September 2003

40
20
2
0
1
3
0
2
1
0
3
0
1
4
1
1
5
2
0
6
0
0
7
1
0
8
4
12
9
4
2
10
0
0
11
0
1
12
1
0
13
1
0
14
0
0
15
1
0
16
1
0
17
1
0
18
0
0
19
0
0
20
0
0
21
2
0
22
1
0
23
1
0
24
7
1
25
3
2
26
1
0
27
0
0
28
1
0
29
1
0
30

40 palestinians killed by israeli action this month
20 israelis killed by palestinian action this month

 
    2002
2004
 

Abbas resigns as PM citing lack of palestinian, israeli, US support. Qurai appointed as replacement

After nearly 3 yrs. of investigation, Israel’s Or Commission issues its report on the use of force by Israeli police against Israeli Arabs during the October 2000 riots in the wake of the outbreak of the intifada (13 Israeli Arabs were killed). The commission finds that police used excessive force, covered up their actions, refused to investigate civilian deaths, and treated Israeli Arabs as their “enemies.”

Abbas convenes the Palestinian Council (PC) to present a report on his 1st 100 days in office; asks PC mbrs. to affirm unequivocally his policies (including unification of the PA security forces under his command) or demand his resignation. Two days later with no PC vote of confidence forthcoming, Abbas resigns as PM, citing no way of reaching a workable security arrangement with Arafat, lack of support from the US, ongoing militarism and little diplomatic effort by Israel. Arafat appoints Ahmad Qurai as his replacement.

IDF steps up assassinations. On 9/6 IDF drops a 550-lb bomb on a Gaza City building in an attempt to assassinate Hamas founder and spiritual leader Shaykh Ahmad Yasin and several others. Misses their target. Is response to assassinations and attempts, two Hamas suicide bombers on 9/9 kills 7 IDF soldiers and 5 civilian israelis. One day later, israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Gideon Meir confirms that the Hamas leadership did not authorize the 8/19 suicide bombing, that it was staged by a renegade Hamas cell in Hebron. In response to the 9/9 suicide bombings, Sharon’s security cabinet declares Arafat “a complete obstacle” that Israel will “work to remove . . . in a manner, and at a time of its choosing.” In Ramallah, the IDF tightens restrictions on Palestinian movement; occupies the PA Culture Min. building, overlooking Arafat’s headquarters; flies low-level sorties over Arafat’s compound. In response, 1,000s of Palestinians surround Arafat’s headquarters to provide him protection. Things are back to "normal" with IDF assassinations and random killings, and palestinian rocket attacks and suicide bombings.

An Israeli court in Jerusalem convicts 3 Jewish settlers from Bayt Ayin of attempted murder and illegal weapons possession in connection with a April 2002 attempt to blow up a Palestinian girls’ school in al-Tur.

27 retired and reserve Israeli air force pilots sign a letter to the air force commander saying they will not participate in operations in the occupied territories, which they term “illegal and immoral”; 1 of the 27 is Brig. Gen. Yiftach Spector (res.), who took part in the 1981 bombing of Iraq’s Osiraq nuclear reactor.

 

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

The IDF assassinates Hamas mbr. Khadir al-Husary, firing missiles at his car as he drives through Gaza City, also killing 1 Palestinian bystander, wounding 3 Hamas mbrs. traveling with Husary, at least 20 bystanders. The IDF also sends troops back into Nablus to enforce the curfew there; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis (wounding 1). (HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/2; JP 9/2 in WNC 9/5; PCHR 9/4)

After nearly 3 yrs. of investigation, Israel’s Or Commission issues its report on the use of force by Israeli police against Israeli Arabs during the 10/00 riots in the wake of the outbreak of the intifada (13 Israeli Arabs were killed). The commission finds that police used excessive force, covered up their actions, refused to investigate civilian deaths, and treated Israeli Arabs as their “enemies.” (HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/2; YA 9/2 in WNC 9/5; MM, WP 9/3, 9/4; JP 9/5 in WNC 9/9; MEI 9/12)

 

Some 800 al-Quds University students hold a peaceful sit-in nr. the site where the separation wall will cut through their campus.

 2 SEPTEMBER

The IDF fatally shoots an Islamic Jihad mbr. at a roadblock when he allegedly emerges fr. his car with a gun; fires on Palestinians in Bayt Furik (wounding 2), Rafah (wounding 1); demolishes a Palestinian home in East Jerusalem, 1 in Rafah. A Hamas mbr. dies of injuries received in the 9/1 IDF assassination of Husary. An 11-yr.-old Palestinian girl dies of injuries received in the 8/26 IDF assassination attempt on Massud. (HA, WP, WT 9/3; PCHR 9/4)

 

Late in the evening, Palestinians fire 5 antitank rockets at Gush Katif settlement, damaging 1 building.

 3 SEPTEMBER

To support Abbas, Israel announces it has increased the number of work permits for Palestinians fr. 10,000 to 18,000. The IDF raids areas nr. Dayr al-Balah, bulldozing 38 dunams of agricultural land. A Palestinian dies of injuries received on 8/28. (HA, PCHR, WT 9/4; PCHR 9/11)

   
 4 SEPTEMBER

The IDF fires on residential areas of Rafah; sends tanks into Bayt Furik and Silat al-Harith, firing on stone-throwing Palestinians, wounding 3; bulldozes 19 dunams of land in al-Mughraqa; conducts arrest raids in Salfit. An Israeli court releases 2 Jewish settler terrorism suspects without pressing charges; 13 others are still under arrest. (HA 9/4; NYT, WP 9/5; PCHR 9/11)

 

Palestinian gunmen ambush, fatally shoot an IDF soldier nr. Jenin; AMB, Islamic Jihad both take responsibility. Palestinian gunmen fire on an IDF patrol nr. Rafah, wounding 1 soldier.

Abbas convenes the Palestinian Council (PC) to present a report on his 1st 100 days in office; asks PC mbrs. to affirm unequivocally his policies (including unification of the PA security forces under his command) or demand his resignation. Outside the PC session, at least 50 Palestinian protesters (some reports say 200), including 5 masked, armed AMB mbrs., call on Abbas to resign. (BBC, HA, MM, NYT, WT 9/4; AFP, QA 9/4 in WNC 9/6; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/5; MENA 9/5 in WNC 9/9; MEI 9/12)

 5 SEPTEMBER

The IDF sends naval commandos into Nablus, shells and destroys 2 floors of a 7-story apartment building in an apparent attempt to assassinate or capture wanted Hamas mbr. Muhammad Hanbali; the incursion sparks a gun battle in which Hanbali, 1 IDF commando are killed, 4 commandos are wounded; the IDF then demolishes the entire apartment building, saying it suspects Hamas mbrs. are still inside; no bodies are found. The IDF also bulldozes 1 Palestinian home, 22 dunams of land, 2 irrigation networks in Rafah; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis, Rafah; fires on stone-throwing Palestinians in Bayt Furik, wounding 2. An Israeli dies of injuries received in the 8/19 suicide bombing, bringing that toll to 22. (AFP, BBC, HA, MM 9/5; WP, WT 9/6; PCHR 9/11; MA 9/12 in WNC 9/16)

   
 6 SEPTEMBER

An IDF warplane drops a 550-lb bomb on a Gaza City building in an attempt to assassinate Hamas founder and spiritual leader Shaykh Ahmad Yasin, several senior Hamas leaders meeting there, destroying the top floor of the 3-story building, lightly injuring Yasin, 14 others. Following the attack, the IDF tightens restrictions on Palestinian movement across the West Bank. The IDF also fatally shoots a Palestinian teenager suspected of attempting to infiltrate Israel nr. Jabaliya, initially wounding him in the leg, then denies access to an ambulance for 19 hrs., allowing him to bleed to death; fires on stone-throwing Palestinian children in Bayt Furik (wounding 2, ages 9, 10), Nablus (wounding 4); also fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis, Rafah; conducts arrest raids in Asira, Bayt Furik, Rafah. Wanted Hamas mbr. Massud dies of injuries received in an IDF assassination attempt on 8/26. (AFP 9/6; HA, NYT, WP, WT 9/7; IDF Radio, IRNA, MA, MENA, NHR, al-Quds, SA, VOI 9/7 in WNC 9/9; DUS, al-Quds 9/7, AN 9/8 in WNC 9/10; MM 9/8; QA, SFR 9/9 in WNC 9/12; PCHR 9/11; MEI 9/12)

 

With no PC vote of confidence forthcoming, Abbas resigns as PM, citing no way of reaching a workable security arrangement with Arafat, lack of support fr. the U.S., ongoing militarism and little diplomatic effort by Israel. (NYT 9/6; MENA, al-Quds, XIN 9/6, JP, JT, MA, MENA, XIN, YA 9/7 in WNC 9/9; HA, NYT, WP, WT 9/7; AN, DUS, al-Ra’i, 9/7, AN, AYM, ITAR-TASS, SA 9/8 in WNC 9/10; AYM 9/7, 9/9 in WNC 9/11; MM 9/9; Le Monde 9/9 in WNC 9/12; MM 9/10)

 7 SEPTEMBER

The IDF seals the West Bank and Gaza and tightens restrictions on Palestinian movements (including reimposing all Gaza checkpoints removed after the Palestinian cease-fire declaration on 6/29), expecting retaliation for its 9/6 attempt to assassinate Shaykh Yasin. In Khan Yunis, the IDF fires 4 missiles at the home of Hamas mbr. `Abd al-Salam Abu Musa, claiming it is a Hamas arsenal; Abu Musa escapes moments before the attack, which injures 15 bystanders, damages 9 surrounding homes. The IDF also arrests PA official Akram Tubasi on charges of smuggling weapons fr. Egypt to Gaza; demolishes a Palestinian home in Tulkarm; conducts arrest raids in Jaba’, Khan Yunis, Qalqilya, Ramallah; fires on residential areas of Rafah. (Israel National News 9/7; NYT, WP, WT 9/8; PCHR 9/11)

 

Hamas mbrs. detonate a roadside bomb nr. an IDF patrol in Gaza, lightly wounding 3 soldiers.

Arafat nominates PC speaker and Oslo architect Ahmad Qurai` to replace Abbas as PM. Qurai` says he would accept the nomination, provided he receives assurances of cooperation fr. the EU, Israel, U.S. (AP, BBC, HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/8; HA, NYT, WP, WT 9/9; AYM, ITAR-TASS 9/9 in WNC 9/11; MM 9/10)

 8 SEPTEMBER

The IDF fatally shoots an armed AMB mbr. wearing an IDF uniform at Erez crossing; blows up a Palestinian store in Hebron; raids, imposes a curfew, fires on residential areas of Tulkarm r.c. The IDF also releases a 3d Jewish settler suspected of plotting attacks on Palestinians, saying his movements will be restricted until an investigation is completed. The IDF denies permission to 2 private firms to remove pre-1967 Jordanian landmines fr. an area in East Jerusalem slated for construction of a Palestinian school, stating that although the work would be done by contractors, there would be an unacceptable “risk to soldiers,” who would have to certify their work. (HA 9/8; PCHR 9/11)

   
 9 SEPTEMBER

The IDF assassinates Hamas Hebron leader Ahmad Badr by firing a shell at his apartment in Hebron, also killing a 2d Hamas mbr., a 12-yr.-old Palestinian bystander, wounding 2 bystanders, then demolishing the entire building; fatally shoots a Palestinian allegedly planting a roadside bomb nr. Qarni crossing; conducts arrest raids in Jenin (targeting Islamic Jihad). Israeli authorities demolish at least 5 bedouin homes in the Negev. (AFP, HA, MM 9/9; MENA 9/9 in WNC 9/11; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/10; VOI, YA 9/10 in WNC 9/12; PCHR 9/11; AYM 9/11, MA 9/12 in WNC 9/16; PR 9/17; JPI 9/19; JPI, MEI 9/26)

 

A Hamas suicide bomber detonates a device nr. a bus stop outside an IDF base in Israel’s Rishon Letzion, killing 7 IDF soldiers, wounding 14. Late in the evening, a 2d Hamas bomber detonates a device outside a popular café in Jerusalem, killing 5 Israelis, 1 Palestinian busboy, wounding 31.

 10 SEPTEMBER

The IDF drops a half-ton bomb on the Gaza City home of Hamas spokesman Mahmud Zahar in an attempt to assassinate him; Zahar is wounded, his son, a body guard, a 3d Palestinian are killed, 26 Palestinians (including Zahar’s wife, daughter) are injured, his house and an adjacent building are destroyed. The IDF also tightens restrictions on Palestinian movement around Tulkarm; opens fire on stone-throwing Palestinians in Balata r.c., killing 2 Palestinians, wounding 1; opens fire on Palestinian youths attempting to cross the separation wall nr. Silat al-Harith, killing 1 Palestinian, wounding 1, arresting 1; arrests 20 Palestinians in Rantis, the home of both 9/9 suicide bombers; fires on residential areas of Abasan, al-Brazil r.c., Khan Yunis, al-Qarara, Rafah; conducts arrest raids, bulldozes a small plot of land in Dayr al-Balah. An IDF soldier dies of injuries received in the 9/9 Rishon Letzion bombing; an Israeli civilian dies of injuries received in the 9/9 Jerusalem bombing. Israeli FMin. spokesman Gideon Meir confirms that the Hamas leadership did not authorize the 8/19 suicide bombing, that it was staged by a renegade Hamas cell in Hebron. (BBC, HA, MM 9/10; YA 9/10 in WNC 9/12; NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 9/11)

 

Under pressure fr. the U.S., Qurai` drops his conditions for accepting the PM nomination, announces that he will begin forming a new government; may seek PC’s permission to form a security-oriented “crisis cabinet” of only 6–8 mbrs. in the next few days, rather than a full cabinet. (AP, HA 9/10; HA, MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/11; JP 9/11 in WNC 9/13)

 11 SEPTEMBER

In response to the 9/9 suicide bombings, Sharon’s security cabinet declares Arafat “a complete obstacle” that Israel will “work to remove . . . in a manner, and at a time of its choosing.” In Ramallah, the IDF tightens restrictions on Palestinian movement; occupies the PA Culture Min. building, overlooking Arafat’s headquarters; flies low-level sorties over Arafat’s compound. In response, 1,000s of Palestinians surround Arafat’s headquarters to provide him protection. The IDF also demolishes 16 Palestinian homes in Rafah, 2 in Hebron, 2 in Ramallah; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis; conducts arrest raids in Hebron. (AFP, HA, MM, REU 9/11; AFP, JP, XIN 9/11 in WNC 9/12; MENA 9/11 in WNC 9/13; MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/12; AFP, ATL, ITAR-TASS, Palestine Satellite Channel Television, QA, al-Quds, VOP, XIN 9/12, AN, ATL, IRNA, MENA, al-Quds 9/13, HA, IRNA, JT, MA, MENA, YA 9/14 in WNC 9/16; MM, NYT, WP 9/13; PR 9/17; PCHR 9/18; JPI, MEI 9/26)

   
 12 SEPTEMBER

The IDF conducts arrest raids, demolishes 1 Palestinian home in Hebron. An Israeli woman dies of injuries received in the 8/19 suicide bombing, raising that toll to 23. Israeli police release to house arrest the last 7–8 Jewish settlers suspected of plotting attacks on Palestinians. (AP, HA 9/12; NYT, WP, WT 9/13; PCHR 9/18)

 

Following Friday prayers at al-Aqsa Mosque, some 100 Palestinian worshipers protesting Israel’s call to expel Arafat throw stones at Jews worshiping at the Western Wall, prompting Israeli police to raid the mosque compound, fire tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the crowd; no one is injured. Around the occupied territories, 10,000s of Palestinians rally in support of Arafat. Palestinians fire 4 mortars at a Jewish settlement in Gaza, causing no damage or injuries.

 13 SEPTEMBER

The IDF fatally shoots an elderly Palestinian bystander during an arrest raid on Nablus; fires on Palestinians demonstrating in support of Arafat nr. Kefar Darom, wounding several; demolishes 1 Palestinian home in Silat al-Harith. (NYT 9/14; PR 9/17; PCHR, WJW 9/18; PR 9/24)

 

5 armed AMB mbrs. raid the Ramallah offices of al-Arabiyya TV, smash equipment; the station speculates that the AMB was angered over its reports on internal PA rifts, asks the PSF to investigate; Arafat condemns the attack, orders an investigation.

 14 SEPTEMBER

The IDF declares the Ramallah–al-Bireh region a closed military zone, erects additional checkpoints on all roads leading to Ramallah; tightens Palestinian movement in the Qalqilya, Tulkarm regions; fires on a group of Palestinians vandalizing the separation wall outside Ramallah, killing a 14-yr.-old Palestinian boy; conducts arrest raids targeting the AMB in Nablus, firing on residential areas; bulldozes 8 Palestinian homes and dynamites 1 in Rafah, 4 nr. Hebron; conducts arrest raids in Nablus, Rantis. (HA, NYT, WP 9/15; YA 9/15 in WNC 9/17; PCHR 9/18; HA 9/26)

 

Across the occupied territories, 1,000s of Palestinians rally in support of Arafat; the IDF fires on demonstrators in Kefar Darom, wounding 7. Palestinians fire a mortar at Netzarim, causing no damage or injuries.

 15 SEPTEMBER

The IDF tightens restrictions on Palestinian movement in the Jenin region, central Jordan Valley; uproots 2,000 Palestinian trees southeast of Jerusalem, confiscates 130 dunams s. of Tulkarm for construction of the separation wall; demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in Rafah completely, 11 partially; bulldozes 4 dunams of land s. of Khan Yunis, a stand of trees in Dayr al-Balah; fires a percussion grenade at an ambulance in Nablus, damaging it; conducts arrest raids in Dayr al-Balah, Nablus. (VOI 9/16 in WNC 9/18; PR 9/17; PCHR 9/18)

   
 16 SEPTEMBER

The IDF assassinates senior Hebron Islamic Jihad mbr. Ahmad Abu Dush, surrounding his home, fatally shooting him after he emerges and throws down a rifle, then firing missiles at his home, believing another Islamic Jihad mbr. may be inside, demolishing it. The IDF also demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in Rafah, 1 in Nur al-Shams r.c.; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis. (AFP, HA 9/16; PR, WP 9/17; PCHR 9/18)

   
 17 SEPTEMBER

The IDF fatally shoots AMB mbr. Fadi Abu Zant in Nablus; conducts arrest raids in Jenin, Nablus, Ramallah; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis; conducts arrest raids, bulldozes some telephone, water, electricity networks in Rafah. An Israeli court in Jerusalem convicts 3 Jewish settlers fr. Bayt Ayin of attempted murder and illegal weapons possession in connection with a 4/02 attempt to blow up a Palestinian girls’ school in al-Tur. (JTA, REU 9/17; HA, PCHR 9/18; JP 9/21 in WNC 9/23; PR 9/24)

 

Palestinians detonate a roadside bomb nr. an IDF patrol in Rafah, wounding 1 IDF soldier. In Shati` r.c., armed Hamas mbrs. kidnap a PSF officer whom they accuse of being a collaborator for participating in the recent arrest of a senior Hamas activist in Gaza City.

 18 SEPTEMBER

The IDF fatally shoots wanted Hamas Nussayrat r.c. leader Jihad Abu Sawarih when he allegedly resists arrest; 3 IDF soldiers are injured in the operation, at least 1 by a 2d Hamas mbr. who fires on them. The IDF also sends troops into Jenin, allegedly to look for weapons, imposes a 24-hr. curfew in an operation that is expected to last several days; uproots some trees, bulldozes some land in Khan Yunis. (HA, MM 9/18; WP, WT 9/19; PR 9/24; PCHR 9/25)

 

In Gaza, the PSF arrests 7 Hamas mbrs. in connection with the kidnapping of a PSF officer on 9/17; Hamas supporters throw rocks at, exchange gunfire with PSF officers, leaving 5 Palestinians injured. The PSF later releases the 7 Hamas mbrs. in exchange for the kidnapped PSF officer.

 19 SEPTEMBER

The IDF demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in Rafah, 1 in Jenin; bulldozes 12 dunams of land in al-Maghazi r.c.; conducts arrest raids in Hebron, Khan Yunis; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis. (WT 9/20; HA, VOI, YA 9/20 in WNC 9/23; PCHR 9/25)

 

Palestinians fire at Gush Katif settlement, causing no damage or injuries.

 20 SEPTEMBER

The IDF pulls out of Jenin after 3 days of operations that caused extensive damage to the electricity, sewer, and water systems and to an elementary school; several cars were blown up, a home demolished, at least 15 Palestinians arrested during the raids; the curfew is lifted, but the town remains sealed. The IDF also demolishes a Palestinian home in Rafah; fires on residential areas of Rafah, seriously wounding 1 Palestinian woman inside her home; fires on stone-throwing Palestinians outside Askar r.c., Balata r.c., wounding 4. (JP, VOI 9/21 in WNC 9/23; PR 9/24; PCHR 9/25)

 

In Tulkarm, 2 AMB mbrs. are apparently killed in an intra-AMB dispute over the Tulkarm leadership, possibly involving a split btwn. AMB mbrs. in Tulkarm town and Tulkarm r.c.

 21 SEPTEMBER

The IDF demolishes 1 Palestinian home, 2 greenhouses in Rafah; fires on residential areas of Bayt Dajan, Bayt Furik, Khan Yunis. (PCHR 9/25)

   
 22 SEPTEMBER

The IDF fatally shoots wanted Hamas mbr. Basil Qawasmi in what may be an assassination, demolishes his Hebron home; conducts arrest raids in Nablus; fires on residential areas of Rafah. A Palestinian dies of injuries received on 12/25/02. (MM 9/22; NYT, WT 9/23; PCHR 9/25)

   
 23 SEPTEMBER

The IDF fatally shoots an Islamic Jihad mbr. who attempts to infiltrate a Jewish settlement in Gaza; fires on a Palestinian elementary school in Rafah for 15 mins., wounding 1 student, 1 teacher; fires on Palestinians nr. Dugit; demolishes a Palestinian home in Abu Dis; bulldozes 2 Palestinian homes, 17 dunams of land nr. Khan Yunis; conducts arrest raids in Hebron, Jenin, Khan Yunis, Ramallah. 1 of the Jewish settlers convicted on 9/17 of plotting attacks on Palestinians reveals that his group had planned simultaneous attacks on several mosques, including al-Aqsa, during Friday prayers. (PM 9/23; VOP 9/23 in WNC 9/25; HA, NYT, WT 9/24; PCHR 9/25)

 

Palestinians reportedly fire 5 mortars at Gush Katif, causing no damage or injuries.

 24 SEPTEMBER

The IDF raids, searches a Qalqilya hospital (including emergency and operating rooms), looking for wanted men, leaves without finding any; sends tanks and bulldozers into Rafah in response to the mortar fire at Gush Katif on 9/23, sparking an exchange of gunfire with local Palestinians, killing a 14-yr.-old Palestinian boy, wounding 14; occupies a kindergarten in Khan Yunis as a military post; fires on residential areas of Dayr al-Balah, Khan Yunis; demolishes 3 Palestinian homes in Rafah (seriously damaging another 18), 2 nr. Khan Yunis, 1 nr. Jenin, 1 in Kfar Rantis; 13 greenhouses, 9 dunams of land are also bulldozed in Khan Yunis. 27 retired and reserve Israeli air force pilots sign a letter to the air force cmdr. saying they will not participate in operations in the occupied territories, which they term “illegal and immoral”; 1 of the 27 is Brig. Gen. Yiftach Spector (res.), who took part in the 1981 bombing of Iraq’s Osiraq nuclear reactor. (AFP, HA, PCHR, PR 9/24; VOP 9/24 in WNC 9/26; HA, MM, NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 9/25; MM 9/26, 9/29; PR 10/1; PCHR 10/2)

   
 25 SEPTEMBER

Overnight, the IDF launches a major raid on Bureij r.c., firing air-to-surface shells at the home of wanted Hamas mbr. Muhammad Bashir Akel, assassinating him and demolishing his home; surrounding the home of, attempting to arrest Bureij Islamic Jihad leader Jawad Shahin (not at home at the time), sparking a gun battle that kills Islamic Jihad mbr. Nur Abu Armana and 1 IDF soldier, wounds 7 IDF soldiers; demolishing Shahin’s home; killing a 3-yr.-old Palestinian girl and wounding at least 6 bystanders. The IDF also raids Hebron, assassinating wanted Hebron Islamic Jihad leader Diab Shuwayki (whom Israel has tried to assassinate twice previously) and Dura Islamic Jihad leader `Abd al-Rahim Talhami, wounding a 3d Islamic Jihad mbr.; fatally shoots a Palestinian attempting to plant a pipe bomb nr. Morag settlement; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis, wounding 4. In East Jerusalem, a Palestinian woman fr. Hebron stabs, lightly wounds an IDF soldier, is arrested. In Abu Dis, construction workers digging the foundations for the separation wall unearth a previously unknown Byzantine monastery. A Palestinian woman dies of injuries received during the apparent IDF assassination of Abu Sawarih on 9/18. (AFP, BBC, HA, PCHR, WT 9/25; MENA, VOP 9/25 in WNC 9/27; HA, NYT, WP 9/26; al-Quds 9/26 in WNC 10/4; PR 10/1; PCHR 10/2)

 

Late in the evening, Palestinians fire 2 antitank rockets at an IDF post nr. Gadid settlement and fire on IDF patrols nr. Psagot and Gush Katif settlements; no damage or injuries are reported.

 26 SEPTEMBER

The IDF seals the West Bank and Gaza for Rosh Hashanah, which begins at sundown and lasts through 9/28; conducts arrest raids in Jenin r.c., arresting senior Islamic Jihad mbr. Faris Wahada; fires on residential areas of Rafah, wounding 1. A Palestinian dies of injuries received on 9/19. (HA 9/26; NYT, Palestine Chronicle, WP 9/27; MM 9/29; PCHR 10/2)

 

An Islamic Jihad gunman infiltrates a Hebron Jewish settlement, fatally shoots 2 Jewish settlers (including a 7-mo.-old girl), wounds 2 before being shot dead by security guards.

 27 SEPTEMBER

The IDF fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis (wounding 1), Rafah (wounding 2); conducts arrest raids in Dura, Hebron. Another Palestinian dies of injuries received on 9/19 (see 9/26). (PRCS 9/27; PCHR 10/2)

   
 28 SEPTEMBER

The IDF sends tanks into, fires on residential areas of Jenin, al-Maghazi r.c., Nablus; fires on stone-throwing Palestinian youths in Bayt Furik, wounding a 12-yr.-old; searches a home, assaults a Palestinian in Shaykh Ajlin; bulldozes 3 dunams of land in al-Maghazi r.c., an olive grove and road in al-Mughraqa. (WP, WT 9/29; PCHR 10/2)

 

On the 3d anniversary of the outbreak of the al-Aqsa intifada, 1,000s of Palestinians across the occupied territories stage rallies in support of Arafat. Palestinians fire 5 mortars at Gush Katif, causing no damage or injuries.

 29 SEPTEMBER

The IDF lifts the seal on the West Bank and Gaza, imposed on 9/26; bars a Palestinian heart attack victim fr. crossing a checkpoint nr. Hebron, allowing her to die; demolishes 1 Palestinian home in Hebron, 1 in Jenin; fires on residential areas of Jenin, Nablus, Rafah; fires on stone-throwing Palestinian youths in Nablus, wounding 2 stone-throwers (ages 10, 12), 2 bystanders inside their homes. (HA 9/29; VOP 9/29 in WNC 10/1; PCHR 10/2)

 

Palestinians fire 2 mortars at Gush Katif, causing no damage or injuries; fire on a Jewish settler vehicle nr. Einav settlement, causing damage but no injuries.

 30 SEPTEMBER

The IDF demolishes 18 Palestinian homes in Rafah (housing 270 Palestinians), blows up 1 in Hebron; fires on residential areas of Hebron (wounding 6), Rafah (wounding 2); fires on a girls’ school in Rafah, wounding 1 girl in the head; rounds up 1,350 Palestinians laborers working illegally inside the Green Line, sends them back to the West Bank. An Israeli court hands down jail terms of 12–15 yrs to 3 Jewish settlers convicted on 9/17 of plotting attacks on Palestinians. A Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. (HA, JP, MM 9/30; NYT 10/1; PCHR 10/2)

   

    2002
2004
 

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)