The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Several thousand people, including several Jews, march to commemorate 30th anniversary of 1956 Kafr Qasim massacre (WP 10/30).

Other Countries: Le Monde reports that Syria helped France reach "truce" with group believed to have exploded bombs in Paris. "Truce" will last until February when Georges Ibrahim 'Abdallah is to stand trial. Meanwhile, Saudi newspaper publishes interview with French interior minister saying Syrian and French secret services were involved in "real cooperation" to prevent terrorist bombings (NYT, WP 10/30).

Military Action

Arab World: In Lebanon, Palestinian Amal rocket and artillery battles spread to Beirut suburb Burj al-Barajinah, which has been quiet since the summer when 200 were killed in Palestinian camps. Druze leader Walid Jumblatt warns Palestinians against using south Lebanon for "military adventurism." AP reports UN and Palestinian sources estimate 3,500 Palestinian guerrillas have returned to refugee camps in Lebanon in past six months (NYT, WP 10/30). Syria begins formation of joint leftist force to fight Fateh in the Lebanese camps. Force would comprise fighters from Druze Progressive Socialist party, Lebanese Ba'th, Syrian Social Nationalist party, and Lebanese Communist party (JP 10/30).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Blind 28-year-old Palestinian is sentenced to life imprisonment for leading a guerrilla band, killing British tourist and Israeli businessman in East Jerusalem (NYT 10/28).

Other Countries: Led by Greece and France, 12-member European Economic Community rebuffs British pressure to adopt punitive sanctions against Syria at foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg (NYT, WP 10/28). U.S. considers sanctions against Syria (NYT 10/28).

Military Action

Arab World: Truce in Lebanon is broken, Amal and Palestinians resume clashes near Sidon (30 killed, 80 wounded) (NYT 10/28).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Two Palestinians (Mustafa Mahmud Karush and Tawfiq Ibrahim 'Abdallah) are sentenced to life imprisonment for killing Israeli soldier in November 1984 (WP 10/24).

Military Action

Arab World: Palestinian guerrillas in rubber dinghies attack Shi'i militia camp in south Lebanon, killing 5, following overnight clashes between Amal and Palestinians in Rashidiyyah in which 3 residents were killed. Fighting ends Syrian-sponsored truce (NYT 10/24).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P. M. Peres calls Sunday Times report on Israeli nuclear bomb factory "sensationalist" and repeats longstanding Israeli policy on nuclear weapons (i.e., Israel "will not be the first to introduce" them) (WP, NYT 10/7).

Other Countries: In London, trial opens of Nizar Hindawi, Jordanian accused of trying to blow up El Al jumbo jet with 375 passengers on board on 4/17 by giving girlfriend suitcase with bomb inside. Prosecution says Hindawi told British investigators that Syrian military intelligence officers gave him money, passport, explosives, and bomb training (NYT, WP 10/7). Israeli diplomatic mission in Geneva announces name of third Taba arbitrator: Gunnar Lagergren of Sweden. Other two are Pierre Bellet of France and Dietrich Schindler of Switzerland (JP 10/7).

Military Action

Arab World: Eight Israeli jets attack PFLP training camp and ammunition dump north of Tripoli, ten miles from Syrian border; nine are wounded-seven guerrillas and two civilians. First Israeli bombing activity in north Lebanon in 15 months, but 12th in Lebanon this year (WP, NYT 10/7). Video recordings of three French hostages are received in West Beirut news agency office (NYT 10/7).