Before dawn, the IDF sends tanks into the Jerusalem suburbs of Abu Dis, Azariyya, and Sawahira al-Sharqiyya, declaring a curfew. In Azariyya, troops conduct building-to-building searches, sometimes forcing families to evacuate, blowing doors of homes, vandalizing cars and other property. A Palestinian is fatally shot by the IDF while driving nr. Karma; an ill Palestinian baby dies after 10 days without medication. The IDF withdraws some tanks fr. Jenin r.c. Palestinians begin to reenter the camp, excavate bulldozed areas; 5 intact bodies are recovered before troops reenter, reimpose the curfew. In Bethlehem, an IDF sniper shoots, wounds 1 Palestinian in the Church of the Nativity who moved past an open door. (WP 4/17; NYT, WP 4/18; al-Quds 4/18 in WNC 4/22)
Powell holds a final mtg. with Arafat, stating afterward, "We are disappointed with Chmn. Arafat's performance. We believed all along that he could have done more." He also says CIA Dir. George Tenet may come to the region soon to discuss ways for reforming the PA security forces. (AFP, AP, HA 4/17; MENA, XIN 4/17 in WNC 4/18; NYT, WP, WT 4/18)