93 / 15139 Results
  • January 30, 2022

    In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 1 house under construction in Aqabah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers raided the Haram al-Sharif compound, closing off parts of it to Muslim...

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  • May 3, 2018

    Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot, injure, and arrest a Palestinian man attempting to cross into Israel. According to the IDF, he is armed with a knife and a box cutter. They also violently...

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  • May 2, 2018

    Along Gaza’s border, Palestinians send a flaming kite across the border fence, sparking a fire that burns dozens of acres of Israeli grassland and agricultural land. IDF troops open fire on a...

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  • April 30, 2018

    In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian minor during a raid near Jenin. They arrest 6 Palestinians during further raids near Hebron and Ramallah, and patrol near Hebron. Off...

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  • March 7, 2018

    In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian women commemorating International Women’s Day at the Qalandia checkpoint; there are no serious injuries. Israeli soldiers disguised as...

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  • November 22, 2017

    Concluding 2 days of talks in Cairo, representatives of Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Fatah, reaffirm the 10/12 reconciliation agreement (see JPS 47 [2]), emphasize the need for the PA...

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  • January 17, 2017

    IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at a checkpoint nr. Tulkarm after he allegedly attempts to stab 1 of them. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Qalandia r.c. late at...

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  • January 10, 2017

    IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian during an overnight raid in al-Fara‘a r.c. nr. Tubas. The man’s family says the soldiers opened fire on the man after he shouted at them, thinking they were...

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  • August 27, 2015

    Fanning the flames across East Jerusalem, at least 20 Israeli settlers escorted by Israeli forces overtake a building in Silwan, claiming that the settler organization Ateret Cohanim had purchased...

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  • August 22, 2015

    In the West Bank, IDF troops raid a village nr. Hebron, arresting 2 Palestinians and sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youth. They also violently disperse Palestinians...

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  • April 18, 2013

    Unidentified Palestinians fire 2 rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF violently disperse dozens of Palestinian protesters in alKhader...

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  • February 7, 2013

    Israeli media report that National Security Adviser Yaakov Amidror has recently privately warned PM Benjamin Netanyahu that settlement construction is causing Israel to lose support even among its...

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  • December 22, 2011

    The IDF makes a brief incursion into n. Gaza in the morning to level lands and clear lines of sight along the border e. of Jabaliya r.c., firing on nearby residential areas to keep Palestinians...

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  • September 18, 2011

    The IDF conducts afternoon patrols in 1 village nr. Qalqilya. Jewish settlers fr. Gil’ad settlement nr. Qalqilya set fire to nearby Palestinian agricultural lands, damaging 20 olive trees. (PCHR 9...

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  • August 6, 2005

    The IDF makes a predawn raid on Mughraqa in s. Gaza, sending in troops backed by more than 20 armored vehicles to search houses; raids al-Quds University campus in East Jerusalem, arresting...

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  • June 13, 1999

    Multilateral Refugee Working Group begins 5 day gavel mission to refugee camps in Jordan. (JT [Internet], Petra-JNA [Internet] 6/17)

    At the close of 2 days of mtgs., the Egyptian-Moroccan...

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  • May 3, 1999

    In Washington, the U.S.-Israel Joint Political Military Group (JPMG) convenes to discuss exchanges aimed at improving Israel's defensive capabilities. (USIS Washington File 5/5...

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  • December 11, 1998

     The U.S. calls on the PA to halt hunger strikes, criticisms of the prisoner release; speed confiscations of illegal weapons, reduction in number of PA police. (NYT 12/12)

    Israel rejects U....

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  • November 5, 1998

    The PLO Exec. Comm. reaffirms 1/22/98 letter fr. Arafat to Secy. of State Christopher nullifying relevant articles of the PLO charter. Secy. Albright says that the PA is ahead of the Wye...

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  • January 19, 1997

    Arafat visits Hebron. 60,000 Palestinians welcome him. Later, he meets with Hebron's Hamas leaders. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/20; al-Quds 1/20 in WNC 1/23; WJW 1/23; MEI 1/24)

    Palestine...

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  • November 17, 1996

    Israeli, PA negotiations on Hebron resume in Jericho. (RJ 11/18 in WNC 11/19)

    IDF eases closure, allowing 7,000 Palestinians fr. Gaza, 8,000 fr. West Bank into Israel to work, raising the...

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  • October 20, 1994

    Israeli cabinet holds emergency session; increases quotas on Thais, Romanians, Bulgarians, Chinese to replace Palestinian laborers working in Israel; gives security forces "additional means...

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  • August 21, 1994

    Israeli cabinet approves draft of early empowerment accord. (NYT 8/24)

    Arafat meets PLO officials in Tunis to discuss problems with advancing self-rule. PNC SG Muhammad Subayh links...

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  • August 19, 1994

    PLO Chmn. Arafat, Israeli FM Peres, Norwegian FM Bjørn Tore Godal meet in Gaza to mark 1st anniversary of Oslo accords, present plan for funds transfers fr. donor nations to PNA. Peres announces...

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  • July 7, 1994

    Arafat, Rabin end 2 days of mtgs. in Paris, both sides agreeing to continue talks on expanding Palestinian self-rule.  Talks to resume 7/11 in Cairo.  2 sides plus Jordan and Egypt to organize...

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  • May 4, 1994

    PLO Chmn. Arafat and Israeli PM Rabin sign 186-page Gaza-Jericho self-rule accord after 6-hr. negotiating session. Cairo ceremony presided over by Egyptian Pres. Husni Mubarak; 2,500 attendees...

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  • September 11, 1993

    PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. 'Abd Allah Hurani resigns in protest of DoP, Israel-PLO recognition, calls for emergency PNC meeting. (MENA 9/11 in FBIS 9/13)

    IDF shoots 2 Palestinians dead, wounds 8...

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  • August 29, 1993

    PLO Exec. Comm. ends meeting, agrees to present "Gaza-Jericho lst" at 11th Washington round. Palestinian delegation leaves for Washington. (MENA, Tunisian Republic Radio 8/29 in FBIS 8/30)

    ...

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  • March 23, 1993

    PNC Secy. Muhammad Subayh says PLO is prepared to establish national authority in Gaza Strip, on the basis of a 1974 PNC decision calling for such establishment on any part of o.t. to be liberated...

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  • November 12, 1992

    Israeli delegation rejoins refugee talks in Ottawa, after receiving written U.S. assurances that Palestinian delegation head Muhammad Hallaj is no longer a member of the PNC. Palestinians begin...

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In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 1 house under construction in Aqabah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers raided the Haram al-Sharif compound, closing off parts of it to Muslim worshippers. 16 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Isawiya, al-Tur, and Hizma. (MEMO, MEMO, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/30; PCHR 2/3)

Israeli Palestinian Bedouins protested outside of the official residence of Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett against neglect of the Bedouin communities in Israel and the Jewish National Fund’s displacement by forestation project. The protesters also demanded that Israel release all people detained during the protests in the Naqab against the forestation project. The protest was organized by the Higher Arab Monitoring Committee and the National Council for Arab Mayors. Palestinians also demonstrated outside of the Jerusalem municipality building against demolitions in East Jerusalem. (HA, WAFA 1/30)

The PFLP reaffirmed that it will not participate in the upcoming PNC meetings, citing fears that the meetings will deepen the divide amongst Palestinian parties. (MEMO 1/31)

Israeli media reported that PA president Mahmoud Abbas asked Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz to release 25 Palestinian prisoners during their meeting at Gantz’s home on 12/28/2021. The reporting said that the 25 prisoners have been detained before 1993 but did not name who President Abbas was asking to have released. Gantz, reportedly, did not give Abbas a firm answer on whether he would help with the request. (TOI, WAFA 1/30; MEMO 1/31)

Israeli president Isaac Herzog met with UAE crown prince Mohammed Bin Zayed al-Nahyan in Abu Dhabi. (HA 1/29; AJ, AP, MEE, MEMO, REU 1/30; AJ, REU 1/31)

Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops shoot, injure, and arrest a Palestinian man attempting to cross into Israel. According to the IDF, he is armed with a knife and a box cutter. They also violently disperse Great March of Return protesters gathering near Gaza City and Khan Yunis; 2 Palestinians are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish an agricultural supplies building near Hebron. IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids near Salfit, Hebron, and Nablus; and patrol near Qalqilya and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian during a raid in Issawiyya. (HA, HA, TOI, WAFA 5/3; PCHR 5/10)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when the IDF violently dispersed peaceful protesters along Gaza’s border on 4/27, bringing the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 42. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 5/3)

On their 4th and final day of meetings in Ramallah, the PNC discusses possible reforms to the PLO and chooses new members of the PLO Executive Committee. They also elect PA president Abbas to another term as head of the State of Palestine and president of the PLO Executive Committee. (WAFA 5/3; REU, WAFA 5/4)

Along Gaza’s border, Palestinians send a flaming kite across the border fence, sparking a fire that burns dozens of acres of Israeli grassland and agricultural land. IDF troops open fire on a Great March of Return tent camp near Rafah, injuring a crane operator moving supplies. They also violently disperse small groups of protesters approaching the border fence near Jabaliya refugee camp and Khan Yunis; 5 Palestinians are injured. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Jabaliya refugee camp, causing no damage or injuries. In and around Hebron in the West Bank, Israeli forces seize a number of water tanks and solar batteries and demolish a Palestinian shop, several residential rooms, and a shed. IDF troops arrest 11 Palestinians during late-night raids near Bethlehem and Nablus, and patrol in and around Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 3 Palestinians during raids in Abu Dis and Biddu. In central Israel, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home under construction and a shop in Taybeh. (TOI, WAFA 5/2; PCHR 5/3; PCHR 5/10)

For a 3d consecutive day, the PNC meets in Ramallah to discuss issues facing the Palestinian people. (WAFA 5/3)

In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure a Palestinian minor during a raid near Jenin. They arrest 6 Palestinians during further raids near Hebron and Ramallah, and patrol near Hebron. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers working near Khan Yunis and later near Dayr al-Balah, causing no injuries. They also violently disperse Great March of Return protesters gathering along the border fence near al-Bureij refugee camp, Gaza City, and Khan Yunis; 1 Palestinian is injured. (WAFA 4/30; PCHR 5/3)

The Palestinian National Council (PNC), the legislative wing of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), convenes in Ramallah for its first regular session since 1996. Some factions boycotted the meetings. Over the next 4 days, they are set to elect new members to the PLO Executive Committee and other top PLO positions. In the evening, PA president Abbas gives a speech calling for the PNC to adopt the initiative he presented at the UNSC in 2/2018, and reiterates his commitment to ending the division with Hamas. (JP, WAFA 4/30; YA 5/1)

The Egyptian authorities open the Rafah border crossing in both directions for a 3d and final day. (OCHA 5/10)

In the West Bank, IDF troops violently disperse Palestinian women commemorating International Women’s Day at the Qalandia checkpoint; there are no serious injuries. Israeli soldiers disguised as journalists raid Birzeit University near Ramallah to arrest a number of students, sparking minor clashes; 2 students are injured. Israeli settlers throw stones at Palestinian homes in Burin village near Nablus, sparking minor clashes between their IDF escort and residents of the village; 1 Palestinian is injured. Late at night, IDF troops arrest 4 Palestinians during raids near Hebron and in Nablus. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces conduct a limited incursion to level land near Khan Yunis. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya, causing no damage or injuries. (EI, WAFA 3/7; PCHR 3/15)

Israel’s Knesset passes a new law allowing the interior minister to revoke the residency rights of anyone in Jerusalem exhibiting a “breach of loyalty” to Israel, and to allow the Israeli government to deport any person whose residency status is revoked. Meanwhile, the Knesset also passes a law giving police commanders the authority to set conditions for returning the corpses of Palestinian citizens of Israel and residents of Jerusalem killed in confrontations with Israeli civilians, with the purpose of avoiding clashes or further attacks during funeral processions. (AJ, HA, JP, KNE, TOI 3/7)

A senior PLO official says that the PLO Executive Committee has decided to convene the PLO’s legislative body, the Palestinian National Council (PNC), on 4/30 to “discuss challenges to the Palestinian cause, especially after the U.S. decision against Jerusalem.” (JP, REU, WAFA 3/7)

Concluding 2 days of talks in Cairo, representatives of Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Fatah, reaffirm the 10/12 reconciliation agreement (see JPS 47 [2]), emphasize the need for the PA to take control of Gaza, and call for a new round of elections for the PA presidency, the Palestinian Legislative Council, and the Palestinian National Council by the end of 2018. They do not reach a resolution on the issue of Hamas’s military wing, however. (TOI, WAFA 11/23)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish 2 Palestinian homes under construction in Batir village near Bethlehem, a residential structure and an animal barn in Jiftlik village near Jericho, and a residential building in Bayt Dajan village near Nablus. IDF troops arrest 7 Palestinians during late-night raids in and around Ramallah, Bethlehem, Jenin, and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home under construction in Issawiyya and another in Shu‘fat, and arrest 2 Palestinians during a late-night raid in Silwan. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on and then arrest 2 Palestinians as they are attempting to cross into Israel near Bayt Lahiya (1 Palestinian is injured). Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Gaza City, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MNA, WAFA 11/22; PCHR 11/23; PCHR 11/30)

An Israeli youth succumbs to injuries she sustained in a bombing attack on a bus stop in Jerusalem in 3/2011. (HA, TOI 11/22)

The Arab press reports that PA pres. Abbas has refused a phone call from senior advisor to U.S. pres. Trump Jared Kushner, apparently implementing the Palestinians’ threat, reported on 11/21, to cut off communication with the U.S. in response to the Trump administration’s threat to close the PLO office in Washington. Instead of taking the call, Abbas reportedly referred Kushner to the PLO office in Washington. (HA, TOI 11/22; HA 11/23)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian at a checkpoint nr. Tulkarm after he allegedly attempts to stab 1 of them. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Qalandia r.c. late at night, demolishing several small structures and sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; 6 Palestinians are injured. They also arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids nr. Hebron and Ramallah, as well as in Nablus; and patrol nr. Salfit and Hebron. Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian home and an agricultural structure outside Aqraba in the n. Jordan Valley, and raze 2 animal barns and another agricultural structure nr. Nablus. An Israeli settler driver rams a Palestinian child in Hebron, causing moderate injuries. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian demolishes his own home in Issawiyya to avoid paying Israeli demolition fees. Israeli forces demolish a structure in Jabal Mukabir and arrest 7 Palestinians during raids in Shu‘fat r.c. Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats nr. Jabaliya r.c. and later nr. Gaza City, injuring 1 fisherman. They also confiscate a number of boats. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural lands nr. Rafah, causing no serious damage. (HA, JP, MNA, WAFA, YA 1/17; WAFA 1/18; PCHR 1/19)

Concluding 3 days of talks in Moscow, Hamas and Fatah officials agree to form a new Palestinian unity govt. Under their agreement, the various Palestinian factions, including PIJ, will join the PLO and form a new Palestine National Council over the next 2 mos., which will choose a new PLO Exec. Comm. (HA, JP, TOI 1/17; AJ 1/18)

The Israeli authorities release Shaykh Raed Salah from Ramon Prison, where he had served 9 mos. on charges of incitement. Salah was head of the Northern Branch of the Islamic Movement in Israel before it was outlawed in 11/2014. (HA, YA 1/17)

IDF troops shoot and kill a Palestinian during an overnight raid in al-Fara‘a r.c. nr. Tubas. The man’s family says the soldiers opened fire on the man after he shouted at them, thinking they were petty thieves. An IDF spokesperson says that the soldiers opened fire because the man was approaching them with a knife. Elsewhere in the West Bank, Israeli forces demolish a water pipeline serving bedouin communities nr. Tubas. IDF troops arrest a Palestinian who allegedly attempts to stab them at an intersection nr. Hebron, and assault an elderly Palestinian woman during a raid in Kafr Qaddum nr. Qalqilya. They also arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in Jenin and nr. Nablus and Hebron, and patrol during the day nr. Nablus and Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces conduct raids in Jabal Mukabir, notifying 13 mbrs. of the family of al-Qunbar, the Palestinian driver who rammed a group of Israelis on 1/8, that their residency status has been revoked. Meanwhile, Israeli forces arrest 9 Palestinians during raids in Issawiyya and elsewhere in Jabal Mukabir. Along Gaza’s border, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian agricultural areas nr. al-Maghazi r.c., causing no serious damage. In Israel, Israeli forces demolish 11 Palestinian homes in Qalanswa because they lacked proper building permits, sparking minor clashes with residents of the area; 1 Palestinian is arrested. (JP, HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 1/10; PCHR 1/12)

Hamas, the PLO, and Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine (PIJ) officials meet in Beirut to discuss the possibility of holding a meeting of the Palestine National Council (PNC), which has not convened since 2009. They conclude that it is necessary for them to hold a PNC meeting with all factions represented and to implement existing reconciliation agreements. (JP 1/10; JP 1/18)

Fanning the flames across East Jerusalem, at least 20 Israeli settlers escorted by Israeli forces overtake a building in Silwan, claiming that the settler organization Ateret Cohanim had purchased it. A Palestinian man refuses to leave his apartment, so the settlers only move into 4 of the 5 floors. Later, Israeli forces close off a main street in al-Tur nr. the site of a firebomb attack on 8/26. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces arrest a Palestinian attempting to cross into Israel e. of Khan Yunis. Egyptian authorities allow the body of a Palestinian who recently died in an Egyptian hospital to be returned home through the Rafah border crossing. In the West Bank, IDF troops patrol in a village nr. Ramallah, sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youths and arresting 1 Palestinian. They also conduct house searches and raids nr. Qalqilya, issuing 1 Palestinian an arrest summons. Israeli forces demolish 4 buildings in Israeli settlement outposts nr. Nablus and arrest 3 settlers protesting the demolitions. In Israel, dozens of Palestinians gather nr. the bedouin village Umm al-Hiran in the Negev to protest the preconstruction phases of 2 Israeli Jewish towns, which Israeli forces began on 8/23. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 8/27; HA, MNA 8/28; PCHR 9/3)

Palestinian UN envoys formally submit a UN General Assembly (UNGA) res. that would allow non-mbr. observer states—Palestine and the Vatican—to display their flags at the UN’s headquarters and offices. (AP, REU, YA 8/26; JP 8/27; AFP 8/28) Senior PA official Azzam al-Ahmad announces that the PNC will convene in Ramallah on 9/15–16 to elect a new PLO Exec. Comm. and discuss the absence of peace negotiations with Israel. (AFP, HA, JP, MNA, TOI 8/27; MNA 8/29) 

In the West Bank, IDF troops raid a village nr. Hebron, arresting 2 Palestinians and sparking minor clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian youth. They also violently disperse Palestinians protesting the occupation nr. Qalqilya. Israeli forces conduct raids, house searches, and patrol nr. Tulkarm, Qalqilya, Hebron, Ramallah, Jericho, and Nablus, issuing arrest summons to 2 Palestinians. Israeli settlers assault Palestinians outside Nablus on 2 occasions. First, they attack farmers and IDF troops violently disperse the groups, injuring several Palestinians. That evening, settlers assault and injure a Palestinian man s. of Nablus. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 8/22; HA, MNA, YA 8/23; PCHR 8/27)

PA pres. Mahmoud Abbas and 10 other mbrs. of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Exec. Comm. announce their plans to resign. Prior to the announcement, the Comm. agrees to organize a meeting of the Palestine National Council (PNC) in the next mo. to confirm the resignations and elect a new PLO Exec. Comm. (MNA, NYT, WAFA 8/22; HA, JP, MNA, WAFA 8/23)

Unidentified Palestinians fire 2 rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF violently disperse dozens of Palestinian protesters in alKhader nr. Bethlehem, causing no serious injuries. The IDF patrols in 2 villages nr. Hebron in the afternoon, and in al-Bireh, al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, 2 villages nr. Jenin, and 2 villages nr. Tulkarm at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Bethlehem, 1 village nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Jenin, and 1 village nr. Salfit at night. (REU, YA, MNA 4/18; PCHR 4/25)

U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry tells the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee that the ‘‘window for a two-state solution is shutting’’ and that the chance to create a Palestinian state alongside Israel will be lost in 1–2 years. (Guardian 4/18)

Officials from a dozen Palestinian factions including the PFLP, DFLP and Islamic Jihad—but excluding Hamas and Fatah—meet in Gaza City to discuss the resignation of Salam Fayyad. In a subsequent news conference, the factions say Pres. Mahmud Abbas should immediately start forming a Palestinian unity government of technocrats to be sworn in within three weeks. The government should then set a date for presidential, parliamentarian, and Palestinian National Council elections. (MNA 4/18)

Anonymous diplomats say that Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency have agreed to discussions in mid-5/2013. Meanwhile, U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry tells the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee that he was disappointed by the failure of talks in Kazakhstan but that a diplomatic solution to the dispute with Iran is still the best option. (AP 4/18)

Israeli media report that National Security Adviser Yaakov Amidror has recently privately warned PM Benjamin Netanyahu that settlement construction is causing Israel to lose support even among its strongest allies in the West. Sources in Netanyahu’s office do not deny the substance of Amidror’s remarks, but say that they should not be seen as a hint that the PM is considering a settlement freeze to help start negotiations. (HA 2/7, 2/8)

Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq says that Fatah and Hamas will meet in Cairo on 2/10 to discuss the composition of a unity government. On 2/8, the discussion will focus on PLO reform. Meanwhile, an anonymous PA official tells Agence France-Presse that PA security forces have arrested more than 25 Hamas mbrs. over the past 48 hours. Earlier in the week, IDF forces arrested another 25 Hamas mbrs. in the West Bank, including 3 mbrs. of the PC from the Hamas-affiliated Reform and Change party. (AFP, MNA 2/7)

Islamic Jihad politburo mbr. Shaykh Nafith Azzam says that the group may run in the next elections of the PLO’s Palestine National Council (PNC) if certain conditions related to the political program, decision-making mechanism, and structure of the PLO are met. Azzan says PNC elections are necessary, particularly as the council represents Palestinians in Palestine and in the diaspora. (MNA 2/7)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 3 villages nr. Jenin and 1 village each nr. Jericho and Ramallah, 1 village nr. Jenin in the afternoon, and in 2 villages each nr. Jenin and Tulkarm, 1 village nr. Jericho at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in Jenin in the morning. (PCHR 2/14)

The IDF makes a brief incursion into n. Gaza in the morning to level lands and clear lines of sight along the border e. of Jabaliya r.c., firing on nearby residential areas to keep Palestinians indoors. In Dura and Ithna villages nr. Hebron, the IDF destroys 1 Palestinian home, part of 2 other homes, 9 agricultural pools and irrigation networks, 4 water tanks, and 5 wells, also confiscating 15 water pumps and other agricultural equipment. The IDF also patrols in 3 villages nr. Qalqilya and 1 nr. Jenin in the evening; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in Bethlehem and neighboring Dahaysha r.c. Washington Jewish Week reports that in the previous wk., Israel’s Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court rejected 2 lawsuits demanding the eviction of Palestinian families fr. their Silwan homes; the suits were brought by Eldad, an organization seeking to Judaize Jerusalem in part by settling Jews in the predominantly Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan, nr. the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount. (WJW 12/22; PCHR 12/29; OCHA 1/5)

At the close of 2 days of talks in Cairo, Fatah’s Abbas and Hamas’s Mishal agree that they will both sit on the comm. that will prepare for the next elections of the PLO’s parliament-in-exile, the Palestinian National Council (PNC), marking a major step toward Hamas joining the PLO. They also agree to form an interim unity government by the end of 1/2012 and to bring elected Hamas-affiliated legislators back into the PA’s parliament, the Palestinian Council (PC), in 2/2012. (NYT, AP, WP, WT 12/23; HA 12/28)

Reports indicate that Hamas is scaling back its presence in Syria because of violence there, but overall feels buoyed by the Arab Spring. Senior Hamas official Mahmud Zahar states that Hamas feels strengthened and validated by the popular support shown for Islamist parties in countries affected by the Arab Spring, suggesting that the new Tunisian model of power-sharing among Islamist and secular nationalist parties could be a model for the Palestinians. (WP 12/22)

The IDF conducts afternoon patrols in 1 village nr. Qalqilya. Jewish settlers fr. Gil’ad settlement nr. Qalqilya set fire to nearby Palestinian agricultural lands, damaging 20 olive trees. (PCHR 9/22; OCHA 9/23)

Meeting with Palestine National Council members in Gaza, Hamas’s acting PM Ismail Haniyeh says Hamas strongly supports Palestinian statehood and will not stand in the way of Abbas going to the UN, but is upset that Abbas has not coordinated or consulted with Hamas on the process, which Hamas feels violates the spirit of the 5/2011 national reconciliation accord. (NYT 9/19)

The IDF makes a predawn raid on Mughraqa in s. Gaza, sending in troops backed by more than 20 armored vehicles to search houses; raids al-Quds University campus in East Jerusalem, arresting Palestine National Council mbr. Ali Abu Hilal, dir. of the university’s Center for Democracy and Human Rights; imposes a curfew on ‘Azun nr. Qalqilya; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis, Rafah; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Hebron and al-Ram nr. East Jerusalem, nr. Nablus; patrols in Araba nr. Jenin, Ubaydiyya nr. Bethlehem, Tulkarm town and r.c. (firing on stone-throwing youths, wounding 1), Za‘tara nr. Bethlehem; fires on unarmed Palestinians attempting to sneak into Israel w. of Hebron to find work, wounding 2. The AMB, DFLP fire mortars at the IDF post at Erez crossing, causing no injuries. The Fatah offshoot Abu Rish Brigades fires a rocket at Neve Dekalim, causing no damage or injuries. Palestinians fire on an IDF patrol nr. Tulkarm r.c., causing no injuries but prompting troops to enter the camp, return fire, injuring 1 Palestinian bystander. Jewish settlers fr. Beit Hadasah severely beat a 16-yr.-old Palestinian in Hebron. Jewish settlers fr. Kiryat Arba severely beat a 14-yr.-old Palestinian boy in Hebron. A Jewish settler driving nr. Hebron chases, fires on a carload of Palestinian workers returning fr. their jobs in Israel, seriously wounding 1, lightly wounding a 2d. In Jerusalem, 20 Jewish settlers try to force their way into the al-Aqsa Mosque but are barred by Palestinian guards. PA judges go on strike and demonstrate outside the main court headquarters in Gaza. PA High Court chief justice Surani (whose home was attacked on 8/2) resigns to protest inadequate security (he retracts the resignation on 8/8). (HA, REU, XIN 8/6; REU 8/8; OCHA, PR 8/10; PCHR 8/11)

Multilateral Refugee Working Group begins 5 day gavel mission to refugee camps in Jordan. (JT [Internet], Petra-JNA [Internet] 6/17)

At the close of 2 days of mtgs., the Egyptian-Moroccan Joint Comm. issues a communiqué calling on Israel to implement the Oslo, Wye agmts. and resume peace talks quickly. (MKR 6/13 in WNC 6/14; RE 6/14 in WNC 6/15; MM 6/16)

Israel bans the return to Ramallah fr. Amman of fmr. PLO guerrilla and current Palestine National Council mbr. Muhammad Oudeh who publicly admitted (5/3) to planning hostage-taking of Israelis at the 1972 Munich Olympics. Oudeh, who has lived in Ramallah since 1996, says that Israel's move contradicts an Israel-PA agmt. not to prosecute violent acts that predate the Oslo peace accords. Germany also has issued a warrant for Oudeh's arrest. (RMC 6/13 in WNC 6/14; NYT, WP, WT 6/14; JT, SA 6/14 in WNC 6/15; JT 6/26 in WNC 6/28)

In Washington, the U.S.-Israel Joint Political Military Group (JPMG) convenes to discuss exchanges aimed at improving Israel's defensive capabilities. (USIS Washington File 5/5)

Fmr. PLO guerrilla and current Palestine National Council mbr. Muhammad Oudeh admits to planning hostage-taking of Israelis at the 1972 Munich Olympics, says Arafat was briefed on plans, but that intention was never to kill the athletes. (WP, WT 5/4)

IDF demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in Jerusalem. (LAW 5/5; MM 5/6)

Choosing not to contest his lawsuit, the U.S. unfreezes $24 m. in assets of Saudi businessman Idris, who owns al-Shifa pharmaceutical plant in Sudan, bombed by the U.S. in 8/98. Administration says its still has "concerns" about Idris based on sensitive intelligence sources. (NYT, WP 5/4; MM 5/14) (see 2/25)

Hizballah stages 3 attacks against IDF, SLA targets in s. Lebanon, killing 1 IDF soldier, injuring 5 IDF soldiers and SLA mbrs. (RL, VOL 5/3 in WNC 5/4; MM 5/4; WT 5/5; MEI 5/7)

 The U.S. calls on the PA to halt hunger strikes, criticisms of the prisoner release; speed confiscations of illegal weapons, reduction in number of PA police. (NYT 12/12)

Israel rejects U.S. compromise formula for release of Palestinian political prisoners, reaffirms it will not implement 2d stage of FRD unless the full Palestine National Council (PNC) votes to annul the PLO charter. Nr. Qalqilya, the IDF opens fire on Palestinians demonstrating for the release of political prisoners, killing 2, wounding 27. (MM 12/11; ITV 12/11, 12/12 in WNC 12/15; LAW, WP, WT 12/12)

One of Israel's most wanted, Hamas mbr. Yahya al-Gul, escapes fr. a PA prison in Gaza, where he had been held since 3/98. PA places his family under house arrest. (PR 1/15)

In Gaza, 200 mbrs. of Palestinian opposition parties, Hamas, 8 Palestinian Council mbrs. hold conference to denounce the Wye agmt., annulment of the PLO charter; call on PLO mbrs. to boycott 12/14 PNC mtg. (WT 12/12)

UNSCOM carries out 14 surprise inspections without Iraqi interference. (WP 12/12) (see 12/9)

Lebanon files protest with the UN Security Council (UNSC) against repeated Israeli mock raids over Beirut since 12/9. (RL 12/11 in WNC 12/14)

The PLO Exec. Comm. reaffirms 1/22/98 letter fr. Arafat to Secy. of State Christopher nullifying relevant articles of the PLO charter. Secy. Albright says that the PA is ahead of the Wye implementation schedule. (Washington File 11/6)

After the U.S. assures Israel that the PA has arrested 18 of the 30 wanted men ahead of schedule, Netanyahu convenes cabinet to ratify Wye, but opens by vowing not to implement FRD unless the full Palestine National Council votes to annul the PLO charter (see Peace Monitor). Netanyahu gives cabinet FRD maps for the 1st time. The cabinet demands clarification on charter issue, takes no vote on ratification. (ITV 11/5, MA, al-Quds 11/6, ITV, SANA 11/7, MA 11/9 in WNC 11/12; MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/6)

Israeli defense officials present Wye maps to settler leaders, who demand 50 amendments. (AP [Internet] 11/5; Hatzofe 11/6 in WNC 11/12)

Arafat goes to Sharm al-Shaykh to discuss Wye implementation with Pres. Mubarak. Arafat had hoped to fly back, inaugurating the Gaza airport, but Israel says agmt. must be ratified 1st. (MENA 11/5 in WNC 11/6; NYT 11/6)

UNSC unanimously passes resolution declaring Iraq in "flagrant violation" of UN resolutions, demands Iraq resume cooperation with the UN, but does not mention any use of force. U.S. Defense Secy. Cohen continues preparations for a strike on Iraq, but sets no deadline. Although Cohen has won no public support fr. Arab states, France, or Russia, Pres. Clinton says he believes that allies would back "whatever decisions we ultimately make." (MENA 11/4, 11/5 in WNC 11/6; JTV 11/5 in WNC 11/12; NYT, WP, WT 11/6)

Arafat visits Hebron. 60,000 Palestinians welcome him. Later, he meets with Hebron's Hamas leaders. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/20; al-Quds 1/20 in WNC 1/23; WJW 1/23; MEI 1/24)

Palestine National Council authorizes its Legal Comm. to amend the PLO charter. (PR 1/24)

Palestinian sources in `Ayn al-Hilwa refugee camp in s. Lebanon say that 3 high ranking Fatah mbrs., associated with anti-Arafat faction leader Col. Munir Makdah, have been assassinated in the past wk. They are Ahmad Ayyub, Khalil Ward, and Abu al-'Asal. (AFP, RMC 1/19 in WNC 1/22) (see 4/16/96)

France refuses Iraqi Pres. Saddam Hussein's request to transfer his son Uday to Paris for treatment. (MM 1/20) (see 12/12)

Israeli, PA negotiations on Hebron resume in Jericho. (RJ 11/18 in WNC 11/19)

IDF eases closure, allowing 7,000 Palestinians fr. Gaza, 8,000 fr. West Bank into Israel to work, raising the total number of Palestinians allowed into Israel to 50,000. (WT 11/17)

Israel accuses Syria of developing with Russia nerve gas, other chemical weapons. (MM, WT 11/18)

In Ramallah, PA releases 3 Hamas mbrs. fr. jail to mark the 8th anniversary of the Palestine National Council's declaration of independence. (MM 11/18)

Shin Bet announces that it has detained Hamas mbr. Khadar Mubarak, is interrogating him on suspicion that has information that could prevent an attack. The detention is revealed after Mubarak's lawyer files a petition with the High Court, claiming that Mubarak is being tortured. (ITV 11/17 in WNC 11/19) (see 11/14)

PLO delegation led by Political Dept. head Faruq Qaddumi arrives in Beirut for 2-day talks on regional political developments. (RL 11/17, 11/19 in WNC 11/19)

Turkey inaugurates 2d bridge on the Turkish-Iraqi border at the al-Khubar border post. (Iraqi Television Network 11/17 in WNC 11/19)

Israeli cabinet holds emergency session; increases quotas on Thais, Romanians, Bulgarians, Chinese to replace Palestinian laborers working in Israel; gives security forces "additional means required" to fight Hamas. IDF destroys home of family of suspect in bus bombing 10/19. (NYT, WP, WT 10/21; WP 10/25)

Jordanian, Israeli negotiators end round of talks, sign draft on water, land issues, say they have reached agmts. on all controversial issues on main and subagendas. (RJ, QY 10/20 in FBIS 10/21)

PNA announces new 13-mbr. Palestinian National Council for the Encouragement of Investment to be headed by Econ. M Qurai` (3 mbrs. to be appointed by Arafat, other 10 by PNA Mins.) (JP 10/20 in FBIS 10/21)

PNA releases draft investment regulations, inc. tax incentives, guarantees to private investors against nationalization; gives priority to "special development areas": Gaza, Janin, Jordan Valley. (JP 10/20 in FBIS 10/21)

PLO submits official protest to Arab League against paragraph of Jordan-Israel accord dealing with Jerusalem. (MENA 10/20 in FBIS 10/21)

Hizballah fires 30 katayushas into Galilee in response to IDF, SLA attack 10/19. Minor damage, no injuries. U.S. Pres. Clinton, Secy. of State Christopher contact Lebanese PM Hariri, FM Buwayz to diffuse tensions on border. (QY 10/21 in FBIS 10/21; MM 10/21; WP, WT 10/22; JP 10/29)

Israeli cabinet approves draft of early empowerment accord. (NYT 8/24)

Arafat meets PLO officials in Tunis to discuss problems with advancing self-rule. PNC SG Muhammad Subayh links convening PNC in o.t., amendment of charter with full Israeli withdrawal, recognition of Palestinian state, deployment Palestinian forces. PLO Political Dept. head Faruq al-Qaddumi says salaries of PLO employees, soldiers have not been paid. (AFP, VOP 8/21 in FBIS 8/22; VOP 8/22 in FBIS 8/23; MEI 8/26; JP 9/3)

PNA Culture M Yasir `Abd-Rabbuh arrives in Amman for talks with Jordanian FM/PM `Abd al-Salam al-Majali on improving Palestinian-Jordanian cooperation in tourism, education, health, trade, communications. (CSM, JT, WSJ 8/22; VOP 8/23 in FBIS 8/23)

In Gaza, Palestinian police wound 6, impose curfew for 1st time to quell unrest following death of Palestinian 8/20. (FBIS, WSJ 8/22; WJW 8/25)

Palestinian Human Rights Information Center (PHRIC) demands investigation into alleged "terror tactics and death threats" against Palestinian activist Maha Nasir by PNA for her objection to Social Affairs M Intisar al-Wazir's attendance at a women's conference this wk. (WP 8/22)

Hamas suspends all dialogue with PNA until Arafat opens exec. positions on Gaza City Council to opposition mbrs. (HA 8/21 in FBIS 8/22)

PLO Chmn. Arafat, Israeli FM Peres, Norwegian FM Bjørn Tore Godal meet in Gaza to mark 1st anniversary of Oslo accords, present plan for funds transfers fr. donor nations to PNA. Peres announces release of 249 Palestinian prisoners, says control over education will be given to PNA within the wk. (WP 8/20; WT 8/21; QY 8/19 in FBIS 8/22; JP 8/27)

Round of Israeli-Jordanian talks concludes. Jordanian negotiator Fayiz Tarawnah, Israeli negotiator Elyaqim Rubenstein sign agmts. to link electricity, telephone grids. Subagendas set on water, borders, security. Tentative agmt. set for Israel to buy Iraqi oil fr. Jordan. (RJ 8/18 in FBIS 8/19; JTV 8/19 in FBIS 8/22; MEI 8/26; JP 8/27)

Israeli FM Peres gives okay for Palestine National Council (PNC) to convene in Gaza, temporarily removing several PNC members fr. Israel's blacklist, to pressure Arafat to amend PLO charter. (AFP 8/21 in FBIS 8/22; MM 8/22; HA 8/23 in FBIS 8/24; CSM 8/25)

Islamic Conference Organization (ICO) passes statement supporting PNA, peace process. (MENA 8/19 in FBIS 8/23)

Arafat, Rabin end 2 days of mtgs. in Paris, both sides agreeing to continue talks on expanding Palestinian self-rule.  Talks to resume 7/11 in Cairo.  2 sides plus Jordan and Egypt to organize conference on 1967 refugees.  Arafat pledges to convene PNC in Gaza "in the very near future" to repeal PLO charter provisions calling for Israel's elimination.  (MM 7/7; CSM, NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/8)

17-yr.-old Israeli girl killed, father wounded by Palestinian gunmen in drive-by shooting nr. Hebron; IDF soldier found shot, stabbed to death in Kufr Aqab, West Bank, north of Jerusalem, in separate incident.  (MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/8; JP 7/16)

PLO Chmn. Arafat and Israeli PM Rabin sign 186-page Gaza-Jericho self-rule accord after 6-hr. negotiating session. Cairo ceremony presided over by Egyptian Pres. Husni Mubarak; 2,500 attendees include Secy. of State Christopher, Russian FM Andrei Kozyrev, Norwegian FM Bjorn Tore Godal, FMs of Japan, South Korea, Morocco, and Jordan. Arafat balks at signing maps accompanying accord, saying size of Jericho area not agreed upon, and ceremony stops for 35 minutes until Arafat reassured issue subject to further negotiation. Arafat asks for 3-week delay in withdrawal to allow PLO to prepare for taking power. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/4, 5/5; CSM 5/5)

Simultaneous with signing, Israel permits return of 15 Palestinian exiles, releases over 200 Palestinian prisoners, and allows entry into Gaza of 19 PLO police cmndrs. (MM 5/4; NYT, WP, WT 5/5)

Settlers attempt to occupy Shalom Al Yisrael synagogue in Jericho, staging prayer vigil. IDF remove settlers, detains 400 at Jericho base. Palestinian celebration in Jericho broken up by IDF with tear gas, percussion grenades. PLO officials arriving in Jericho in IDF jeeps stoned by local youths. (MM 5/4;NYT, WT 5/5; NYT 5/6)

Hamas spokesman Ibrahim Ghawsha says group will not use force against Palestinian supporters of Gaza-Jericho agreement, but says Palestinian police should not try to stop attacks by opposition factions on settlers, IDF. (MM 5/4)

DFLP head Nayif Hawatmah, PFLP chief George Habash issue statements rejecting Gaza-Jericho accord, calling for continued resistance to occupation and new elections to PNC. (MM 5/4)

PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. 'Abd Allah Hurani resigns in protest of DoP, Israel-PLO recognition, calls for emergency PNC meeting. (MENA 9/11 in FBIS 9/13)

IDF shoots 2 Palestinians dead, wounds 8 in Ramallah during PFLP/Hamas-led march against Israel-PLO agreement. Other Palestinians wounded in clashes during demonstrations in Gaza, Jerusalem. 20,000 participate in 4 demonstrations in support of accord. (NYT, WP 9/12)

World Bank releases 6-volume report, prepared at request of Israeli and Palestinian negotiators, saying West Bank and Gaza Strip require at least $3 b. in aid over next decade. (NYT 9/12)

White House announces Israeli PM Rabin, PLO Chmn. Arafat will attend 9/13 signing of DoP. (NYT 9/12)

Pres. Clinton speaks by telephone with Saudi King Fahd, Syrian Pres. al-Asad, Jordanian King Hussein, and Israeli PM Rabin in effort to secure support for agreement. Clinton pledges Israel "additional guarantees" for its security, in part to keep Israeli public opinion supportive of peace process. (NYT, WP 9/12)

Damascus-based Palestinian opposition factions call for general strike in o.t., Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria 9/13 to protest Israel-PLO accord. Demonstrations against accords held in al-Wahdat, al-Baq'a refugee camps in Jordan. Jordan Times 9/11 in FBIS 9/13; NYT 9/12)

PLO Exec. Comm. ends meeting, agrees to present "Gaza-Jericho lst" at 11th Washington round. Palestinian delegation leaves for Washington. (MENA, Tunisian Republic Radio 8/29 in FBIS 8/30)

Jordanian, Lebanese, Syrian delegations leave for Washington talks. (Radio Jordan, VOM 8/29 in FBIS 8/30)

91 PNC mbrs. sign memorandum rejecting "Gaza-Jericho lst," calling for PLO withdrawal fr. peace talks. (Sawt al-Sha'b 8/29 in FBIS 8/30)

Settlers' council denounces DoP as "national treason." (NYT, WP 8/30)

PNC Secy. Muhammad Subayh says PLO is prepared to establish national authority in Gaza Strip, on the basis of a 1974 PNC decision calling for such establishment on any part of o.t. to be liberated. Hanan Ashrawi echoes the statement. (Ha'Aretz, MENA 3/23 in FBIS 3/24)

Meretz faction approves plan for Gaza withdrawal drawn up by Energy Min. Amnon Rubinstein. (Qol Yisra'el 3/23 in FBIS 3/23)

Palestinian stabs settler in West Bank, is shot 10 times and killed by settler after being bound hand and foot. (MM 3/23; NYT, WT 3/24)

Israeli delegation rejoins refugee talks in Ottawa, after receiving written U.S. assurances that Palestinian delegation head Muhammad Hallaj is no longer a member of the PNC. Palestinians begin talks with demand for discussion of right of return for all refugees, including those from 1948. (Qol Yisra'el 11/12 in FBIS 11/13; WP 11/13)

Bir Zeit University (near Ramallah, W. Bank) holds student council elections. Pro-Fateh faction "shelved their differences" over the peace talks with a pro-PFLP faction and a pro-DFLP (Hawatima wing) faction, to form a united pro-PLO front, which defeated the pro-Hamas candidates by 66% to 33% of the vote. In winner-take-all election, 5 seats go to Fateh, 3 to PFLP, 1 to DFLP. (WP 11/12)

Hizballah lose 1 gunman, kill 1, wound 3 IDF soldiers, kill 1 UN soldier, in rocket and machine-gun attacks in "security zone." Israel attacks from the air and heavily shells Hizballah target villages north of "security zone." (Qol Yisra'el 11/12 in FBIS 11/12; Radio Lebanon 11/12 in FBIS 11/13; WT, WP 11/13)

U.S. Amb. to Israel William Harrop delivers message to PM Rabin urging "continue[d] restraint" vis-a-vis Hizballah, as long U.S. diplomatic efforts to quell the violence continue in Beirut and Damascus. (MM 11/13)

IDF fatally shoots Palestinian youth in Hebron, W. Bank. IDF opens fire on Khan Yunis demonstrators, injuring 19; 2 suspected collaborators are killed in Gaza Strip, under curfew since 11/11 (MM 11/13)

King Hussein announces amnesty in honor of his 58th birthday (11/14) that will free 140 political prisoners, including those sentenced 11/10. (WP 11/13)