The IDF reports Palestinian attacks have dropped 50% since Arafat's 12/16 cease-fire call, are down to an average of 11 incidents/day. Sharon, however, is still calling for 7 days of complete quiet before negotiations can resume. Israeli officials say the reduction since 12/16 does not warrant an easing of restrictions on Palestinians. (NYT 12/31; AKH, AYM, al-Quds 12/31 in WNC 1/2)
The IDF fatally shoots a total of 6 Palestinians in 2 separate incidents nr. Jewish settlements in Gaza. Among the dead is Ismail Abu al-Qumsan, a senior mbr. of the popular resistance comms. The IDF also shells residential areas of Khan Yunis; bulldozes a sewerage network, telephone cables in Tulkarm; conducts arrest raids in Qalqilya, Tulkarm. The PSF says it has arrested 3 DFLP mbrs., 2 Hamas mbrs., a PFLP mbr. for planning attacks on Israeli targets. The PA also says it has tried 5 PSF officers for involvement in attacks on Israelis, sentenced them to 18 mos.; has fired 2 other PSF officers, sentenced 1 of them to a yr. in prison for "anti-Israeli activities." Jewish settlers confiscate Palestinian farmland, uproot an olive grove to expand Yitzhar settlement nr. Nablus. (HA 12/30; NYT, PMC, WT 12/31; LAW, PCHR 1/2; al-Quds 1/2 in WNC 1/3; PR 1/9; MEI 1/11)
The IDF declares the Kefar Etzion settlement checkpoint a closed military zone until 1/9 so as to prevent a delegation of 300 foreign nationals from traveling to Hebron on a solidarity visit to meet with Palestinians there. (EU parliament press release 12/30)