The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli P.M. Shamir says he hopes to start peace talks with Arab governments, Palestinians in next 2 months; he expects Egypt to broker the talks [NYT 12/30]. While touring northern settlements IDF chief of staff Shomron states that recent wave of attempted border infiltrations are being carried out by groups seeking to undermine Arafat [NYT 12/30]. Shamir says infiltrations are encouraged by U.S. decision to open talks with PLO [LAT 12/30].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Gaza City troops shoot, kill 2 Palestinians during what IDF describes as pre-emptive raid to arrest firebombers [NYT 12/30]. In Nablus at least 5 Palestinians are injured during clashes with soldiers. Troops fire tear gas to break up demonstrations in E. Jerusalem. Clashes in Burayj leave several Palestinians injured [FJ 1/2].

Arab World: Israeli helicopter gunships attack Amal positions in S. Lebanon in retaliation for attempted border infiltrations; UN officials state that 8 Arabs are wounded in attack [LAT 12/30].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: Washington Post reports U.S., Israel had secret agreement authorizing joint anti-terrorist operations in 1985-86; the operations were supervised by Oliver North, Amiram Nir [WP 12/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In al-Yamun 75- year-old man dies after exposure to tear gas. Soldiers raid 3 schools in Jabalya camp; several people are injured. At least 4 Palestinians are wounded on W. Bank [FJ 12/12]. Arab World: Israel shells Lebanese village of Habush killing 2, injuring 3 [FJ 12/12].