August 2002

61
16
2
1
1
4
0
2
1
0
3
3
9
4
4
2
5
2
0
6
5
0
7
1
0
8
3
0
9
4
1
10
2
1
11
1
0
12
0
1
13
2
0
14
3
0
15
0
0
16
1
0
17
0
0
18
1
0
19
4
1
20
1
0
21
0
0
22
2
0
23
1
0
24
0
0
25
1
0
26
0
0
27
6
0
28
1
0
29
0
0
30
6
0
31

61 palestinians killed by israeli action this month
16 israelis killed by palestinian action this month

 
    2001
2003
 

Assassinating cripples

The IDF assassinates wheelchair-bound senior Hamas member Nasir Jarrar (who had lost an arm, 2 legs in 2 previous assassination attempts in 5/01 and 4/02) in a friend's home in Tubas, firing rockets from helicopters at the house, then bulldozing it. The generalized assassinations and random killings of palestinians continue. 61 killed this month.

Israel's High Court upholds the IDF's right to demolish homes of Palestinians accused of "terrorist" attacks without giving family members any warning. The court throws out appeals from 49 Palestinian families, Currently, 107 homes that housed suicide bombers are slated for demolition, plus 100s of other homes belonging to other "suspected terrorists."

Israeli Labor and Social Welfare M Shlomo Benizri (Shas) convenes the Israel Council for Demography, which has been inactive for 5 yrs., to draw up "guidelines on how to formulate a policy that will preserve Israel's Jewish character." The main topics discussed are the "need to encourage [Jewish] families to have more children".

Israel's American PR consultants urge Israel, American Jewish groups to adhere to a new PR strategy based on equating Israeli and US values, not attacking PA head Yasir Arafat directly, being more hopeful.

 

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

The IDF soldiers stationed in Netzer Hazani settlement direct shells, machine gun fire at nearby residential areas of al-Qarara, fatally shooting a 9-yr.-old Palestinian girl. A Palestinian dies of injuries received on 7/15. The IDF bulldozes Palestinian agricultural land nr. Dayr al-Balah, Rafah; demolishes the home of local Islamic Jihad military cmdr. Muhammad Abu Tabikh in Jenin; blows up a home in al-Brazil, damaging 7 nearby houses; directs heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Khan Yunis; conducts arrest raids in Tulkarm. (MM 8/1; NYT 8/2; LAW, PCHR 8/7)

In Washington, King Abdallah holds talks with Bush on the peace process, dangers of striking Iraq. Abdallah urges Bush to outline specific steps, time line for moving the peace process forward. Bush says that he's still committed to the creation of a Palestinian state in 3 yrs. but he does not think any new steps by Israel are necessary at the moment. (JT 8/1 in WNC 8/2; NYT, WP, WT 8/2; DUS 8/2 in WNC 8/7)

The body of a bound, fatally shot Israeli businessman is found in a Tulkarm industrial zone.
 2 AUGUST

In retaliation for the 7/31 bombing, the IDF stages a predawn raid into Nablus, which Israel says is the "possible source" of the bomb, sending in more than 150 bulldozers, tanks, APCs; conducting house-to-house searches in the old city, moving fr. building to building by breaking through walls; ordering all men ages 15+n50 to surrender for questioning; arresting 10s of Palestinians; demolishing 2 apartment buildings allegedly housing bomb-making labs; meeting light resistance, leaving at least 2 Palestinians dead, 5 wounded. The IDF also detains, questions, handcuffs, then fatally shoots Hamas mbr. Amjad Jabour outside his home Salim, nr. Nablus; shells residential areas of Dayr al-Balah, killing an 85-yr.-old Palestinian woman in her home; clashes with Palestinian gunmen in Rafah, fatally shooting 1 Palestinian; demolishes 6 Palestinian homes (1 Hebron, 3 Rafah, 1 Tulkarm, 1 elsewhere in the West Bank) belonging to the relatives of Palestinian militants; prepares to expel 2 brothers of 2 assailants to Gaza. (AP, MM, NYT, UPMRC, WP, WT 8/2; al-Haq, NYT, WP, WT 8/3; LAW, PCHR 8/7; WJW 8/8)

   
 3 AUGUST

In Nablus, the IDF conducts arrest raids, searches homes; bulldozers block entrances to Nablus's old city with dirt; tanks, APCs patrol, tightly enforcing curfew. The IDF fatally shoots a Palestinian driving a truck in Hebron just after a curfew had been reimposed without warning; demolishes 8 Palestinian homes (1 Hebron, 5 Jenin, and 2 Nablus) belonging to relatives of Palestinian militants; shells residential areas of Khan Yunis. (NYT, WP, WT 8/4; LAW, PCHR 8/7)

   
 4 AUGUST

Nr. Aley Sinai settlement in Gaza, the IDF fatally shoots a Palestinian frogman as he emerges fr. the sea carrying a rifle, grenades in a sealed bag. The IDF demolishes an 18-dunam PA Youth and Sports Min. complex, a 20-dunam PSF training center, 4 privately owned buildings, several boats in Bayt Lahia. Jewish settlers attack a PRCS ambulance nr. Ramallah, injuring 2 paramedics. (AFP 8/4 in WNC 8/5; MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/5; LAW, PCHR 8/7)

  A Hamas suicide bomber detonates a device on a bus at Meron Junction in n. Israel, killing 3 IDF soldiers, 2 Israeli civilians, 2 Philippine workers, 2 Israeli Arabs and wounding 40 (mostly soldiers); Hamas says it will not release the name the bomber to prevent Israel fr. retaliating against his relatives. In Jerusalem, an AMB gunman fatally shoots an Israeli guard, an Israeli telephone employee nr. Damascus Gate; Israeli policemen, soldiers open fire indiscriminately in the direction of the shooter, who is near a café, killing him, a Palestinian café patron, wounding 17. AMB gunmen detonate a roadside bomb nr. a settler car nr. Ramallah, fire on passengers, injuring 3 Jewish settlers. PFLP gunmen fire on a settler bus nr. Tulkarm, injuring 4 Jewish settlers. A roadside bomb injures 4 IDF soldiers nr. Ramallah.
 5 AUGUST

In light of the increase in violence, Ben-Eliezer promises a "long list of actions" in the West Bank and Gaza that would "make the closure much bigger than it is now"; bans all Palestinian travel in the n. West Bank; seals the s. Gaza Strip. The IDF makes a predawn raid on Burqa village, assassinates wanted AMB mbr. Khalid Sayf, also killing 1 Palestinian bystander; opens fire on a group of Palestinians violating the curfew nr. Nablus, killing a 13-yr.-old Palestinian boy. A Palestinian car explodes nr. Umm al-Fahm, killing the Palestinian driver and injuring another in what the IDF says was a premature detonation of a suicide bomb; al-Nathir takes responsibility. The IDF says it has captured Hamas mbr. Mazan Fukha, who allegedly plotted the 8/4 bus bombing; shells, demolishes a autobody shop in Gaza City that allegedly served as a weapons factory; conducts arrest raids nr. Khan Yunis, Tubas; shells residential areas nr. Dayr al-Balah. (MM, WP, WT 8/5; AFP 8/5 in WNC 8/5; NYT, WP, WT 8/6; LAW, PCHR 8/7)

With Sharon's permission, Ben-Eliezer presents his Gaza First plan to PA Interior M Yahya, senior PA security officials. (HA, WP 8/6; MM 8/7; HA 8/8; MM 8/16)

For the 10th yr. in a row, the Anti-Defamation League sponsors a group of U.S. college newspaper editors on a trip (8/5+n18) to Israel, Poland, Bulgaria to learn about the history of the Holocaust, the founding of Israel, the Israeli Palestinian conflict. (JTA 8/6)

  Palestinian gunmen ambush a settler vehicle nr. Nablus, killing 2 Jewish settlers, wounding 2.
 6 AUGUST

The IDF assassinates wanted AMB mbrs. Ali Ajuri (who allegedly plotted the 7/17 Tel Aviv bombing, reportedly is the leader of al-Nathir) and Murad Marshud, firing air-to-surface missile at them in Jenin. Israel orders Ajuri's brother, sister deported to Gaza for sheltering him. The IDF also captures an armed Egyptian infiltrator, who crossed the border into Israel nr. Elat; imposes a curfew on al-Qarara, orders all men over age 15 to surrender for questioning, conducts house-to-house searches, bulldozes 3 dunams of agricultural land. (AP, HA, LAW, MM 8/6; LAW, NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 8/7) (see 7/19)

Throwing out appeals by 49 Palestinian families, Israel's High Court upholds the IDF's right to demolish homes of Palestinians accused of "terrorist" attacks without giving family mbrs. warning. Currently, 107 homes that housed suicide bombers are slated for demolition, plus 100s of other homes belonging to other "suspected terrorists." (HA, MM, NYT, WP 8/7; al-Quds 8/7 in WNC 8/12)

   
 7 AUGUST

IDF commandos raid Tulkarm, assassinate local AMB cmdr. Ziad Da'as, also killing 2 Palestinian bystanders. In Khan Yunis, an IDF sniper fatally shoots Hamas mbr. Hussam Hamdan, son of top Hamas political leader Ahmad Nimr. The IDF makes a predawn raid on Bayt Lahia, firing on residential areas (killing 1 Palestinian sleeping on his roof), arresting 3 relatives of a wanted Hamas mbr.; fires on residential areas of Dayr al-Balah (seriously injuring a 12-yr.-old Palestinian boy), Khan Yunis; arrests local AMB leader Yahya Dahamsa in Bethlehem, demolish his rented home; demolishes the family homes of relatives of 3 other Palestinian militants elsewhere; shoots at 2 PRCS ambulances in Gaza, disabling 1. Israeli police arrest 2 19-yr.-old Israeli Arab women for failing to prevent the 8/4 Meron Junction bus bombing. (AP, ISM press release, LAW, MM, NYT, PCHR, WP 8/7; NYT, WP, WT 8/8; WT 8/9)

Arafat convenes an EA mtg. to grant "preliminary approval" to Ben-Eliezer's Gaza First plan. Israeli, PA security teams meet in the evening to discuss implementation but fail to agree on terms. (HA 8/7; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/8; AFP, al-Quds, XIN 8/8 in WNC 8/9; MM, WP 8/9; AYM, al-Quds 8/9, SA 8/11 in WNC 8/12; AYM 8/11 in WNC 8/15; WJW 8/15; MEI, MM 8/16) (see 8/5; Quarterly Update)

A small bomb explodes underneath a fuel truck in Rishon Letzion, lightly injuring the Israeli driver; no group claims responsibility (see 5/24). In Hawara, Palestinians, international peace activists stage a nonviolent march in defiance of the IDF curfew; the IDF responds with live fire, tear gas, percussion grenades, and arrests International Solidarity Movement (ISM) leader Adam Shapiro and 1 Palestinian; Shapiro is transferred to Ramla prison pending deportation.
 8 AUGUST

The IDF conducts arrest raids in Bayt Lahia, detaining 9 Palestinians, fatally shooting 1 Palestinian bystander; bulldozes 5 Palestinian homes (1 Bayt Jala, 2 Bethlehem, 1 Hebron, 1 Jenin); fires tear gas, live ammunition at the funeral procession for Hamas's Hamdan (assassinated on 8/7), seriously injuring a 15-yr.-old boy. (NYT 8/8; NYT, WP, WT 8/9; PCHR 8/15, 8/16)

In Washington, PA officials Erakat, Economic M Mahir al-Masri, Yahya open several days of talks with senior administration, CIA, USAID officials. (WT 8/8; NYT, WP, WT 8/9; WT 8/10; AYM 8/10 in WNC 8/11, 8/12; NYT, WP, WT 8/11; AYM 8/11 in WNC 8/12; MM 8/12; NYT 8/13; WT 8/14)

 
 9 AUGUST

The IDF exchanges gunfire with armed Palestinians in Tulkarm r.c., fatally shooting a Palestinian bystander; closes a settler bypass road s. of Jerusalem for several hrs. after reports of "suspicious figures" in the area (who turn out to be shepherds carrying crooks); conducts arrest raids in Dayr al-Balah, Qalqilya; bulldozes 2 dunams of agricultural land in and shells residential areas of Khan Yunis. 1 Palestinian dies of injuries received during the 7/22 IDF air strike; a 2d Palestinian dies of injuries received on 8/7. (NYT 8/10; PCHR 8/16)

   
 10 AUGUST

In Nablus, IDF soldiers halt a Palestinian electric company employee driving a company truck who is returning fr. making authorized repairs during a curfew, kill him with 1 shot to the head; the IDF later apologizes, says it will investigate. The IDF fatally shoots an armed Hamas mbr. attempting to sneak into Israel fr. Gaza. A 4th Palestinian dies of injuries received on 8/7. The IDF use water cannons, horses to break up a nonviolent demonstration by 500 Israeli, Palestinian peace activists nr. a Bethlehem+nJerusalem checkpoint, injuring 2; for no apparent reason opens fire with live ammunition, rubber bullets, percussion grenades on Palestinians waiting to cross Surda checkpoint in Ramallah, seriously injuring 2; bulldozes at least 4 dunams of agricultural land nr. Kefar Darom settlement in Gaza. (NYT, WP, WT 8/11; NYT 8/12; PCHR 8/16)

  An AMB gunman infiltrates Mehola settlement, fatally shooting 1 Jewish settler, seriously wounding a 2d before being shot dead.
 11 AUGUST

A Palestinian dies of injuries received in the 7/22 IDF air strike; an Israeli dies of injuries received in the 7/31 bombing. Ha'Artez reporter Gideon Levy is fired on by IDF soldiers without warning in Tulkarm but is uninjured. The IDF bulldozes 20 dunams of agricultural land in Bayt Hanun, more than 3 dunams nr. Bayt Lahia. ISM leader Shapiro leaves Israel of his own accord (see 8/7). (LAW, NYT, WP 8/12; NYT, WP 8/13; HA, PCHR 8/16)

  A Hamas gunman fires on Israeli roadworkers nr. Dugit settlement in Gaza, wounding 1 before being fatally shot by the IDF.
 12 AUGUST

In an overnight raid, IDF commandos surround the home of wanted AMB mbr. Ghazal Frayhat in Yamun nr. Jenin, evict 13 family mbrs., take Frayhat into custody, fatally shoot him. The IDF fires on residential areas of Jaba'. (HA 8/12; NYT, WP 8/13; PCHR 8/16)

An Israeli military court approves the expulsion to Gaza of 3 relatives of Palestinian militants involved in fatal attacks on Israelis. (HA 8/12; NYT, WT 8/13)

 

After wks. of secret mtgs. in Gaza, the National and Islamic Higher Comm. for the Follow-up of the Intifada, comprising all Palestinian factions, says it is close to finalizing a draft national unity platform. (AP, BBC, MM, NYT, WT 8/13; AYM, SA 8/13 in WNC 8/14; NYT, WP 8/14; MM 8/15)

 13 AUGUST

In East Jerusalem, an IDF soldier on a passing commuter bus shoots, seriously wounds a Palestinian motorcyclist scuffling with an Israeli traffic policeman over a traffic incident. An Israeli dies of injuries received in 7/31 bombing, bring that toll to 9. The IDF demolishes Palestinian homes, 2 belonging to relatives of Palestinian militants (in Dahiriyya, Dura), 2 others (nr. Bethlehem, nr. Hebron); bulldozes 40 dunams of agricultural land in Khuza, also damaging a school. (NYT, WP 8/14; PCHR, WJW 8/15; PCHR 8/16)

Overriding a military court ruling(see 8/12), the Israeli High Court issues a 15-day injunction against the forced transfer to Gaza of 3 relatives of Palestinian militants, demanding that the government show cause why it would be permitted to carry out the expulsions. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/14; MA 8/14 in WNC 8/15; WJW 8/15)

10s of Christian TV stations air a 5-hr. telethon in support of "Israeli victims of terrorism," with half of the money raised earmarked for a fund organized by the United Jewish Communities, half funding production of daily news segments on Israel for Christian TV stations. (HA 8/11) (see 7/10)

   
 14 AUGUST

The IDF assassinates wheelchair-bound senior Hamas mbr. Nasir Jarrar (who had lost an arm, 2 legs in 2 previous assassination attempts in 5/01 and 4/02) in a friend's home in Tubas, firing rockets fr. helicopters at the house, then bulldozing it; 1 Palestinian used as a human shield by the IDF to warn Jarrar to surrender is killed, a 2d Palestinian bystander is wounded; the IDF says its use of a Palestinian as a "messenger"--what it says is a 20-yr.-old policy called the "neighbor procedure"--is not the same as using human shields. The IDF bulldozes 48 dunams of agricultural land btwn. Qarni crossing and Shuhada Junction. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/15; NYT, PCHR, WT 8/16; JP 8/18)

Israel arraigns West Bank Fatah cmdr. Marwan Barghouti (arrested by the IDF on 4/15/02) in a Tel Aviv court on charges of being an "arch-terrorist," murdering 26 Israeli civilians in 37 attacks; the indictment says that 16 Palestinians now in Israeli custody, including 2 of Barghouti's top aides will testify against him. (AP, LAW, MM 8/14; NYT, WP, WT 8/15; MM 8/16)

   
 15 AUGUST

The IDF fires on a car in Khan Yunis, killing a 5-yr.-old Palestinian boy, wounding his father, grandfather; fatally shoots 2 Palestinians nr. Kissufim crossing in Gaza, who were allegedly carrying a bomb; bulldozes 3 dunams of Palestinian land in Khan Yunis, 37 dunams nr. Gaza City; fires on residential areas of Rafah. (AFP 8/15 in WNC 8/16; NYT, WT 8/16; PCHR 8/26)

   
 16 AUGUST

The Israel Defense Force (IDF) continues to reoccupy 7 Palestinian towns (Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, Nablus, Qalqilya, Ramallah, Tulkarm) and impose 24-hr. curfews on most population centers, tight restrictions on movement through out the West Bank, Gaza. The IDF demolishes 5 Palestinian homes (2 Anabta, 1 Bayt Hanun, 2 Jenin); conducts arrest raids nr. Hebron. (NYT, WT 8/17; LAW, PCHR 8/21; PCHR 8/26)

   
 17 AUGUST

The IDF conducts arrest raids in Hebron, occupying 1 Palestinian home as an IDF post; fires shells at a farm nr. Jabaliya r.c., killing a number of animals. The IDF suddenly reimposes the curfew on Tulkarm, opens fire on a number of Palestinians caught outside on their way home fr. food shopping, causing 1 Palestinian to have a heart attack; bars ambulances fr. reaching him, allowing him to die. (NYT, WT 8/18; AN 8/19 in WNC 8/21; LAW, PCHR 8/21; PCHR 8/26)

   
 18 AUGUST

The IDF temporarily lifts the curfew on Hebron; shells residential areas of Khan Yunis, destroying 1 Palestinian home; bulldozes 3 Palestinian homes s. of Nablus; conducts arrest raids in Khan Yunis, Karabatha Bani Harith, Rafah (taking 8 Palestinians to Morag settlement for interrogation); temporarily detains, beats, confiscates the camera of Palestinian journalist for Reuters. Israel's National Religious Party (NRP) reports that 4 new settler bypass roads are under construction in the West Bank. (Hatzofe 8/18 in WNC 8/20; LAW, PCHR 8/21; PCHR 8/26)

In Tel Aviv, Israeli DM Benjamin Ben-Eliezer, PA Interior M `Abd al-Razzaq Yahya agree on implementation of Ben-Eliezer's Gaza First plan: the IDF is to withdraw fr. parts of Gaza and fr. Bethlehem within 48 hrs.; the PA is to take control of security in areas evacuated; if calm is maintained, Israel would extend the arrangement to Hebron. Israel makes no promises to halt assassinations, arrest raids, home demolitions; the PA makes no promises to make preventive arrests of mbrs. of opposition groups. (XIN 8/18 in WNC 8/20; MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/19; AFP 8/19, AYM 8/20 in WNC 8/21; MM 8/21; al-Quds 8/21 in WNC 8/22, 8/23; MM 8/22; MA 8/25 in WNC 8/26; JPI, MEI 8/30)

National unity talks among the 12 Palestinian factions making up the National and Islamic Higher Coordinating Comm. of the Intifada (NIHC) reportedly continue in Gaza.
 19 AUGUST

The IDF turns over control of Bethlehem, the main n.+ns. road in Gaza to the PA Preventive Security Force (PSF), lifts the curfew on Bethlehem, keeps troops on the outskirts of the city, poised to reinvade if the PA fails to maintain security control; 400 PA Preventive Security Force (PSF) officers take up posts around the city. The IDF fatally shoots a 14-yr.-old boy in Jenin for no apparent reason; blows up a building in Nablus that it claims to be a bomb-making factory; raids a PSF post nr. Ramallah, detaining 6 PSF officers; bulldozes 9 dunams (4 dunams = 1 acre) of agricultural land, 1 Palestinian home in Satar al-Gharbiyya; conducts arrest raids in Jenin r.c. (MM 8/19; MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/20; LAW, PCHR, WP 8/21; AKH 8/22 in WNC 8/23; PCHR 8/26)

 

Fatah Revolutionary Council (FRC) head Sabri al-Banna (Abu Nidal), who broke with the Fatah organization in the 1970s, is found dead in his Baghdad apartment. Iraqi officials say he committed suicide, but do not explain how he suffered multiple gunshot wounds. (HA 8/19; MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/20; NYT, WP, WT 8/21; DUS 8/21 in WNC 8/22; MA 8/29 in WNC 8/30; MM 9/20)

 20 AUGUST

In Ramallah, IDF commandos assassinate senior Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) mbr. Muhammad Saadat, brother of PFLP head Ahmad Saadat; the IDF also raids Tulkarm r.c., fatally shoots wanted tanzim mbr. Afsam Salima in an apparent assassination. IDF also shells Khan Yunis, Tulkarm r.c. (killing 1 Palestinian); raids Dayr al-Balah (conducting house-to-house searches), Jenin r.c. (firing live ammunition and tank shells at stone throwers, injuring 5), al-Yamun (occupying 2 Palestinian homes). (MM 8/20; HA, LAW, NYT, PCHR, WP 8/21; PCHR 8/26; MEI 8/30)

Israel's American PR consultants urge Israel, American Jewish groups to adhere to a new PR strategy based on equating Israeli and U.S. values, not attacking PA head Yasir Arafat directly, being more hopeful. The changes come as a result of polls showing that Americans are increasingly blaming both sides in the conflict. (JTA 8/20)

  A Hamas sniper fatally shoot an IDF soldier nr. Gadid settlement in retaliation for the IDF sniper shooting of a Hamas mbr. a wk. ago; IDF forces in the area return fire killing a 15-yr.-old Palestinian bystander.
 21 AUGUST

Israeli police announce that they have broken up a Hamas cell operating in East Jerusalem that allegedly was responsible for the 7/31/02 Hebrew University bombing; say they have arrested 15 Palestinians in East Jerusalem, Ramallah connected to the cell but only identify 5, 4 whom have Jerusalem ID cards. The IDF shells residential areas of Khan Yunis, sends 20 tanks and bulldozers in to blow up 2 Palestinian homes, damaging 10 others, bulldozing the surrounding area, killing 1 Palestinian, injuring 6; conducts arrest raids in Jenin, detaining 3 Palestinians, blowing up their 3 cars, damaging 4 nearby homes; conducts arrest raids in Hebron, occupying an empty 3-story building as an IDF post. Israeli security denies entry to 52 French peace activists at Ben-Gurion Airport as part of Israel's ongoing effort to halt foreigners fr. making solidarity visits to Palestinians. Israel allows the group to enter after the French government intervenes, reminding Israel that the group was invited by an MK. (HA, LAW, MM, PCHR, REU 8/21; AFP 8/21 in WNC 8/22; MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/22; RFI 822 in WNC 8/23; PCHR 8/26; WJW 8/29; HA 10/2)

   
 22 AUGUST

Israel's Interior M Eli Yishai says he has initiated steps to revoke the residency status of 4 East Jerusalem Palestinians arrested for participation in a Hamas cell (see 8/21); he says, "There is no need to wait for a trial because the evidence is clear and based on intelligence of their terrorist activity." Israeli police detain senior Greek Orthodox Church official Atallah Hanna at his East Jerusalem home on charges of "expressing support for terrorist organizations," "illegally entering an enemy country" (Lebanon and Syria); release him after 5 hrs. of questioning. The IDF arrests the head of Hamas's Qalqilya political wing; bulldozes 7 dunams of olive groves in Dayr al-Balah; conducts arrest raids in Dura. (AFP, HA 8/22; MM, WT 8/23; MM 8/27; LAW, PCHR 8/28)

Israeli PM Ariel Sharon cancels plans to make a trip to the U.S. to attend a rally in support of Israel in Tallahassee with Florida gov. Jeb Bush, brother of U.S. Pres. George W. Bush, on 9/9, a day before the Florida Democratic primary; go to LA to attend another rally hosted by a Republican candidate in tight midterm elections there. Democrats had denounced the visit, which was arranged with Pres. Bush's sway, but Sharon says he decided he would have to stay in Israel to prepare for a budget battle which will take place in 10/02. Sharon canceled two previous trips to Florida when he cut short previous trips to the U.S. because of bombings in Israel. (NYT, WP 8/23; MA 8/23 in WNC 8/26)

   
 23 AUGUST

The IDF fatally shoots 2 armed al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade (AMB) mbrs. attempting to infiltrate Gaza's Kefar Darom settlement; demolishes 2 Palestinian homes, 1 brick factory in Dayr al-Balah; razes 25 dunams of olive groves in Abasan nr. Khan Yunis; fires on residential areas nr. Rafah; arrests 4 humanitarian workers (2 Palestinians, 2 foreign nationals) in Nablus for no apparent reason, threatens to deport 2 foreigners. Jewish settlers establish a new settlement enclave nr. Shvut Rachel settlement. (WP, WT 8/24; PCHR 8/28; Peace Now press release 9/2)

Israeli, Palestinian security cmdrs. hold talks in Jerusalem on the Gaza First implementation, but Israel puts off discussion of expanding the arrangement to Hebron for at least a wk. (AYM 8/24 in WNC 8/26)

 
 24 AUGUST

The IDF fatally shoots AMB Jenin cmdr. Muhammad al-Ott, wounds 5 in a shoot out in Jenin; fires tank shells at stone throwers in Nablus, injuring 9 Palestinians; reimposes the curfew on Hebron; shells residential areas of, razes 69 dunams of agricultural land in Abasan, Khuza; demolishes 3 Palestinian homes in Gaza, allegedly used as cover by AMB mbrs. who attempted to infiltrate Kefar Darom on 8/23; confiscates an apartment building in Hebron as an IDF post; raids a Hebron police station, detaining 1 PSF officer. (WP, WT 8/25; al-Quds 8/24, XIN 8/25 in WNC 8/26; NYT, WT 8/26; LAW, PCHR 8/28; NYT 9/2)

  In Tulkarm, AMB gunmen fatally shoot a Palestinian woman who allegedly collaborated with Israel in the 8/7/02 assassination of local AMB cmdr. Ziad Da'as.
 25 AUGUST

Israel says there will be no further IDF redeployments fr. PA areas at least until late 9/02, after the Jewish holidays. The IDF raids the home of, arrests PFLP politburo mbr. al-`Alim Yunis Da'na; conducts arrest raids in Hebron, Salfit (demolishing several Palestinian homes); fires on residential areas of Jenin, Khan Yunis; bulldozes 13 dunams of agricultural land along the Shuhada Junction+nQarni settler bypass road. (XIN 8/25 in WNC 8/26; NYT 8/26; PCHR 8/28; MEI 8/30)

   
 26 AUGUST

The IDF sends tanks into Jenin town, r.c. to arrest wanted Hamas mbr. Jamal Abu al-Hayja, demolish at least 1 Palestinian home; fires rubber-coated steel bullets at Palestinian stone throwers in Ramallah during a temporary lifting of the curfew, injuring 6 Palestinians (including a photographer for Reuters). Israel announces that 7 Israeli Arabs fr. the n. village of Bana were arrested "some time ago" by Shin Bet for involvement in a Hamas bombing on 8/4/02; says it may run its buffer fence w. of some Israeli Arab towns as a result, effectively treating them as part of the West Bank. A Jewish settler kills a Palestinian child in a hit-and-run nr. Hebron. (NYT, WT 8/27; PCHR 8/28; MEI 8/30)

   
 27 AUGUST

The IDF conducts arrest raids in Ramallah, detaining PFLP politburo mbrs. Bashir Khayri and Ali Jaradat, PFLP activist Sakir Hanacha (see 8/25); temporarily lifts the curfew on Hebron. Jewish settlers establish a new settlement enclave nr. Eli settlement. (PCHR, WT 8/28; JP 8/29; AFP, Peace Now press release 9/2)

  Late in the evening, Palestinians fire a mortar at a Jewish settlement in Gaza, causing light damage but no injuries.
 28 AUGUST

The IDF fatally shoots 1 Palestinian biking too close to Gush Katif settlement. Nr. Shaykh Ajlin in Gaza, the IDF conducts an "intensive operation" to halt arms smuggling after seeing suspicious barrels in the sea; the DMin. later says the barrels contained refrigerators. Late in the evening, the IDF fires 2 shells at bedouin encampment in Shaykh Ajlin, killing 4 Palestinians, injuring 8, prevents ambulances fr. reaching the wounded for 40 mins. The IDF also fires on residential areas of Jenin r.c., killing 1 Palestinian inside his home. In the compound of the Beit El municipal court, 5 Israeli border policemen seriously beat 2 Palestinians, stopping only when they realize the prisoners’ families, lawyers, IDF soldiers have arrived; 1 Palestinian requires hospitalization. Jewish settlers establish 4 new settlement outposts (1 nr. Elon Moreh, 2 nr. Har Bracha, 1 nr. Itamar). (AP, MM, PCHR 8/28; HA, NYT, PM, WP, WT 8/29; BBC, MM 8/30; Peace Now press release 9/2; MEI 9/13)

Citing the alleged arms smuggling operation today and the mortar fire on 8/27, Ben-Eliezer indefinitely postpones a mtg. with Yahya set for today to discuss the stalled Gaza First proposal; says the PA must first assert security control in the Strip before the IDF would redeploy. (AP, MM 8/28; MM, NYT, WP 8/29)

  Late in the evening, Palestinians fire 5 mortars at an IDF post, a Jewish settlement in Gaza, causing no damage.
 29 AUGUST

The IDF shells and raids Rafah, fatally shooting a 7-yr.-old Palestinian boy, demolishing 21 stores, firing at a Reuters camera crew (damaging a video camera but causing no injuries); conducts house searches, arrests in al-Safaya nr. Bayt Lahia; fires rubber-coated steel bullets at a Palestinian stone thrower in Amari r.c., seriously wounding him; fires on residential areas of Jenin, Khan Yunis. In Nablus, the IDF announces a temporary lifting of the curfew, immediately opens fire on Palestinians in the streets, forcing them to go back into their homes; occupies, searches, blows up part of the local PA headquarters; surrounds the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) center, barring ambulances fr. moving. The IDF admits that the 8/28 Shaykh Ajlin attack was an error. Ben-Eliezer agrees to meet with Yahya, but Yahya cancels to protest the Shaykh Ajlin deaths. (HA, MM, PM 8/29; MM, WP, WT 8/30; LAW, PCHR 9/4)

The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington announces that its annual fundraising campaign brought in $20.5 m., up 8% from last year. Of that amount $11.8 m. will be used for projects in the greater Washington area, such as Jewish day schools and community centers, and $7.8 m. will go to Israel and diaspora Jewish communities in Argentina and Ethiopia. The $20.5 m. does not include an additional $18.3 m. the federation has raised for its Israel Emergency Campaign since fall 2001. (WJW 8/29)

   
 30 AUGUST

In Jenin r.c., 3 IDF soldiers, 5 Palestinians are wounded in an exchange of gunfire. The IDF directs heavy machine gun fire, shells at residential areas of Jenin r.c. (wounding with live ammunition 3 Palestinian children who broke curfew), Khan Yunis; fires rubber-coated steel bullets at stone throwers in Amari r.c., wounding 2. (HA, JTA 8/30; NYT, WT 8/31; WP 9/1; NYT 9/2; LAW, PCHR 9/4)

Israeli Labor and Social Welfare M Shlomo Benizri (Shas) convenes the Israel Council for Demography, which has been inactive for 5 yrs., to draw up "guidelines on how to formulate a policy that will preserve Israel's Jewish character." The main topics discussed are the "need to encourage [Jewish] families to have more children," the "problem of foreign workers in Israel." The council has 37 mbrs. including public figures, lawyers, scientists, physicians. (HA 8/30; HA, MM 9/9)

  In Tulkarm, the AMB fatally shoots a Palestinian woman who allegedly collaborated with Israel in the 1/14/02 assassination of AMB leader Ra'id Karmi; the woman is the niece of the woman killed by the AMB on 8/24.
 31 AUGUST

The IDF assassinates wanted AMB mbr. Rafat Daraghma, firing 4 missiles at his car in Tubas, also killing 2 Palestinian teenagers in the vehicle; 1 missile misses the car, hits a house, killing 2 Palestinian children, injuring 7 others; the main target of the attack, local AMB leader Jihad Sawafta, escapes. The IDF also conducts arrest raids in al-Bireh, Ramallah (arresting Hamas spokesman Hassan Yusif); bulldozes agricultural land in al-Qarara; shells residential areas of Khan Yunis; conducts arrest raids in `Ayn Arik nr. Ramallah. (NYT, WP, WT 9/1; AFP, MM, NYT 9/2; LAW, PCHR 9/4; MEI 9/13)

  A PFLP gunman infiltrates Brakha settlement nr. Nablus, wounding 2 before being shot dead by Jewish settlers. In Jaba', AMB gunmen kill an alleged Palestinian collaborator.

    2001
2003
 

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)