The Palestine Chronology

Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Michel Sabbah says Catholic Church will insist that Israel stop barring Palestinians fr. entering Jerusalem, notes "Jerusalem is still to be discussed" between Vatican, Israel. (NYT 1/1)

Polls show that 1/3 of Israeli settlers in West Bank and Gaza Strip would leave if offered compensation in cash or housing in Israel proper. (NYT 1/1)

Frmr. Israeli negotiator Yossi Olmert says private, unofficial Syrian-Israeli talks were held 5/93-10/93 in Germany, Norway, Switzerland, and Turkey under auspices of Initiative for Peace and Cooperation in the Middle East, a branch of Washington, DC-based Search for Common Ground. (WT 1/1; Yediot Aharonot 1/2 in FBIS 1/3; MM 1/4)

Fateh Hawks hold rally in Gaza attended by hundreds. (WP 1/1)

2 Israelis killed in Ramla by Palestinian attackers. (MM 1/4)

Vatican Undersecy. for Foreign Relations Msgr. Claudio Celli and Israeli Dep. FM Yossi Beilin sign 15-point "fundamental agreement" establishing diplomatic relations. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/31)

PLO Chmn. Arafat meets in Cairo with Egyptian FM 'Amr Musa, refuses to accept Israeli proposals on Gaza-Jericho agreement. Arafat flies to Amman for consultations with Jordan's King Hussein. (RJ 12/20 in FBIS 1/3; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/31)

3 Fateh-Uprising guerrillas killed by IDF while crossing Lebanon-Israel border. IDF rockets village in southern Lebanon in retaliation. (Qol Yisra'el 12/30 in FBIS 12/30; CSM, NYT, WT 12/31)

Demonstrations in Gaza mark anniversary of founding of Fateh. (WP, WT 12/3)

Syrian Chief Rabbi Ibrahim Hamra confirms govt. is issuing exit visas to Jews at rate of 25-30 a day. Hamra says community numbers 1,250 and that not all who receive visas will leave. (WP 12/31)

30 Japanese businesses announce plans to form Japan-Israel Business Club to promote Japanese-Israeli trade. (WT 12/31)

PLO-Israel talks on Gaza-Jericho withdrawal resume in Cairo. Israeli delegation led by FM Peres; PLO, by PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. Mahmud 'Abbas. (CSM, WP, WT 12/27; NYT, WP, WT 12/28)

IDF fires on Norwegian UNIFIL patrol in southern Lebanon, killing 1 and wounding another. IDF Northern Command investigates incident. (Qol Yisra'el, VOL 12/27 in FBIS 12/27; CSM, WP, WT 12/28)

PLO Chmn. Arafat and Israeli PM Rabin selected, along with South African leaders F.W. de Klerk and Nelson Mandela, as Time magazine's "Men of the Year." (WP, WT 12/26)

Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem attended by 20,000, largest attendance since start of intifada. In nearby Bayt Sahur, 1,000 Israelis and Palestinians hold torchlight parade for peace, call for release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. (WP 12/26)

Versailles talks btwn. Israel and PLO adjourn, with both sides reporting progress but no breakthrough. Negotiations to reconvene 12/27 in Cairo. (NYT, WP 12/24)

AG Janet Reno says no decision reached on recommendationn case of Jonathan Pollard. WT publishes statements by Pollard indicating he has no remorse for his espionage on behalf of Israel. Meanwhile, Secy. of Defense Les Aspin tells the White House Pollard has tried to pass classified information in 14 letters sent fr. prison. (WT 12/24; NYT 12/28)

Aeroflot flight lands at Jerusalem airport, marking start of international service to city. (WT 12/25)

Israeli officials report that Russian politician Vladimir Zhirinovsky, widely regarded as anti-Semitic, was sent an invitation to immigrate to Israel in 1983. (WP 12/24; NYT 12/28)

PLO-Israel talks continue at Versailles, France, with participation of Norwegian officials. Progress on border security reported. (NYT, WP, WT 12/23)

Drive-by shooting in Baytuniya, West Bank, kills 2 Israelis. Hamas claims responsibility. (MM 12/22; NYT, WP, WT 12/23)

Settlers in Hebron reportedly asked to surrender their guns as part of investigation into 12/4 murder of Talal al-Bakri. (WP 12/23)

Pres. Clinton says he will have an announcement on case of convicted spy Jonathan Pollard "soon," as administration sources say Dep. AG Philip Heymann will recommend that Pollard's sentence be reduced. (WP 12/23)

Reps. of Israel, PLO, and donor countries hold talks in Oslo on creation and funding of Palestinian police force. PLO official Nabil Shaath says $100 m. needed for task. (MM 12/21)

UNGA passes resolution supporting peace process and calling for Israeli withdrawal fr. "the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including Jerusalem, and fr. the other occupied Arab territories." Resolution, which calls settlements "illegal and an obstacle to peace," adopted by vote of 92 for and 5 against, with 51 abstentions. (MM 12/21)

Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Monsignor Michel Sabbah, in interview, urges Israel to "rethink" position on sovereignty over Jerusalem, free Hamas leader Shaykh Ahmad Yasin as a goodwill gesture. (MM 12/20; WT 12/21)

Israeli govt. official confirms that govt. intends to annex "several hundred" dunums of West Bank land to extend Givat Ze'ev settlement toward Jerusalem. Settlers' council says 136,415 Israelis live in o.t. (MM 12/21)

Fateh Uprising, in statement fr. Damascus, warns Christian pilgrims they may not be safe if they visit Jerusalem or other holy sites in o.t. during Christmaseason. (AFP 12/20 in FBIS 12/21; WT 12/21)

3 Hamas mbrs. returned fr. exile 12/15- 'Abd al-'Aziz Rantisi, 'Abd Allah Dukan, and Muhammad Sham'a-placed under administrative detention for 6 mos. (Qol Yisra'el 12/20 in FBIS 12/21)

Israel-PLO talks on withdrawal held in Norway. Israeli delegation headed by FM Peres, includes Environment M. Yossi Sarid and IDF Dep. Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Amnon Shahak. PLO side includes Yasir 'Abd-Rabbuh, Nabil Shaath, Ahmad Qurai'. (WP, WT 12/19)

Anti-DoP protests in Ramallah lead to IDF-Palestinian clashes in which 4 Palestinians wounded. (WP, WT 12/19)

PM Rabin, in comments to journalists, says he may postpone mtg. with PLO Chmn. Arafat scheduled for 12/20 because Israel-PLO disagreements are so severe they would make mtg. unsuccessful. (MM 12/17; NYT, WP 12/18)

World Bank VP Caio Koch-Weser announces donors have pledged $570 m. for aid to Palestinians in 1994, allowing all lst-yr. projects to be fully funded. (MM 12/17)

Israeli police arrest 6, including 5 Americans, on suspicion of caching weapons and planning attacks on Palestinians. Those arrested are followers of the late U.S.-born Rabbi Meir Kahane. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/20)

IDF seals off 4 settlements nr. Nablus and prevents procession of settlers fr. bringing Torah scrolls to Jewish religious center in Nablus. 15 settlers arrested. New orders, issued 12/12 but only made public today, permit IDF to place Jewish settlements as well as Palestinian towns and villages under curfew, take "strong action" against law-breaking settlers. (NYT, WT 12/17)

FM Peres, in Paris, says Israel and PLO have agreed to open economic market btwn. Israel and Palestinian self-governing areas, allowing Palestinians to freely export farm produce to Israel and import goods fr. Arab states. Disagreements over currency, ties with Jordan remain. (MM 12/16)

Unnamed PLO, Israeli officials meet privately at undisclosed locations to try to bridge differences preventing implementation of Gaza-Jericho withdrawal. PLO-Israel talks in al-Arish on civil issues recess. (CSM 12/17; MENA 12/16 in FBIS 12/17)

Syrian Pres. al-Asad meets U.S. congressional delegation made up of Sens. DeConcini (D-AZ), Specter (R-PA), Grassley (RIA), and Graham (D-FL) and Rep. Richardson (D-NM). Talks focus on overcoming impediments to peace process. (SARR 12/16 in FBIS 12/16; MM 12/17)

197 Palestinian mbrs. of Hamas and Islamic Jihad return fr. Lebanon at end of 1-yr. exile. The Islamist activists will be processed through Israeli prisons before returning to homes in o.t. PM Rabin, touring Gaza settlement, promises "tough measures" if "we have even the slightest suspicion that [the returnees] intend or are involved" in attacks on Israelis. (NYT, WP, WT 12/16)

Israel-PLO talks on civil issues related to Gaza-Jericho self-rule resume in al-Arish, Sinai. (MM 12/15)

Working group of Middle East Multilateral Talks Economic Development Comm. ends mtg. in Cairo, approves 4 agricultural projects, pollution control project for Gulf of Aqaba, and joint tourism project for Egypt, Israel, and o.t. (MENA 12/15 in FBIS 12/16)

Ashraf Muhammad Halil, 18, killed by IDF when he attacks soldiers with ax during search of his tool bag in Jabaliya camp, Gaza. (WT 12/16)

UNGA passes resolution drafted by Israel, PLO, and U.S., expressing "full support" for Israel-PLO peace talks. Resolution 1st in 2 decades on Middle East peace not to criticize Israel. 2 other resolutions, calling Israeli rule over Jerusalem and Golan Heights illegal, also pass, 85 countries abstaining on Golan resolution. (MM, NYT, WP 12/15)

Israeli Industry and Trade M. Micha Harish announces Morocco has been removed from list of "hostile" countries barred from trade with Israel. Harish says he expects Tunisia to be taken from list next. (MM 12/15)

PLO Chmn. Arafat begins 1st official visit to Britain, lasting 2 days, with mtgs. with PM Major, frmr. PM Thatcher, Archbishop of Canterbury, MPs, and Foreign Office officials. (MM 12/14; NYT 12/16)

1 Hamas mbr. killed, 2 escape when Israeli border police stop stolen car rigged with explosives in Gaza City. Husam al-Bakri, 20, fatally wounded when IDF opens fire on stone-throwers at Hamas mbr.'s funeral. (MM 12/14; WP, WT 12/15)

PM Rabin heckled by right-wing protesters at dedication of Modi'in, a new planned city. Demonstrators call Rabin "traitor," throw bottles, coffee at him. (WP, WT 12/15)

Conference in Tripoli, Libya grouping Arab radical groups opens. Invited are PFLPGC and FRC ("Abu Nidal" faction). (WT 12/16)

PLO Chmn. Arafat and Israeli PM Rabin meet in Cairo but fail to reach agreement on Israeli withdrawal fr. Gaza and Jericho, due to begin 12/13. The 2 leaders agree to meet again in 10 days, and say delay does not endanger DoP or 4/13/94 deadline for end of withdrawal. (NYT, WP, WT 12/13)

Lebanese Pres. al-Hirawi meets Syrian Pres. al-Asad in Damascus to discuss Secy. of State Christopher'secent tour and coordinate positions for next round of talks with Israel. (RL, VOL, SARR 12/12 in FBIS 12/13; MM 12/13)

U.S. officials say Morocco and Israel have reached a package of agreements, including El Al flights to Morocco and Royal Air Maroc flights to Israel, direct Moroccan-Israel telephone and postalinks, exchanges of visits by religious and business leaders, joint banking arrangements, and more frequent direct political contacts. (NYT 12/13)

Morton Klein, an opponent of Israel-PLO accord, elected pres. of Zionist Organization of America by vote of 144-127, and his slate of 10 candidates elected to top ZOA posts. Observers call election "clear victory for opponents" of DoP. (MM 12/14; WJW 12/16)

Palestinian gunmen attack Israeli bus in Hebron, West Bank, seriously wounding its driver. (NYT, WT 12/13)

Libyan leader Mu'ammar al-Qadhafi publicly invites Sabri al-Banna ("Abu Nidal") and Ahmad Jibril of PFLP-GC for a conference in Tripoli. (WT 12/13)

2,000 Israelis hold march in Jerusalem in support of DoP and to protest settler vigilante actions. 300 right-wing counterdemonstrators kept separated fr. peace marchers by police. (WT 12/12)

Hamas leads march in Gaza City to mark intifa adanniversary, protest Israel-PLO accord. IDF opens fire, wounding 1 Palestinian. Similar march held by Islamic Jihad in Jabaliya camp. (WP, WT 12/12)

IDF officer killed, soldier wounded in antitank missile attack on IDF patrol in "security zone," southern Lebanon. (Qol Yisra'el 12/11 in FBIS 12/13)

Israeli FM Peres, PLO Chmn. Arafat meet in Granada, Spain, in effort to remove barriers to implementation of DoP. Arafat calls mtg. "very important," while an Israeli source describes it as "tense," says PM Rabin "not happy" with mtg. No details revealed by either side, but Peres calls it "a tour d'horizon," not "negotiations." (NYT 12/10)

Secy. of State Christopher meets again in Damascus with Syrian Pres. al-Asad, announces Syria will resume negotiations with Israel and that al-Asad will meet U.S. Pres. Clinton in Geneva 1/94. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/10)

Mansur Shawwa, son of frmr. Gaza City mayor Rashad Shawwa, named by PLO to be 1st mayor of Gaza under Palestinian autonomy. (MM 12/9)

Palestinian farmer Khamis Abu Awad, 51, shot dead by settler from Shiloh settlement nr. Ramallah in West Bank after being ordered off his tractor. (WP, WT 12/10)

PLO and Israeli negotiators in Cairo exchange proposals to bridge disagreements on implementing Gaza-Jericho withdrawal. (NYT 12/9)

Secy. of State Christopher meets Egyptian Pres. Mubarak in Cairo, says U.S. does not object to delay in Gaza-Jericho withdrawal if Israel and PLO feel they need "a few more days or whatever period of time to work out some existing problems." (CSM, NYT, WT 12/9)

Settler shot and wounded by Palestinian in Bethlehem. IDF imposes curfew, searches Palestinian homes, detains several suspects. IDF reportedly reinforces troops in o.t. and detains dozens of Palestinian opponents of DoP as preventative measure before anniversary of intifada. (CSM, NYT, WT 12/9)

Secy. of State Christopher meets PM Rabin, reports on talks with Syrian, PLO leaders. Christopher reportedly tells Rabin Syria ready to resume negotiations. Rabin says 1st priority is implementing Israel-PLO DoP. Christopher calls that priority "entirely appropriate," but notes U.S. seeks "comprehensive solution in the region." Christopher also meets Palestinian delegation including Faisal Husseini, Ghassan al-Khatib, Zakariya al-Agha, and Hanan Ashrawi. (NYT, WP, WT 12/8; Qol Yisra'el 12/7 in FBIS 12/8)

PLO Chmn. Arafat, in Bonn, says 12/13 deadline for start of Israeli withdrawal "a sacred date," but a PLO source says Arafat told PLO Central Council and Exec. Comm. to expect a delay of 1 to 2 weeks. (NYT 12/8)

Thousands turn out for funeral procession fr. Tel Aviv through Jerusalem to Hebron of settlers killed 12/6. Settlers shoot at Palestinian houses and break car windows in Hebron. (NYT, WT 12/8; WT 12/9)

Shaykh Khalid Zakaria Sakallah, 45, killed by masked gunmen in Gaza. Both Hamas and Fateh condemn killing. (MM 12/8)

Secy. of State Christopher meets PLO Chmn. Arafat at U.S. embassy in Amman. At press conference after 2-hr. mtg., Arafat appeals for U.S. pressure on Israel to meet 12/13 deadline for withdrawal fr. Jericho, Gaza. Christopher declines to get involved in Israel-PLO talks, but calls for "timely implementation" of DoP schedule and pledges "non-lethal assistance" to Palestinian police. Christopher also meets separately with Jordan's King Hussein. PM Rabin claims there is "a tacit understanding" with PLO that deadline not firm. FM Peres says he will meet Arafat 12/9 at UNESCO conference in Spain. (NYT, WP, WT 12/7)

PM Rabin calls Syrian agreemento allow U.S. investigators to search for missing IDF soldiers in Lebanon "an important step forward" and "a big window of hope for the families" of the Israeli MIAs. (NYT 12/7)

Israeli Finance M. Avraham Shohat and PLO official Ahmad Qurai' resume Paris talks on economic issues. (Qol Yisra'el 12/6 in FBIS 12/7)

Palestinian gunmen attack settler van in Qiryat Arba, Hebron, killing 2 and wounding 3. Hamas claims responsibility for attack. Settlers riot, attacking Palestinian homes and cars. (NYT, WP, WT 12/7)

IDF undercover unit kills Hamas mbr. 'Abd al-Rahman Aruri, 31, on his front porch in Arura, nr. Ramallah. (MM 12/7)

Time magazine reports that convicted spy Jonathan Pollard passed a National Security Agency listing of foreign intelligence frequencies to Israel that later was received by Soviets, ruining several b. dollars' work and compromising lives of U.S. informants. Justice Dept., security officials reportedly advising AG Janet Reno against a pardon for Pollard. (WT 12/6, 12/7; NYT 12/7)

Israel, Laos reestablish diplomatic relations in agreement signed in New York. (Qol Yisra'el 12/7 in FBIS 12/8)

Secy. of State Christopher meets in Damascus with Syrian Pres. al-Asad, who agrees to let U.S. investigators search for 7 Israelis missing in Lebanon and to grant exit permits to Syrian Jews by end 12/93. Christopher calls talks "positive and constructive," al-Asad's moves "important humanitarian gestures." U.S. agrees to allow Kuwait to transfer 3 U.S.-made aircraft to Syria in a relaxation of sanctions on Damascus. (NYT, WP, WT 12/6; NYT 12/7)

Israel-PLO talks in Cairo and al-'Arish, Sinai, on Palestinian autonomy resume. (WT 12/6)

Jordanian, Israeli govts. sign accord on economic cooperation, initialed by negotiators in Washington 12/1. (MM 12/7)

Palestinian grocer Talal al-Bakri, shot 12/4 in Hebron by settlers, dies. 5 settlers arrested in connection with killing. (NYT, WP, WT 12/6)

Israeli AG Ben-Yair calls settlers' council a "seditious" organization, while Ag. M. Yaacov Tsur calls 12/4 shooting of Talal al-Bakri an incident of "Jewish terror." (MM 12/6)

Armed Palestinian, Khalid Awad Shihada, attacks Israelis on suburban Tel Aviv bus, killing reserve IDF soldier before being killed himself. Islamic Jihad claims responsibility for attack. Israelis demonstrate at attack site, some shouting "Death to Arabs!" (NYT, WP, WT 12/6)

Frmr. Israeli PM Shamir tells Zionist Organization of America mtg. in Baltimore that Israeli govt. has made a pact with "terrorists and murderers" in signing DoP, says agreement reflects "an Arab plan to destroy Israel in stages." (WT 12/7)

Secy. of State Christopher opens talks with PM Rabin, says "I don't know that there is an appropriate role for me.... I certainly don't want to interpose myself" in Israel-PLO negotiations. (NYT, WT 12/5)

PLO Exec. Comm. establishes committee to oversee negotiations with Israel. Names of mbrs. are not made public. (NYT 12/5)

Hamas list wins 81% of votes, all 9 seats in Gaza Islamic College student council elections. Fateh list wins 11%, Islamic Jihad 6%, and DFLP 2%. (Qol Yisra'el 12/4 in FBIS 12/6)

Settlers continue rioting in Hebron, firing submachine guns at Palestinian cars. 3 Palestinians wounded. Palestinian homes also fired upon, stoned. (NYT, WT 12/5)

Secy. of State Christopher arrives in Israel at start of Middle East tour. PM Rabin tells U.S. to stay out of Israel-PLO talks, saying "we do not need uncles, fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers." (NYT, WT 12/4)

PLO Political Dept. head Faruq al-Qaddumi meets in Washington with U.S., World Bank officials to discuss economic development of o.t. (San'a' VOP 12/3 in FBIS 12/7)

Settlers rampage in Hebron, wounding 4 Palestinians. IDF does nothing to stop gunbearing settlers, but detains 20 Palestinian stone-throwers. In Gaza, alleged Fateh mbrs. open fire on 2 IDF posts; no casualties reported. (MM 12/3; NYT, WP, WT 12/4)

Israel Antiquities Authority's "Operation Scroll" scheduled to end. Search for ancient Hebrew and Jewish artifacts, started 11/14, involved 30 archaeologists and 300 workers, examined 350 sites, and cost $350,000. Operation protested by Palestinians, who say it violated 1954 UN convention on cultural artifacts and was intended to strip o.t. sites before Palestinian autonomy. (WP 12/4)

Israeli kindergarten teacher killed, 3 settlers wounded by Palestinian gunmen in al-Birah. Hamas, DFLP claim responsibility for attack; IDF imposes curfew on al-Birah, Ramallah. Settlers block roads, stone Palestinian cars in retaliation. (MM 12/1; NYT, WP, WT 12/2)

IDF declares Gaza Strip a "closed military area," barring journalists fr. reporting there. (MM 12/1)

Emergency PLO Exec. Comm. mtg. in Tunis called to discuss negotiations with Israel fails to reach quorum due to boycott by Mahmud 'Abbas, Yasir 'Abd-Rabbuh, Sulaiman al-Najab. (MBC TV 12/2 in FBIS 12/3; WT 12/2)

Egyptian and Israeli sources say Egyptian Pres. Mubarak has lifted restrictions on Egyptians travelling to Israel, ending police reviews and questioning. (WP 12/2)

Jordan and Israel initial agreement allowing Jordanian banks in West Bank to reopen. (Qol Yisra'el 12/1 in FBIS 12/3; NYT 12/5)

IDF kills 1 Palestinian, wounds 80 in clashes in Gaza, worst violence since DoP signed 9/13. IDF cmdr. in Gaza Maj. Gen. Matan Vilnai meets 5 Fateh leaders to discuss cease-fire. Fateh sources say Vilnai agreed to end IDF searches for PLO militants, but IDF sources say only that Israel will reduce troop levels and ease some restrictions. Jacques Neriah, aide to PM Rabin, flies to Tunis for talks with PLO Chmn. Arafat. Arafat provides Neriah with i.d. tag of IDF soldier missing during 1982 war in Lebanon. (MM 11/30, 12/1; NYT, WP, WT 12/1)

Jordanian and Israeli officials meet in Washington for talks on economic cooperation. Working group also includes U.S., hosted by special coordinator Dennis Ross. (MM 11/30, 12/1)

VP Al Gore announces formation of "Builders for Peace," a task force to coordinate U.S. private investment in o.t. Group's co-presidents are James Zogby of Arab American Institute and frmr. U.S. Rep. Mel Levine. (WP 12/1)

U.S. and Russia introduce UNGA resolution drafted by Israel and PLO supporting DoP, Israel-Jordan common agenda. (MM 12/1)

U.S. Undersecy. of Defense Frank Wisner arrives in Jordan fr. Israel to discuss joint security cooperation. Tour also includes Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Gulf states. (MM 11/30)

CIA Director Adm. James Woolsey, appearing on CNN's "Larry King Live," acknowledges that "Israel is generally regarded as having some kind of nuclear capability" in 1st public U.S. recognition of Israeli nuclear weapons. (MM 12/1)

$7 m. wind turbine farm to supply electricity to Israel opened on Golan Heights. (MM 12/1)

5,000 Palestinians march in Khan Yunis funeral of Ahmad Abu al-Rish. 1 Palestinian wounded by IDF gunfire in clashes in Gaza City. (WT 11/30)

Fateh hawks cmdr. Taysir Bardini, 26, captured by IDF after gun, grenade battle in Rafah camp, Gaza Strip. Hawks announce "resumption of intensive military action" against Israeli targets. (AFP 11/29 in FBIS 11/30; MM, NYT 11/30)

PLO-Israel talks in Cairo, al-Arish resume. PLO official Nabil Shaath reports progress on release of Palestinian prisoners, but PM Rabin refuses to give details. Environment M. Yossi Sarid says "it's obvious more Palestinian prisoners will be released gradually." (MM 11/29, 11/30; WT 11/30)

Council of Jewish Communities in Judea, Samaria, and Gaza ("Yesha") announces formation of "Hashomer" volunteer guard units to defend settlements. Also, "Irgun Yehudi Leumi" (IYAL- Jewish Nationalist Organization) issues leaflets in settlements calling on settlers to refuse mandatory IDF service. (MM 11/30)

Hadashot publisher Amos Schocken tells IDF radio afternoon tabloid will close due to low circulation and falling advertising revenues. (MM 11/29; WT 12/1)

PLO Chmn. Arafat, in Helsinki, says success of DoP depends on Israel meeting 12/13 deadline for withdrawal fr. Gaza, Jericho. Israeli PM Rabin responds that "It wouldn't be so terrible if the withdrawal were delayed by two weeks," while FM Peres, on 1st visit by an Israeli minister to Albania, says "we can still be on time." (MM, WT 11/29)

Palestinian negotiator Ziyad Abu Zayyad suspends his participation in talks with Israelis on confidence-building measures in protest of Israeli position on prisoner release. (MM 11/29)

IDF undercover unit in Gaza kills Fateh Hawks mbrs. Ahmad Abu al-Rish, 23, and Farid Imtair, 21, in gunfight. Al-Rish had been granted amnesty earlier in the week and taken off IDF wanted list. (MM, NYT 11/29)

Israeli peace activist Abie Nathan scuttles M V Peace, the base for his pirate "Voice of Peace" radio station, which ceased broadcasting 10/1. (MM 11/29)

PLO Chmn. Arafat, in Stockholm, says Gaza-Jericho talks at an impasse, blames Israel for "play[ing] games" on question of IDF withdrawal. (NYT 11/28)

PLO-Israel talks on transfer of authority over health, education, and other services open in al-Arish, Egypt. Israeli delegation headed by Brig. Gen. Gadi Zohar, head of Civil Administration in West Bank, PLO delegation by Jamal Tarifi. (MM 11/24)

PLO-Israel economic subcomms. on trade and labor, fiscal issues, and banking and finance begin sessions in Paris. (MM 11/24)

Hamas-PFLP-DFLP coalition opposed to DoP wins all 9 seats on Birzeit University student council, defeating Fateh-PPP slate favoring DoP. Result ends 16 yrs. of domination of student council by Fateh. (MM 11/24, 11/25; NYT 11/25)

Imad 'Aql, 21, alleged head of Hamas "'Izz al-Din Qassam Brigades" military wing, killed in shoot-out with IDF at Gaza City roadblock. PM Rabin calls action a "great achievement"; IDF Chief of Staff Barak terms it an "important achievement in the war against terror." Hamas, Fateh call 3-day general strike in protest. In al-Burayi camp, alleged drug trafficker Muhammad Ilian, 32, stabbed to death by masked Palestinians. (Qol Yisra'el 11/24 in FBIS 11/26; NYT, WP, WT 11/25)

Jordan's King Hussein pays official visit to Egypt, meeting Pres. Mubarak and ending 3 yrs' estrangement over Jordan's stance in 1990-91 Gulf crisis. (NYT, WP, WT 11/25)

PLO-Israel talks on Israeli withdrawal fr. Gaza and Jericho resume in Cairo. Palestinian negotiator Nabil Shaath reports progress on release of Palestinian prisoners. (MENA 11/23 in FBIS 11/23; NYT, WT 11/24)

PLO-Israel talks on economic cooperation resume in Paris. (MM 11/24)

22 Palestinian graduates of Egyptian police academy cross into Gaza Strip to form nucleus of Palestinian police force. (NYT 11/24)

Muhammad 'Ali Fara of Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip, shot dead trying to evade IDF roadblock in Jabaliya camp. In Idnah, nr. Hebron, 'Abd al-Razzaq Shahada killed by premature detonation of roadside bomb. (Qol Yisra'el 11/23 in FBIS 11/23; NYT 11/24; WT 11/25)

12th Jordanian parliament opens; frmr. PM Tahir al-Masri elected speaker of lower house 57-22, defeating Islamic Action Front candidate. (MM 11/23)

PLO Chmn. Arafat orders Palestinian forces to prepare to enter o.t. to form Gaza-Jericho police force. (CSM, NYT, WT 11/22)

Council of Jewish Communities in Judea, Samaria and Gaza issues statement pledging "militant direct action" against Israel-PLO DoP, urging settlers to ignore Palestinian police. (NYT 11/22)

Jordan's King Hussein meets in Damascus with Syrian Pres. Hafiz al-Asad to coordinate positions prior to tour by Secy. of State Christopher. 2 sides affirm "necessity of reaching a just and comprehensive peace." (MM, NYT 11/22)

PM Rabin returns to Israel after 10-day tour of U.S., Canada. At press conference, Rabin says Israel will try to meet 12/13 deadline for withdrawal fr. Gaza and Jericho, but says "it's not a holy date." (Qol Yisra'el 11/21 in FBIS 11/22; MM 11/22)

House of Representatives passes 425-1 resolution urging Arab League to lift boycott of Israel. (WJW 11/25)

Settlers demonstrate at Israel-Gaza Strip crossing points to protest 11/17 killing of IDF soldier Haim Darina, but IDF presents them fr. blocking roads. Islamic Jihad claims responsibility for the attack. (MM, RMC 11/18)

PLO establishes Development and Construction Bank under World Bank supervision to receive international funds for Palestinian development. (Al-Dustur 11/18 in FBIS 11/18)

Israeli Energy M. Moshe Shahal signs agreement with Egyptian Oil M. Hamdi al-Banbi on preparations for Egypt-Israel natural gas pipeline. (Qol Yisra'el 11/19 in FBIS 11/19)

King Hussein names 23 mbrs. of 40-mbr. Jordanian senate, including frmr. PM Zaid Rifa'i and Senate spkr. Ahmad Lawzi. (MM 11/19)

French FM Alain Juppe holds talks with Syrian Pres. al-Asad at start of tour of Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon, proceeds to Amman for talks with Jordan's King Hussein. (MM 11/19; SARR, JNA 11/18 in FBIS 11/18)

Israeli archaeologists in "Operation Scroll" report finding 2d century A.D. manuscripts and artifacts in Wadi Qarantal, nr. Jericho. (NYT 11/19)