Israelis and Palestinians Halt Violence as Diplomatic Efforts Gain Momentum

Diplomatic efforts appear to be paying off as Israelis and Palestinians have backed away from confrontation, marking the first time in 12 days that violence subsides. A 12-year-old Palestinian boy was critically wounded in a street battle between Israeli troops and rock-throwing Palestinian protesters in Gaza, but Israeli commanders have limited the use of live ammunition to avoid fatalities. Meanwhile, a parade of diplomatic visitors, including top officials from the United Nations, the European Union, and Russia, have urged both sides to rein in violence. President Clinton is considering separate meetings with Prime Minister Ehud Barak of Israel and Yasir Arafat, the Palestinian leader, while Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright has been speaking repeatedly by phone to officials on both sides.

Key Takeaways:

• Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak extended the Monday night deadline for Palestinians to cease violence, citing international pressure and the need to give both sides more time.
• The United Nations secretary general, Kofi Annan, welcomed Barak's decision, stating that it "helps."
• A 12-year-old Palestinian boy was critically wounded in a street battle in Gaza, but Israeli commanders have limited the use of live ammunition to avoid fatalities.
• Palestinian officials have invited observers to their restoration work at Joseph's Tomb, a Jewish shrine in Nablus that was burned and ransacked by Arab rioters.
• Israeli right-wing leader Ariel Sharon denounced Barak's decision to extend the deadline, vowing to push for early elections rather than enter a new coalition government.
• Barak justified his decision by citing the insistent appeals from international leaders to give both Arafat and the situation on the street more time.
• The United Nations Human Rights Commission may be ready to embark on an investigation into the past 12 days of violence in Gaza.

Statistics:

• December 13, 2000, marked the beginning of the 12-day period of violence between Israelis and Palestinians.
• The violence has resulted in dozens of Palestinians being wounded by Israeli rubber bullets.
• The captured Israeli soldiers are reliably reported to be alive.
• A three or four-day window remains before Israel decides whether to end peace talks and respond to street violence with greater military force.
• 10 days is the timeframe for the Arab League meeting scheduled to open in Cairo.

Sources:

• "Israel Pauses Military Action, but Hostility Continues," The New York Times, December 27, 2000.
• "Annan Seeks Release of Israeli Hostages in Lebanon," The New York Times, December 27, 2000.
• "Egypt Cancels Proposed Israel-Palestinian Meeting," The New York Times, December 27, 2000.
• "UN Commission to Investigate Violence in Gaza," The New York Times, December 27, 2000.