The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers stabbed and injured 2 Palestinians near Bethlehem. Israeli settlers also uprooted dozens of olive trees in Qusra. Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians in Barta’a while 1 of them tried to move his car after the Israeli soldiers said it was not legally registered. Israeli forces also demolished water pipes in al-Minya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians trying to reach the Haram al-Sharif compound, beating and injuring 2. In Gaza, Israeli forces bombed Khan Yunis, Rafah, Dayr al-Balah, Gaza City, Nuseirat refugee camp, Jabalia refugee camp, and Bureij refugee camp, killing dozens of people, including 76 from the same family in an airstrike in Gaza City and 40 in airstrikes on 8 buildings in Jabalia refugee camp. Israeli forces also bombed the only water desalination plant in northern Gaza. 5 Israeli soldiers were killed in combat. In Lebanon, rockets were fired toward Israel, killing an Israeli soldier. Israel attacked several places in Lebanon. (AJ, HA, HA, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/22; AJ, AP 12/23; AJ, AJ 12/24; UNOCHA 12/26)

More than 20,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, including at least 8,000 children and 6,200 women, and around 54,000 have been injured since 10/7. At least 8,000 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 296 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 75 children. More than 3,800 people have been injured. Israel reported that 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,400 have been injured since 10/7. 140 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 771 injured in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.93 million Palestinians, nearly 85% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. As of 12/3, at least 52,000 housing units had been destroyed and 253,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting 60% of all housing units. 69 trucks carrying aid entered Gaza through the Rafah crossing, while 23 trucks entered via the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing. The World Food Programme said 9 out of 10 Palestinians go without food for the whole day and there was an acute risk of famine. 70 trucks carrying aid entered Gaza. (AJ, AP, HA, UNOCHA, UNOCHA 12/22; HA 12/23)

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said all 47 Palestinians detained at its ambulance center in Jabalia refugee camp were tortured by Israeli forces. (AJ 12/22)

Hamas political bureau member Husam Badran told Al Jazeera that Hamas seeks Palestinian unity and a uniform political stance by all political factions. (AJ 12/22)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke with Russian president Vladimir Putin, discussing the situation in Gaza. Putin invited Abbas to visit him in Moscow. (HA, REU, WAFA 12/22)

Israel told Palestinians in al-Bureij refugee camp and Nuseirat refugee camp to evacuate south to Dayr al-Balah. Parts of southern Gaza, including large parts of Khan Yunis, are also under evacuation orders. (HA, NYT, NYT, UNOCHA 12/22; AJ 12/23 AJ, AJ, WAFA 12/24; HA 12/25; NYT 12/26)

The UN Security Council passed a resolution calling on the parties to “create the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities . . . facilitate and enable the immediate, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale,” and demanding parties “facilitate the use of all available routes to and throughout the entire Gaza Strip” for aid deliveries. It also requested a UN chief of aid disbursement and a UN official for accelerating aid, demanded the release of the captives, and demanded that enough fuel is allowed into Gaza to meet the humanitarian needs. 13 members voted in favor while the U.S. and Russia abstained. Previous versions called for an end to the fighting and later a suspension, but the U.S. rejected these two suggestions. After the vote, PA ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour called the resolution a step in the right direction and said that Palestine, the Arab Group, and the OIC had 3 objectives: an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian assistance at scale, and no forced displacement. Hamas called the resolution insufficient. Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen said Israel would continue its war on Gaza until all captives were released and Hamas was eliminated and said Israel would continue to screen all aid going to Gaza. Russian ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia called the language ambiguous and had tried to include an amendment calling for a suspension, which was voted down by the U.S. (AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AX, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 12/22; AJ, AJ, HA, NYT, WAFA 12/23; WAFA 12/24)

UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres appointed James Eugene McGoldrick to replace Deputy Special Coordinator and Resident Coordinator Lynn Hasting in the office of the UN special coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process. Hasting was replaced due to Israel refusing to grant her a visa. (UNOCHA 12/22)

The New York Times reported that an Israeli brigadier general ordered a tank commander to shell a house where he knew Israeli hostages were being held by Palestinian militants in Kibbutz Be’eri, killing 12 Israelis and the Palestinian militants. (HA 12/13; NYT 12/22; HA 12/25; NYT 12/27)

The European Commission approved $130 million in aid to the PA to help with the payment of salaries, allowances for vulnerable families, and payments for medical referrals in East Jerusalem. (AJ, HA, REU, WAFA 12/22)

A poll released by the Washington Institute for Near East Policy found that 96% of Saudis believe their country should not have any ties with Israel. (NYT 12/22)

The IDF raids, searches a Qalqilya hospital (including emergency and operating rooms), looking for wanted men, leaves without finding any; sends tanks and bulldozers into Rafah in response to the mortar fire at Gush Katif on 9/23, sparking an exchange of gunfire with local Palestinians, killing a 14-yr.-old Palestinian boy, wounding 14; occupies a kindergarten in Khan Yunis as a military post; fires on residential areas of Dayr al-Balah, Khan Yunis; demolishes 3 Palestinian homes in Rafah (seriously damaging another 18), 2 nr. Khan Yunis, 1 nr. Jenin, 1 in Kfar Rantis; 13 greenhouses, 9 dunams of land are also bulldozed in Khan Yunis. 27 retired and reserve Israeli air force pilots sign a letter to the air force cmdr. saying they will not participate in operations in the occupied territories, which they term “illegal and immoral”; 1 of the 27 is Brig. Gen. Yiftach Spector (res.), who took part in the 1981 bombing of Iraq’s Osiraq nuclear reactor. (AFP, HA, PCHR, PR 9/24; VOP 9/24 in WNC 9/26; HA, MM, NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 9/25; MM 9/26, 9/29; PR 10/1; PCHR 10/2)

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)

Israel strikes PA targets for a 2d day, shelling Arafat's Ramallah compound (though not hitting the building housing his office, where he is staying), sending F-16s to hit PSF, Force 17 offices in Gaza City. The IDF also shells PSF, Force 17, PA military intelligence offices in Bayt Lahia, Jabaliya, Khan Yunis, Salfit, Qalqilya, and Tulkarm and the Information Min. offices in Ramallah; reoccupies the village of Iktaba and areas of al-Bireh, Nablus, Ramallah; fires on the home of PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. Ghassan Shaka`. A total of 3 Palestinians are killed, over 150 wounded, including 60 schoolchildren; a 4th Palestinian, an ill baby, dies when the IDF prevents his transportation through a checkpoint to a hospital. The PA dismisses Tulkarm's PSF head Brig. Gen. Mahmud Awadala for releasing prisoners fr. Tulkarm's jail, including 6 Islamic Jihad mbrs., in fear that the IDF would shell the prison. (AFP, AP, HA, HP, MEZ, MM, NYT, PMC, WP, WT 12/4; MENA 12/4 in WNC 12/5; HP, LAW, MM 12/5)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes enter their 50th day, with the internal closure on Palestinian towns in the West Bank still in place. Israeli PM Ehud Barak tells Israelis to prepare for a protracted conflict, threatens to escalate actions against Palestinians. To pressure the Palestinian Authority (PA), Barak suspends plans to transfer $64 m. in taxes and customs duties owed the PA to cover salaries and regular expenses. Overnight, the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) shells Fatah offices in Hebron, Jinin. During the day, IDF troops fatally shoot 4 Palestinians, fire on a Palestinian police station. 1 of the 4 Palestinians dies while the IDF blocks an ambulance crew fr. reaching him for 2 hrs. Inside Israel, Israeli Arabs clash with Israeli police officers nr. Sakhnin, leaving 1 demonstrator slightly injured. IDF West Bank cmdr. Brig. Gen. Benjamin Gantz warns that he "could probably wipe out Bayt Jala in a matter of hrs." Jewish settlers uproot a Palestinian olive grove nr. Ramallah, fire on Palestinian cars nr. Zatariyya Junction, injuring 2. (AFP [Internet], MENL, MM 11/16; LAW, NYT, WP 11/17; AIC 11/20; NYT 1/17)

In Gaza, U.S. special envoy Dennis Ross meets with PA head Yasir Arafat to discuss ways of halting the ongoing violence, resuming peace talks. (HA, WP, WT 11/17; MEI 11/24)

Hizballah claims responsibility for setting off a small bomb in the disputed Shaba` Farms area of the Golan Heights, slightly injuring 1 IDF soldier. The UN condemns the attack, expresses concern. (AFP [Internet] 11/16; MM, NYT, YA 11/17; MEI 11/24) (see 11/15)

PM Netanyahu, FM Ariel Sharon go to Amman to hold 1st mtg. with King Abdallah. (WT 2/28; RJ 2/28 in WNC 3/1; MA 2/28, JT, MA 3/1 in WNC 3/2; NYT, WP 3/1; JP, PR 3/5; MEI 3/12)

Hizballah detonates 2 roadside bombs in s. Lebanon, killing 4 IDF soldiers, including a brig. gen., the highest-ranking Israeli soldier to be killed in Lebanon since the 1982 Israeli invasion. IDF retaliates by striking 4 Hizballah bases n. of the self-declared security zone, including Hizballah headquarters in the center of Baalbeck. Israeli DM Moshe Arens warns that Israel may disavow the 1996 April understanding to avoid civilian targets if Hizballah continues attacks. (AFP, IDF Radio, RL 2/28 in WNC 3/1; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/1; Interfax, IRNA, JT, Kyodo, RE, SAPA [Johannesburg], SATN 3/1 in WNC 3/2; al-Quds al-Arabi 3/1, al-Akhbar 3/2 in WNC 3/4; WJW 3/4; JP, PR 3/5; MEI 3/12; WT 4/14; MM 4/21) (see 2/23)

100s of Lebanese students use government bulldozers to reopen the road to Arnun, remove IDF earthworks around the village. Lebanese government says it will pave the road to symbolically link Arnun to areas n. of the Israeli-occupied zone. (WT 2/28; al-Ittihad, RMC 2/28 in WNC 3/1; Tehran Times 3/1 in WNC 3/8; MEI 3/12) (see 2/26)

U.S attack on an Iraqi communications station nr. Mosul disrupts oil flow fr. Iraq to Turkey. UN warns that U.S. strikes could frustrate international efforts to supply food, medicine, other necessities to the Iraqi people under the UN Oil-for-Food program. (NYT, WT 3/3; AFP 3/4 in WNC 3/5; MIL 3/6 in WNC 3/16; MEI 3/12)

In Jerusalem, U.S. special envoy Ross meets with PM Netanyahu, who rejects U.S. proposal for 13.1% FRD. (PR, WP, WT 3/27; JP 4/4)

Lebanese PM Hariri meets with Austrian Chancellor Viktor Klima to discuss Lebanon's stand on Israel's proposal for conditional implementation of UN Res. 425. (RL 3/26 in WNC 3/27)

For the 1st time, UNSCOM successfully searches 1 of 8 the "presidential sites" that Saddam Hussein agreed to open after his 2/22 agmt. with the UN. (NYT, WP 3/27) (see 3/5)

Brig. Gen. Dov Tzedaqa becomes Israel's new head of the Civil Administration in the West Bank. (MA 3/27 in WNC 3/30)

In s. Lebanon, 2 Lebanese civilians are wounded during IDF shelling. (VOL 3/26 in WNC 3/27)

In Ramallah, the PC votes (56-1) to urge Arafat to dissolve the EA within 1 mo., appoint a new cabinet. After the session, Israel prevents 18 PC mbrs. fr. returning to their homes in Gaza. (CSM, WP, WT 8/1; LAW 8/7; PR 8/8)

With less than 24-hrs. notice, Syrian Pres. Asad travels to Iran as head of a delegation comprising his VP, FM, several senior military cmdrs.; discusses Syrian-Iranian relations with outgoing Pres. Rafsanjani. (MM 7/31; RMC 7/31 in WNC 8/1; MM 8/1; SATN 7/31, IRIB Television [Tehran] 8/1 in WNC 8/4; MA 8/3 in WNC 8/5; MEI 8/8)

Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan, FM Tarawnah meet with EU special envoy Moratinos. (RJ 7/31 in WNC 8/1)

Following a mtg. with his inner cabinet, PM Netanyahu threatens to send commandos into PA areas to preempt any new anti-Israeli attacks, to halt transfer of all tax revenues to the PA, to jam all Palestinian radio and television broadcasts; calls on the U.S., international donors to halt aid to the PA. (MM 7/31; RMC 7/31 in WNC 8/1; CSM, WP, WT 8/1)

IDF detains 2 Palestinian families fr. the West Bank town of Dahariyya whose sons have been missing for over a yr., but they are unable to identify the 7/30 bombers' bodies. Israeli cabinet orders the arrest of PA's Gaza police cmdr. Brig. Gen. Jabali for encouraging attacks on Israeli settlements (see 7/23). PA police arrest 28 Hamas mbrs., including Rantisi. PA, Israeli security forces hold 2 mtgs. during the day. (MM 7/31; IDF Radio, QY, RMC 7/31 in WNC 8/1; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 8/1)

New York City police seize 5 pipe bombs, arrest 1 Egyptian, 2 Jordanians in a raid on a Brooklyn apartment. Police were tipped to the bombs by a Pakistani, Muhammad Shindli, who believed that his friends, Ghazi Ibrahim Abu Mayzar and Lafi Khalil (who both identify themselves as Palestinian), were planning to bomb the New York subway. Abu Mayzar had stated in his application for asylum in the U.S. that he had been arrested in Israel on charges of "being a mbr. of a terrorist organization." The 3d man, Egyptian `Abd al-Rahman Musabah, is detained as a witness. Hamas denies any connection to the men. (NYT, WP, WT 8/1; RJ 8/1 in WNC 8/4; NYT, WP 8/2; AFP 8/2 in WNC 8/5; NYT, WT 8/3; al-Hadath [Amman] 8/4 in WNC 8/5; NYT 8/5; WJW 8/7; MEI 8/8)

Unnamed Gulf diplomats reveal that Sidi al-Madani al-Ghazi Mustafa al-Tayyib, financial director for Saudi dissident and alleged "terrorist financier" Osama bin Laden, has been in custody in Saudi Arabia since 5/97. Saudi authorities have passed some of Tayyib's revealed information to the CIA, FBI to track militant groups in Detroit, New York. (WT 8/1)

Lebanese court sentences 5 Japanese Red Army mbrs. to 3 yrs. in jail on charges of forging official stamps, illegal entry into Lebanon, forging passports. (VOL 7/31 in WNC 8/1; CSM, WP 8/1) (see 7/29)

In Ramallah, Arafat holds mtg. with Netanyahu atty. Molho discuss Israeli arrest of 3 PA policemen 7/15, resumption of security coordination, hopes for resumption of negotiations. (MA 7/22 in WNC 7/23)

At EU special envoy Moratinos's invitation, Israeli FM Levy, PA Planning M Shaath meet to discuss possible confidence-building measures as part of EU bid to advance the stalled peace process ahead of a mtg. of EU FMs 7/22. The pair also discusses Israeli allegations regarding 3 PA policemen (see 7/17). (WT 7/21; JP 7/26)

Israeli cabinet approves legislation (opposed by Arabs, human rights groups) to block compensation to Palestinians wounded by the IDF, the families of those killed during the intifada. The Knesset must now vote on the measure. (WT 7/23; MEI 7/25; MM 7/29)

Israeli Infrastructure M Sharon proposes amendment to the direct-election law that would reduce fr. 80 to 61 the number of MKs needed to oust the PM without dissolving the Knesset. Netanyahu denounces the proposal. (ITV 7/20, QY, YA 7/21 in WNC 7/22; MEI 7/25) (see 7/18)

On Arafat's orders, the PSF arrests 4 PA policemen--including Col. Jihad Musaymi, Col. Nafiz Musmar--based on Israel's claim that Musaymi, acting on orders fr. Gaza police chief Brig. Gen. Ghazi Jabali, sent squads under his command to carry out unspecified anti-Israeli attacks. (AFP, MA 7/20 in WNC 7/22; MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/21; MEI 7/25; JP 7/26)

Abington returns to Washington after 4 yrs. as U.S. consul gen. in Jerusalem. Jason Walles will serve as acting consul gen. until a new person can be appointed. (WT 7/21)

In Amman, University of Jordan students stage an on-campus procession to denounce the 7/19 Daqamsa verdict, settler provocations in Hebron. (MM 7/21; JT 7/21 in WNC 7/22)

PNA formally accepts early empowerment accord. (WT 8/28)

Israeli Military Cmdr. Brig. Gen. Doron Almog says that if PNA cannot control Hamas, IDF will reenter Gaza, carry out military operations. Arafat protests remarks. (Maariv, MM 8/26; QY, VOP 8/27 in FBIS 8/29)

Hamas says it will talk with PNA if detained Hamas mbrs. are released, says early empowerment agmt. doesn't contradict Hamas' fight against Israel. Arafat welcomes call. (VOL 8/26, QY 8/25, 8/26 in FBIS 8/26)

IDF wounds 2 Palestinians, puts curfew on Hebron after demonstration; puts partial closure on Ramallah, closes Gamal `Abd al-Nasir mosque for 2 days to prevent disturbances. (QY 8/26 in FBIS 8/26)

2 Israelis knifed to death nr. Tel Aviv on 6-mo. anniversary of Hebron massacre. Hamas claims responsibility, vows 2 more attacks before end of year. IDF detains 118 Palestinians for questioning. (QY 8/27 in FBIS 8/29; NYT, WP, WT 8/28; CSM 8/29; JP 9/3)

Israeli F Min. states there are no official contacts with Iraq, Israel supports U.S. policy of keeping Iran, Iraq in check; says any initiatives by Israelis are on a personal level only. (Israeli Government Press Office 8/26 in FBIS 8/29)

Yehoshafat Harkabi, former head of Israeli military intelligence (1955-59) who supported recognition of Palestinians, negotiations with PLO, dies in Jerusalem. (NYT, WP 8/27; WJW 9/1; JP 9/3)

Arafat meets with UAE Pres. Shaykh Zayid bin Sultan al-Nahayan in Geneva to discuss financial hurdles facing self rule. (MM 8/22)

PNA Local Affairs M Sa'eb Erakat presents draft law for Palestinian legislative elections to Arafat, announces PNA has started training 5,000 Palestinians to organize elections, says talks are underway with opposition groups regarding elections. Legislative council would include 100 mbrs. who will simultaneously become PNC reps. Exec. council of 24 mbrs. (12 from legislative council) will then be formed. (MENA 8/19, VOP 8/21 in FBIS 8/22)

Brig. Gen. Muhammad Qudisiyya, cmdr. of the al-Badr Forces of the Palestine Liberation Army (PLA), announces King Hussein will begin supplying, paying salaries of all PLA forces in Jordan. (Jordan Times 8/20, Al-Ra'y 8/21 in FBIS 8/30)

Palestinian police kill 1 Palestinian, wound 1 in Rafah. Palestinian police officials detain 5 officers, promise full investigation. (MM, WP, WSJ 8/22; UNRWA News 8/24)

Israeli undercover unit kills 1 Palestinian, wounds 8 in Ramallah during Mulid al-Nabi celebrations mistaken for demonstration. (WT 8/21; MM 8/22; JP 8/27)

Ghazi Jabali, cmdr. of Palestinian police in Gaza City, says police will not disarm Hamas activists, reaffirms they will confiscate unlicensed weapons after legislation is passed, grace period lapses. (QY 8/10 in FBIS 8/22; JP 8/27) (see 8/16)

IDF shells Arab Salim, southern Lebanon kills 1 Lebanese civilian, wounds another. (MEI 8/26)

Palestinian police stop IDF vehicles carrying IDF Brig. Gen. Doron Almog in Gaza Strip.  Standoff continues for 1 hr. until Palestinian police col. issues written order to permit Almog to continue.  (WP 5/26)

Israeli-Palestinian agricultural trade talks open in Tel Aviv to regulate commerce in agricultural products btwn. Israel, self-rule areas.  (Qol Yisra'el 5/25 in FBIS 5/26)

Secy of State Christopher, FM Peres, at joint news conference in Washington, criticize PLO Chmn. Arafat's decree restoring pre-1967 laws in Gaza and Jericho, saying Arafat lacks authority for such a decree.  Israeli FMin. issues statement saying Arafat statement of "no legal validity" and a "breach" of Gaza-Jericho agreement.  (Israeli Govt. Press Office release 5/25 in FBIS 5/25; MM 5/25; MM, NYT 5/26)

PLO Chmn. Arafat orders release of his wife's uncle George Hawa, held for 5 days by PLO officials in Tunis on suspicion of taking kickbacks fr. companies seeking contracts in Jericho, Gaza Strip.  (MM 5/25; WP 5/26; al-Sharq al-Awsat 5/27 in FBIS 6/1)

Trial starts in Beirut of 7 mbrs. of FRC ("Abu Nidal" group) for 1/29 murder of Jordanian diplomat.  (MM 5/25, 5/26)

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

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

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

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

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

U.S. Middle East peace talks coordinator Dennis Ross arrives in Tunis for 2 mtgs. with PLO Chmn. Arafat. Ross joins Norwegian Dep. FM Terje Rod Larsen and Israeli delegation seeking Israel-PLO agreement on security for Palestinians in o.t. Palestinian officialsay they are "refining" Norwegian proposal on security force. U.S. role in talks is described as marginal. (MM 3/21; NYT 3/22)

IDF Brig. Gen. Moshe Yaalon, West Bank cmdr. 1992-93, tells commission of inquiry into Hebron massacre of "absolute prohibition" on using live ammunition against settlers. Israeli press reports that PM Rabin told Israeli cabinet 3/20 that commission's hearings were causing "incalculable" damage to Israel's reputation. (NYT 3/22)

Settler bus ambushed nr. Ateret, 14 mi. north of Jerusalem, in apparent revenge attack for Hebron massacre. 1 Israeli killed and at least 1 wounded. (NYT 3/22)

Hizballah ambush kills 2 IDF soldiers, roadside bombs kill 2 SLA mbrs. Israeli shelling kills 12-yr.-old schoolgirl in Nabatiya, wounds 22 others. (MM 3/21)

Al-Safir reports arrests of 5 suspects in 2/27 church bombing in Zuq Mika'il, Lebanon. Suspects, including 1 monk, are reportedly affiliated with Lebanese Forces (LF) and "Guardians of the Cedar" factions, had sought refuge in Israeli-controlled "security zone." (MM 3/21)

U.S. forces round up more than 1,400 Iraqi soldiers-including a brigadier general-from island of Faylakah, the last piece of Iraqi-held Kuwaiti territory. Allies hold about 63,000 Iraqi POWs [LAT 3/4].

Refugees crossing into Iran and Syria from Iraq report demonstrations against Saddam Hussein has spread from Basra to 3 other cities in southern Iraq [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 3/4].

At UN, U.S. and allies offer to speed the flow of food and other relief supplies into Iraq after nonaligned nations press for formal easing of sanctions [NYT 3/4].

Pres. Mitterrand makes what diplomats describe as his clearest call yet for a Palestinian state [LAT 3/4]; Mitterrand also calls for international peace conference on Middle East [WP, MEM 3/4].

Presenting 9-item postwar agenda, Pres. Mubarak urges fresh start for Arabs, says Egyptians have no quarrel with Iraqi people and will help rebuild Iraq [LAT, NYT, WP, MEM 3/4].

UNLU issues call number 68, calling for "increased rallying around the PLO and adherence to it as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people" [AFP 3/3, JPD 3/4 in FBIS 3/5; AVP 3/5 in FBIS 3/6; MEM 3/5; JPI 3/16].

Israeli jets fly through Lebanese army machine gun fire and bomb Fateh base in southern Lebanon; it is 1st air strike since Gulf war ended [MEM 3/4; MET 3/12].

Israel lifts curfew on Gaza Strip for 1st time since 16 January, Gaza fishermen are permitted to put to sea; several towns and villages in W. Bank remain under curfew [MEM 3/4].

Brig. Gen. Shmu'el Zucker assumes duty as commander of IDF forces in Gaza; replaces Brig. Gen. Tzvi Poleg [IDF 2/28 in FBIS 3/1].

Sec. Baker indicates Bush admin. would back $400 million loan guarantee program for housing Soviet Jews in Israel only if Israel stopped settlements in O.T.; also says he favors cuts in U.S. aid to Israel, Egypt, other major recipients in order to provide money for emerging democracies [NYT, WP, WT 3/2; NYT 3/3].

Pres. Bush denies U.S. is holding direct or indirect talks with Iran or Syria about release of American hostages in Middle East [WP, WT 3/2].

Appearing before House Foreign Affairs Committee, Defense Sec. Richard Cheney defends plan to give Egypt 700 surplus U.S. tanks made obsolete by reduction of European forces, says Israel was consulted and did not object [WT 3/ 2].

Arab diplomatic sources say ACC leaders have agreed Egypt, Iraq, and Yemen Arab Republic will intervene militarily in event of Israeli military threat to Jordan [WFD 3/1 in FBIS 3/8].

British Foreign Sec. Douglas Hurd meets with PLO advisor Bassam Abu Sharif in London; Hurd reiterates Britain's objection to settling immigrants in O.T. [WAKH 3/2 in FBIS 3/2].

Speaking in Jerusalem, Shimon Peres reiterates it is not Israeli gov't. policy to settle Soviet Jews in O.T. [JDS 3/2 in FBIS 3/2].

3 trade union groups in W. Bank end 9-year rift, merge into 1 group: General Federation of Trade Unions in the West Bank, headed by Shahar Saeed [MET 3/ 13-19].

Explosion detonated by "resistance fighters" kills 2 Israelis in S. Lebanon [BDS 3/1 in FBIS 3/2]; security sources report Israel has brought additional armored reinforcements into its "security zone" in S. Lebanon [BNR 3/1 in FBIS 3/1]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Cabinet hears report from Hebrew U. Prof. Roberto Bacchi on falling birth rate among world's Jewish population, predictions that there will be more Palestinians than Israelis living in Israel and the occupied territories by early next century [LT 5/13; JTA 5/14; BG 5/15]. Deputy Agriculture Minister Avraham Katz-Oz stated over the weekend Israel has been overpumping from its water reserves for the past decade by over 1,000 cubic meters; he stated water quotas would be cut this year by 10% from a high of 2 billion cubic meters [JP 5/11].

Arab World: Pres. Husni Mubarak has talks in Jordan with King Hussein [BG 5/12].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli army spokesperson states Israeli troops kill two guerrillas in S. Lebanon "security zone" [JTA 5/13].

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: IDF Brigadier-General Amos Yaron, criticized in March 1983 report for role in Sabra and Shatila massacres, promoted to full general in spite of recommendation that "no command be given to him for three years." Karam Saleh Karam of Bethlehem fined IS50,000 and given suspended sentence of 3 years prison for demonstrating and throwing stones at Israeli border guards last year. 30 Dheisheh camp residents summoned to Bethlehem military governor's office and told to create council of camp residents to coordinate with "civil administration;" proposal rejected by refugees citing "lack of faith" in military gov't. Political prisoner, Nabil shawkeh, sentenced (November 1982) to 7 years prison for membership in "hostile organization," deported to Jordan following drastic deterioration of health and subsequent repeated request by his lawyer for release.

Arab World: US envoy Rumsfeld arrives in Damascus for talks with Syrian officials.

Other Countries: 9 children wounded in Israeli invasion of Lebanon arrive in NY for medical treatment sponsored by "Save Lebanon" project of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee; 40 have already been treated under this project.

MILITARY ACTION:

Arab World: IDF convoy ambushed near Zahrani River, 3 soldiers wounded.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: 2 IDF reservists sentenced to prison terms for refusing to serve in Lebanon, brings total to 51; Arens overrules Chief of Staff Levy's recommendation to promote Brigadier General Yaron, criticized by Kahan Commission, and appoint him head of IDF manpower and training.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese Cabinet unanimously approves withdrawal agreement with Israel, will form top-level team to negotiate with Syria; Foreign Minister Salem distributes copies of the agreement to Arab ambassadors, envoys dispatched to Arab capitals; Arafat meets PLO forces in Bekaa Valley for second time, some Fateh sections refusing to take orders from Arafat or Abu Jihad.

Arab Governments: President Mubarak calls on Arabs not to withhold support from Lebanon, says the Arab position should not prolong Israeli occupation or permit attempts at partition.