Israeli military announces end of Defensive Shield

UN Security Council calls for ceasefire and withdrawal of Israeli troops from Palestinian cities.

Military incursions expand into two additional West Bank cities, affecting civilian movement and daily life.

Operation Defensive Shield expands into Bethlehem; a prolonged siege around the Church of the Nativity follows.

Israeli forces enter Jenin and its refugee camp; fighting and civilian destruction follow, with disputed allegations examined by the UN.

Incursion into Nablus leads to intense fighting and extensive restrictions on residents.

UN General Assembly requests an advisory opinion on legal consequences of the wall in occupied Palestinian territory.

The ICJ finds construction of the wall in occupied Palestinian territory and its associated regime contrary to international law and identifies legal consequences.

Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat dies in France, opening a transition in the leadership of the PLO and Palestinian Authority.

Mahmoud Abbas wins the Palestinian Authority presidential election following Arafat’s death; the vote takes place under conditions of continuing occupation.

Abbas and Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon announce a cessation of violence at a summit in Egypt; implementation and underlying issues remain contested.