The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gaza military court upholds administrative detention of 9 students, aged 16 to 18, accused of participating in demonstrations [FJ 4/3]. More than 50 Palestinian women hold peaceful sit-in at Bethlehem office of International Committee of the Red Cross in support of striking prisoners [FJ 4/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Two Palestinians are wounded when Israeli soldiers fire into Balatah refugee camp crowd demonstrating in support of political prisoners participating in hunger strike [FJ 4/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Herut party ends convention after electing P. M. Shamir party chairman, Ariel Sharon chairman of the party central committee, Moshe Arens party secretary, and David Levy deputy party chairman [NYT 3/31]. Inside the green line, marches and rallies in 'Arrabah, Umm al-Fahm, and Rahat mark Land Day [FJ 4/3]. Israeli forces are unsuccessful in attempt to break almost total commercial strikes in cities throughout the W. Bank and Gaza Strip [FJ 4/3]. Lydda military court sentences to life imprisonment 2 Palestinians convicted of being members of Fateh and carrying out a series of bombings [FJ 4/3]. Israeli Ministry of Defense coordinator of activities for W. Bank and Gaza, Shmuel Goren, threatens imposition of strict restrictions on exports to Jordan if weapon smuggling continues [FJ 4/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: At least 1 Palestinian is wounded by army gunfire during Land Day demonstration at Jabaliyyah; in Janin another is shot in the leg by Israeli civilian who shot at crowd that was stoning his car [BG 3/31; FJ 4/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Herut party meeting, P. M. Shamir is elected chairman, vows W. Bank and Gaza will remain under Israeli control "forever" [PI, NYT 3/30]. Col. Sella, indicted by U.S. for his role in Pollard case, resigns as commander of Tel Nof Air Base [WP 3/30]. Delegation of British Labor party members meets with Shihadah al-Minawi, leader of Palestinian Labor Federation, in Nablus [FJ 4/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Striking waqf teachers hold sit-in at al-Fatah al-Laji'ah Girls School in Jerusalem. Union of Workers in Private Schools in Jerusalem has stated support for the strike [FJ 4/3]. Former U.S. Pres. Carter and his wife travel to Hebron area village of Bayt Ummar to observe projects sponsored by Catholic Relief Services and U.S. government [FJ 4/3].

Military Action

Arab World: Explosion near Syrian command post in Beirut kills 8, injures at least 10. In Kafr Hazir, village in N. Lebanon, unidentified gunmen ambush an army jeep, killing 1 Syrian officer, wounding 5 soldiers [WP 3/29]. Amal snipershoot at Shatila refugees protesting Amal siege, kill 5 [WP 3/30]. Hizballah and SLA forces clash inside Israeli security zone; Israeli military claims 5 SLA soldiers are wounded, 3 Hizballah fighters killed [FJ 4/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Pres. Herzog reduces from life to 24 years the prison sentences of 3 Jewish settlers convicted in connection with the July 1983 attack on Arab students at Hebron's Islamic College [WP 3/27].

Arab World: Statement drafted by representatives of 5 factions within the Palestine National Salvation Front at end of 5-day meeting in Tripoli calls for new PLO chairman to replace Arafat, restructuring of National Council. Al-Sa'iqah and Abu Musa's faction of Fateh did not participate in the talks [NYT 3/28].

Other Countries: Reagan administration announces shift to a more "activist" policy in the Middle East in an effort to restore credibility [WP 3/29]. Israeli Foreign Ministry official and China's UN ambassador hold talks on prospects for international conference on Middle East peace [WP 3/29].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: F. M. Peres meets with "moderate" PLO supporters to discuss Palestinian representation at international peace conference [CSM 3/27]. Former U.S. Pres. Carter arrives in Jerusalem, encourages Israeli leaders to join Syria and Lebanon in international peace conference, calls on Reagan administration to increase pace of Middle East peace efforts [BS 3/27]. Israeli border patrol denies 29 black evangelical Christians, mostly Americans, permission to enter W. Bank via Jordan [WP 3/27]. Military authorities order al-Najah U. closed until 4/12 and Bethlehem U. closed until 4/1 [FJ 4/3].

Arab World: Islamic Jihad for the Liberation of Palestine reiterates demand for release of 100 Arabs held in Israeli jails [BG 3/27].

Military Action

Arab World: Amal militia attack estimated 500 Palestinian women returning to Burj al-Barajinah refugee camp from protest demanding end to Amal siege of the camp; at least 6 are killed [BG 3/27; FJ 4/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: MK Abba Eban and other representatives of Labor party meet with 4 Palestinians; joint statement released after the meeting calls for international peace conference including representatives of Israel, Jordan, and the Palestinians [FJ 3/27]. Israeli authorities serve Khalil Ibrahim 'Ashur expulsion order [FJ 3/27]. Trial of Roger Heacock, American professor teaching at Birzeit University, opens [FJ 3/27]. Police and border guards use live ammunition and tear gas to break up demonstration at Jerusalem's al-lbrahimiyyah College [FJ 3/27]. Members of Peace Now, Citizens Rights Movement, and Mapam protest at inauguration ceremony for Betar, W. Bank settlement near Bethlehem [FJ 3/27]. Prisoners in at least 3 Israeli prisons begin hunger strike, demanding impartial inspection, improved conditions in all Israeli prisons within green line and occupied territories [FJ 3/27]. Israeli government promises 3 key witnesses in Pollard spy case that their testimony before Rotenstreich-Tsur board of inquiry will not be made available to U.S. [BS 3/26].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: F. M. Peres meets with 14 Palestinians in W. Jerusalem [FJ 3/271. Samiha Khalil, head of Family Rehabilitation Society, is denied permission to leave W. Bank to visit her injured children [FJ 2/27]. Officials release 5 Palestinians administratively detained in Jnaid Prison since Sept. 1986; 46 are still administratively detained at the prison [FJ 4/31.

Arab World: 'Abd al-Hamid al-Sa'ih announces Palestine National Council will convene in Algiers beginning 20 April [FJ 3/27].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli jets strike PLO base southeast of Sidon, killing at least 1 [PI 3/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Committee for the Defense of the Land issues statement condemning "escalation of national discrimination" against Arabs in Israel, increased land confiscation [FJ 3/27].

Arab World: Islamic Jihad for the Liberation of Palestine claims U.S. hostage is ill and may die soon; offers to release him in exchange for 100 Israeli-held Arab prisoners; Israeli official states opposition to proposal [WT 3/24].

Other Countries: Los Angeles Times cites FBI report alleging PFLP is working to build support base in U.S. [LAT 3/23]. U.S. attorneys request court to overturn 2/17 decision that released 8 charged with active PFLP membership on bond [LAT 3/25].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli bombers destroy Fateh office, cause heavy damage, during second raid near Sidon in 4 days [FJ 3/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Economics Minister Ya'cobi calls for subpoena power for Rotenstreich-Tsur commission investigating Pollard spy case or new panel with sufficient powers to complete investigation. Lawyer representing 3 witnesses who refused to testify before commission meets with Attorney General Harish in effort to resolve issue [BG 3/23]. Protestors disrupt Jerusalem meeting of pro-Jordanian Abu al-Za'im suppprters [FJ 3/27]. Gaza man is sentenced to 15 years for membership in Fateh and bombing Israeli road [FJ 3/27]. Military authorities close elementary school in Jalazun refugee camp after students stoned Israeli cars [FJ 3/27]. Explosion at Ashdod shopping center leaves 1 Israeli seriously injured [FJ 3/27].

Arab World: Former U.S. Pres. Carter meets twice with Syrian Pres. al-Asad during 3-day visit to Damascus [BS 3/23].

Other Countries: U.S. Defense Sec. Weinberger denies charges that U.S. recruited Israeli officer to spy on Israel [WP 3/23].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli forces kill two PLO fighters near Hasbayyah in S. Lebanon [LAT 3/23].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Teachers from 9 Jerusalem waqf schools begin strike to demand increased salaries and prompt payment of wages; the teachers are usually paid by Jordan [FJ 3/27].

Arab World: Former U.S. Pres. Carter leaves Cairo, flies to Damascus for meetings with Pres. al-Asad [BG 3/22].

Other Countries: Reports allege CIA recruited Israeli officer as spy in 1982 [WP 3/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Settlers close road near Rafah in retaliation for damage caused by Palestinian demonstrators [FJ 3/27].

Arab World: PLO spokesman denies American reports quoting Chairman Arafat as stating PLO would not have to participate in international conference [FJ 3/27].

Military Action

Arab World: Amal fighters shoot at group of women leaving Burj al-Barajinah refugee camp for supplies; 1 woman is killed, 1 injured [FJ 3/27]. Israeli fighter jets strike Palestinian base south of Sidon [FJ 3/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel formally acknowledges significant military ties to S. Africa, vows to reduce them gradually [WSJ, WP 3/20]. Israeli reports indicate Rafael Eitan in testimony before commission investigating Pollard spy affair stated he acted with "permission and authority" [NYT 3/20]. Haifa Central Court rules demolition order and heavy fine imposed by Fraidees village be canceled on grounds that village bypassed proper channels in declaring Arab-owned land "agricultural." Attorneys hope to use decision as precedent in similar cases within the green line [FJ 3/27]. Protests erupt in Rafah for third straight day [FJ 3/27]. Bomb explodes on road to Alfe Menasheh settlement near Nablus [FJ 3/27].

Arab World: Former U.S. Pres. Carter on visit to Cairo criticizes Reagan administration and Israeli policies, praises PLO Chairman Arafat's willingness to accept international peace conference without direct PLO participation [WP 3/20].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Alignment MK David Liba'i, lawyer representing 3 Israelis implicated in the Pollard spy ring, states his clients will not appear if summoned before the Rotenstreich-Tsur committee investigating the affair UP 3/19]. In response to U.S. pressure, cabinet moves not to enter into any new military contracts with S. Africa [NYT 3/19].

Other Countries: Reports indicate portion of the Iran arms sales' profits were paid to the Global Islamic Movement, which funds Hizballah [NYT 3/18].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Spokesman says Pres. Herzog intends to commute life sentences of 3 Jews convicted of murdering Palestinian students during 1982 raid on Islamic College in Hebron [NYT 3/18].

Arab World: PLO Chairman Arafat arrives in Algiers to inform Pres. Ben Jadid formally of agreement between Fateh, DFLP, the Palestinian Communist party, the Arab Liberation Front, and the Palestine Liberation Front to hold the 18th session of the Palestine National Council in an effort to reunite the PLO [NYT 3/18].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli radio reports Israeli government has paid part of the legal expenses for Jonathan Pollard and Anne Henderson-Pollard [NYT 3/17]. Defense Minister Rabin accuses U.S. of reniging on promise of immunity for Col. Sella, who allegedly recruited Jonathan Pollard as a spy for Israel [PI 3/17].

Arab World: PLO Chairman Arafat says he would accept Palestinians participating in Middle East peace conference as part of joint delegation from Arab states [WT 3/18].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: Former U.S. President Carter leaves for 2-week visit to Middle East [PI 3/17]. British government announces Israel has admitted using forged British passports intended to enable Mossad agents to carry out attacks abroad [LAT 3/16].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Amal leader Nabih Birri says hundreds of his militia have moved to S. Lebanon to concentrate efforts on forcing Israeli troops out of Lebanon [NYT 3/16].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Reports indicate PLO has filed an official complaint with the Arab League charging Syria with failure to improve conditions in Beirut refugee camps [FJ 3/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Defense Minister Rabin appears before Knesset committee investigating Pollard spy case [JP 3/12]. Moshe Landau, former president of the Israeli High Court, declines to accept his appointment to special panel charged with investigating Pollard spy case because govemnment has not given panel sufficient power [BG 3/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Inner cabinet appoints 2-member commission to investigate Pollard espionage affair [LAT, WP 3/12]. Cleaning workers and clerks end 10-day strike against 26 government hospitals UPI 3/14]. Minister of energy announces plan to take over concession of Jerusalem Electric Company (JEC) at the end of the year. JEC workers condemn decision while company disputes government's claim it backed out of earlier agreement [FJ 3/13]. Classes resume at al-Najah U.; students have lost 2 months from the current semester [FJ 3/13].

Other Countries: U.S. sources charge independent counsel Walsh's investigation of Iran-contra scandal is being seriously hampered by Israel's refusal to allow direct questioning of Israelis involved in affair. Some U.S. senators have expressed satisfaction with Israel's cooperation in their investigation [LAT 3/11].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Shamir states Jonathan Pollard's fate is no concern of Israeli government. "Citizens for Pollard" begins soliciting donations to assist Pollards with their legal fees [NYT 3/11].

Other Countries: U.S. administration officials say they made a mistake in not questioning Israeli P. M. Shamir "more forcefully" on the Pollard spy case during his February visit [JP 3/11]. U.S. State Dept. confirms that it has confiscated passport of M. T. Mehdi, secretary general of National Council on Islamic Affairs, for violating ban on travel to Lebanon [BS 3/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli court upholds military decision to erect fence on Hebron's Shalalla St. as protection for Jewish families living above neighborhood stores. Shalalla St. merchants argued the fence is destroying their business since customers must pass checkpoint before entering shops [LAT 3/10; FJ 3/13]. Ramlah police file charges against 4 Israeli leftists who met with PLO officials in Rumania [FJ 3/13]. Israeli soldiers conduct night search of al-Najah U. offices. The university has been closed for a month [FJ 3/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: P. M. Shamir rejects call for government investigation into Pollard spy case, refers matter to inner cabinet [WP 3/9]. Women in Nazareth and Umm al-Fahm gather to celebrate International Women's Day [FJ 3/13]. UNRWA closes Women's Teachers Institute in Ramallah for 1 week after student demonstrations [FJ 3/13].

Arab World: Amal fires Hasan Hashim and 4 of his companions after their failed attempt to oust Nabih Birri [FJ 3/13]. UNIFIL lodges protest against Israeli mining of 2 S. Lebanon roads normally used by its troops [FJ 3/13]. Al-Ittihad reports Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) is preparing to move its offices out of Damascus as a precaution against Syrian reprisals for participation in PLO unity talks [FJ 3/13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Soldiers use tear gas, clubs, and live ammunition to disperse Golan Heights demonstration commemorating Ba'th party's rise to power in Syria and inauguration of new Syrian water project; 1 woman is killed [FJ 3/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Defense and Foreign Affairs Com. Chairman Abba Eban asks Defense Minister Rabin to appear before the committee and explain promotion of Col. Aviem Sella, indicted in U.S. for his role in Pollard spy case [NYT 3/7].

Arab World: UNRWA states continued fighting around Burj al-Barajinah, Shatila, and Rashidiyyah refugee camps is preventing food and medicine shipments from getting through [FJ 3/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Prison Authority director reports there are 4,000 Palestinian political prisoners in Israeli jails, 82% of whom are serving life sentences; also discusses problem of over-crowded prisons [FJ 3/13]. In Halhul near Hebron, Jewish settlers vandalize 20 cars in retaliation for stones thrown at Israeli bus [FJ 3/13]. Authorities seal off 6 Tulkarm and Dhannabah homes because residents of the houses have been convicted of involvement in molotov cocktail attacks against military patrols and stations [FJ 3/13]. Former Gaza Mayor Rashad Shawwa returns from 3-week stay in Amman where he discussed Jordanian development plan with government officials [FJ 3/13].

Other Countries: Canadian government announces it has refused to accept Maj. Gen. Amos Yaron, implicated in the 1982 Sabra and Shatila massacres, as Israel's defense attache in Ottawa [NYT 3/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Soldiers demolish Arab house in Gaza Strip's Nusayrat refugee camp in restricted "green zone" security area [FJ 3/13]. In Jalazun refugee camp north of Ramallah, authorities seal off 4 rooms in houses belonging to Palestinians charged with planting a mine in October [FJ 3/13].

Other Countries: U.S. court hands down life sentence for admitted spy Jonathan Pollard and 2 concurrent 5-year prison terms for his wife Anne Henderson-Pollard [WP 3/5]. U.S. State Dept. statement criticizes Israeli government's appointment of Col. Aviem Sella, indicted by U.S. for role in Pollard spy ring, as commander of major air base near Tel Aviv [WP 3/5].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian farmers rally in Jericho to protest falling vegetable prices [FJ 3/6]. Planned Jerusalem memorial service for slain Nablus mayor Zafir al-Masris banned by Israeli authorities [FJ 3/6]. Officials of Gaza's Union of Carpenters and Construction Workers hold press conference, complain of Israeli harassment since 2/21 elections [FJ 3/6]. Gaza military court sentences 3 teenagers charged with throwing stones and molotov cocktails to between 10 and 14 years in prison [FJ 3/13].

Arab World: Nabih Birri renews offer to swap captured Israeli for 400 Arabs held in Israeli prisons, urges Islamic Jihad for the Liberation of Palestine to free 4 professors [LAT 3/4].

Other Countries: U.S. grand jury indicts Israeli Air Force officer Aviem Sella on charges of espionage. Since espionage is not covered by extradition treaties, Sella cannot be extradited to stand trial [NYT 3/4]. Reports indicate Israeli objections have convinced U.S. officials to abandon plan to take $30 million of U.S. grants to Israel and give funds to Jordanian 5-year W. Bank development plan [LAT 3/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Troops use tear gas to break up protest at Balatah camp, impose curfew. Demonstration is believed related to 3/2 killing of Nablus youth. Students at Ramallah's Teacher Training College burn tires, clash with Israeli soldiers [FJ 3/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Nablus schools, businesses, and city government close for day; 2 peaceful marches commemorate late mayor Zafir al-Masri [FJ 3/6].

Arab World: The Times (London) cites reports of torture of Lebanese Shi'i prisoners held at SLA-controlled al-Khiyam prison inside Israel's security zone [LT 3/2].

Other Countries: Los Angeles Times reports evidence gathered by U.S. government in case against 7 Palestinians and 1 Kenyan includes photos of defendants picking up cartons of pro-PFLP magazines at L.A. airport [LAT 3/2].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops shoot and kill Palestinian, wound another in Nablus [FJ 3/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli military court sentences 2 Palestinians convicted of 1984 kidnapping and killing of Israeli soldier to life imprisonment [FJ 3/6].

Military Action

Arab World: Hasan Hashim, allegedly tied to both the PLO and Hizballah, fails in attempt to usurp Da'ud Da'ud as head of S. Lebanon's Shi'a [JP 3/5].