The Palestine Chronology

Overnight, Hamas, the PRCs reportedly fire another 45 mortars, 30 rockets at Jewish settlements in Gaza (lightly damaging 1 house) and the Negev in retaliation for the deaths of 3 Palestinians on 4/9. The IDF arrests Fatah mbr. Firas Tanbur in Nablus on charges of planning a terrorist attack on behalf of Hizballah; Palestinians confront soldiers with stones during the raid; soldiers respond with rubber-coated steel bullets and tear gas, injuring 10. The IDF also raids, searches an elementary school in, imposes a curfew on al-‘Asa’sa nr. Jenin; fires on stonethrowing Palestinians nr. Nablus; conducts arrest raids, house searches nr. Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin; occupies a Palestinian home in Ramallah as an observation post; sends troops into Aida r.c. to break up a nonviolent protest against threats by Revava to attack al-Aqsa mosque. Some 3,000 Israeli police bar a rally at the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif by Revava attended by only 50 rightwing Israelis. Israel reports that Egypt recently arrested a Fatah Hawks mbr. on charges of smuggling Strela surface-to-air missiles into Gaza. (HA, MM, NYT 4/11; XIN 4/12; OCHA, PR 4/13; MM, PCHR 4/14)

The IDF blocks a main road to Gaza City that runs nr. Netzarim settlement, fires a tank shell at a taxi that tries to circumvent the roadblock, killing the Palestinian driver; confiscates 600 d. fr. the villages of Surif and Jaba n. of Hebron for separation wall construction; demolishes a Palestinian home, raids 2 charitable societies in Hebron. The Fatah Hawks, Islamic Jihad gunmen attack an IDF patrol at Gaza’s Kissufim crossing, wounding 4 IDF soldiers, 1 Israeli civilian. Palestinians also fire a mortar at Gush Katif, causing no damage or injuries. The AMB executes a Palestinian collaborator in Ramallah. (HA 12/15; NYT, PCHR 12/16; VOP 12/16 in WNC 12/18; PCHR 12/23)

The Israeli DMin. approves a “series of pinpointed, intensive actions” in Rafah in response to the 12/11 Hamas–Fatah Hawks attack. Hamas Nablus cmdr. Ihsan Shawahna is killed, 3 IDF soldiers are injured in an exchange of fire during an IDF arrest raid in Nablus. The IDF further tightens Palestinian movement around Bethlehem, Tulkarm (see 12/10); raids an Islamic charitable society in Dura, confiscates books fr. the library, seals the offices; conducts arrest raids, house searches in ‘Aida r.c., Bethlehem, Duha, Nablus. Late in the evening, the IDF sends bulldozers into Khan Yunis, demolishes 11 Palestinian homes. (HA, MA, VOP, YA 12/13 in WNC 12/15; PR 12/15; PCHR 12/16)

In retaliation for the 12/11 Hamas–Fatah Hawks attack, the IDF seals the Rafah crossing, fires on residential areas of Rafah (killing 1 Palestinian outside his home), conducts air strikes on 5 targets in Gaza City (destroying at least 1 metal workshop, 1 Palestinian home). The IDF also shells residential areas of Khan Yunis, injuring 7 Palestinian students in their classroom; tightens restrictions on Palestinian movement in the Ramallah area; begins bulldozing agricultural land in Husan w. of Bethlehem for construction of the separation wall. Palestinians fire 4 mortars at Gush Katif, causing no damage or injuries. Jewish settlers fr. Ariel settlement throw stones at, chase off Palestinian farmers working their fields in neighboring Isqaqa village. (BBC 12/12; JAZ, VOI, VOP 12/12 in WNC 12/14; MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/13; VOP 12/13 in WNC 12/15; PCHR 12/16)

Hamas, the Fatah Hawks (Fatah’s armed wing, which has not staged an attack on an Israeli target since the 1st intifada) take joint responsibility for detonating a massive bomb underneath an IDF checkpoint on the Gaza-Egypt border, killing 5 IDF soldiers, wounding at least 10; armed Palestinians exchange fire with IDF soldiers attempting to remove the wounded, leaving 1 Palestinian attacker dead. The IDF imposes a curfew on Talluza nr. Nablus; shells an elementary school in Khan Yunis, injuring 7 children; fires on, detains crew mbrs. of 2 Palestinian fishing boats off the Gaza coast; fires on stone-throwing Palestinians in al-Fara‘a r.c.; shells residential areas, bulldozes 24 d. of agricultural land and 8 greenhouses nr. Khan Yunis; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Askar r.c., Hebron. Palestinian shepherds herding nr. ‘Aqraba nr. Nablus severely beat a Jewish settler fr. Itamar settlement who attempts to steal their sheep; other Palestinians alert police, who intervene, detain several Palestinians. Jewish settlers fr. Kiryat Arba settlement in Hebron throw stones, bottles at Palestinian houses nr. the Ibrahimi Mosque/Tomb of the Patriarchs (IMEMC, WP 12/12; JAZ, MENA, VOI 12/12 in WNC 12/14; MM 12/13; JAZ 12/13 in WNC 12/15; HA, MM, PR 12/15; AYM 12/15 in WNC 12/18; PCHR 12/16; PR 12/22)

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)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes leave a total of 3 Palestinians, 3 Jewish settlers dead. In Gaza, 2 Palestinians are shot dead in a failed suicide attack on an IDF post that lightly injures 2 soldiers. The IDF shells residential areas of Khan Yunis, Nablus, Rafah; places a closure on Nablus. A group calling itself the Fatah Hawks briefly detains 2 journalists (1 American, 1 British) in Rafah, telling them to warn the UK, U.S. that more kidnappings of their nationals could take place if their pro-Israel bias does not cease. Fatah denies involvement in the incident, noting it disbanded its Fatah Hawks wing in the mid-1990s; the PA vows to arrest the perpetrators. Jewish settlers damage Palestinian property, throw stones at Palestinians in Hebron; trespass onto Palestinian property, threaten residents with guns, damage a water system nr. HaHarsina Junction. (BBC, HA, MM 5/29; AP, MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/30; PCHR 6/4; Christian Peacemaker Teams press release 6/11)

Asst. Secy. of State Burns convenes Israeli-PA security talks in Tel Aviv. PSF head Rajub, Shin Bet head Avi Dichter boycott. No progress is made, but the sides agree to meet again. (AP, NYT, WP, WT 5/30; SA 5/31 in WNC 6/1; QA 6/3 in WNC 6/6)

Arafat submits to the PA temporary election commission his application of nomination to run in 1/20 presidential elections, with a check fr. the PA Interior Min. for $3,000 and a certificate issued by Fatah, making him the 1st to officially enter the race. (VOP 12/17 in FBIS 12/18)

As scheduled, PA assumes control over Qalqilya. (NYT 12/17; VOP 12/16, 12/17 in FBIS 12/18; JP 12/23)

In Nablus, PA police round up, arrest 30 Fatah Hawks mbrs.; capture Fatah Hawk leaders Ahmad Tabuk, Amin Maqboul, 4 aides after brief shoot out. (CSM, WT 12/18; NYT, WJW 12/21; JP 12/30; MEI 1/5) (see 11/29)

Jordanian prosecutor general orders detention of Jihad al-Mawmani, chief editor of the weekly Shihan, for publishing article on narcotics, legal violations by beauty salons without 1st reporting the crimes to the authorities. Amman court orders release of Sawt al-Mar'ah editor arrested 12/13. (al-Dustur 12/18 in FBIS 12/19) (see 12/13)

Jordan signs 3-yr. (1996-98) economic adjustment program with the IMF meant to stimulate continued liberalization of the economy; signs debt rescheduling agmt. with Japan, World Bank, spreading the $115 m. owed over 10 yrs. (instead of 3), giving Jordan a $80-m. Japanese soft loan; approves regulations encouraging capital investment by foreigners. (JT, RJ 12/17 in FBIS 12/19; JT 1/1 in FBIS 1/3)

First joint IDF-PA patrols of Janin area begin. Israel gives PA control over the empty al-Fari`a prison nr. Nablus. (QY 11/13 in FBIS 11/13)

In continuing crackdown on right-wing extremists, Israeli police indict 29 more Jewish settlers, say 50 other indictments will be issued soon. (WP, WT 11/15) (see 11/13)

In Nablus, frmr. Fatah Hawks mbrs shoot, wound 4 Palestinians in 2 separate incidents. Frmr. Fatah Hawks have acted as self-styled custodians of moral standards in Nablus since May, killing 2, wounding at least 22 for such offenses as running lotteries. (AFP 11/14 in FBIS 11/15) (see 10/12)

In Gaza, Arafat meets with Hamas delegation that returned fr. the Sudan 10/7. (NYT 10/13; Al-Hayat, VOP 10/13, MENA 10/15 in FBIS 10/16)

Palestinian People's Party (PPP), formerly the Palestinian Communist party, says it will take part in elections. (QY 10/13 in FBIS 10/16)

Following events 10/10, 10/11, PM Rabin cancels appearance at Saharena celebrations in Ashqelon, fearing he would be prevented fr. speaking by hecklers. Shin Bet notes increasing number of attempts to attack ministers by extreme right-wingers; says it has increased its VIP detail to offer more protection. (YA 10/12 in FBIS 10/13)

Egyptian FM Musa says Libya's Col. Qaddafi has agreed to stop expelling Palestinians, only final details of an agmt. of understanding need to be worked out. (NYT 10/13; VOP 10/13 in FBIS 10/16; BT 10/19) (see 10/6)

In Damascus, PLO's Qaddumi meets with FM Shara`, then with Palestinian opposition leaders to discuss implications of the Oslo II agmt., conditions of refugees in Libya, Lebanon. (SARR 10/12 in FBIS 10/13; Al-Hayat, RMC 10/13 in FBIS 10/16)

Peace Now releases figures for Israel's 1995 West Bank housing starts, showing the highest rate of construction since PM Rabin took office in 1992. So far this year there have been 1,398 starts compared with 1,290 for 1994, 980 for 1993, and 6,210 in 1992. Most of the 6,000 West Bank settler homes under construction are nr. Jerusalem. (WT 10/13)

2 Fatah Hawks handcuff, blindfold journalist Samir Al-Kurdi, lead him to the courtyard of Nablus mosque, shoot and wound him, citing "moral offenses." (JP 10/21, 10/28) (see 10/11)

PA arrests 5 Palestinians, incl. security agents, in connection with American Azzam Muhammad Ibrahim Muslih's death in custody 9/29. (WP 10/13; JP 10/21)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah detonates roadside bomb, killing 3 IDF soldiers, wounding 6. (MM 10/13; RL 10/13 in FBIS 10/13; VOL 10/13 in FBIS 10/16) WT 10/16; MM 10/18; JP 10/21, 10/28)

PM Rabin is put under tighter security following events at 10/10 speech, arrest of 2 Kach mbrs for damaging his car in attack similar to that against Housing M Ben-Eliezer 10/6. Shin Bet worries that Kach activists are too well acquainted with Rabin's schedule. (ITV 10/11 in FBIS 10/12)

IDF withdraws fr. West Bank villages of Qabatiyya, Yatta, Kharbata. (MM 10/11; QY, VOP 10/11 in FBIS 10/12; WP, WT 10/12; JP 10/21)

Zalman Shoval, director of Likud foreign relations, initiates campaign to have 100,000 Israelis sign a petition calling on the Pres. Clinton to support Dole bill on moving the U.S. embassy fr. Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. (MA 10/11 in FBIS 10/11)

PSF sentences 6 security agents to jail terms btwn. 2 wks and 6 mos for mistreating prisoners in PA custody. (VOP 10/12 in FBIS 10/13; JP 10/21)

Immediately after his release fr. prison, Palestinian Sa'id Kalbani is detained, shot in the knees by a group of Fatah Hawks. (JP 10/21)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah attacks IDF position, wounding 1 IDF soldier. IDF, SLA retaliate, killing 1 Hizballah mbr., wounding 2. (MM 10/11; QY, VOL 10/11 in FBIS 10/11; Rl 10/11 in FBIS 10/12; JP 10/21)

Israeli FMin. says it is having trouble planning a speaking tour of U.S. for a group of senior IDF reserve officers. PM Rabin is dispatching the delegation to encourage U.S. Jews to support the peace process, explain the Israeli government's positions, however, many Jewish conservative, reform groups are refusing to meet. (HA 9/11 in FBIS 9/12)

Reacting to the expulsion 9/8 of 350 Palestinian refugees with Lebanese laissez-passer, Lebanon closes sea routes with Libya, says Palestinians wishing to return must obtain entry visas fr. Lebanese embassy, but orders embassies not to issue new documents or visas without case-by-case approval by the Interior Min. Libya sends 10s of busses carrying 50 Palestinians each to Egypt, prompting Egypt to stop allowing in Palestinians without permits to enter Gaza, leaving 100s stranded on the border. (VOL 9/7, MENA, VOL 9/8 in FBIS 9/8; NYT, WP, WT 9/10; MBC, RL 9/8, AFP, RL, VOL 9/9, AFP, RL, VOL 9/10 in FBIS 9/11; MM 9/11; NYT 9/13)

Frmr. Israeli Islamic Movement mbrs. led by Shaykh Atif Khatib announce they will present an Islamic list for 10/96 Knesset elections that will incl. a candidate for PM. It would be the 1st time an Arab would run for PM. Shaykh Khatib says the new party, Islamic Arab Faction, will be left leaning, pro-peace process, for Arab equality. (YA 9/10 in FBIS 9/12; HA 9/18 in FBIS 9/21)

In Hebron, Jewish settlers storm Palestinian girls school, beat headmistress, injure 4 girls (aged 6-10) who took part in street protest. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/11; NYT 9/13)

In Nablus, armed men kidnap Fatah Hawk official Na'il Shubaytah. 25 Fatah Hawks march through city armed with grenades, pistols, machine guns in protest; accuse supporters of Issam Abu Bakr, who was suspended fr. the group 1 mo. ago. (AFP 9/10 in FBIS 9/11)

At Tel Ashqelon prison in Israel, 20 Palestinian prisoners beat to death their Hamas cell mate `Abd al-Fatah al-Rantisi, who was serving a 15-yr. sentence as a collaborator. (AFP 9/10 in FBIS 9/11)

PM Rabin, FM Peres brief Norwegian FM Godal on redeployment, transfer of authority talks with PA, negotiations with Syria. (IDF Radio, QY 6/14 in FBIS 6/14)

U.S. Asst. Secy. of State Pelletreau arrives in Lebanon to discuss bilateral relations, assure Pres. Hrawi that the U.S. has not forgotten the Lebanese track of the peace process even though Christopher did not visit Beirut on his recent tour. (MM 6/13, 6/14; RL 6/14 in FBIS 6/14; MM 6/15; RL, VOL 6/15 in FBIS 6/16)

Nr. Rafah in Gaza, Israeli border guards shoot, kill 3 Palestinians (1 Fatah Hawk, 2 fr. Force 17--Arafat's "presidential guard") in border crossing incident. Arafat says he will investigate. (WP 6/14; QY, VOP 6/14 in FBIS 6/14; IDF Radio, VOP 6/14 in FBIS 6/15; CSM, MM, NYT, WP 6/15; PR 6/18; WJW 6/22; JP 6/24; MEI 7/21)

Israeli FMin. says DMin. routinely detains mail fr. self-rule areas, o.t., Israel Arabs to assess attitudes toward Israel, PA; says it is entitled to do this "by virtue of its responsibility for the PA's external security and foreign relations." Both international, intercity mail are effected. (HA 6/14 in FBIS 6/16)

Israeli police arrest 5 yeshiva students in connection with 6/13 attack on Faisal Husseini's house. (JP 6/14 in FBIS 6/14)

Egypt's Pres. Mubarak arrives in Washington for brief trip to solidify ties with U.S. in light of NPT issue, peace process. (MENA 4/1, MENA, RE 4/2, MENA 4/3 in FBIS 4/3)

Muhammad Jundi, jailed for aiding Israeli undercover agents kill 6 Fatah Hawks 1 yr. ago, is found shot dead in Jabaliyya r.c. PA intelligence mbrs. (many frmr. Fatah Hawks) suspected. (NYT 4/6)

Russian FM Kozyrev meets with Arafat in Gaza, discusses aid, Israel's "separation" plan, Palestinian elections. (VOP 3/31 in FBIS 4/4; VOP 4/1 in FBIS 4/3; JP 4/8; MM 4/25)