and carried a Kalashnikov rifle; the PA denies any connection. (AP, HA, MM 3/26; NYT, WP, WT 3/27; AFP, ATL 3/27 in WNC 3/28; ATL 3/29 in WNC 4/1; JP 4/5)

Under strong pressure fr. the U.S., Sharon agrees to allow Arafat to travel to Beirut for the Arab summit but says he must call for a halt to the intifada and asks the U.S. to agree that Israel could bar him fr. returning if violence continues while he is in Beirut. (In interviews with the press, Sharon also says he regrets having promised Bush that he not physically harm Arafat.) The U.S. refuses Sharon's demand. Arafat says he will not go, fearing exile. In response, Pres. Husni Mubarak of Egypt, King Abdallah of Jordan say they will not attend the summit. (AP, MM 3/26; ITAR-TASS, MENA 3/26 in WNC 3/27; HA, NYT, WP, WT 3/27; MENA 3/27 in WNC 3/28)

Zinni cancels a trilateral security comm. mtg. to discuss his 3/24 bridging proposals, saying the sides are too far apart to bother meeting. (HA 3/26; NYT 3/27; al-Quds 3/31 in WNC 4/2)

Jordanian security fires on a suspicious car nr. the Israeli border, killing 2 men; 4 Arabs get away, infiltrate the border, are tracked and fatally shot by the IDF in the n. Galilee. The IDF also shoots dead 4 Palestinians in Gaza. Palestinian gunmen fatally shoot 2 Jewish settlers nr. Hebron, nr. Ramallah. (HP 3/24; HA, MM, NYT, PMC, WP, WT 3/25; PCHR 3/27)

Zinni presents Israel, the PA with "bridging proposals" for 3-phase implementation of a cease-fire agmt.; gives the sides until 3/26 to respond. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/25; al-Quds 3/26 in WNC 3/27; MM 3/27)

The IDF make arrest raids into several PA-controlled villages in the West Bank, Rafah. In response to the raids, an AMB suicide bomber detonates a device in West Jerusalem, killing 3 Israelis, wounding 40. Arafat immediately strongly condemns the bombing, vows to arrest those behind it, phones local Palestinian leaders and holds a mtg. with the heads of Palestinian factions to urge against such attacks. Sharon, hid inner cabinet discuss taking massive military actions but decide to delay retaliation during Zinni's mission; cancel trilateral security comm. mtgs. for 1 day instead. (AFP, AP, MM 3/21; AKH 3/21 in WNC 3/22; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/22; SA 3/24 in WNC 3/27; MM 3/25; PCHR 3/27)

In Ramallah, Arafat meets with senior PA officials, heads of the nationalist and Islamist groups to urge them to halt attacks targeting Israeli civilians. (Islamic Jihad does not attend.) Some groups (e.g., Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine [DFLP], Hamas) oppose declaring a formal cease-fire unless Israel agrees to take steps in return. (al-Quds 3/22 in WNC 3/25)

Just before Zinni arrives, Israel begins pulling back gradually fr. Ramallah. The U.S., PA say that is not enough, with the State Dept. publicly stating, "We want to see a full withdrawal" fr. area A, including all Palestinian towns, refugee camps. During the day, at least 5 Palestinians are killed in Ramallah, 1 Palestinian dies of injuries received on 3/5; 2 explosions nr. Tulkarm kill 6 Palestinians (including senior AMB mbr. Mutasim Makhluf) in what are thought to be assassinations; 2 Palestinian collaborators are killed by Fatah Hawks mbrs. in Bethlehem. In an incident similar to that on 2/14, Palestinian assailants detonate a powerful roadside bomb in Gaza, destroying a Merkava tank, killing 3 IDF soldiers, wounding 2; the AMB, PFLP each claim responsibility. In al-Bireh and nr. Ramallah, Palestinians fire RPGs at 2 tanks, damaging them. Palestinian gunmen fire on Gilo settlement, causing no damage. In retaliation, the IDF sends tanks into the heart of Bethlehem, firing repeatedly at a Catholic maternity hospital and orphanage, which houses 16 patients and 50 children ages 5 and younger, causing damage but no injuries. IDF shelling, heavy machine gun fire are also reported in `Ayn Arik, Beitunia, al-Irsal, al-Tira, Umm al-Sharayit. The IDF demolishes 15 Palestinian homes in al-Mighraqa village in Gaza; makes arrest raids into onto al-Naqura, Shu`fat. Jewish settlers fr. Ma'ale Mikhmas, guarded by IDF soldiers, attack and drive off several bedouin families camping nr. the settlement. (AFP 3/13, MA, QA, XIN 3/14 in WNC 3/15; HP, LAW, MM 3/14; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/15; Die Presse [Vienna] 3/15, al-Quds 3/16 in WNC 3/18; LAW 3/20; MEI 3/22)

Zinni meets with local reps. of the quartet--an ad hoc diplomatic formation of the EU, Russia, UN, U.S. employed at times when presenting a united international front may more effectively press Israel and the PA to take a desired course of action. He then meets with Sharon. (XIN 3/14 in WNC 3/15; MM, NYT, WT 3/15; MEI 3/22)

The IDF raids Jabaliya refugee camp in Gaza, killing 18 Palestinians, injuring 10s. Another 6 Palestinians are killed elsewhere, including 2 killed in the ongoing incursion into Qalqilya, where soldiers conduct predawn house-to-house searches. IDF troops are also reported in Gaza's Bureij refugee camp, the West Bank's Amari r.c., Beitunia. The IDF bulldozes the Jabaliya house of the family of a Palestinian gunman who killed 5 settlers on 3/7; blows up several workshops the IDF claims manufactured mortars, rockets; shells Gaza sites fr. the sea. To date, the IDF reportedly has rounded up over 2,000 Palestinian men aged 15-45 in the refugee camps, writing numbers on their arms to facilitate their processing; only 6 of those detained were on Israel's wanted list; many have been released (e.g., 66 of 500 detained in Tulkarm are still being held). Sharon says Arafat may leave Ramallah, but forbids him to travel outside the West Bank, Gaza. (AFP, AP, HA, HP 3/11; AFP, AP, BBC, HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/12; MENA 3/12 in WNC 3/13; MENA 3/12, al-Quds 3/13 in WNC 3/14; LAW, MM, WP 3/13; MEI 3/22)

Israel intensifies its offensive across the West Bank and Gaza, leaving more than 40 Palestinian dead (including 3 paramedics), 200 injured--the highest single-day toll since the al-Aqsa intifada began. 1 IDF soldier is also killed. Early this morning, the IDF sends troops into Khuza' village nr. Khan Yunis, killing 16 Palestinians, including PSF regional cmdr. Maj. Gen. Ahmad Mifraj. In Bayt Hanina, the IDF are photographed executing an AMB mbr. hand-cuffed, in custody. The IDF continues house-to-house searches in Aida and Dahaysha, leaving 6 Palestinians dead. Another 6 Palestinians are killed in IDF raids in the Tulkarm area, 5 in a helicopter attack on a PSF office in Gaza City, 1 in Jenin r.c. A pregnant Palestinian woman, her baby die when the IDF bars their transportation to a Tulkarm hospital. In Tulkarm r.c., the IDF calls on all men age 15-45 to surrender for questioning. The IDF shells at least 1 building on Bethlehem University campus. In Jerusalem, Israeli police fatally shoot 1 Palestinian allegedly preparing to detonate a suicide bomb. 10s of armed Jewish settlers, accompanied by several IDF jeeps, raid Hawara village, nr. where a settler was wounded on 3/7, damaging homes, firing in the air The PSF arrests PFLP mbr. Majid Rimawi, the 4th Palestinian wanted by Israel in connection with the Ze'evi assassination. (BDL, LAW, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/8; MENA 3/8, al-Quds 3/9, SA 3/10 in WNC 3/11; BDL, GS, LAW, NYT, WP, WT 3/9; PMC, WP 3/10; Le Monde 3/10 in WNC 3/13; LAW 3/13)

Retaliating for the firing of Qassam-2s on 3/5, the IDF launches air, land, sea strikes on PA targets across the West Bank and Gaza, striking and partially demolishing Arafat's residence in Gaza City and a UNRWA school for the blind, among other sites. The IDF also shells the PA compound in Ramallah while Arafat is meeting with EU special envoy Miguel Moratinos; they are not injured. Sharon vows to continue the strikes "without letup" until the Palestinians stop attacking Israeli soldiers, civilians. During the day, at least 13 Palestinians are killed, including senior Hamas mbr. `Abd al-Nassar Ghazal in a possible assassination in Gaza, 4 PA naval police killed by IDF shelling in Gaza, 1 Palestinian shot dead nr. Nablus, 1 killed in a questionable explosion nr. Qalqilya, 4 who die of injuries received earlier. 2 IDF soldiers are killed in clashes in Khan Yunis and Rafah. F-16s bomb a Gaza police headquarters where PSF officers had been scheduled to meet, leading the PA to believe the attack was a failed assassination attempt against PSF chief Brig. Gen. `Abd al-Raziq Majayda. The IDF also makes arrest raids and demolishes at least 2 Palestinian houses in Gaza; fires on a Palestinian school in Silat al-Dahir, injuring 4 students; bulldozes Palestinian land in al-Khadir; maintains closure on Balata, Jenin. Over 20 Jewish settlers fr. Yitzhar fire on a neighboring Palestinian village; attack IDF soldiers who intervene, beating them, puncturing tires on their jeeps. Jewish settlers also cut down 300 Palestinian-owned olive trees nr. Hebron; IDF troops reportedly fire warning shots at Palestinians who attempt to intervene. (AP, HP, MM 3/6; AFP, al-Quds 3/6 in WNC 3/7; JP [Internet], LAW, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/7; MENA, RNE 3/7 in WNC 3/8; JP 3/15)

In an apparent assassination attempt aimed at Hamas political leader Hussein Abu Kuwayk, the IDF fires rockets at a truck driving in Ramallah, killing Abu Kuwayk's wife and 3 children, plus 2 Palestinian bystanders. The IDF reenters Jenin r.c., sparking heavy street fighting that leaves at least 9 Palestinians dead, including a doctor killed when his ambulance is hit by an IDF tank shell, also wounding 5 paramedics. The IDF also remains in Balata; temporarily invades Rafah refugee camp, killing 3 Palestinians, bulldozing several Palestinian homes; fatally shoots 1 Palestinian at a checkpoint nr. Qalqilya; shells, destroys the PSF headquarters in Bethlehem; fires shells fr. gunboats at the PA headquarters in Gaza City but misses; directs heavy machine gun fire at Tamun. Late this evening in Tel Aviv, an AMB gunman (a Balata resident) kills 3 Israelis, wounds 31 before being shot dead by a restaurant patron. (AP, JP [Internet], NYT, WP, WT 3/4; HA, HP, NYT, WP, WT 3/5; LAW, MM, PCHR 3/6; MM, WT 3/7; AYM 3/7 in WNC 3/8; MEI 3/8; JP 3/15; MEI 3/22)

Sharon tells journalists, "If the Palestinians are not being beaten, there will be no negotiations. The aim [of Israel's recent attacks on the Palestinians] is to increase the number of losses on the other side. Only after they have been battered will we be able to conduct talks." Sharon also reaffirms his plans to create buffer zones. (JP [Internet], MM, NYT, WP 3/5; al-Quds 3/5 in WNC 3/6; MM 3/6; MENA 3/6 in WNC 3/7; Economist 3/7; MEI 3/8, 3/22)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving a total of 6 Palestinians, 2 Israelis dead. A Palestinian suicide bomber detonates a nail bomb at a bus stop just inside Israel, nr. Qalqilya, killing 2 Israelis, wounding 4. Hamas, and a previously unknown group named the Popular Army Front Return Battalions claim responsibility. Israeli sappers disarm bombs in the Israeli cities of Petah Tikva, Netanya. This evening, after the Arab summit ends, Sharon orders air, land, sea strikes against Force 17 targets in Dayr al-Balah, Jabaliyya, Khan Yunis, Rafah, Ramallah, killing 3 Palestinians, injuring 62. Nr. Beitunia, a Palestinian woman is shot dead by IDF troops. In Rafah, a Palestinian boy is killed when he triggers unexploded IDF ordnance. The IDF reinforces its troop presence around Abu Sunayna in Hebron with 8 tanks, 15 troop carriers, numerous military jeeps and 3 new outposts; shells residential areas in Nablus; confiscates 28 dunams of Palestinian land in Beitunia to expand an IDF post; bulldozes Palestinian land in Mount Jarzim, Wadi Silqa. Israel issues demolition orders for 19 Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem for construction of the "ring road" linking the Jewish settlements around Jerusalem; 658 dunams of Palestinian land is slated to be bulldozed for the project. Jewish settlers attack Palestinians and their property in Bayt Furik, Hebron, Silat Dahir. Settlers fr. Ma'ale Adumim, Kefar Atsion reportedly move into the Israeli controlled section of Hebron to reinforce settlers there. In Hebron, the PSF arrests a local Fatah mbr. for the 3/26 shooting that killed a settler baby. (BBC, CNN, HP, MM, REU 3/28; AFP, ATL 3/28 in WNC 3/29; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/29; AFP, Interfax, MENA, al-Quds 3/29 in WNC 3/30; LAW, MM, WP 3/30; MA, MENA, al-Safir 3/30 in WNC 4/2; MM 4/3; JP, MEI 4/6; al-Quds 4/15 in WNC 4/16; WP 4/23; al-Ahram [Internet] 4/26)

The Arab League summit closes. Arab states approve a $240 m. emergency aid for the PA over the next 6 mos. (MM 3/28; HJ 3/28 in WNC 3/29; MM, NYT, WP 3/29; JT 3/29 in WNC 3/30; HJ 3/29 in WNC 4/3; al-Ra'i 3/30, Star 3/31, JT 4/1 in WNC 4/2; JP, MEI 4/6; al-Quds 4/10 in WNC 4/12)

2 bombs, the 4th and 5th since Sharon's 2/6 election, explode outside the Jewish settlements of Talpiot, French Hill in East Jerusalem, killing an apparent Palestinian suicide bomber, injuring 35 Israelis. Islamic Jihad takes responsibility for both attacks. Right-wing opposition MKs, Jewish settlers accuse Sharon of not taking Israeli security seriously and demand retaliation, with Likud Education M Limor Livnat saying Arafat should be targeted. Sharon's office says Israel will respond "at the time and place we choose." (AFP [Internet], MM 3/27; ITAR-TASS 3/27 in WNC 3/28; MM, NYT, WP 3/28; WJW 3/29; AFP 3/29 in WNC 3/30; JP, MEI 4/6)

In the West Bank and Gaza, Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Palestinian dead. In Hebron, Jewish settlers attempt to storm Abu Sunayna for a 2d day, are push back by the IDF (which continues to urge Palestinian residents to evacuate the area). After dark, the settlers set fire to 5 Palestinian-owned stores, 7 cars, Waqf offices in the PA-controlled section of Hebron. Jewish settlers place caravans on confiscated Palestinian land on Mount Jarzim in Nablus. Israel arrests 2 Israeli border policemen for beating, torturing a Palestinian at a checkpoint into Israel earlier today. (MM 3/27; HA, HP, NYT, WP 3/28; AFP [Internet], NYT 3/29; MEI 4/6)

The 1st full Arab League summit in 12 yrs. opens in Amman. The agenda covers the peace process, aid to the Palestinians, Arab solidarity, inter-Arab economic ties, sanctions on Iraq. (MM 3/27; AN, DUS, JT, SA 3/27 in WNC 3/28; AYM 3/27, HJ, JT, SA 3/28 in WNC 3/29; MM, WP, USIS Washington File 3/28; JP, MEI 4/6)

On the sidelines of the Arab summit, Syrian pres. Asad meets with Arafat, marking the 1st senior-level Palestinian-Syrian mtg. since 1993. (JT 3/28 in WNC 3/29; MM, WP, USIS Washington File 3/28; JT, al-Quds 3/29 in WNC 3/30; DUS 3/30 in WNC 4/2; al-Majd 4/2 in WNC 4/3; AYM 4/2, HJ 4/3 in WNC 4/5; JP, MEI 4/6; MM 4/20)

After a week of negotiations on 2 compromise proposals fail, the U.S. vetoes a UNSC resolution backing a UN observer force to help protect the Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza. (AP 3/27; XIN 3/27 in WNC 3/28; WP 3/28; MM, NYT, WJW, WT 3/29; al-Quds 3/29 in WNC 3/30; MM 3/30; al-Quds 4/3 in WNC 4/5)

In Washington, Sharon holds talks with Bush on bilateral and regional issues, outlines his peace ideas, reiterates that he will not negotiate with the PA until all Palestinian violence stops. Bush agrees that Israel cannot negotiate under threat of violence, says that the U.S. will not force peace in the Middle East and that Arafat will not be welcome at the White House until he halts clashes. U.S. officials urge Sharon against approving a plan passed by the Jerusaelm municipal comm. today to expand Har Homa/Jabal Abu Ghunaym settlement. (HA, REU 3/20; AFP [Internet], MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/21; HJ 3/21, AYM, MENA 3/23 in WNC 3/26; WJW 3/22; al-Quds 3/22 in WNC 3/23; MM 3/23; HJ 3/24 in WNC 3/27; MEI 4/6; WJW 4/12; WP 4/16; HA 4/20)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. An ailing Palestinian dies en route to the hospital after being detained at an IDF checkpoint for 1 hr. Israel continues to ease the internal closure on some Gaza and West Bank cities, including opening 2 roads to Ramallah and allowing some Palestinians access to them. The IDF demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in Bayt Umar; dig a 10 km. trench on Palestinian land in Bir al-Miyar nr. Jinin; confiscate 2 dunams of Palestinian land outside Bayt Jala for a new military post, 166 dunams of land in al-Qarara nr. Khan Yunis; conduct arrest raids in al-Khadir, detaining 3 Palestinians. Jewish settlers place 2 trailers on Palestinian land nr. Beitar. (HP, MM 3/13; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/14; al-Quds 3/14 in WNC 3/15; al-Quds 3/14, MA 3/16 in WNC 3/20; AFP [Internet], LAW, NYT, WJW 3/15; LAW 3/17)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Palestinian dead. The IDF shells residential areas of Bayt Hanun, Hebron, Nablus. Also in Hebron, Jewish settlers stone Palestinians, beat 3 Palestinian journalists working for AFP. (WP, WT 3/11; LAW 3/17)

The PC holds its 1st full session since the al-Aqsa intifada began. Arafat appeals to the new Israeli government to resume peace talks, acknowledges Israel's "need for security and safety," but does not call for a halt to the clashes, as Israeli officials had hoped. (NYT, WP, WT 3/11; JT 3/11 in WNC 3/13; al-Quds 3/11 in WNC 3/15; HA, MM 3/12; MEI 3/23)

After the Knesset approves his 7-party coalition, Sharon is sworn in as PM of Israel. The Knesset also passes a preliminary budget for 2001, a measure switching back to the 1-ballot voting system. The 7 parties in the unity government are Labor, Likud, One Nation, Shas, National Union Party, Yisrael Ba'Aliya, Yisrael Beitainu. Sharon's cabinet is the largest in Israeli history. (HA, JP [Internet], MM 3/7; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/8; MM 3/9; MA, SA 3/9 in WNC 3/13; WT 3/10; WP 4/1)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. Israel seals the West Bank, Gaza. Hrs. after Sharon's swearing in, the IDF digs a trench, erects an earthen barrier on the Birzeit-Ramallah road, completely encircling Ramallah. Electricity, water lines to Birzeit University are cut. The IDF also tightens the closures on Bayt Lid, Bethlehem, al-Kifriyat, Nablus, Ramin, Safarin, Shufa, Tulkarm, Zayta; directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Rafah, Shaykh Ajlin; conducts arrest sweeps in Burqa. Jewish settlers establish a new settlement enclave on confiscated Palestinian land nr. Nablus. (HA, HP, LAW 3/7; HA 3/8; WP, al-Quds 3/12; JT 3/13 in WNC 3/14; HA 3/15; al-Quds 3/16 in WNC 3/20; MEI 3/23; Middle East Report 3/28; HJ 4/10 in WNC 4/18)

The 1st round of PA-Israeli FAPS talks at Bolling ends. The State Dept. says the teams spent this round "attempting to achieve a better understanding of each other's needs and requirements." No progress was made on narrowing the gaps in their positions. Teams agree to open a 2d round of talks at Bolling on 4/6. (NYT, WP, WT 3/29; AYM, al-Quds 3/29 in WNC 3/30; AYM 4/1 in WNC 4/6)

Barak phones Egypt's Mubarak in Washington to brief him on Israel's views on the 3/26 Clinton-Asad mtg. in Geneva. Egyptian FM Musa phones Syrian FM Shara` to discuss Syria's view of the 3/26 mtg. (MENA 3/28 in WNC 3/29; MEI 4/7)

In Washington for talks on bilateral relations, Pres. Mubarak meets with Pres. Clinton to discuss the peace process. Clinton calls for "intensifying" PA-Israeli negotiations, says that "the ball is in [Asad's] court" regarding movement on the Syrian-Israeli track. (MENA 3/28 in WNC 3/29; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/29; MENA 3/29 in WNC 3/30; MM 3/30; DUS, MENA 3/30 in WNC 3/31; MM 4/3; MEI 4/7)

Jordan indicts 28 Arabs allegedly linked to Saudi dissident Osama Bin Laden on terrorism charges for conspiring to attack U.S., Israeli targets during New Year's celebrations. 15 suspects are in custody; 13 others are at large. Most of the suspects are Jordanian, others are Algerian, Iraqi, Palestinian, Yemeni. (DUS 3/28 in WNC 3/29; NYT, WP 3/29; DUS 3/29 in WNC 3/30; NYT 4/11)

After a 7-mo. investigation, Israeli police recommend that fmr. PM Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara be indicted on criminal charges of fraud, bribery, theft of 700 state gifts worth $100,000, obstruction of justice. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/29)

Bowing to Washington, OPEC agrees to boost oil output. (Iran refuses to sign the agmt. in protest to the U.S. but agrees to comply in effect.) Clinton calls the move "good news . . . for the American consumer," but many OPEC officials complain that the heavy-handed U.S. pressure (especially fr. Energy Secy. Bill Richardson, who hopes to be chosen as VP Al Gore's running mate for the 11/00 U.S. elections) makes their own political and economic situations more awkward. (CSM, NYT, WP 3/29; WP 3/30; MEI 4/7) (see 3/24)

In Geneva, Pres. Clinton presents Syrian pres. Asad, FM Shara` with a maximalist proposal fr. Israeli PM Barak for a Golan withdrawal that would place the final border east of the 1923 international border around Lake Tiberias. Asad rejects the proposal outright. After the mtg., the U.S. says that it would not be productive for Israel, Syria to resume talks now, since "it's not obvious that . . . differences can be bridged." (WP 3/26; al-Quds 3/26 in WNC 3/28; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/27; al-Quds 3/27, DUS, Le Monde 3/28 in WNC 3/29; XIN 3/27 in WNC 4/12; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/28; AYM, al-Quds 3/28 in WNC 3/30; WP 3/29; WJW 3/30, 4/6; al-Quds 4/6 in WNC 4/11; JP, MEI 4/7)

The pope ends his Middle East trip by holding Sunday mass at the Basilica of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, joining worshipers at the Western Wall, visiting with the grand mufti of Jerusalem, meeting with Latin patriarchs and bishops. (NYT, WP, WT 3/27; WJW 3/30; JP 3/31)

Pres. Clinton announces that he will meet Syrian pres. Asad in Geneva on 3/26 in hopes of restarting Syrian-Israeli talks. (MM 3/20; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/21; MENA 3/21 in WNC 3/22; MM 3/22; MENA 3/21, Le Monde 3/22 in WNC 3/23; MM, WJW 3/23; MEI 3/24; JP 3/31) (see 3/1)

Pope John Paul II arrives in Jordan on the 1st leg of a 1-wk. Middle East tour, meets with King Abdallah. The pope's theme for the trip is that regional leaders should do more to reach a lasting peace, to promote Christian-Jewish-Muslim understanding. (MM 3/20; al-Quds 3/20 in WNC 3/22; CSM, NYT, WT 3/21; al-Quds 3/21 in WNC 3/23; MEI 3/24)

IDF soldiers open fire on a Palestinian car at a West Bank checkpoint, killing a woman, wounding her husband. The IDF shooting, which was apparently unprovoked, followed a drive-by shooting at nearby Tsurif settlement that wounded 4 Jewish settlers. (WP 3/21; WJW 3/23; MEI 3/24; NYT 4/21)