September 2001

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65 palestinians killed by israeli action this month
13 israelis killed by palestinian action this month

 
    2000
2002
 

Israel uses 9/11 as a pretext for increased repression against palestinians

In Durban, 6,000 international NGOs close 5 days of meetings on preventing racism. Their closing statement calls Israel a "racist, apartheid state," calls on Israel to end its "systematic perpetration of racist crimes," including segregation, separation, dispossession, restricted land access. Israel steps up destruction of the PA security apparatus.

Israel uses the 9/11 as a pretext for increasing repression further, killing scores and leveling PSF posts during invasion of Jenin. Only strong pressure from the US makes Israel restrain for a week after mid-August. Its necessary for the US not to let Israel provoke the arab states with its aggression, because the US is planning its invasion of Afghanistan. But at the end of the month, demonstrations marking the 1st anniversary of the 2nd Intifada puts Israel back on the killing path. So far, this month is the bloodiest this year.

 

Israeli actions Negotiations Palestinian actions
Every is one palestinian killed by israeli action   Every is one israeli killed by palestinian action
 1 SEPTEMBER

In Gaza, top PA intelligence official, Col. Taysir Khattab, is killed when a remote-controlled bomb in his car explodes--an apparent Israeli assassination; his bodyguard is seriously injured. A bomb in a taxi in Tulkarm kills 1 Palestinian woman, injures 4; no one claims responsibility. The woman reportedly is the wife senior tanzim leader Ahmad Tabuk, who is currently held in a PA jail. (LAW 9/1; AP, NYT, WP, WT 9/2; AKH 9/3, al-Quds 9/5, SA 9/6 in WNC 9/7)

In Durban, 6,000 international NGOs close 5 days of mtgs. on preventing racism, held on the sidelines of the WCAR. Their closing statement calls Israel a "racist, apartheid state," calls on Israel to end its "systematic perpetration of racist crimes," including segregation, separation, dispossession, restricted land access. (SAPA 9/1, 9/2 in WNC 9/4; WP 9/3; MM 9/5; MM 9/5; AKH 9/5 in WNC 9/7; LAW 9/6)

 
 2 SEPTEMBER

IDF troops fatally shoot 2 Palestinian gunmen during a 6-hr. battle in PA-controlled Hebron. The IDF also demolishes a Palestinian home in Khan Yunis; directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Beitunia, Khan Yunis, Silat al-Tahir; seals Jinin. (AP, WP 9/2; PMC, WT 9/3)

   
 3 SEPTEMBER

Severe Israel-Palestinian clashes take place in Hebron, leaving 2 Palestinians dead, 22 injured; 2 IDF soldiers are injured by a small bomb. In response, the IDF rockets, destroys a PSF office in nearby Dura, injuring 3 Palestinians. (MM 9/3; LAW, MM, NYT 9/4; HA 9/7)

As debate on the text of the WCAR final statement continues, Israel, the U.S. withdraw their delegations, saying the conference has been "hijacked" by the Arab states and converted into a forum for extremist diatribes against Israel. (MM 9/3; SAPA 9/3 in WNC 9/4; MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/4; AFP, MENA 9/4 in WNC 9/5; MM 9/5; AP, WJW 9/6) (see Peace Monitor)

The PFLP detonates 4 bombs (2 in West Jerusalem, 2 in the settlements of Gilo, French Hill) lightly injuring 5.
 4 SEPTEMBER
   

A Palestinian suicide bomber dressed as a Hasidic Jew detonates a device in Jerusalem, killing only himself, wounding 15 Israelis, 1 seriously. No group takes responsibility. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/5; WJW 9/6)

 5 SEPTEMBER
   

After Palestinians fire mortars at a Jewish settlement in Gaza, causing no damage, the IDF shells a Force 17 office in Bayt Hanun, injuring 1 Palestinian. (WT 9/6)

 6 SEPTEMBER

The IDF makes a failed attempt to assassinate senior Fatah tanzim mbr. Ra'id Karmi, firing missiles at his car as he, 3 tanzim mbrs. drive through Tulkarm; Karmi (wanted for kidnapping, killing 2 Israelis in Tulkarm on 1/23) is injured, 2 tanzim mbrs. are killed, 1 Palestinian bystander is seriously wounded. In response, other tanzim mbrs. fire on an IDF patrol nr. Tulkarm, killing 1 soldier, wounding 1. In Hebron, a group of Jewish settler children (ages 5+n12) hit, throw stones at 2 foreign aid workers; the IDF refuses to apprehend the children. (Christian Peace Team press release 9/6; LAW 9/6; HA, HP, WP 9/7; LAW 9/20)

Peres announces that he, Arafat plan to hold the 1st of 3 mtgs. on implementing a cease-fire next wk., but that the exact time and location have not been agreed. (AFP, REU 9/7)

 
 7 SEPTEMBER

Sharon confirms reports that the Israeli cabinet secretly approved a plan in 6/01 to create a buffer zone along the Green Line. Though he claims implementation has been postponed indefinitely, today the IDF seals an entrance to Shu`fat; digs ditches across roads along the Green Line, northwest of Jerusalem; reinforces roadblocks leading into Jerusalem. The IDF also enters Khan Yunis, directs shells and heavy machine gun fire at residential areas; directs heavy machine gun fire on residential areas of al-Arub, al-Qarara; shells, demolishes a cable factory in Gaza City. (HA, HP, MM 9/7; HP, NYT, WP 9/8; AYM 9/8 in WNC 9/12; AYM 9/10 in WNC 9/13; LAW 9/20)

   
 8 SEPTEMBER

In an apparent assassination attempt on senior Fatah official Muhammad Mansur, the IDF fires rockets into the Fatah headquarters in a residential area of Ramallah, causing no injuries. Mansur left the building just before the attack. Nr. Rafah, an explosion in a building known to be used by tanzim mbrs. leaves, 1 tanzim mbr. dead, 1 injured; the tanzim accuses Israel of carrying out an assassination. Israel admits to the attempt on Mansur, but denies staging the Rafah incident. The IDF directs shells/heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Bayt Hanun, al-Bireh, Dura, Nablus, Rafah; closes roads around Khan Yunis, the al-Mawasi area; occupies a Palestinian home in al-Khadir; raids, shuts a secondary school in Baqa` al-Sharqiyya; conducts arrest sweeps in Burqa, Jinin, al-Khadir, Tulkarm, Yabid. Armed Jewish settlers fire on Palestinian shops in Hebron, causing serious damage but no injuries; IDF soldiers do not intervene. (HP 9/8; WP, WT 9/9)

The WCAR closes after agreeing on a final statement that expresses concern over the "plight of the Palestinian people under foreign occupation," endorses the right of Israelis and Palestinians to live in secure and independent states, recognizes the right of refugees to return to "freely return to their homes." Israel says it is "satisfied" with the text. (Globe and Mail, HP 9/8; NYT, WP, WT 9/9; MENA, al-Quds, SAPA 9/9 in WNC 9/10; WT 9/10; JP, MEI 9/14) (see Peace Monitor)

 
 9 SEPTEMBER

Israel blames the PA for the suicide bomb in Nahariya, saying the bomber crossed into Jinin to get explosives fr. Hamas, and the PA ignored requests to arrest him. In retaliation, the IDF attacks 5 PA security and political offices in al-Bireh, Jericho, Jinin, Nablus, and Ramallah, injuring 5 Palestinians. 1 Palestinian is killed in clashes with the IDF in Gaza. Israel also arrests PA Jerusalem affairs adviser Ziad Abu Ziad; expels him fr. the city, claiming he had entered without a permit. This evening, Sharon meets with his security cabinet, which votes to step up attacks on Palestinian targets. (HA 9/9; AFP 9/9 in WNC 9/10; JP [Internet], MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/10; NYT 9/11; WJW 9/13; MEI 9/14; JP 9/24: MEI 9/28)

  An Israeli Arab suicide bomber detonates a device at a train station in the n. Israeli town of Nahariya, killing 3 Israeli Jews, injuring 63, most lightly. In the Jordan Valley, Islamic Jihad mbrs. ambush a Jewish settler minibus, killing 2 Jewish settlers. Another Palestinian suicide bomber detonates a car bomb next to a bus in Bayt Lid, killing only himself, injuring 3 Israelis.
 10 SEPTEMBER

At least 60 IDF tanks take up positions outside Jinin, shell residential areas, killing 1 PSF officer and wounding 4 in what Palestinians fear is the 1st stage of a major retaliation for the 9/9 Nahariya bombing. The IDF also enters PA-controlled areas of Gaza City; shells residential areas of Rafah; reinforces positions outside Nablus, Tulkarm; conducts arrest raids in al-Arub, Bayt Qad. Jewish settlers place caravans on a new site east of Kefar Darom; dig trenches, topple electricity poles in the Palestinian section of Hebron. Overnight tonight, the IDF seals the PA intelligence and security offices in Azariyya, a DFLP office in Abu Dis. (HP 9/10; BBC, MM, NYT 9/11; MEI 9/14; LAW 9/20; MEI 9/28)

Powell phones Peres twice to press Israel to move ahead with cease-fire talks with Arafat. Israel, the PA discuss the issue throughout the day, agreeing that Arafat and Peres could meet as early as 9/11 but differing over the venue. Talks are suspend around midnight without agreement. (AFP, HP, MM 9/10; AFP, AN, MA, MENA 9/10, MENA 9/11 in WNC 9/12; NYT 9/12, 9/13)

 
 11 SEPTEMBER

Hopes for an Arafat-Peres mtg. fade as Israel steps up its attack on Jinin. Before dawn, IDF tanks encircle the town, cut electricity, shell residential areas of Jinin and a nearby refugee camp, killing 2 Palestinians. A 3d Palestinian is fatally shot when the IDF opens fire on a taxi in Gaza. The IDF also shells areas of Gaza City, hitting 2 factories, a PSF office. Israel's Jerusalem Municipality demolishes 3 Palestinian homes in Bayt Hanina, issues demolition orders for another 5 houses. (AP, BBC, LAW, MM, NYT, WP 9/11; MEZ, NYT, WP 9/12; LAW 9/20; MEI 9/28)

In the U.S., as many as 20 hijackers commandeer 4 commercial jets bound from east coast airports to California. Minutes apart, 2 planes hit the World Trade Center (WTC) in New York City, destroying the twin towers and killing 1,000s of people. Within an hr., the 3d plane hits the Pentagon in Washington, killing up to 200 people, and the 4th plane crashes in w. Pennsylvania, killing all aboard. Bush vows retaliation, saying, "We will make no distinction between those who committed these acts and those who harbored them." Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT), a mbr. of the Senate intelligence comm. claims that the U.S. intercepted reports by associates of Saudi dissident Osama Bin Laden saying they had hit 2 targets; another intelligence official says, however, that the information was not so definitive. Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the PA, Hamas, Afghanistan's ruling Taliban immediately condemn the attacks. (ATL, MENA 9/11 in WNC 9/12; JT 9/11, DUS, ITAR-TASS, JT, QA, al-Quds, al-Ra'i 9/12 in WNC 9/13; HP, MM, NYT, PR, WP, WT 9/12; AFP, HA, WJW 9/13; WP 9/15; MENA 9/16 in WNC 9/17; JP 9/21; JP, MEI 9/28)

  Palestinian snipers fatally shoot 2 IDF soldiers nr. Tulkarm.
 12 SEPTEMBER

Using the 9/11 pretext, Israel sends 22 tanks into Jinin and nearby Arraba and Tamun. Tanks shell targets while F-15s, F-16s drop bombs, killing 8 Palestinians, wounding 50, leveling the PSF headquarters and 2 Force 17 office in Jinin, 2 PSF offices in Arraba and Tamun. Among the dead are 3 suspected Islamic Jihad mbrs. who barricade themselves in a building in Arraba during an IDF arrest sweep, are killed when the IDF shells the building. IDF soldiers also open fire on 2 taxis nr. Gaza's al-Mahatin Junction, killing 2 Palestinians, injuring 8; arrest Palestinian Council (PC) mbr. Ahmad Zagayr (Fatah) in his Jerusalem office, take him to the Russian Compound prison; direct heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of al-Khadir, Khan Yunis; bulldoze Palestinian land for a new settler bypass road to Gush Katif; reinforces troops around Nablus; conduct arrest raids in Arraba, Hizma. (HP, MEZ, MM 9/12; AP, MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/13; MENA 9/13 in WNC 9/14; al-Quds 9/13, SA 9/14, al-Majallah 9/16 in WNC 9/17; WP 9/14; PMC 9/15; MEI 9/28)

  A Jewish settler is killed by a Palestinian sniper nr. Qalqilya.
 13 SEPTEMBER

IDF continues shelling, bulldozing residential areas in and around Jinin, killing 3 Palestinians, wounding 21. A 4th suspected Islamic Jihad mbr. wounded in Arraba on 9/12 dies of his injuries. The IDF sends forces into Jericho to attack PSF posts; shells, destroys 1 Palestinian home. Troops pull out of areas A in Jericho, Jinin by midafternoon. In Ramallah, 1 Palestinian is shot dead by IDF troops who say he refused to stop at a checkpoint. A group of Jewish settlers, angry over the shooting death of a settler on 9/12, destroy and vandalize Palestinian cars, property, greenhouses in Qalqilya. (HP 9/12; AP, GS, WP 9/13; WP, WT 9/14; AYM 9/15 in WNC 9/25; MEI 9/28; LAW 9/29)

  A Palestinian suicide bomber detonates a device nr. an IDF tank in Jinin, killing only himself.
 14 SEPTEMBER

Meanwhile, 3 Palestinians are killed by IDF fire in Gaza. Israeli authorities detain Mufti of Jerusalem Shaykh Ikrima Sabri following Friday prayers for several hrs. of questioning regarding his recent visit to Beirut. (HP, WP, WT 9/15; WP 9/16; WT 9/17; al-Quds 9/18 in WNC 9/19; WJW 9/20; LAW 9/29)

Asst. Secy. of State for Near East Affairs William Burns official meets with 15 Arab envoys, including the PLO rep., and tell them they must either declare their nations "mbrs. of an international coalition against terrorism or risk being isolated." Later, Arab envoys meet at the home of Saudi Arabian amb. Prince Bandar Bin Sultan to discuss U.S. plans. Egyptian amb. Nabil Fahmy warns the admin. to focus on finding and punishing those responsible for the 9/11 attacks and not to broaden the effort to include other geopolitical goals. (NYT 9/15; MM, WP 9/17; SA 9/17 in WNC 9/19)

Sharon rejects direct appeals by Bush, Powell to hold peace talks with the PA, which would facilitate U.S. efforts to form a coalition to strike at Bin Laden. Instead, he cancels tentative plans to hold an Arafat-Peres mtg. on 9/16, saying it would be "inappropriate" in light of the 9/11 U.S. attacks; tells Bush that Israel opposes the U.S. bringing the PA, Syria into its antiterrorism coalition. (AFP 9/14; AP, HP, NYT, WP 9/15; JP [Internet], WT 9/16; XIN 9/16 in WNC 9/17; WJW 9/27; JP, MEI 9/28)

In Gaza's Nussayrat refugee camp, 100s of Palestinians protest against the U.S.'s threat to attack Afghanistan, fearing the U.S.'s "international campaign against terrorism" will be campaign against Muslims; undercover PSF officers confiscate reporters' film. Some 40,000 Israeli Arabs in Umm al-Fahm Israel hold a similar rally, denouncing the killing of American civilians but also condemning U.S. support for Israel.
 15 SEPTEMBER

Israel initiates land, sea, air strikes against PA targets in the West Bank and Gaza, leaving 3 Palestinians dead and destroying the PA intelligence headquarters in Gaza City, the naval headquarters in Nussayrat, a PA police station in Rafah. Israel claims the action is in response to mortar attacks staged fr. those areas. IDF troops guarding Har Homa settlement direct shells, heavy machine gun fire at Bayt Sahur, injuring at least 8 Palestinians. Troops continue to bombard the town as Red Crescent medical workers attempt to reach the wounded, killing a Palestinian paramedic, destroying 3 ambulances. The IDF also arrests PC vice chmn. Bishara Daoud on his way to Jerusalem to participate in the coronation of the new Greek Orthodox patriarch, detain him for interrogation. (AP, HP, WP 9/15; LAW, PMC, WP, WT 9/16; NYT 9/20; LAW 9/29)

  In East Jerusalem, DFLP gunmen ambush a Jewish settler vehicle, killing 1 settler, wounding 1.
 16 SEPTEMBER

Bush prepares the U.S. for a long, sustained "war on terrorism." Admin. officials say they are considering lifting the 25-yr.-old ban on U.S. involvement in foreign assassinations, loosening restrictions on FBI surveillance and detention of foreigners. Iran, Hizballah spiritual leader Shaykh Fadlallah denounce the 9/11 attacks. (NYT, WP, WT 9/17; WP 9/18; MM 10/4)

The IDF announces that it is establishing an 18-mi.-long "closed military area," or buffer zone, along the Green Line btwn. Jinin and Tulkarm (see Peace Monitor). In response to the 9/15 DFLP shooting, the IDF sends tanks into Bayt Hanun, al-Qarara, and Ramallah, shelling residential areas while helicopters fire missiles; 2 Palestinians and 1 IDF soldier are killed, 26 Palestinians and 1 IDF soldier are wounded before Israeli forces withdraws fr. areas A 4 hrs. later. In al-Qarara, the IDF confiscates 200 dunams of Palestinian land for a new settler bypass road to Gush Katif (see 9/12), confiscates a Palestinian home as an military post. The IDF also conducts an arrest sweep in Ramallah. (AFP, LAW, WP, WT 9/16; HP, NYT, PMC, WP, WT 9/17; NYT, WP, WT 9/18)

Arafat says he is ready to hold talks with Israel "any time, any place," but Sharon says he will only allow cease-fire talks to resume after 48 hrs. without a Palestinian attack. Sharon reiterates Israeli support for the U.S. effort to build a coalition but is "not prepared to pay the price" if it involves concessions to the PA. Arafat publicly reiterates his call on Palestinians to adhere to a cease-fire. (al-Quds 9/16, XIN 9/17 in WNC 9/18; MM 9/17; NYT, WT 9/18; AFP 9/18 in WNC 9/19; NYT 9/19; ATL 9/19 in WNC 9/20; MM 9/20; AYM 9/22 in WNC 9/26; MEI 9/28)

 
 17 SEPTEMBER

The IDF directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Bayt Hanun, Dayr al-Balah, Hebron, Jinin, Rafah, and Ramallah, killing 1 Palestinian, damaging several homes. 2 Palestinians die of injuries received earlier. Palestinians reportedly throw hand grenades at an IDF post on the Rafah border, causing no injuries. Late this evening, IDF troops evacuate 118 bedouin fr. their tents and cave dwellings in the Hebron Hills. (AP, HP 9/17; NYT, WT 9/18; GS 9/23; LAW 9/29)

   
 18 SEPTEMBER

Israeli-Palestinian clashes taper of dramatically, but incidents are still reported. The IDF fatally shoots 1 Palestinian nr. Nablus; demolishes equipment, buildings in the Gaza port; fires on 6 Palestinian schools in Hebron, injuring 11 students, parents. (MM, NYT, PR, WP, WT 9/19; ATL, Interfax 9/19 in WNC 9/20; WJW 9/20; SA 9/20 in WNC 9/26; Jerusalem Times, WP 9/21; MEI 9/28; LAW 9/29)

Under extreme pressure fr. the U.S., Israel agrees to pull tanks, troops out of and away fr. PA-controlled areas (including Jinin), halt assassinations. Arafat orders the PSF to use "maximum self-restraint," hold their fire even if attacked; threatens opposition groups with harsh reprisals if they stage any attacks inside Israel. Sharon still demands 48 hrs. of complete quiet before he will authorize Peres-Arafat talks.  
 19 SEPTEMBER

A Force 17 mbr. is shot dead in Hebron. A 2d Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. (AP 9/19; MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/20; WP 9/21; NYT, WT 9/23; HP 9/24; LAW 9/29)

The Israeli-Palestinian temporary cease-fire generally holds, though scattered violence is reported. Despite personal appeals by Arafat envoys, Hamas and Islamic Jihad say that they will continue to target Israeli occupation forces (i.e., troops, settlers) in the territories, though they will halt attacks inside Israel as long as Israel continues to suspend its assassination policy. Palestinian gunmen fire on the Jewish enclave in Hebron; in response the IDF shells a residential neighborhood in the Palestinian section of the city, injuring 9. Palestinians throw 6 hand-made grenades at an IDF post on the Rafah border causing no injuries; the IDF fires on residential areas of Rafah in response. A roadside bomb explodes outside Oranit settlement, injuring 2 settlement security guards.
 20 SEPTEMBER

Though Israeli-Palestinian clashes drop off significantly, sporadic violence continues. Armed Jewish settlers block roads in the area to Palestinian cars. The IDF fires on a taxi in Gaza, killing 1 Palestinian. A 2d Palestinian is found dead in the Jordan Valley. The IDF shells residential areas of Gaza City; bulldozes agricultural land nr. Oranit settlement. (AP 9/20; MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/21; HP 9/24; WT 9/25; MA 9/25 in WNC 9/26; MEI 9/28)

Bush vows to attack Afghanistan unless the Taliban immediately turns over Bin Laden, all other "terrorists" in the country, destroys Bin Laden training camps, allows U.S. inspections. He warns Americans to expect a long campaign against a network that he estimates involves 1,000s of people in more than 60 countries. He vows the fight will be waged overtly and through covert operations and will not cease "until every terrorist group of global reach has been found, stopped, and defeated." (CNN 9/20; NYT, WP, WT 9/21)

Sharon, Arafat meet with their cabinets to discuss the temporary cease-fire. Peres, PA Local Government M Saeb Erakat, PC speaker Ahmad Qurai` meet to discuss an Peres-Arafat mtg.; draft a joint statement that the pair could release. Powell phones Sharon twice to press for cease-fire talks. Sharon says the 48-hr. quiet period has not begun, therefore there will not be an Arafat-Peres mtg. until at least 9/23. (AP 9/20; MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/21; HP 9/24; WT 9/25; MA 9/25 in WNC 9/26; MEI 9/28)

Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade (AMB) mbrs. fire on a vehicle outside Tekoa settlement, killing 1 Jewish settler, wounding 1. The PSF arrests 2 suspects in the attack. In Gaza, Palestinians throw 5 grenades at a Rafah border post, lightly injuring 5 IDF soldiers; shoot, wound another settlement security guard.
 21 SEPTEMBER

Israeli-Palestinian violence declines further. Arafat specifically orders Fatah mbrs. not to use arms. The IDF reports that Palestinians fired 3 mortars at a Gaza settlement, causing no damage, and threw grenades at an IDF post, causing no injuries. The IDF shells residential areas of Hebron. (NYT, WP 9/22; HP 9/24)

   
 22 SEPTEMBER

The IDF shells residential areas of Hebron; directs heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Bayt Jala, al-Dawha. (HP 9/24)

   
 23 SEPTEMBER

IDF troops in Qalandia fire tear gas at Palestinians attempting to sneak around their checkpoint on foot; 1 Palestinian dies of complications fr. inhaling the tear gas. A 2d Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. The IDF directs shells/heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Dayr al-Balah, Hebron, Khan Yunis, Salfit, Ziwata; razes agricultural land in the Hebron area; conducts arrest raids in Batayr. The PSF temporarily detains 5 Palestinians for instigating clashes with the IDF nr. Rafah on 9/20. (HP, PMC, REU 9/24)

Although the IDF says today has been the quietest day since the al-Aqsa intifada began a yr. ago, Sharon again blocks plans for an Arafat-Peres mtg., saying the PA has not provided 48 hrs. of "absolute quiet" and again calling Arafat a "terrorist" on the level of Bin Laden. Peres threatens to "disappear on vacation" if Sharon does not allow the mtg., whereas right-wing MKs threaten to leave the governing coalition if Sharon allows it. Peres boycotts today's cabinet mtg.; holds preparatory talks for an Arafat mtg. with PA officials. Powell phones Sharon again to urge him to allow the mtg. (HA, JP [Internet], REU 9/23; HP, MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/24; al-Quds 9/24 in WNC 9/26; NYT 9/25; MEI 9/28; WJW 10/4)

 
 24 SEPTEMBER

In response to Islamic Jihad gunfire in the Jordan Valley that leaves a Jewish settler dead, Peres sides with Sharon against holding a mtg. with Arafat. Israel's new 18 mi. buffer zone along the Green Line n. of Jerusalem goes into effect. The IDF bulldozes 20 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Oranit settlement; declares the Hebron market a closed military zone; begins work on a new settlement bypass road to Kefar Darom, damaging agricultural land, water networks belonging to Dayr al-Balah residents; conduct arrest raids in villages around Bethlehem, Qalqilya, Salfit; confiscates 1 Palestinian home in Harmala for use as an IDF outpost; reinforces the closure on Jinin. (HP, Los Angeles Times [Internet], MM 9/24; CNN, HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/25; al-Quds 9/25 in WNC 9/26; MEI 9/28)

  Fatah tanzim leaders, a senior mbr. of the Fatah-linked AMB state that, despite Arafat's recent calls, they will continue to view the IDF and settlers in the West Bank and Gaza as legitimate targets. Palestinians fire 1 mortar at a Jewish settlement in Gaza, causing no damage.
 25 SEPTEMBER

The IDF forcibly moves 16 bedouin fr. Hebron Hills into area A; opens fire on a Palestinian vehicle nr. Yatta, wounding 4 Palestinians. (AFP, AP, GS, HA, MM, PMC 9/25; Radio Monte Carlo 9/25 in WNC 9/26; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/26; DUS, QA, SAF 9/26 in WNC 9/27; WJW 9/27; SAF 9/27 in WNC 9/28; al-Quds 9/30, al-Majd 10/8 in WNC 10/9) (see Peace Monitor)

Arafat, en route to Damascus for talks with Syrian pres. Bashar al-Asad, receives word that the visit has been postponed. Shortly thereafter, Peres announces that he will meet with Arafat on 9/26. Although Israeli-Palestinian violence increases today, Sharon does not cancel the mtg. Acceding to Israeli demands to curb incitement, Arafat closes a photo and art exhibit on the uprising in Nablus that features a mock-up of the Jerusalem pizzeria bombed on 8/9. Palestinians fire 2 mortars in Gaza, 1 landing inside the Strip, the other inside Israel, neither causing damage.
 26 SEPTEMBER

In response to Gaza border bomb, the IDF shells residential areas of Rafah throughout the day, damaging homes; sends tanks and bulldozers into Rafah in an overnight operation in which soldiers demolish 14 Palestinian homes, killing 3 Palestinians, wounding 31. The IDF also opens fire on Palestinian demonstrators nr. Gaza airport, killing 1 Palestinian, wounding 9; shells residential areas of Hebron, Khan Yunis. This evening, as it does annually, Israel seals the West Bank and Gaza for Yom Kippur; the closure is to be lifted on 9/28. (AFP, BBC, HA 9/26; AFP, HP, NYT, WP, WT 9/27; AFP, MM 9/28; MEI 10/12)

Arafat, Peres meet at Gaza airport; issue a joint statement (see 9/20) restarting phased implementation of the Tenet cease-fire plan as the 1st step toward implementation of the Mitchell recommendations for resuming negotiations. A comm. led by Peres, PC speaker Qurai` is to oversee implementation. Arafat, Peres plan to meet in 1 wk. to assess progress. Israel also demands that the PA immediately arrest 108 wanted Palestinians. (AP, HA, JP [Internet], MM, WP 9/26; ATL, Interfax, ITAR-TASS, al-Quds, XIN 9/26 in WNC 9/27; MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/27; QA, al-Quds 9/27, MA 9/28, al-Quds 9/29, MA 9/30 in WNC 10/1; NYT 9/28; NYT 10/2; JP 10/5; MEI 10/12) (see Peace Monitor for details)

A large bomb explodes at an IDF post on the Gaza-Egypt border, lightly injuring 3 soldiers. A PA court sentences 3 Palestinians to death for collaborating with Israel.
 27 SEPTEMBER

In light of the IDF's overnight assault on Rafah, the U.S. calls on Israel to halt demolitions of Palestinian homes, incursions into PA controled areas. Meanwhile, the IDF fatally shoots 2 Palestinians in Rafah. (HA 9/27; AFP, HP, MM, NYT, WP 9/28)

  PSF Gaza head Muhammad Dahlan says the PSF will not conduct preventive arrests of suspected Palestinian militants without hard evidence, as Israel demanded on 9/26.
 28 SEPTEMBER

The IDF kills a total of 6 Palestinians, wounds more than 100 (at least 50% with live ammunition) in confronting demonstrations across the West Bank, Gaza marking the 1st anniversary of the al-Aqsa intifada. (In Nablus alone, 10,000 Palestinians rally.) A 7th Palestinian dies in a mysterious explosion. The worst fighting is in Hebron (where the IDF shells residential areas, killing 2; and Palestinians fire on 2 vehicles, lightly injuring 2 Jewish settlers), Qarni crossing, Rafah (where an IDF tank reportedly fires into a crowd, killing 3 Palestinians). In Rafah, some 150 Palestinians clash with PSF officers attempting to disperse demonstrators, vandalize 3 empty PSF offices. The IDF also conducts arrest raids in Bethlehem, Salfit. Jewish settlers destroy 100 dunams of Palestinian crop land, several greenhouses nr. Mihula. (HP, MM 9/28; HP, NYT, WP, WT 9/29; Le Monde 9/29 in WNC 10/2; HP, WP, WT 9/30; al-Quds 9/30 in WNC 10/1; MM 10/1; IRNA 10/3 in WNC 10/4; HA 10/21)

Despite increasing violence, Israel, the PA reconvene the trilateral security comm. for the 1st time since 7/25. Arafat issues another statement calling on Palestinian to adhere to the cease-fire. (AFP, MM 9/28; HP, NYT, WP, WT 9/29; MM 10/1)

Demonstrations across the West Bank, Gaza marking the 1st anniversary of the al-Aqsa intifada. (In Nablus alone, 10,000 Palestinians rally.)
 29 SEPTEMBER

Palestinians across the West Bank, Gaza continue demonstrations to mark the 1st anniversary of the al-Aqsa intifada. The IDF clashes with protesters, killing 3 Palestinians, wounding more than 100. A 4th Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. The main hot spots are Hebron, Qarni crossing, Rafah. The IDF directs shell, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of al-Bireh, Brazil camp, Hebron, Khan Yunis, Yibna; sets fire to a Palestinian orchard nr. a bypass road outside Nablus; conducts arrest raids in Nablus, Ramallah. Jewish settlers install a tower, water reserve, electricity hook-up to a new settlement enclave btwn. Suisa, Ma'on settlements. (HP 9/29; NYT, WP, WT 9/30; al-Quds 9/30 in WNC 10/9; MM, WT 10/1; Independent, NYT 10/2; WJW 10/4; LAW 10/10)

Israel, the PA each complain that the other has not undertaken the steps required in the initial 48 hr. stage of the Tenet plan. Sharon meets with his inner cabinet, which agrees to allow Peres to continue truce talks with PA officials, but says it will resume "initiated actions" in 48 hrs. if violence continues. (HP 9/29; NYT, WP, WT 9/30; al-Quds 9/30 in WNC 10/9; MM, WT 10/1; Independent, NYT 10/2; WJW 10/4; LAW 10/10)

Palestinians across the West Bank, Gaza continue demonstrations to mark the 1st anniversary of the al-Aqsa intifada. Inside Israel, 1,000s of Israeli Arabs hold rallies in Arraba, Haifa, Jit, Kafr Manda, Kafr Qana, Nazareth, Sakhnin, Umm al-Fahm; demonstrations in Nazareth, Umm al-Fahm turn violent with protesters clashing with police, vandalizing stores, but no injuries are reported.
 30 SEPTEMBER

The IDF fatally shoots 3 Palestinians. The PSF uses tear gas to disperse Palestinian demonstrators in Gaza. Late this evening, the IDF sends troops into Khan Yunis, responding to reports (denied by the PA) that mortars were fired fr. the camp toward Netzarim. (HP, LAW, MM, WT 10/1; LAW 10/10)

Peres meets with PA Local Government M Erakat, PC speaker Qurai` in Tel Aviv to discuss the cease-fire implementation. Each side accuses the other of failing to fulfill agmts. PA, Israeli regional cmdrs. for Jericho, Qalqilya, Tulkarm also meet on security cooperation. (MENA 9/30 in WNC 10/1; JP [Internet] 10/1)

 

    2000
2002
 

Abbreviations

IDF Israeli Defense Forces

PA Palestinian Authority

 

Chronology Source Abbreviations

ADM (Addameer--Prisoners Support and Human Rights Association, Ramallah)

AFP (Agence France-Presse, Paris)

AIC (Alternative Information Center, Jerusalem)

AP (Associated Press, Internet)

ATL (Anatolia, Ankara)

AYM (al-Ayyam, Ramallah)

BDL (BADIL Resource Center, Bethlehem)

DUS (al-Dustur, Amman)

FAV (Free Arab Voice, Internet)

HA (Ha'Aretz, Tel Aviv)

HJ (al-Hayat al-Jadida, Ramallah)

HP (Hear Palestine, Washington)

HUR (Hurriyet, Istanbul)

IRNA (Islamic Republic News Agency, Tehran)

IsRN (Israel Radio News, Internet)

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)

MENL (Middle East Newsline, Internet)

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

MM (Mideast Mirror, London)

NYT (New York Times, New York)

PCHR (Palestinian Center for Human Rights, Gaza)

PR (Palestine Report, Jerusalem)

QA (al-Quds al-Arabi, London)

REU (Reuters, Internet)

RL (Radio Lebanon, Beirut)

RMC (Radio Monte Carlo, Paris)

SA (al-Sharq al-Awsat, London)

UPI (United Press International, Internet)

WJW (Washington Jewish Week, Rockville, MD)

WNC (World News Connection [Internet], Washington)

WP (Washington Post, Washington)

WT (Washington Times, Washington)

XIN (Xinhua+nNew China News Agency, Beijing)

YA (Yedi'ot Aharonot, Tel Aviv)