Chronology 16 February-15 May 2001
Abstract: 

16 FEBRUARY
   
Israeli-Palestinian clashes, which have left 365 Palestinians, 19 Israeli Arabs, and 58 Israeli soldiers, settlers, and civilians dead, stretch into their 5th mo. The most severe clashes are in Ramallah. 2 Palestinians are killed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Palestinian Authority (PA) General Intelligence Service (GIS) officer Anwar Mar'i is stabbed to death by Palestinian assailants nr. Salfit; the PA claims it is an IDF-backed assassination. A 4th Palestinian dies of a heart attack when the IDF delays his passage through a checkpoint to a hospital for over 1 hr. The IDF bulldozes Palestinian land nr. the Rafah border, demolishing 7 Palestinian homes, 10 greenhouses; shells residential areas nr. al-Bireh. (WT 2/17; LAW 2/18; SA 2/19 in WNC 2/21; LAW 2/22)
    Outgoing Israeli Labor PM Ehud Barak announces he will join a unity government with Likud's PM-elect Ariel Sharon as DM, pending finalization of the government guidelines and the coalition. (MM 2/16; WT 2/17; AYM 2/17 in WNC 2/22; AYM 2/18 in WNC 2/21; MM 2/19; NYT 2/20)
    Hizballah fires mortars at an IDF convoy in the disputed Shaba` Farms area of the occupied Golan Heights, killing 1 soldier, wounding 2. In response, the IDF bombards s. Lebanon, using tanks, artillery, helicopter gunships. (NYT, WP, WT 2/17; MM 2/19-21; WJW 2/22)
    The U.S., Britain bomb 5 Iraqi sites, marking the 1st strikes outside the no-fly zones since 12/98, signaling a more confrontational approach to Baghdad by the new administration of U.S. Pres. George W. Bush. 3 Iraqi civilians are killed, 25 are injured. France, Turkey, the Arab states condemn the action. (ATL 2/16, ATL, MENA, MIL 2/17, ATL, HJ, JT, al-Quds 2/18, JT, MA, MENA 2/19 in WNC 2/20; NYT, WP, WT 2/17; MIL 2/17, 2/18 in WNC 2/21; NYT, WP, WT 2/18; MM, WP, WT 2/19; MM 2/20; HJ 2/20 in WNC 2/22; MM, WT 2/21; WP 2/22; MIL 2/22 in WNC 2/23; MEI, MM 2/23; al-Quds 2/23 in WNC 2/27; AP, WP 2/25; JP 3/2)
17 FEBRUARY
   
Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 2 Palestinians dead. The IDF bulldozes Palestinian land nr. Miraj settlement in Gaza; shells residential areas of Hebron, Jinin, Khan Yunis, Rafah, Satih Marhaba, Tulkarm. Jewish settlers cut down Palestinian olive groves in Hawara. (HP, LAW 2/18; LAW 2/22)
18 FEBRUARY
   
Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. 1 Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. The IDF directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Hebron, Khan Yunis (damaging the UNRWA headquarters). (HP, LAW 2/18; LAW 2/22)
19 FEBRUARY
   
As Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, Hamas activist Mahmud Madani is assassinated by IDF soldiers in Balata. The IDF shells residential areas of Bayt Jala, al-Khadir, Tulkarm. (WP 2/20; LAW, WT 2/22; al-Majd 3/12 in WNC 3/13)
    An Israeli commission begins public hearings into the death of 13 Israeli Arabs at the hands of Israeli police during clashes in Israel in 10/00. (HA, NYT, WP 2/20; MM, WJW 2/22; WJW 3/1; Newsweek 3/5; WJW 3/15; MM 3/26)
    Israel, the U.S. begin a 6-day air defense exercise in Israel, part of the joint military maneuvers that began in 1/01. (WT 2/19) (see Peace Monitor)
20 FEBRUARY
   
Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Palestinian dead--a youth killed in his sleep when an IDF shell strikes his home in Bayt Jala. The IDF says the shelling was a "preventive" measure to discourage Palestinian sniping at neighboring Gilo settlement. The IDF also demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in Bayt Umar; shells residential areas of Bayt Sahur, Bethlehem, al-Bireh (extensively damaging a school for the blind). Jewish settlers place caravans on a new site nr. Kafr Dik, which has been the target of repeated confiscation attempts since the 1980s, and begin bulldozing the area. Israel allows fuel, newspapers into the West Bank, Gaza for the 1st time since it completely sealed the territories on 2/14. (REU,NYT 2/21; HP, NYT 2/22)
    Outgoing PM Barak pulls out of a coalition deal with PM-elect Sharon, officially resigns as Labor party head. Barak blames Sharon for "political intrigue and maneuvering" for allegedly discussing giving Labor MK Shimon Peres the DM position behind his back, but nonetheless advises Labor to join a unity government. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/21; MM, NYT, WJW 2/22; MA 2/22 in WNC 2/23; MM 2/23; WJW 3/2; MEI 3/9) (see 2/16)
21 FEBRUARY
   
Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. The IDF conducts arrest sweeps in Shu`fat, Surif; bulldozes Palestinian land around Morag settlement. A mysterious car explosion in the PA-controlled section of Hebron causes no injuries. Jewish settlers attack, damage a Red Crescent ambulance nr. Ramallah. The IDF issues demolition orders for 20 Palestinian homes in Bayt Umar (see 2/20), Yafta. (HP 2/22)
22 FEBRUARY
   
Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. Nr. Ma'ale Adumim settlement, 4 Palestinian gunmen ambush a Jewish settler's vehicle, seriously injuring 2 settlers. Palestinians also fire homemade mortars at Netzarim settlement, causing no damage. The IDF shells residential areas in Bayt Sahur; seals main roads leading to Dayr al-Balah (destroying a vocational school, a girls' school, 1 home), Jericho, Jinin, Nablus, Tulkarm; conducts arrest sweeps in East Jerusalem, Ras al-Amud; bulldozes Palestinian land nr. Nablus. Palestinians in Jinin, Nablus, Qalqilya note IDF reinforcements in their areas. The IDF issues a demolition order for a Palestinian clinic in Aqraba nr. Nablus, which 2 wks. prior treated 2 IDF soldiers injured in a car accident. (HP, MM 2/22; HP, WT 2/23; al-Quds, MA 2/23 in WNC 2/26; LAW 3/1)
23 FEBRUARY
   
Israeli-Palestinian clashes intensify, leaving 1 Palestinian dead. After Palestinians fire 4 homemade mortars at Dugit, Aley Sinai settlements in Gaza overnight, the IDF seals the Strip, blocks roads across Gaza to divide the Strip in half, punitively destroys 2 PA Preventive Security Force (PSF) outposts. Later in Gaza, 2 large roadside bombs explode on roads used by IDF convoys, lightly injuring 1 soldier. The IDF shells Palestinian residential areas in Bayt Lahia (destroying 1 PSF outpost, severely damaging a 2d), al-Bireh, Jinin; bulldozes Palestinian land nr. Bayt Lahia, Nablus, Netzarim Junction; conducts arrest sweeps in Surif. Israel says it plans to ease the closure on the West Bank, Gaza further (see 2/20) by allowing food and medicine in, letting agricultural goods out, facilitating the transportation of patients for medical care in Israel. Israel, however, denies exit visas to several Palestinian Council (PC) mbrs. who are scheduled to attend an Arab parliamentary conference in the UAE. (HA, HP 2/23; WP, WT 2/24; LAW 3/1)
24 FEBRUARY
   
Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. The IDF shells residential areas of Brazil refugee camp, damaging a school. Israel says it will begin allowing Palestinians with VIP passes (e.g., PC mbrs.) to travel btwn. the West Bank and Gaza providing they request permission of the IDF in advance, submit to searches. The PA says Israel should honor the VIP passes without restrictions as per signed agmts. (MA 2/25 in WNC 2/26; HJ 2/26 in WNC 2/27; LAW 3/1)
    U.S. Secy. of State Colin Powell arrives in Egypt on the 1st leg of a 3-day tour to meet regional leaders, to discuss the Bush administration's proposal to modify the sanctions regime on Iraq to eliminate many economic restrictions, refocus sanctions more narrowly on Saddam Hussein's military. After meeting with Egyptian pres. Husni Mubarak, Powell heads to Israel, where he confers with Barak on bilateral, Israeli-Palestinian relations. Powell will also visit Ramallah, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Syria. (NYT, WP, WT 2/25; al-Ra'i 2/25 in WNC 2/27; WP 2/27; MA 3/1 in WNC 3/5; MEI 3/9)
    In Amman, 1,000 Jordanians attend a rally organized by the Jordan professional associations to protest U.S. Secy. of State Powell's visit to the kingdom on 2/25 in light of the U.S. position toward the Palestinians, Iraq. (JT 2/25 in WNC 2/26; JT 2/26 in WNC 2/27)
25 FEBRUARY
   
Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Palestinian dead. A 2d, ailing Palestinian dies at an IDF checkpoint after soldiers bar him fr. crossing to reach a hospital in Ramallah. The IDF directs shells, heavy machine gun fire on residential areas of Hebron, Qalqilya, Tulkarm. Jewish settlers bulldoze Palestinian land around Ashkalot settlement, place new caravans on the site. Settlers are also reportedly moving boundary fences, adding trailers, bulldozing Palestinian land around Beit Hagay, Gush Etzion, Karme Tzur, Nahal Najhout, Tene settlements. (HP 2/26; HJ 2/26 in WNC 2/27; LAW 3/1)
    U.S. Secy. of State Powell meets with Sharon in Israel, PA head Yasir Arafat in Ramallah (marking only the 2d time Israel has allowed Arafat into the West Bank since 9/28/00); urges them to halt violence, resume security cooperation, improve Palestinian economic conditions in the West Bank, Gaza; assures Sharon that the U.S. commitment to Israel's security will remain solid under the Bush administration. Powell then stops in Amman to meet King Abdallah of Jordan, heads on to Kuwait for celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of the end of the Gulf War. (AP, HA, REU 2/25; MM, NYT, WP 2/26; JT, MA 2/26 in WNC 2/27; AYM 2/26 in WNC 3/5; HA 2/27; MM 2/28; QA 2/28 in WNC 3/1; MA 3/1, SA 3/4 in WNC 3/5; JP, MEI 3/9)
26 FEBRUARY
   
Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Palestinian dead. A 2d, ailing Palestinian dies at an IDF checkpoint that she was barred fr. crossing to reach a hospital in Nablus. Palestinians detonate 2 roadside bombs nr. IDF convoys in Gaza, wounding 1 soldier. The IDF shells residential areas nr. Bayt Hanun; bulldozes Palestinian land nr. Khan Yunis, Netzarim Junction, Shaykh Ajlin. YESHA settlers council calls on the government to assassinate or expel Arafat. (HP 2/26; NYT, WT 2/27; WT 2/28; WJW 3/1; AYM 3/3 in WNC 3/8; MEI 3/9)
    The Labor party central comm. votes (67% to 32%, with more than half of the 1,675 mbrs. not voting) to join a unity government led by Likud's Sharon. Likud says it offered Labor 8 cabinet posts (including DM, FM), equal say in determining security and diplomatic policy. (MM 2/26; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/27; HA, MM 2/28; al-Ra'i 2/28 in WNC 3/2; MEI 3/9)
    U.S. Secy. of State Powell stops in Saudi Arabia, then heads to Damascus to meet Pres. Hafiz al-Asad, who agrees to funnel Iraq's revenues fr. oil transported through Syria's pipeline to the UN oil-for-food program. (MM 2/26; NYT, WP, WT 2/27; MM 2/28; SA 3/4 in WNC 3/5; MEI 3/9; JT 3/9 in WNC 3/11)
    The State Dept.'s annual human rights report criticizes Israel for using "excessive force," committing "numerous serious human rights abuses" against Palestinians; faults PA forces for participating in, or at least failing to prevent, violence. (NYT, WP 2/26; WT 2/28; AYM 2/28 in WNC 3/5; WJW 3/1; MM 3/14)
27 FEBRUARY
   
Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Palestinian dead. The IDF shells residential areas of al-Bireh, Ramallah (damaging the PA Local Government Min., 3 homes, 1 apartment block). Israeli police tear down the Damascus Gate market in East Jerusalem, run and frequented mostly by Palestinians. The PA reports that the private office of PLO Executive Comm. secy.-gen. and PA senior negotiator Mahmud Abbas has been hit repeatedly by Israeli gunfire over the past few days. (SA 2/27 in WNC 2/28; LAW 3/1)
28 FEBRUARY
   
Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. 1 Palestinian bleeds to death fr. a non-intifada related injury when the IDF blocks her transportation to a hospital at 2 checkpoints, forcing her to take a 3d route; at the 1st checkpoint, soldiers bar her family fr. walking her through the crossing to a waiting ambulance. In Tel Aviv, Israeli police find, defuse a bomb allegedly planted by a Palestinian. The IDF demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in Rafat. (UPMRC 2/28; Gush Shalom press release, MM 3/1; WP 3/2)
1 MARCH
   
A Palestinian detonates a bomb in a taxi-van in n. Israel, killing 1 Israeli, wounding himself, 8 other passengers. 1 Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. (NYT, WP, WT 3/2; AYM 3/2 in WNC 3/5; HA 3/25)
2 MARCH
   
Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 3 Palestinians dead, including a 9-yr.-old boy hit by IDF gunfire inside his home. A 4th Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. The IDF tightens the closure on al-Bireh, Ramallah; shells residential areas of Brazil, Tulkarm. (HP 3/2; LAW, NYT, WP 3/3; LAW, WT 3/4)
    Labor selects MK Benjamin Ben-Eliezer, a hawkish fmr. gen., as DM in a unity government with Likud. MK Salah Tarif, a Druze, is appointed minister without portfolio, becoming the 1st non-Jewish cabinet mbr. in Israeli history. PM-elect Sharon negotiates with smaller, right-wing parties to fill out the coalition. (NYT, WP, WT 3/3)
3 MARCH
   
Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 3 Palestinians dead. Hamas's military wing, the Izzeddine al-Qassam Brigades, vow to step up suicide bombings in Israel. The IDF directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of al-Bireh, damaging a school. The IDF confirms that it is "working to widen the margins of the settlement blocs in the Gaza Strip in order to bolster settlers' security." (JP [Internet] 3/3; LAW, WP, WT 3/4; MEI 3/9)
4 MARCH
   
In Netanya, a Palestinian suicide bomber kills himself and 3 Israelis, injures 66. Afterward, Israelis seize, beat any Arabs they find, leaving 1 in serious condition. Hamas claims responsibility. Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue in the West Bank and Gaza, leaving 1 Palestinian dead. Palestinians fire 2 homemade mortars at Netzarim settlement, causing no injuries. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/5; AFP 3/5 in WNC 3/6; WT 3/6; JP [Internet], NYT, WT 3/7; MEI 3/9; MM 3/12; HA 3/13; JP 3/16; Toronto Star 4/30)
5 MARCH
   
Noting a 50% decline in sales to the PA since 10/00, the Israel Manufacturers' Association (IMA) warns that if the PA continues to "boycott" Israeli goods, it will stage a counterboycott. (MA 3/5 in WNC 3/6)
6 MARCH
   
Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. The IDF confiscates 10s of dunams of land nr. Nablus; in the preceding 2 wks. 300 dunams have been confiscated to expand Aley settlement. (HP 3/6)
7 MARCH
   
After the Knesset approves his 7-party coalition, Sharon is sworn in as PM of Israel. The Knesset also passes a preliminary budget for 2001, a measure switching back to the 1-ballot voting system. The 7 parties in the unity government are Labor, Likud, One Nation, Shas, National Union Party, Yisrael Ba'Aliya, Yisrael Beitainu. Sharon's cabinet is the largest in Israeli history. (HA, JP [Internet], MM 3/7; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/8; MM 3/9; MA, SA 3/9 in WNC 3/13; WT 3/10; WP 4/1)
    Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. Israel seals the West Bank, Gaza. Hrs. after Sharon's swearing in, the IDF digs a trench, erects an earthen barrier on the Birzeit-Ramallah road, completely encircling Ramallah. Electricity, water lines to Birzeit University are cut. The IDF also tightens the closures on Bayt Lid, Bethlehem, al-Kifriyat, Nablus, Ramin, Safarin, Shufa, Tulkarm, Zayta; directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Rafah, Shaykh Ajlin; conducts arrest sweeps in Burqa. Jewish settlers establish a new settlement enclave on confiscated Palestinian land nr. Nablus. (HA, HP, LAW 3/7; HA 3/8; WP, al-Quds 3/12; JT 3/13 in WNC 3/14; HA 3/15; al-Quds 3/16 in WNC 3/20; MEI 3/23; Middle East Report 3/28; HJ 4/10 in WNC 4/18)
8 MARCH
   
Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. A Palestinian woman stabs, injures an Israeli policeman in Jerusalem. The IDF directs shells, heavy machine gun fire on residential areas of al-Bireh, Burqa, Hebron, Nablus, al-Zababdi; tightens closures on Anza, Aqaba, Hebron, Ramallah, Silat al-Dahir, Tulkarm, Yabad; bulldozes 117 dunams of Palestinian land along the Green Line nr. Rafah. Jewish settlers move 6 caravans onto a new site nr. Jinin; uproot an olive grove, bulldoze Palestinian land around Shaked settlement; open fire on Palestinians nr. Ariel, Susia settlements. (HP 3/8; LAW 3/17)
    Arafat sends a letter to Sharon congratulating him on his swearing in on 3/7, urging him to resume negotiations. Sharon says he might agree to a face-to-face mtg. with Arafat if the relative calm of recent days holds. (MM, WT 3/9; NYT 3/10; JT 3/11, ITAR-TASS 3/12 in WNC 3/13)
9 MARCH
   
Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, killing 1 Palestinian. The most severe fighting is around Ramallah, where Palestinians protesting the continued encirclement of Ramallah (see 3/7) clash with IDF soldiers. In Tulkarm, 15,000 Palestinians attend a Hamas rally denouncing Sharon's inauguration, calling for more suicide bombings in Israel. IDF soldiers outside `Ayn Arik nr. Ramallah bar Latin patriarch of Jerusalem Michael Sabbah, several priests fr. entering the village to perform mass. The IDF also shells residential areas of Nablus, Rafah; bulldozes 10 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Kefar Darom; detains several Jewish settlers suspected of shooting a Palestinian. (Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem press release 3/9; NYT, WT 3/10; MM 3/12; LAW 3/17)
10 MARCH
   
Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Palestinian dead. The IDF shells residential areas of Bayt Hanun, Hebron, Nablus. Also in Hebron, Jewish settlers stone Palestinians, beat 3 Palestinian journalists working for AFP. (WP, WT 3/11; LAW 3/17)
    The PC holds its 1st full session since the al-Aqsa intifada began. Arafat appeals to the new Israeli government to resume peace talks, acknowledges Israel's "need for security and safety," but does not call for a halt to the clashes, as Israeli officials had hoped. (NYT, WP, WT 3/11; JT 3/11 in WNC 3/13; al-Quds 3/11 in WNC 3/15; HA, MM 3/12; MEI 3/23)
11 MARCH
   
As Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, the IDF further restricts Palestinian movement along roads, especially around Hebron, Ramallah. The IDF demolishes 2 Palestinian cement factories btwn. Netzarim and Qarni crossing to make way for a new settler bypass road. In Hebron, Jewish settlers fire in the air, attack Palestinians and their property. (LAW, MM 3/12; AYM 3/12 in WNC 3/15; MEI 3/23)
12 MARCH
   
Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. The largest demonstrations are in Ramallah, where 2,000 Palestinian artists, intellectuals stage a nonviolent protest, and students attempt to open the road to Birzeit University, where spring registration begins today. In the ensuing clash soldiers fatally shoot 1 Palestinian who was standing next to Fatah tanzim leader Marwan Barghouti, raising speculation that Barghouti was the target. The IDF directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Jinin, Rafah (severely damaging a mosque); bulldozes 4 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Rafah. A Palestinian assailant throws a hand grenade at an IDF post in Gaza, causing no injuries. Israel tightens the siege on Ramallah but eases blockades on Bethlehem, Hebron, Qalqilya, Tulkarm. Later in the day, after shooting nr. Qalqilya, the blockade on Qalqilya is reimposed. (HA 3/12; HA, JP [Internet], MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/13; Interfax, MA, MENA 3/13 in WNC 3/14; HA 3/14; WJW 3/15; CSM 3/16; LAW 3/17)
13 MARCH
   
Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. An ailing Palestinian dies en route to the hospital after being detained at an IDF checkpoint for 1 hr. Israel continues to ease the internal closure on some Gaza and West Bank cities, including opening 2 roads to Ramallah and allowing some Palestinians access to them. The IDF demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in Bayt Umar; digs a 10-km. trench on Palestinian land in Bir al-Miyar nr. Jinin; confiscates 2 dunams of Palestinian land outside Bayt Jala for a new military post, 166 dunams of land in al-Qarara nr. Khan Yunis; conducts arrest raids in al-Khadir, detaining 3 Palestinians. Jewish settlers place 2 trailers on Palestinian land nr. Beitar. (HP, MM 3/13; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/14; al-Quds 3/14 in WNC 3/15; al-Quds 3/14, MA 3/16 in WNC 3/20; AFP [Internet], LAW, NYT, WJW 3/15; LAW 3/17)
14 MARCH
   
Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 2 Palestinians dead. A 3d, ailing Palestinian dies when the IDF detains her at a checkpoint for over 3 hrs. The IDF booby traps an unfinished Palestinian building nr. Psagot settlement to prevent Palestinian snipers fr. entering. A contractor discovers the trap when he arrives to inspect the site and warns the PA, which cannot disable the devices since the site is in area B, under Israeli security control. The IDF also bulldozes 59 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Netzarim settlement, 25 dunams nr. Nahal Oz crossing, 15 dunams nr. Dayr al-Balah; demolishes 16 greenhouses, building nr. Qarni crossing. (AFP [Internet], AP, LAW 3/14; LAW 3/17; PMC 4/9)
15 MARCH
   
Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. In Hebron, IDF soldiers lob a stun grenade into a schoolyard to disperse a demonstration by elementary school students, injuring 7 children. The IDF detains 3 Force 17 mbrs. on charges of plotting to bomb the IDF headquarters in Jerusalem; demolishes part of a brick factory nr. Qalqilya; bulldozes 61 dunams of land nr. Qarni crossing, 4 dunams nr. Dayr al-Balah. The IDF also removes more roadblocks in the West Bank and Gaza, allows fishermen back into the ocean. (AFP [Internet] 3/15; NYT, WP, WT 3/16; LAW 3/24)
16 MARCH
   
Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Palestinian dead. Jewish settlers fr. Yitzhar attack a Palestinian taxi nr. Nablus, injuring 3 Palestinians. The IDF directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Dayr al-Balah, Tulkarm; shuts the Waqf offices, a mosque in Hebron. This evening Israeli, PA security officials meet at Erez to discuss improving security coordination. (MM 3/16; NYT, WT 3/17; MA 3/18 in WNC 3/20; LAW 3/24)
17 MARCH
   
As Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, a 10-yr.-old Palestinian boy is found dead nr. Neve Ya'aqov settlement. The IDF directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Bayt Hanun, Khan Yunis; conducts an arrest sweep in Ithna village nr. Hebron. Israeli border police in Jerusalem detain an al-Ayyam journalist on his way to cover clashes in Ramallah, interrogating him for 2 hrs., confiscating his film. (REU 3/19; MEI 3/23; LAW 3/24)
Chronology Source Abbreviations
AFP (Agence France-Presse, Paris)

AN (Arab News, Riyadh)

AP (Associated Press, Internet)

ATL (Anatolia, Ankara)

AYM (

al-Ayyam

, Ramallah)

BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation World Service, Internet)

BDL (BADIL Resource Center, Bethlehem)

CNN (Cable News Network, Internet)

CSM (
Christian Science Monitor , Boston)

DUS (
al-Dustur , Amman)

HA (
Ha'Aretz [Internet], Tel Aviv)

HJ (
al-Hayat al-Jadida , Ramallah)

HP (Hear Palestine [Internet], Washington)

IRNA (Islamic Republic News Agency, Tehran)

JP (
Jerusalem Post International Edition , Jerusalem)

JT (
Jordan Times , Amman)

LAW (Palestinian Society for the Protection of Human Rights and the Environment, Jerusalem)

MA (
Ma'ariv , Tel Aviv)

MEI (
Middle East International , London)

MENA (Middle East News Agency, Cairo)

MEZ (al-Mezan Center for Human Rights, Jabaliya)

MIL (
Milliyet , Ankara)

MM (
Mideast Mirror , London)

NYT (
New York Times , New York)

PCHR (Palestinian Center for Human Rights, Gaza)

PMC (Palestine Media Center, Internet)

QA (
al-Quds al-Arabi , London)

REU (Reuters, Internet)

RL (Radio Lebanon, Beirut)

SA (
al-Sharq al-Awsat , London)

TT (
Tehran Times , Tehran)

UPMRC (Union of Palestinian Medical Relief Committees, Jerusalem)

VIRI (Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Tehran)

WJW (Washington Jewish Week, Rockville, MD)

WNC (World News Connection [Internet], Washington)

WP (
Washington Post , Washington)

WT (
Washington Times , Washington)

XIN (Xinhua-New China News Agency, Beijing)

Chronology compiled by Michele L. Kjorlien