The Palestine Chronology

Military Action:

Arafat forces resist rocket and artillery attack on Baddawi camp, shells fall in Tripoli,more oil storage facilities hit; cease-fire in Tripoli accepted by combatants late in day; small arms fire directed at Marine positions in Beirut; PSP and LF militias engage in fierce artillery battles south of Aley; leader of IDF-backed militia in Kharouf shot and seriously wounded.

Casualties:

F-14 naval jet fighter on training mission from carrier John F. Kennedy crashes into Mediterranean, 2-man crew missing, presumed dead; UNRWA official in Tripoli says casualties in Nahr al-Bared fighting were exaggerated, 13 civilans were killed, 45 wounded.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Factional representatives meeting in Geneva report agreement in principle on constitutional and political changes in Lebanon, including Muslim-Christian parity in parlianment, establishment of supreme court.

Arab Governments: Delegations from Tripoli and from Gulf Cooperation Council in Damascus to discuss Tripoli cease-fire.

US and Other Countries: US State Dept. says it is revolted that once again the people of Lebanon, this time around Tripoli, are subjected to terror and injury by the radical and brutal behavior of Palestinian factions and their supporters.

Military Action:

Heavy fighting erupts in southern Beirut suburbs between LAF and Amal miliita; US Marine compound at airport hit by artillery and mortar rounds; US warships and Marine shore battery return fire; fighting resumes around Souq al-Gharb; rockets hit Defense Ministry, fall near presidential palace and US Ambassador's residence.

Casualties:

4 Marines wounded; 2 members CBS-TV crew wounded at Souq al-Gharb; 30 LAF soldiers captured, then released, by Amal in Burj al-Barajneh; 11 Muslim civilians reportedly killed by LF in Mraije.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese National Resistance Front issues warning in Damascus against members of MNF deepening their involvement in Lebanon fighting.

US and Other Countries: Senate Foreign Relations Committee approves by 9-7 vote a resolution authorizing president to keep Marines in Lebanon for further 18 months; European MNF members announce diplomatic initiative independent of US to obtain Lebanon cease-fire.

Casualties:

1 French soldier killed, 8 wounded in accidental explosion of ammunition truck in West Beirut; bomb explodes in Air France's East Beirut office, 3 injured.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israel agrees to McFarlane request to delay troop redeployment, set to begin this weekend, for few days, wants all troops out of Chouf by eve of Jewish New Year, September 7.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: P. Gemayel says Lebanese Forces will withdraw from Chouf when Lebanese Army moves in; Jumblatt says full-scale fighting for control of the Chouf is approaching; President Gemayel urges Muslims and Christians to allow Lebanese Army to take control of areas evacuated by IDF, appoints Druze commander for unit.

US and Other Countries: McFarlane leaves Beirut for Rome, says he sees no prospect of MNF moving into Chouf to replace IDF.