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  • September 19, 2022

    In the West Bank, unidentified assailants opened fire at a military post and at a settler vehicle near Huwwara; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces demolished 3 structures in 'Arab al-...

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  • February 10, 2018

    In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians and issue 4 arrest summons during late-night raids near Tulkarm, Hebron, Bethlehem, and in Nablus; and patrol near Qalqilya and Hebron. They also...

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  • February 20, 2015

    In Gaza, police arrest 2 Palestinians for allegedly planting an explosive outside al-Quds Open University. In Hebron, hundreds of Palestinians and international activists gather at the entrance to...

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  • December 13, 2014

    In the Gaza Strip, Egyptian troops on the border nr. Rafah shoot and injure a Palestinian fisherman. In the West Bank, the IDF violently disperses Palestinian and international activists gathering...

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  • November 29, 2014

    In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops along the n. border open fire on a group of Palestinian youth playing nr. the fence, seriously injuring 1. Later, a separate group of Israeli soldiers nearby opens...

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  • November 28, 2014

    In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops on the border twice open fire on Palestinian homes, causing 1 injury. In 2 separate incidents off the coast nr. Rafah, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian...

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  • November 22, 2014

    In the Gaza Strip, IDF troopsstationed along the border arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to enter Israel overnight. In the West Bank, 4 Israeli settlers, including 1 private security officer,...

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  • November 21, 2014

    In the Gaza Strip,IDF troopsshoot and injure a Palestinian as he approaches the border fence e. of Jabaliya. Later, IDF troops along the border fence arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to enter...

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  • August 16, 2014

    In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians continue to undertake emergency relief efforts, uncovering many bodies of people killed earlier during Israel’s Operation Protective Edge (OPE), while many more...

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  • March 15, 2013

    Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu finalizes a deal to form a new coalition government comprising of his joint Likud-Yisrael Beiteinu list, Yesh Atid (19 seats), Bayit Yehudi (12 seats), and Hatnua (6...

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  • February 22, 2013

    Across the West Bank, clashes continue between the IDF and Palestinians protesting in solidarity with prisoners in Israeli jails.

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  • October 16, 2011

    Palestinians rally in solidarity with prisoners in Israeli jails, and clash with the IDF at a demonstration outside Ofer military prison nr. Ramallah; no serious injuries are reported. Palestinian...

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  • October 11, 2011

    Israel announces it has signed a prisoner swap agreement in Cairo with Hamas, which agreed to free IDF soldier Gilad Shalit (captured on the Gaza border in 6/2006). In return, Israel will release...

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  • October 23, 2010

    In the West Bank, Palestinians burn an IDF barrier blocking a road into Jayyus village nr. Qalqilya to protest the closure of the road; IDF troops enter late in the evening to reestablish the...

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  • May 8, 2010

    After 5 days of talks with U.S. envoy Mitchell, Israel and the PLO Exec. Comm. formally agree to launch 4 mos. of proximity talks, marking the first peace talks since 12/08. (WT 5/3)

    ...

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  • March 28, 2009

    In the West Bank, the IDF beats and fires tear gas, percussion grenades at Palestinian, Israeli, and international activists (including Israeli Palestinian MK Muhammad Baraka) who hold a...

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  • April 1, 2006

    In response to Palestinians firing 3 rockets fr. Gaza into Israel overnight (causing no damage or injuries), the IDF shells the n. Gaza no-go zone fr. land and sea, severely damaging the Bayt...

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  • February 8, 2005

    Abbas, Sharon hold their 1st talks in Sharm al-Shaykh, then each meets separately with Mubarak, King Abdallah of Jordan. Afterward, Abbas announces that “Palestinian will stop all acts of violence...

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  • April 5, 2004

    The IDF tightens restrictions on Palestinian movement in Gaza, dividing the Strip into thirds; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Rafah. Jewish settlers harass, assault Palestinians (...

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  • January 22, 2000

    Egyptian pres. Mubarak makes a surprise trip to Damascus to discuss the peace process with Pres. Asad. Mubarak urges Syria to coordinate its peace track with the PA, recommends holding an Arab...

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  • October 31, 1999

    Israel opens Shuhada Street, which runs along the border of a Jewish settlement in Hebron, to Palestinian taxis. According to Wye II, the route should have been opened to all traffic by yesterday...

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  • August 19, 1999

    IDF reopens part of Shuhada Street, the main thoroughfare in Hebron, which has been closed since Jewish settler Baruch Goldstein gunned down 29 Muslim worshipers at al-Ibrahimi Mosque in 1994. The...

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  • October 29, 1997

    At FM Levy's request, Israeli inner cabinet meets to try to decide on a unifed negotiating position for FM Levy to take to Washington for much-delayed talks with PA negotiator Abbas. (MM 10/29;...

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  • October 1, 1997

    Pres. Clinton, Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan meet in Washington. (RJ 10/1 in WNC 10/2, 10/3; RJ 10/2, 10/3 in WNC 10/6)   Egypt's Pres. Mubarak, PA's Arafat meet in Alexandria. (MENA, RE 10/1 in...

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  • September 2, 1997

    After a weekend mtg. with Pres. Asad in Damascus, EU special envoy Miguel Moratinos says that Syria wants to rejoin the peace process. (WT 9/3)

    Israel, Turkey, U.S. announce plans to hold...

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  • February 3, 1997

    In keeping with the 1/14 Hebron protocol, the IDF begins a phased reopening of al-Shuhada street in Hebron. Ambulances, taxis are allowed to use the road, but private vehicles are not. (CSM, NYT 2...

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  • December 27, 1996

    PA, Israeli negotiators continue talks, say they hope to finalize a Hebron deal by 1/1, complete redeployment by 1/5. Debates continue on security control of Tomb of the Patriarchs/al-Ibrahimi...

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  • December 7, 1996

    PA demands that Israel provide dates for further redeployment in the West Bank, release of Palestinian prisoners along with a Hebron protocol; open the central market and al-Shuhada street in...

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  • October 24, 1996

    PA-Israeli security, civil talks continue in Jerusalem, reportedly stick on issue of reopening al-Shuhada Street, 1 of the main streets in Hebron, to Palestinian traffic. Israel says this would be...

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  • October 23, 1996

    PISMC draws up a "joint paper," compiling a list of 15 points of contention (reportedly incl. hot pursuit, opening of al-Shuhada Street, type of weapons to be carried by PA police, movement of...

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In the West Bank, unidentified assailants opened fire at a military post and at a settler vehicle near Huwwara; no injuries were reported. Israeli forces demolished 3 structures in 'Arab al-Rashayida. 19 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Hizma, Hebron, al-Arroub refugee camp, Yatta, Sa‘ir, Beit Umar, Talfit, and al-Shuyukh. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces raided the home of director of al-Aqsa Mosque Shaykh Omar Kiswani in al-Tur, seizing a laptop and documents and detaining Kiswani for several hours at a police station before releasing him. 4 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids. (HA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/19; MEMO 9/20; PCHR 9/22; UNOCHA 9/30)

Palestinian schools in East Jerusalem observed a general strike in protest over Israeli attempts to censor Palestinian textbooks and introduce Israeli curriculum in the schools. According to the head of the parents committee union, between 90% and 95% of the some 280 Palestinian schools in East Jerusalem observed the strike. (WAFA 9/17; NA, WAFA 9/18; AJ, HA, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/19; MEMO, PCHR 9/20; CNN 9/30)

It was revealed that Israel had installed a remote-controlled gun at a checkpoint on Shuhada Street in Hebron, capable of shooting baton rounds, stun grenades, and tear gas. The gun, which looks like a surveillance camera, was developed by the company Smart Shooter and can target people using artificial intelligence. (HA 9/24; DT, TOI 9/26 MEMO, VICE 9/27)

2 Palestinians were convicted of terrorist offenses for throwing stones at an Israeli car in East Jerusalem in May 2021. 1 baby was injured by a stone during the incident. (HA 9/19)

Representatives from Fatah and Hamas arrived in Algiers for reconciliation talks mediated by Algeria. (MEMO 9/20)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with prime minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez, UN secretary-general António Guterres, and president of the World Jewish Congress Ronald Lauder at the sidelines of the UNGA in New York. (WAFA 9/20)

In Syria, Israeli forces made incursions from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights into areas controlled by Syria, shooting 1 person who was said to be part of a group that threw objects at the border fence. The man was flown to a hospital in Israel for treatment of his injuries. (HA, JP, MEE, TOI 9/19)

Israeli historians Benny Morris and Benjamin Z. Keder published an article “’Cast Thy Bread’: Israeli biological warfare during the 1948 War” in Middle Eastern Studies, saying that declassified materials in the Israeli archives have revealed that Israel used biological weapons against Palestinians and Arab armies during the Nakba. The codename used for the biological weapons campaign used by the Zionist leaders, including David Ben-Gurion was “Cast Thy Bread.” Zionist militias were given typhoid bacteria which they were to put in water wells. Morris and Keder did not specify the number of casualties caused by biological weapons used during the Nakba. (HA 10/6; MEMO 10/11; HA 10/14; NA, WAFA 10/15)

In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians and issue 4 arrest summons during late-night raids near Tulkarm, Hebron, Bethlehem, and in Nablus; and patrol near Qalqilya and Hebron. They also arrest 2 Palestinian laborers and issue stop-work orders for a building under construction in Hebron. Israeli settlers assault Palestinian construction crews repairing a home on Shuhada Street in central Hebron, causing no major injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces assault a number of Palestinian children and eventually arrest 2 in the Old City. They arrest 5 more Palestinians during a raid in Silwan and Abu Dis. (WAFA 2/10; PCHR 2/15)

Weeks after receiving Israeli PM Netanyahu in India, Indian PM Narendra Modi arrives in Ramallah for a visit to the oPt. His arrival marks the first time a sitting Indian PM has visited the oPt. PA pres. Abbas asks Modi to help mediate Palestinian-Israeli peace talks. (TOI, WAFA 2/10)

An IDF helicopter destroys an Iranian drone flying from Syria into the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, according to an IDF spokesperson (Syrian and Iranian officials deny sending a drone into Israel). The IAF then conducts a number of air strikes on a Syrian airbase near Palmyra, where the drone allegedly took off. During the Israeli sortie, Syrian aerial defense systems shoot down an Israeli F-16, injuring 1 pilot seriously (this marks the first time they have downed an Israeli aircraft since the IDF started flying missions into Syria). The IAF then conducts the “biggest and most significant attack . . . against Syrian air defenses” since the 1982 war in Lebanon, according to a senior IAF official. Israeli jets strike 12 Syrian and Iranian targets in southern Syria, killing 6 people. (AJ, HA, MNA, NYT, REU, TOI, WAFA, YA 2/10; HA, WAFA 2/11)

In Gaza, police arrest 2 Palestinians for allegedly planting an explosive outside al-Quds Open University. In Hebron, hundreds of Palestinians and international activists gather at the entrance to al-Shuhada Street (closed since 1994) to protest the occupation. Elsewhere, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at weekly demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 3 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, and Jalazun r.c.), and Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya; 5 Palestinians are moderately injured by rubber-coated metal bullets. The IDF also patrols in 2 villages nr. Qalqilya. Meanwhile, a group of Palestinians stabs a senior Fatah official, Munir al-Jaghoub, several times after Friday prayers outside a mosque nr. Nablus. (MNA, PNN 2/21; MNA 2/22; PCHR 2/26)

In Geneva, reps. of Iran and the U.S. meet for a round of bilateral technical negotiations over Iran’s disputed nuclear program aimed at narrowing gaps ahead of their 3/31 political accord deadline. (AFP, TOI 2/19) 

In the Gaza Strip, Egyptian troops on the border nr. Rafah shoot and injure a Palestinian fisherman. In the West Bank, the IDF violently disperses Palestinian and international activists gathering nr. Bethlehem to protest the death of the senior PA official on 12/10, injuring 1 Palestinian. IDF troops nr. Burin village s. of Nablus arrest 2 Palestinian men who approach them with knives. Also, the IDF reopens the checkpoint nr. al-Shuhada Street, which has been closed intermittently since 11/22. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Tulkarm, Bethlehem, and Hebron. Elsewhere, unknown assailants throw a pipe bomb at an IDF post nr. Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces patrol in al-Tur, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; 2 Palestinian are detained. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 12/13; MNA 12/14; PCHR 12/18)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops along the n. border open fire on a group of Palestinian youth playing nr. the fence, seriously injuring 1. Later, a separate group of Israeli soldiers nearby opens fire on a group of Palestinian men approaching the border to throw stones at the soldiers, causing no injuries. Off the coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats. In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinians gathered for a sitin protest nr. al-Shuhada Street nr. Hebron; dozens suffer from tear gas inhalation. The Shuhada checkpoint has been closed since 11/22. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Nablus, Hebron, and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem late at night, IDF troops conduct raids and house searches in Ras al-Amud and Wadi al-Juz. In West Jerusalem, 3 mbrs. of the anti-Arab group Lehava torch 2 classrooms in a school where Arab and Jewish students study together and leave racist graffiti on the walls. (IMEMC, JP, MNA 11/29; HA, IMEMC, MEMO, REU 11/30; PCHR 12/4; HA 12/11)

In Cairo, the Arab League agrees to politically and financially back the Palestinians’ draft UNSC res. The financial backing would come in the form of monthly $100 m. cash donations to replace transfers of any tax revenues that Israel may punitively withhold. (AFP, HA 11/29; HA, WAFA 11/30; TOI 12/1; MDW 1/9)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops on the border twice open fire on Palestinian homes, causing 1 injury. In 2 separate incidents off the coast nr. Rafah, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops arrest a Palestinian woman at the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron after she refuses to undergo a security check. Nearby, Israeli soldiers patrol nr. al-Shuhada Street, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youth; several Palestinians suffer from tear gas inhalation. Clashes break out in Tuqu‘ nr. Bethlehem when IDF troops raid the village and search several homes. The IDF also conducts arrest raids and house searches nr. Jenin, Nablus, and Ramallah; patrols nr. Hebron, Birzeit, Ramallah, Jericho, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya; arrests 2 Hamas mbrs. IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation in 8 locations nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, Ni‘lin, Qalandia checkpoint, outside Ofer prison, Jalazun r.c., and 2 other villages), and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). There are 16 moderate injuries and 2 serious injuries. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct house searches and raids in Silwan. (AP, HA, JP, MNA 11/28; MNA 11/29; PCHR 12/4)

Ahead of the French Parliament’s 12/2 vote on Palestinian statehood, FM Fabius presents a new diplomatic proposal for restarting peace negotiations. The proposal includes a UNSC res., currently being drafted by French officials as an alternative to a Palestinian-drafted text, which will provide a framework and a 2-year deadline for talks. He says that France is prepared to host a new round of peace negotiations. (AFP, HA 11/28)

In Egypt, Egyptian security officials shoot and kill a Palestinian security officer as he drives into an ambush meant for another nr. Shaykh Zuwayd in the n. Sinai. (AP, MNA 11/28)

In the Gaza Strip, IDF troopsstationed along the border arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to enter Israel overnight. In the West Bank, 4 Israeli settlers, including 1 private security officer, assault a Palestinian shepherd nr. Tubas, seriously injuring him. They bring him back to the Messicot settlement and Israeli soldiers detain him for several hours. Nr. Ramallah, Israeli settlers set a Palestinian home on fire and leave racist graffiti on the walls. Palestinian youth set fire to the checkpoint at the entrance to al-Shuhada Street, prompting the IDF to close the checkpoint intermittently for 3 weeks. The IDF conducts arrest raids and house searches overnight nr. Hebron and Ramallah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli security forces fire a sound bomb at a Palestinian in Shu‘fat r.c., moderately injuring him. (WAFA 11/22; IMEMC, MEMO 11/23; IMEMC 11/24; PCHR 11/27; B’Tselem 12/16)

Reps. of Iran and the P5+1 continue negotiations in Vienna ahead of their 11/24 deadline. U.S. Secy. of State Kerry calls Israeli PM Netanyahu to discuss the negotiations with him. (HA 11/22)

In the Gaza Strip,IDF troopsshoot and injure a Palestinian as he approaches the border fence e. of Jabaliya. Later, IDF troops along the border fence arrest 2 Palestinians attempting to enter Israel. In the West Bank, an Israeli settler opens fire on a Palestinian taxi driver n. of Hebron, causing no injuries. IDF troops enter Yatta village s. of Hebron and deliver a summons to the home of a Palestinian who has been incarcerated for 3 years. Also, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters at demonstrations against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and occupation, as well as the recent violence in Jerusalem, in 5 areas nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Nabi Salih, Ni‘lin, Silwad, and outside Ofer prison), 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum), Qalandia r.c., and nr. al-Shuhada Street in Hebron, injuring 12 Palestinians. The IDF conducts house searches and raids nr. Tubas. In East Jerusalem, an Israeli man runs over a Palestinian woman with his car nr. Shu‘fat r.c., seriously injuring her. After 3 Israeli settlers provoke local residents in al-Tur, 2 of the settlers are stabbed and 1 Palestinian is hospitalized with moderate injuries. Separately, Israeli settlers attack Ahmad al-Ghoul, the head of the Fatah Youth Movement in Jerusalem, nr. Damascus Gate, moderately injuring him. In n. Israel, an Israeli man threatens a group of Palestinian employees with a knife at a restaurant nr. Haifa. (MNA 11/21, 11/22; IMEMC 11/22, 11/23; PCHR 11/27)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians continue to undertake emergency relief efforts, uncovering many bodies of people killed earlier during Israel’s Operation Protective Edge (OPE), while many more Palestinians succumb to injuries. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the armed Palestinian groups continue to hold to the 5-day cease-fire. In the West Bank, a group of Israeli settlers in Hebron throws stones at Palestinian houses on al-Shuhada Street and IDF troops arrest 1 Palestinian in the clashes that follow. The IDF conducts raids on several houses in Dayr Istya, and patrols in 2 villages n. of Jenin. During the day, the IDF conducts 13 other incursions into various areas of the West Bank. (MNA 8/16; PCHR 8/21)

There are no talks held today between Egyptian mediators, the Palestinian delegation, and Israeli negotiators. Hamas head of foreign affairs Usama Hamdan responds to the Egyptian proposal of 8/15, saying Israel must accept the demands of the Palestinian people or face a long war, and that the proposal was, therefore, insufficient. Head of the Palestinian delegation and senior Fatah official Azzam al-Ahmad says that he is quietly optimistic that a long-term agreement can be reached before the 5-day cease-fire expires on 8/18. Meanwhile, in a televised speech from Ramallah, Palestinian Authority (PA) Pres. Mahmud Abbas says that the “goal is to stop the fighting and to stick to the Egyptian initiative, and no other,” in an implicit reference to efforts by Qatar and Turkey to serve as alternative diplomatic channels. PLO chief negotiator Saeb Erakat meets with Hamas political office chief Khalid Mishal and urges him to continue talks with Israel based on the Egyptian initiative. The pair also reportedly discuss the possibility of Palestine becoming a mbr. of the International Criminal Court (ICC). (AFP, HA, MNA, REU 8/16)

In Tel Aviv, thousands of demonstrators gather in Rabin Square to protest the ongoing assault on Gaza with the slogan “Changing direction: toward peace, away from war.” Counterprotesters also congregate in Rabin Square, but Israeli police keep the groups separate. (HA, JP 8/16)

Meanwhile, the Qatari govt. announces that it will donate $1,000 to each Palestinian family whose home has been destroyed during the Israeli assault, of which there are reportedly 797. The funds will be disbursed through the Qatari Comm. for Rebuilding the Gaza Strip. (JP 8/17)

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu finalizes a deal to form a new coalition government comprising of his joint Likud-Yisrael Beiteinu list, Yesh Atid (19 seats), Bayit Yehudi (12 seats), and Hatnua (6 seats), giving the Likud leader control of 68 Knesset seats (out of 120). For the first time in a decade, an Israeli coalition government does not include any ultra-Orthodox parties. (BBC, REU 3/15)

A Palestinian man dies from heart problems brought on by inhaling tear gas fired by the IDF during clashes 3 weeks ago. After his funeral in al-Ram nr. Jerusalem, Palestinians clash with IDF forces (no serious injuries reported). In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah in the morning; in Hebron, al-Fawar r.c. and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron in the afternoon; and 1 in village nr. Jericho and 1 village nr. Tulkam at night. IDF soldiers conduct house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon and in 2 villages nr. Hebron at night. The regular weekly nonviolent demonstrations by Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals against the Israeli occupation this week also express solidarity with Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The demonstrations are also more widespread that usual (cf. 3/8), occurring in 5 villages nr. Ramallah (Abud, Bayt Liqia, Bil`in, Budrus, Ni’lin), 2 villages nr. Bethlehem (al-Khader, al-Ma’sara), Shuhada Street in Hebron, and 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum). The IDF violently disperses the demonstrations, but no serious injuries are reported. (MNA 3/15; PCHR 3/21)

Across the West Bank, clashes continue between the IDF and Palestinians protesting in solidarity with prisoners in Israeli jails.

In Jerusalem’s Old City, Palestinian youths and Israeli police clash after Friday prayers, with Israeli security forces briefly entering the al-Aqsa Mosque compound.

Palestinians protest outside Ofer detention center nr. Ramallah, at Huwara checkpoint nr. Nablus, in Abud village nr. Ramallah (where 4 are wounded including one seriously), at Jalama checkpoint nr. Jenin, and in Tulkarm and nearby ‘Anabta village. In all cases, the IDF violently disperses the protests with tear gas, rubber-coated metal bullets and live ammunition, though no serious injuries are reported. The largest protest is in Hebron, where around 1,500 Palestinians clash with IDF forces and 1 Palestinian man is shot in the foot. In addition, Palestinian and international activists demonstrate in the center of Hebron for the opening of Shuhada Street. The IDF violently disperses the demonstrators, causing 3 moderate injuries with rubber-coated metal bullets. Israeli soldiers also attack regular demonstrations by Palestinians, Israelis and international activists against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and the occupation in 4 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, al-Nabi Salih, Budrus, Ni‘lin), 2 villages nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum, Jayyous) and 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma’sara). Injuries include, 1 Palestinian is wounded from a tear gas canister to the head in Bil‘in and 8 Palestinians wounded by rubber-coated metal bullets (5 in Budrus and 3 in al-Nabi Salih). The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning; in al-Fawar refugee camp nr. Hebron (clashes but no serious injuries reported) and Qalqilya in the afternoon; and in 2 villages each nr. Jericho and Qalqilya, and 1 village each nr. Jenin, Ramallah, and Tulkarm at night. The IDF also conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon. In the Gaza Strip, IDF troops open fire on Palestinians close to the border fence in 2 incidents: nr. Bayt Hanun (wounding 2) and nr. Jabaliya (wounding 1). Israeli naval vessels open fire on fishermen working off the north Gaza coast, causing no injuries or damage. (MNA 2/22, PCHR 2/28)

Palestinians rally in solidarity with prisoners in Israeli jails, and clash with the IDF at a demonstration outside Ofer military prison nr. Ramallah; no serious injuries are reported. Palestinian students and teachers fr. Cordoba Elementary School in Hebron hold a sit-in at an IDF checkpoint on al-Shuhada Street to protest new IDF demands that they submit to searches before proceeding to the school (see 10/13); the IDF fires tear gas and beats the protesters to disperse them, lightly injuring 3 children. The IDF conducts predawn patrols in Qalqilya and 1 village nr. Tulkarm; patrols in 1 village nr. Qalqilya in the afternoon; conducts latenight patrols in open areas e. of Qalqilya, in Jenin, and in nearby Burqin village. (WP 10/17; PCHR 10/20; OCHA 10/21)

Israel announces it has signed a prisoner swap agreement in Cairo with Hamas, which agreed to free IDF soldier Gilad Shalit (captured on the Gaza border in 6/2006). In return, Israel will release around 1,027 Palestinian prisoners in 2 stages: the 1st 450 Palestinians would be exchanged for Shalit within a wk.; the remaining 550 or so Palestinians would be freed within 2 mos. In Gaza, 1,000s pour into the streets to celebrate. (NYT, WP, WT 10/12; NYT, WP 10/13; NYT 10/17, 11/6)

Unidentified Palestinians fire a Qassam rocket fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops in Hebron violently beat a group of Palestinian children and teachers who refuse new IDF demands to submit to searches before crossing a permanent checkpoint in al-Shuhada Street to reach the Cordoba Elementary School, moderately injuring 7 children (ages 10–15). The IDF also demolishes a newly constructed mosque in Khirbat Yazra nr. Tubas; demolishes 2 Palestinian homes and an animal pen belonging to a bedouin family outside Qalqilya; conducts synchronized latenight patrols in 2 villages nr. Qalqilya. (YA 10/11; PCHR 10/13; OCHA 10/14)

In the West Bank, Palestinians burn an IDF barrier blocking a road into Jayyus village nr. Qalqilya to protest the closure of the road; IDF troops enter late in the evening to reestablish the barrier. The IDF also beats and fires rubber-coated steel bullets at Palestinian, Israeli, and international activists conducting a nonviolent march from Bayt Umar village to Karme Tzur settlement outside Hebron to protest land confiscations and settlement expansion, injuring and arresting 1 American activist; breaks up a nonviolent protest by Palestinians in Hebron against the closure (since 1994) of Shuhada street; patrols without incident in Ya‘bad village nr. Jenin late in the evening; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in Hebron. Jewish settlers fr. Eli nr. Nablus, cut down 14 Palestinian olive trees nearby. (PCHR 10/28; OCHA 10/29)

After 5 days of talks with U.S. envoy Mitchell, Israel and the PLO Exec. Comm. formally agree to launch 4 mos. of proximity talks, marking the first peace talks since 12/08. (WT 5/3)

Unidentified Palestinians fire a Qassam rocket fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF fires rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas at Palestinian, international activists taking part in a nonviolent march to confiscated Palestinian land outside Brakha settlement to protest Israeli settlement activity around Nablus, injuring 1 Palestinian; conducts synchronized late-night patrols in 2 villages n. of Ramallah, making no arrests; conducts other late-night house searches nr. Tubas, making no arrests. In Hebron, Jewish settlers spray wastewater at Palestinians holding a nonviolent demonstration calling for the reopening of al-Shuhada Street to Palestinian civilians; the IDF observes but does not intervene. (YA 5/8; IDF 5/10; OCHA, PCHR 5/13)

In the West Bank, the IDF beats and fires tear gas, percussion grenades at Palestinian, Israeli, and international activists (including Israeli Palestinian MK Muhammad Baraka) who hold a nonviolent march and sit-in outside al-Shuhada Street in Hebron to mark Palestinian Land Day, injuring 2 fieldworkers fr. B’Tselem and the Palestinian Center for Human Rights. Jewish settlers fr. Yitzhar attack and run off several Palestinian shepherds grazing flocks nr. the settlement. (OCHA 3/31, 4/1; PCHR 4/2)

In response to Palestinians firing 3 rockets fr. Gaza into Israel overnight (causing no damage or injuries), the IDF shells the n. Gaza no-go zone fr. land and sea, severely damaging the Bayt Lahiya electricity grid, a number of houses, 3 cars. The IDF also closes the Nablus–Tulkarm road into Tulkarm, sealing the city (other access roads were closed on 3/30); conducts arrest raids, house searches in Hebron, nr. Nablus. Armed Jewish settlers fr. Kiryat Arba uproot and take back to the settlement 60 olive tree saplings fr. nearby Palestinian land. Other Jewish settlers fr. Kiryat Arba vandalize a Palestinian home; the IDF observes but does not intervene. Also in Hebron, Jewish settlers fr. Beit Hadasah throw bottles and stones at Palestinian school children, escorted by international peace activists, injuring 1 activist; the IDF observes but does not intervene. Separately, Jewish settlers in Hebron throw bottles and stones at Palestinians to prevent them fr. using Shuhada Street. Jewish settlers fr. Mehola attack a Palestinian shepherd grazing his sheep nr. Bayt Furik outside Nablus, violently beating him, stabbing his sheep, killing 15 and wounding 5. PM Haniyeh orders all Palestinian gunmen off Gaza City streets to reduce tensions after clashes on 3/31; the PRCs say they will observe the call, but in a show of defiance, 300 armed Fatah mbrs. march through the streets, firing in the air, demanding that the PA arrest PRC mbrs. involved in the 3/31 violence. (HA, JAZ 4/1; WT 4/2; PCHR 4/6)

Abbas, Sharon hold their 1st talks in Sharm al-Shaykh, then each meets separately with Mubarak, King Abdallah of Jordan. Afterward, Abbas announces that “Palestinian will stop all acts of violence against all Israelis everywhere,” Sharon vows to “cease all military activity against all Palestinians anywhere,” including assassinations, to the extent that the Palestinians halt violence. Sharon announces a package of gestures to be implemented if quiet is maintained, including Israel’s turnover of security control for 5 West Bank cities, a prisoner release, easing restriction on Palestinian movement. Hamas, Islamic Jihad say that they will not officially sign onto the cease-fire, but will not abrogate it. (BBC, HA, MM, NYT, REU, WP, WT 2/8; AFP, ATL, AYM, HJ, ITAR-TASS, JAZ, MENA, QA, VOI, VOP 2/8, XIN 2/9 in WNC 2/9; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/9; al-Quds 2/12 in WNC 2/13; PR 2/16; MEI 2/18)

The IDF reopens Qarni commercial crossing after a 4-wk. closure, allowing only about one-third of normal traffic through, limiting imports to basic goods and exports to flowers, tomatoes; raids, searches a secondary school in al-Khadir; conducts arrest raids in al-Mawasi; confiscates a strip of land 2 d. long and 350 m. wide to create a corridor linking Hebron’s Tal Rumayda settlement with Shuhada Street. Late in the evening, after the Sharm al-Shaykh summit, AMB gunmen fire on a Jewish settler vehicle in the West Bank, throw Molotov cocktails at IDF jeeps that arrive on the scene, causing no injuries. PA security forces find, seal 2 smugglers’ tunnels in Rafah. The NIHC protests the PA security forces’ arrest of 3 DFLP central comm. mbrs. on 2/5; demands the immediate release of Issam Abu Duqqah, who is still in custody. (HJ, VOI, YA 2/8 in WNC 2/9; WT 2/9; PCHR 2/10; PR 2/16)

The IDF tightens restrictions on Palestinian movement in Gaza, dividing the Strip into thirds; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Rafah. Jewish settlers harass, assault Palestinians (including a group of elementary school students) on al-Shuhada Street in Hebron; IDF soldiers observe but do not intervene. A Palestinian dies of injuries received in the attempted IDF assassination of Islamic Jihad’s Hindi in Gaza City on 3/16. (PCHR 4/8)

Egyptian pres. Mubarak makes a surprise trip to Damascus to discuss the peace process with Pres. Asad. Mubarak urges Syria to coordinate its peace track with the PA, recommends holding an Arab summit. (MENA 1/22, JT, MENA 1/23 in WNC 1/24; MENA, SA 1/23, MENA 1/24, Tehran Times 1/25 in WNC 1/27; MM 1/24; AYM 1/25, 1/26 in WNC 1/28; MEI 1/28)

In Hebron, Jewish settlers throw stones at Palestinian taxis on Shuhada street to protest Palestinian access to the road. (Hatzofe 1/23 in WNC 1/24)

Israel opens Shuhada Street, which runs along the border of a Jewish settlement in Hebron, to Palestinian taxis. According to Wye II, the route should have been opened to all traffic by yesterday. (WP 11/1)

Israel blames a computer problem for the apparent "disappearance" of 17 Palestinians using the safe-passage corridor, who were recorded entering the route but not leaving. (AFP 10/31 in WNC 11/2)

Mauritania recalls its amb. to Iraq and bans the pro-Iraqi Ba`thist party in Mauritania, al-Tali'a, after Baghdad criticizes Nouakchott for establishing diplomatic relations with Israel, threatens retaliation. (AFP 10/31 in WNC 11/2; AFP 11/1 in WNC 11/3; AFP 11/3 in WNC 11/4; NYT 11/4; AFP 11/4 in WNC 11/5; MEI 11/12)

IDF reopens part of Shuhada Street, the main thoroughfare in Hebron, which has been closed since Jewish settler Baruch Goldstein gunned down 29 Muslim worshipers at al-Ibrahimi Mosque in 1994. The road was supposed to be opened 2 yrs. ago, as part of the 1997 Hebron Protocol. (MM 8/19; NYT 8/20; JP 8/27)

At FM Levy's request, Israeli inner cabinet meets to try to decide on a unifed negotiating position for FM Levy to take to Washington for much-delayed talks with PA negotiator Abbas. (MM 10/29; IDF Radio, QY 10/29 in WNC 10/30; ITV 10/29, 10/30 in WNC 11/3; CSM, MM, NYT 10/30; MM 10/31; YA 11/2 in WNC 11/4; WP 11/3)

Russian FM Primakov arrives in Egypt for 2-day visit--the last stop on his regional tour. (MM 10/29; MENA 10/29 in WNC 10/30; MENA 10/30 in WNC 11/3)

Al-Shuhada Street in Hebron partially reopens to Palestinian civilian traffic. (WP, WT 10/30)

41 yrs. after Israeli border policemen killed 49 Palestinians in Qufr Qassim on the day the 1956 war began, Israeli Tourism M Moshe Katsav returns to the village to give official apology. On departing, he is booed by villagers. (MM 10/30)

U.S. agrees to sell China nuclear technology after China promises to stop aiding Iran's nuclear development program. (WP 10/30)

Iraq orders all 10 American UNSCOM mbrs. to leave the country and the U.S. to cancel planned U-2 intelligence flights. (MM 10/31; CSM 11/3) (see 10/23)

Pres. Clinton, Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan meet in Washington. (RJ 10/1 in WNC 10/2, 10/3; RJ 10/2, 10/3 in WNC 10/6)   Egypt's Pres. Mubarak, PA's Arafat meet in Alexandria. (MENA, RE 10/1 in WNC 10/2)

Workers in Hebron finish repairs, improvements to Shuhada Street. (PR 10/10; NYT 10/23) (see 9/2)

In s. Lebanon, an SLA soldier is killed in a clash with Hizballah. (RL 10/1 in WNC 10/2)

After a weekend mtg. with Pres. Asad in Damascus, EU special envoy Miguel Moratinos says that Syria wants to rejoin the peace process. (WT 9/3)

Israel, Turkey, U.S. announce plans to hold joint naval exercises in the Mediterranean 11/15-25. Egypt, Syria protest; Turkey says that they may send observers if they like. (MM 9/4)

In Hebron, Jewish settlers throw stones at Palestinian laborers, lay down in the street to distrupt work on a U.S.-financed project to renovate al-Shuhada street, which was outlined in the Agreed Minute attached to the Hebron Protocol. David Muirhead, the American overseeing the project, says that the Israel police responded to the needs of the settlers only, did not come to the aid of the Palestinians, beat him and others, threw him into a van and detained him until the U.S. Consulate intervened. State Dept. calls on Israel to ensure security for the workers, calls incident"simply unacceptable." (NYT, WT 9/3; PR 9/12; JP 9/13)

In s. Lebanon, an Israeli explosive device detonates, injuring 2 Lebanese civilians. (RL 9/2 in WNC 9/4)

In keeping with the 1/14 Hebron protocol, the IDF begins a phased reopening of al-Shuhada street in Hebron. Ambulances, taxis are allowed to use the road, but private vehicles are not. (CSM, NYT 2/4; MEI 2/7; JP 2/15)

In the Vatican, PM Netanyahu meets Pope John Paul II for the 1st time. (MM 2/3; Radio UNO [Rome] 2/3, 2/4 in WNC 2/5; NYT 2/4)

UN special envoy Moratinos meets with Israeli DM Mordechai, briefs him on talks with Syrian Pres. Asad 1/29. (ITV 2/3 in WNC 2/6)

IDF demolishes 4 Palestinian homes nr. Janin. (LAWE 2/13) (see 1/28)

PA Justice M Frayh Abu-Midayn says that the PA has opened an investigation into Baba's death in custody 2/1. (NYT 2/4; MM 2/5)

Israel asks the U.S. to give it F-22 advanced tactical stealth fighters by way of compensation, if the U.S. supplies Saudi Arabia with 100 F-16s to replace its F-15 fleet. Saudi Arabia has not requested the F-16s yet, but is expected to do so. (MA 2/3 in WNC 2/6; WT 2/14)

PA, Israeli negotiators continue talks, say they hope to finalize a Hebron deal by 1/1, complete redeployment by 1/5. Debates continue on security control of Tomb of the Patriarchs/al-Ibrahimi Mosque; al-Shuhada street; type of weapons to be used by PA police; the buffer zone btwn. H1, H2 areas; restrictions on Jewish construction. (IDF Radio, ITV 12/27 in WNC 12/30; WT 12/28, 12/29)

Two mos. after being suspended fr. the negotiations with the PA, Israeli Coordinator of Activities in the Occupied Territories Maj. Gen. Oren Shahor submits his resignation fr. the IDF. (IDF Radio, QY 12/27 in WNC 12/30; JP 1/4)

PA demands that Israel provide dates for further redeployment in the West Bank, release of Palestinian prisoners along with a Hebron protocol; open the central market and al-Shuhada street in Hebron; allow PA police in Hebron joint patrol units to carry same weapons as the IDF; eliminate the term "hot pursuit" fr. any Hebron deal. (IDF Radio 12/8 in WNC 12/10)

In Cairo, Arafat briefs Mubarak on talks with Israel. (WT 12/7; RE 12/7 in WNC 12/10; PR 12/13)

In Gaza, Arafat briefs the Egyptian, Jordanian, PA delegations to the quadripartite refugee comm. on status of negotiations with Israel in preparation for full comm. mtg. 12/8. (PR 12/12)

Israeli police arrest Hebron settler leader Noam Arnon over a disturbance inside the Tomb of the Patriarchs/al-Ibrahimi Mosque. (NYT 12/10)

Jordan, Turkey begin discussing details of implementing their military agmt., signed a decade ago; focus on technical exchanges, joint training. (al-Ra'i 12/7 in WNC 12/10)

Roadside bomb explodes in s. Lebanon, killing 1 IDF soldier, wounding 2. Hizballah takes responsibility. Subsequent Israeli shelling wounds 6 civilians, incl. 1 child. (RL 12/7, 12/8 in WNC 12/10; NYT, WP 12/8; MM 12/9, 12/13)

PA-Israeli security, civil talks continue in Jerusalem, reportedly stick on issue of reopening al-Shuhada Street, 1 of the main streets in Hebron, to Palestinian traffic. Israel says this would be a security risk. (ITV 10/24, MA, YA 10/25 in WNC 10/29)

In Amman, French Pres. Chirac signs protocol granting Jordan $15 m. for water, medical, telecommunications, meteorological projects; leaves for Beirut. (MEI, MM, NYT 10/25; WT 10/27; JP 11/2)

Despite Netanyahu's refusal to declare a national day of mourning, a memorial service for fmr. PM Rabin is held at Mt. Herzl. PM Netanyahu attends but is asked by the Rabin family not to make a statement. (MM, WJW 10/24; CSM, NYT, WT 10/25; JP 11/2; MEI 11/8)

In n. Iraq, KDP, PUK halt fighting, adhere to U.S.-brokered cease-fire. (WT 10/25) (see 10/23)

PISMC draws up a "joint paper," compiling a list of 15 points of contention (reportedly incl. hot pursuit, opening of al-Shuhada Street, type of weapons to be carried by PA police, movement of joint patrols) that have not been solve in the past 3 wks. of talks. (MM 10/23; RJ 10/23 in WNC 10/25; NYT 10/24; IDF Radio 10/24 in WNC 10/25; ITV 10/24 in WNC 10/29)

In Ramallah, French Pres. Chirac becomes 1st foreign head of state to address the PC. Chirac then leaves for Amman to meet with King Hussein. (MM 10/23; JT, JTV, LCI 10/23 in WNC 10/25; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 10/24; MEI 10/25; NYT, WT 10/27; JP 11/2)

Knesset Financing Comm. approves funds needed to complete 2,400 housing units in West Bank settlements whose construction was frozen by the previous Labor government. (ITV 10/23 in WNC 10/25)

Fearing a suicide bombing on the 1-yr. anniversary of the assassination of Islamic Jihad leader Fathi Shiqaqi 10/26, Israel seals the West Bank, Gaza. Israeli police shoot, wound 1 Palestinian who walks away fr. a checkpoint btwn. Ramallah, Jerusalem after refusing to show his ID. (ITV 10/23 in WNC 10/25; WP 10/24; CSM 10/25; PR 11/1)

After a wk. of talks in Turkey, U.S. Asst. Secy. of State Pelletreau announces that the KDP, PUK have agreed in principle to an immediate cease-fire, although their fighting continues in Koi Sanjak. (CSM, NYT, WT 10/24) (see 10/17)