The Palestine Chronology

U.S. Asst. Secy. of State Robert Pelletreau, National Security Council (NSC) adviser Mark Parris make 1-day trip to Jordan for consultations with Jordanian officials on recent Iraqi defections; leaves for Saudi Arabia, Kuwait. PM Sharif Zaid Bin Shakir says U.S. is putting no pressure on Jordan to sever ties with Iraq. (Al-Dustur 8/19, Al-Ra`y in FBIS 8/21; RJ 8/18, AFP 8/22 in FBIS 8/22)

Israeli police continue to search Palestinian offices in East Jerusalem, searching for proof that they are official PA organs operating illegally in the city. 13 organization have been searched since 8/17. More checks are expected in coming days. (JP 8/18 in FBIS 8/18)

Arafat orders closure of Al-Quds newspaper for running a story in which his opponent Faruq al-Qaddumi criticized the PA. PSF men threaten editors. (QY 8/19 in FBIS 8/22; ITV, QY 8/20 in FBIS 8/23; MM 8/21, 8/29)

PA Preventative Security Force (PSF) mbrs detain 20 PFLP mbrs in Jericho, 3 DFLP mbrs in Gaza on suspicion of writing, circulating leaflets condemning the 8/11 agmt. (QY 8/18 in FBIS 8/18)

In Gaza City, PA police exchange gunfire with 3 Hamas mbrs (incl. Wa'il Nasir) wanted for planning suicide bombings; 8 Palestinians are injured. Angry Hamas supporters throw stones at police during the fight. After 5 hrs. the 3 surrender. IDF immediately lifts closure. (QY, VOP 8/18 in FBIS 8/21; WP 8/19; QY 8/19 in FBIS 8/22; MM 8/21; NYT, WP 8/22; NYT 8/25; JP 8/26) (see 8/17)

Jordanian FM `Abd al-Karim Kabariti returns from 3-day visit to Saudi Arabia, reports a "new phase" of warmer Saudi-Jordanian relations is at hand. (Al-Ra`y 8/18 in FBIS 8/22)

In East Jerusalem, Israeli police without warrants enter, search, photograph Land and Water Establishment (LAWE), Jerusalem Media and Communications Center, Palestinian Hydrology Group, PECDAR; question them on their relationship to the PA. (LAWE press release 8/17; QY 8/17 in FBIS 8/17; VOP 8/17 in FBIS 8/18) (see 8/14)

In Hebron, a 2-day mtg. on the city's future attended by 200 Islamist, nationalist figures ends. Parties call for evacuation of settlers, Palestinian sovereignty over the city. (QY, VOP 8/16, VOP 8/17 in FBIS 8/17)

Peace Now survey shows that 32% of settlers would leave the o.t. for compensation; 26% would stay under any conditions. (JP 9/9; JP 8/31 in FBIS 9/1)

IDF extends Gaza closure to 8/20 so PA can continue hunt for wanted Hamas man, Wa'il Nasir. (MM 8/17; QY 8/17 in FBIS 8/18)

PA cabinet approves draft interim agmt. with Israel. (CSM 8/17; JP 8/26) (see 8/11)

In Gaza, Egypt-Israel-Jordan-PA technical comm. on refugees opens 2-day mtg. on 1967 displaced persons. (HA 8/16 in FBIS 8/16; QY 8/16 in FBIS 8/17)

In Damascus, PLO's Faruq al-Qaddumi begins 3 days of mtgs. with Syrian officials (incl. FM Faruq al-Shara`), Palestinian opposition leaders fr. DFLP (Nayif Hawatmeh), Fatah (Hani al-Hassan), Hamas (Abu-Muhammad Mustafa), PFLP (George Habash), PFLP-GC, Saiqa; briefs them on his blueprint for political change, discusses rejuvenating the PLO, rallying the PA's opposition in light of the 8/11 agmt. (SARR 8/16 in FBIS 8/17; MM 8/17; Al-Hayat 8/17 in FBIS 8/18; MM 8/18 Al-Hayat 8/18, 8/20 in FBIS 8/25; MM 8/22)

Swedish Dep. FM Mona Sahlin postpones return visit to Israel after Israel again refuses her request to meet with Palestinians in Orient House. (JP 8/26; WT 8/30) (see 5/15)

IDF solider is court-martialed, jailed for refusing to evict Jewish settlers fr. illegal West Bank camp. (QY 8/16 in FBIS 8/16)

Israeli Atty. Gen. Mikhael Ben-Ya'ir approves regulation giving responsibility for security inside settlements to Israeli police only, leaving IDF to handle security around settlements and intervene inside only in emergencies. (MA 8/16 in FBIS 8/16) (see 8/6)

Special Israeli ministerial comm. (led by PM Yitzhak Rabin, Police M Moshe Shahal) overrides the orders of Atty. Gen. Ben-Ya'ir, Justice M David Liba'i, extends Shin Bet's authority to use physical force on Palestinian suspects during interrogation for 2 mos. (HA 8/16 in FBIS 8/17; NYT 8/17; JP 8/19, 8/26)

2 Israeli historians announce findings that Israeli troops carried out several mass killings in the Sinai in 1967 in which about 1,000 Egyptian prisoners were killed. (WP, WT 8/18; WP, WT 8/19; NYT, WT 8/21; JP 8/26)

In Gaza, PA arrests 4 Hamas mbrs on charge of plotting an attack inside Israel. IDF extends closure of o.t. begun 8/9 to 8/18. (QY 8/16, IDF Radio 8/17 in FBIS 8/17; MA 8/18 in IL 8/18)

In Tunis, PLO Exec. Comm. opens 2-day mtg. to discuss Oslo B agmt. 10 of 18 mbrs. attend. PLO Dep. Qaddumi, PFLP, DFLP boycott. Fr. Amman, Qaddumi strongly criticizes Oslo B, calls on PLO, Fatah to adopt his alternative draft "Palestinian National Program." (AFP 8/12, AFP, al-Ra'y 8/14 in FBIS 8/14; SA 8/13, RMC, VOP 8/15 in FBIS 8/15; MM 8/15, 8/16; SA 8/16 in FBIS 8/16)

Israel says U.S. Amb. Indyk is pressuring it to include Jordanian companies in the U.S.-Israel BIRD Foundation for research and development of advanced technologies. (YA 8/14 in FBIS 8/15)

Israeli Police M Shahal warns PA that the East Jerusalem Municipal Council is illegal (see 6/10), Palestinians introducing themselves as mbrs. of the council will be arrested; tells Palestinian bodies operating offices in East Jerusalem to close within 2 wks or police will move against them. (QY 8/14 in FBIS 8/15)

Israeli police arrest 3 settlers in connection with death of Palestinian 8/13. 250 settlers protest the arrest. (QY 8/14 in FBIS 8/14; CSM 8/15)

In retaliation for attack 8/13, IAF launches 14 strikes against PFLP-GC bases nr. al-Nai'ma, s. Lebanon, injuring 6 civilians. Arab League calls on U.S., Russia to rein in Israel. (QPAR, RE 8/14 in FBIS 8/15; NYT 8/15; SARR 8/15 in FBIS 8/16)

IDF closes West Bank, Gaza until 8/16. (ITV 8/14 in FBIS 8/15)

Israeli cabinet approves (15-1, 2 abstentions) 8/11 Oslo B agmt. PM Rabin decides to not submit draft to Knesset for vote but wait until comprehensive interim agmt. is reached. (IDF Radio, QY 8/13, JP 8/14 in FBIS 8/14; FT, MM 8/14; CSM, MM 8/15; HA 8/15 in FBIS 8/16; WJW 8/17)

100 Palestinians overrun, tear down makeshift camp nr. Beyt El erected by Jewish settlers in protest over Oslo B agmt. Settlers open fire, killing 1 Palestinian, wounding another. Nr. Jenin, settlers storm nursery run by PA Agriculture Min., claim land, set up tents. Israeli police unsuccessfully try to evict them. 10 settler encampments are still in place. (CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/14; HA 8/14 in FBIS 8/15; PR 8/18)

IDF lifts closure on West Bank, Gaza. (HA 8/14 in FBIS 8/14)

FM Peres meets with Arafat before, after PA-Israeli "drafting comm." mtg. Both say they are closer to reaching preliminary self-rule agmt. Meanwhile, 10 comms meet in Elat to work out differences on specific issues blocking a final agmt. (MM, WT 8/10; AFP, ITV, MENA, QY, VOP 8/10, VOP 8/11 in FBIS 8/11)

2d group of 150 Palestinians is deported fr. Libya. Libya says it will continue expelling Palestinians to the self-rule areas via Egypt. PA says it has no agmt. with Libya to accept the deportees but PA, Israel have agreed to let them into Gaza. [Over the past 2 days, some 2,500 Egyptians have also been expelled. There are 40,000 Palestinians, 800,000-900,000 Egyptians in Libya.] (AFP, MENA 8/10 in FBIS 8/11; MM 8/11; PR 8/18) (see 8/9)

Jordan gives asylum to Iraqi defectors Lt. Gen. Hussein Kamel Hassan, Lt. Col. Saddam Kamel Hassan (both sons-in-law of Pres. Saddam Hussein), their families, 15 other army officers. Lt. Gen. Kamel headed Iraq's weapons program; Lt. Col. Kamel was chief of security. (NYT, WP, WT 8/11; CSM 8/14)

PA police arrest 5 Hamas mbrs. in Gaza, IDF arrests 17 West Bank Palestinians; all are accused of plotting attacks for Hamas. IDF orders West Bank, Gaza closure extended until 8/13. (QY 8/10 in FBIS 8/10; YA 8/11 in IL 8/11; WP 8/12) (see 8/9)

In Taba, PA, Israel modify zones defined 6/17, accepted 6/27: Zone A will include only Jenin, Nablus, Tulkarm, Qalqiliyya; Zone B will include Ramallah, Bethlehem as well as villages, refugee camps; Zone C remains the same. PA also gives Israel a working paper proposing 3-stage prisoner release. (MM 8/9; QY 8/9 in FBIS 8/9)

200 Palestinians are deported fr. Libya, sent on busses through Egypt to Rafah checkpoint at Gaza border. (AFP, MENA 8/10 in FBIS 8/11)

Based on information received fr. the PA, IDF closes West Bank, Gaza until 8/11, citing security precautions. (ITV 8/9 in FBIS 8/10; WT 8/10; YA 8/11 in IL 8/11)

Settlers set up makeshift camp on 25 acres of land nr. Carmel Zur settlement nr. Hebron. 100s of Palestinians protest, clash with IDF soldiers. (PR 8/18)

Tel Aviv District Court charges Israeli-Arab Muhammad al-Mu`ati Hajj Abdallah, a Shin Bet operative, with offering the PA his services as a double agent. (QY 8/9 in FBIS 8/9)

Under new media law (see 7/18), PA closes Hamas's al-Watan and an Islamic Jihad's al-Istiqlal for criticizing Arafat, printing material "against the Palestinian Authority" that harms the PA's relations with Arab states, leaking photo of Arafat's baby to the French press. (AFP 8/6 in FBIS 8/7; MM, WT 8/7; PR 8/11)

In Gaza, Arafat receives Israeli Arab Front delegation, discusses peace process, future of Israeli settlements. Front voices support for Arafat, PA. (VOP 8/6 in FBIS 8/8)

PM Rabin, Police M Shahal, Justice M Liba'i, Atty. Gen. Ben-Ya'ir, reps of the police, IDF, Shin Bet meet, decide police only will be used to handle protesting settlers; IDF will be called in as needed. (MM 8/7; MA 8/7 in FBIS 8/7; MA 8/16 in FBIS 8/16)

Arab League passes resolution condemning Israel's 8/2 decision on Temple Mount/al-Aqsa mosque. (MENA 8/6 in FBIS 8/8)

Israeli police open Temple Mount/al-Aqsa courtyard to Jews but then close site to all after sensing tensions with Palestinians. 100s of Jews overrun police barriers, try to force their way in, clash with police and Palestinians. Area will be closed until 8/7. (QY 8/6 in FBIS 8/7; CSM, WP 8/7; HA 8/7 in IL 8/7; PR 8/11; JP 8/12) (see 8/2)

In Ramallah, Fatah, Peace Now agree to wage joint media campaign to promote the peace process. (Davar 8/6 in FBIS 8/8)

Several mbrs of the House, headed by Rep. Nick Rahall, fly to Lebanon in effort to end U.S. travel ban. (WT 8/4)

In Gaza, PA Planning M Shaath, U.S. Amb. to Israel Indyk sign agmt. whereby USAID will give the PA $11 m. for first stage of a 4-yr., $40-m. waste water project. (VOP 7/28 in FBIS 7/28; PR 8/4; JP 8/5)

Fatah Central Comm. meets in Gaza, discusses PA negotiations with Israel, criticizes Arafat for trying to reclaim parts of Golan. (SA, VOP 7/27 in FBIS 7/28) (see 7/24)

In Nazareth, Israeli police raid office of Islamic Aid Comm., confiscate material allegedly showing comm. transfers money fr. U.S. to families of Hamas deportees. (QY 7/27 in FBIS 7/28; MM 7/28)

Nr. Tel Aviv, suicide bomber kills 5 Israelis, injures 33 in bus bombing, marking 1st attack inside Israel since 1/22. Hamas is suspected. IDF seals Gaza, West Bank. PM Rabin temporarily halts negotiations but vows they will continue; both sides suggest continuing talks outside Israel. (MM 8/25; IDF Radio, QPAR, QY, SARR, VOP 7/24 in FBIS 7/24; QY, VOP 7/24 in FBIS 7/25; CSM, FT, MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/25; NYT, WT 7/26; CSM, WJW 7/27; PR 7/28; MEI 8/4; JP 8/5) (see 7/12)

PA demands return of part of the Golan to Palestinian control in bid to improve their position in water negotiations with Israel; says Syria gave area to PLO in 1964. Unofficially, Syria disputes this, saying the Arab League gave the area to Syria after the 1948 war, sovereignty was affirmed under 1949 armistice agmt. (AFP 7/24 in FBIS 7/26; MM 7/25; VOP 7/26 in FBIS 7/27; AFP 7/26 in FBIS 7/28; MM 7/31)

At Erez checkpoint, PA Social Affairs M Intisar al-Wazir, Israeli Labor and Welfare M Ora Namir hold 1st talks on ways of cooperating on labor, social security, welfare; discuss economic importance of Palestinians working in Israel. (QY 7/24 in FBIS 7/25)

UN endorses 6-mo. extension of UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon but recommends 10% cut in size. (WT 7/26; RL 7/29 in FBIS 7/31)

Israeli Civil Administration gives eviction order to settlers occupying Givat Hatamar hill nr. Efrat. (QY 7/26 in FBIS 7/27)

Israel releases 3 Americans detained 7/22. (WP 7/25)

Suha Arafat gives birth to baby girl, Zahwa, in Paris. (NYT, WT 7/25; WSJ 7/26; MM 7/27; PR 7/28)

Senate approves draft bill that would cancel Jordan's debt, sends it to Pres. Clinton for signature. (al-Dustur, JTV 7/22 in FBIS 7/24)

In Amman, Jordanian FM Kabariti receives Russian Dep. FM Posuvalyuk, discusses bilateral relations, peace process, Bosnia, sanctions on Iraq. (RJ 7/22 in FBIS 7/24)

PSF West Bank cmdr. Maj. Gen. Nasr Yusuf tours Jenin in preparation IDF withdrawal, says he expects to be given responsibility for Jenin in next several wks. (VOP 7/21 in FBIS 7/21)

PA graduates 125 new security agents to be deployed in West Bank after IDF pullback. (WJW 8/3)

Nr. Beyt El, West Bank, Israeli police arrest 13 settlers blocking roads, burning tires, clashing with police in protest over government negotiations with the PA. (MM 7/21; QY 7/21 in FBIS 7/21)

In dawn raids in Gaza City, PA police arrest 11 PFLP mbrs., incl. top officials, in connection with 7/18 attack. (AFP 7/21 in FBIS 7/24)

U.S. envoy Ross makes unexpected return trip to Damascus to meet with FM al-Shara`, unsuccessfully tries to set date and agenda of next round of Syrian-Israeli military talks. (MM 7/13; MBC, SARR 7/13 in FBIS 7/14; MM 7/14)

PA charge d'affaires to Jordan `Umar al-Khatib announces Israel, PA have agreed that "PA nationals" abroad, whose travel permits were valid when they left but have expired, may return to the PA areas at any time without having to renew the permits, no matter how long they were abroad. (al-Ra'y 7/13 in FBIS 7/13)

Delegates fr. Egypt, the EU, Israel, Jordan, the PA hold land transport infrastructure working group mtg. in Amman; discuss need for regional highway system, construction of bridges in Jordan. (JTV 7/13 in FBIS 7/18)

PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. and frmr. top negotiator Mahmud Abbas meets with Arafat in Gaza to discuss the Palestinian stand on negotiations with Israel. (VOP 7/13 in FBIS 7/13)

Heads of 4 leading U.S. rabbinical movements present Congress mbrs. with signatures of 600 U.S. rabbis supporting continued aid to the PLO. (MM 7/14)

Israeli Civil Administration appoints Lt. Col. Barukh Nagar, convicted several yrs ago of attacking 2 Palestinians, as governor of Hebron. (QY 7/13 in FBIS 7/14)

PM Rabin says hill nr. Efrat occupied by settlers 7/12 has been zoned for settlement for more than a yr., says he will approve requests that mobile homes be set up at the site. (QY 7/13 in FBIS 7/14)

Hamas-PFLP coalition wins al-Najah student elections by vote of 43-28, marking 1st time in 14 yrs. that Fatah has lost the election. (PR 7/28)

Jordanian FMin. says FM Kabariti has held several mtgs. with the Kuwaiti charge d'affaires in Amman, numerous Jordanian officials have met with their Kuwaiti counterparts in an attempt to normalize relations, which soured during the Gulf War. (al-Dustur 7/13 in FBIS 7/14)

In Gaza, Arafat, FM Peres sketch out principles of deal on West Bank self-rule, elections; overcome most differences on security for Zone B areas; agree to form comm. to discuss future of Hebron; appoint new, expanded teams (led by PA Economics M Qurai`, Israeli FMin. Dir. Gen. Uri Savir) to hammer out agmt. by 7/25. Deal will include prisoner release. (AFP, ITV, VOP 7/4, QY 7/5 in FBIS 7/5; NYT, WP, WT 7/5; HA, ITV, QY, VOP 7/5, al-Hayat 7/6 in FBIS 7/6; CSM 7/6; JP 7/7 in FBIS 7/11; PR 7/9; WP 7/10)

IDF says number of anti-Israeli attacks in s. Lebanon has increased by 50% since beginning of 1995, while incidents in West Bank, Gaza have dropped by 50%. Number of incidents in Jerusalem have remained unchanged. (QY 7/4 in FBIS 7/7)

Lebanese FM Buwayz sets 3 conditions for resumption of negotiations with Israel: U.S. must send Lebanon a credible Israeli proposal for review; proposal must not contradict Lebanese principles for resuming talks; Israel must 1st withdraw fr. s. Lebanon. (RL 6/22 in FBIS 6/23)

Multilateral Working Group on Water closes session in Amman. Parties propose joint projects totalling $50 m. (IGPO 6/23 in FBIS 6/28)

FM Peres, Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan meet in Amman, discuss water, technical, scientific cooperation. (MM 6/22; QY 6/22 in FBIS 6/22; RJ 6/22 in FBIS 6/23)

Arafat holds mtgs with Israeli Knesset Dep. Speaker Rafael Edri on implementation of 2d stage of self-rule; with UN coordinator Terje Larsen on UN activities in the o.t.; with World Bank rep. Kem Chin on donor states' assistance. (VOP 6/23 in FBIS 6/23)

Mahmud al-Khawaja, top leader of Islamic Jihad, is killed in a drive-by shooting in Gaza. Islamic Jihad blames Israeli security services, vows retaliation. Israel neither confirms, denies the accusation. (AFP 6/22 in FBIS 6/22; AFP 6/22, SA 6/23 in FBIS 6/23; CSM, MM, NYT, WT 6/23; PR 7/2)

In Hebron, IDF shuts 4th mosque in 2 wks. after security forces find alleged Hamas material during raid. (PR 6/18; QY 6/22 in FBIS 6/23) (see 6/15)

In Ramallah, IDF shoots, wounds 4 Palestinians during demonstration by 100s of Palestinians in support of prisoners' hunger strike. (HA 6/23 in FBIS 6/23) (see 6/17)

IDF shells Hizballah positions in s. Lebanon, killing 1 child. (QY 6/23 in FBIS 6/23; WP 6/24)

To date, 55 senators have signed onto Sen. Robert Dole's bill that would move the U.S. embassy in Israel fr. Tel Aviv to Jerusalem (see 5/9). Secy. of State Christopher warns senators Clinton will veto. (JP 6/22 in FBIS 6/22)

Georgian Pres. Eduard Shevardnaze meet with Pres. Weizman, PM Rabin, says Georgia will open embassy in Jerusalem before end of the yr. (QY 6/18, 6/19 in FBIS 6/19)

Russian Dep. FM Posuvalyuk meets with King Hussein in Amman, discusses peace process. (RJ 6/18 in FBIS 6/19)

FM Peres, DM Mordechi Gur brief Irish FM Spring on status of Jerusalem, Israeli relations with Lebanon, Syria; try to dissuade him fr. visiting Palestinian officials at Orient House. Spring then meets with Arafat in Gaza. (ITV, QY 6/18, HA 6/19 in FBIS 6/19; MM 6/19; IGPO 6/19 in FBIS 6/20)

David Levy, who quit Likud on 6/6, announces he will run for PM as head of his own party, tentatively called New Way. Party should have strong pull with pro-Likud North African, Arab Jews. (MM, NYT 6/19; QY 6/18, MA 6/19 in FBIS 6/19; MM 6/20; CSM 6/27)

IDF stops settlers fr. building road nr. Hashmona'im settlement. (IDF Radio 6/18 in FBIS 6/20)

Hizballah ambushes IDF patrol in s. Lebanon, killing 3 soldiers, wounding 7, losing 2 of their own. IDF shells Nabatiyya area in response, killing 1 Lebanese civilian. (QY 6/18, HA 6/19 in FBIS 6/19; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/19; BT 6/29; JP 6/24)

In Gaza, PA police arrest Hamas mbr. Bassam `Isa. 10s of Palestinians take to the street in protest. (QY 6/16 in FBIS 6/16)

PM Rabin, FM Peres brief Norwegian FM Godal on redeployment, transfer of authority talks with PA, negotiations with Syria. (IDF Radio, QY 6/14 in FBIS 6/14)

U.S. Asst. Secy. of State Pelletreau arrives in Lebanon to discuss bilateral relations, assure Pres. Hrawi that the U.S. has not forgotten the Lebanese track of the peace process even though Christopher did not visit Beirut on his recent tour. (MM 6/13, 6/14; RL 6/14 in FBIS 6/14; MM 6/15; RL, VOL 6/15 in FBIS 6/16)

Nr. Rafah in Gaza, Israeli border guards shoot, kill 3 Palestinians (1 Fatah Hawk, 2 fr. Force 17--Arafat's "presidential guard") in border crossing incident. Arafat says he will investigate. (WP 6/14; QY, VOP 6/14 in FBIS 6/14; IDF Radio, VOP 6/14 in FBIS 6/15; CSM, MM, NYT, WP 6/15; PR 6/18; WJW 6/22; JP 6/24; MEI 7/21)

Israeli FMin. says DMin. routinely detains mail fr. self-rule areas, o.t., Israel Arabs to assess attitudes toward Israel, PA; says it is entitled to do this "by virtue of its responsibility for the PA's external security and foreign relations." Both international, intercity mail are effected. (HA 6/14 in FBIS 6/16)

Israeli police arrest 5 yeshiva students in connection with 6/13 attack on Faisal Husseini's house. (JP 6/14 in FBIS 6/14)

In Cairo, PA-Israeli talks open on transferring 8 spheres of authority (see 5/22). (VOP 5/29 in FBIS 5/3)

Jordan suddenly bans antinormalization rally just before it begins, sending scores of police to disperse 100s of demonstrators. (JT, QY, RJ 5/29 in FBIS 5/30; CSM, MM 5/30; JT 5/30 in FBIS 5/31; MM 6/6; MEI 6/9; WP 7/14) (see 5/18)

Arafat rejects Fatah request to ban return of `Atallah `Atallah to Gaza. (QY 5/29 in FBIS 5/31) (see 3/2)

In Gaza, Arafat briefs Russian Dep. FM Posuvalyuk on status of peace talks. Posuvalyuk then heads to Beirut for mtg. with FM Faris Buwayz. (VOP 5/25 in FBIS 5/26; RL 5/26 in FBIS 5/31)

In midnight trial, PA military court sentences 2 Palestinians to 8 mos for selling arms to Hamas. (AI Index 6/95)

22 U.S. senators call on Pres. Clinton to work immediately to develop industrial parks in self-rule areas to counter the appeal of Hamas, Islamic Jihad. (MM 5/31)

In Gaza, FM Peres, Arafat discuss industrial parks. In a gesture of goodwill in light of land conflict, Peres increases number of Palestinians allowed to work in Israel to 35,000, says PA will be allowed to take over 8 more spheres (5 agreed upon 5/16 plus agriculture, census and statistics, local administration) before 7/1. (MM 5/22; IDF Radio, QY, VOP 5/22 in FBIS 5/23; NYT 5/23; PR 5/28)

PM Rabin suspends confiscation of 134 acres of land in Jerusalem, killing no-confidence vote brought by Arab and rightist MKs that could have collapsed the government (see 5/17). Arab nations postpone minisummit on Jerusalem (see 5/21). (MM 5/22; ESC Television, IDF Radio, MENA, QY, VOP 5/22, MA, MENA, QY, VOP 5/23 in FBIS 5/23; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/23; CSM, MM 5/24; WJW 5/25; MEI 5/26; PR 6/28; JP 6/3; WSJ 6/6; MEI 6/9)

FM Peres tells Arafat that Israel will loan the PA $125 m.--the sum Israel should hand over for tax collection on behalf of PA but cannot due to delays in Knesset legislation. (QY 5/22 in FBIS 5/23)

PLO's Qaddumi meets with heads of Palestinian opposition groups in Damascus, incl. DFLP's Nayif Hawatmeh, Islamic Jihad's Fathi Shiqaqi, Palestinian National Grouping's (PNG) Bassam al-Shak'a, a Hamas rep. (RMC 5/23 in FBIS 5/24)

UNRWA Commissioner Gen. Ilter Türkman meets with Arafat in Gaza to discuss UN activities in Gaza, Jericho. (UNRWA News 6/2)

IDF soldier opens fire on, throws grenades into Jaffa church, causing extensive damage but no casualties. 11 Palestinians are injured when clashes erupt outside church btwn. Palestinians, Israeli police. (ITV, QY 5/22 in FBIS 5/23; WT 5/23; MM, WT 5/24)

3-days of elections talks close in Cairo. Sides agree PA will be in charge of maintaining security during elections, joint patrols will be used. PM Rabin says Palestinians fr. Jerusalem will not be allowed to run; Israel, not the PA, will carry out population census using 5,000 Palestinian teachers (see 4/28). A tripartite (EU, Israel, PA) comm. will be set up to discuss international monitors during elections. (AFP, IDF Radio, MENA, VOP 5/16, MENA 5/17 in FBIS 5/17; AFP, MENA, QY, VOP 5/17 in FBIS 5/18; PR 5/21)

2-day multilateral steering comm. mtgs on peace process open in Montreux, Switzerland. Syria, Lebanon boycott. Working groups on water, arms control, refugees, economic development, environment meet. (HA, QY 5/17 in FBIS 5/18)

For 1st time since 1990, U.S. vetoes UN resolution criticizing Israel. U.S. Amb. Madeline Albright calls veto "a matter of principle." Last-minute Russian proposal for UNSC presidential letter reproving Israel is rejected by U.S. as too strong, by PLO as too weak. Resolution would have invalidated Israel's 4/27 seizure of 134 acres of Arab-owed land in East Jerusalem. (MENA, VOP 5/17, MENA, QY, VOP 5/18 in FBIS 5/18; MM, NYT, WT 5/18; AFP, ITV, MENA, RE, RMC, VOP 5/18, MENA, VOP 5/19 in FBIS 5/19; MM, WT 5/19; MEI 6/9, 6/26) (see Doc. D7 in JPS 96)

PM Rabin says Israel would not object to having Syria deploy an early warning station on Israeli territory if Israel can maintain an equivalent system on Syrian soil. (MM 5/17)

60 of 80 mbrs. of the Jordanian parliament, incl. deputies who had approved the Jordan-Israel treaty, ask the government to freeze or cancel the treaty, recall Jordan's amb. to Israel, expel the Israeli amb. in protest over Israel's land confiscations. (MM 5/18; QY, RJ, SARR 5/18 in FBIS 5/18; SA 5/19 in FBIS 5/23; JP 5/27)

In Rabat, Arab League Secy. Gen. Ismat `Abd al-Majid talks with King Hassan on holding summit to discuss Israeli confiscations of Palestinian land in Jerusalem, leaves for Cairo to confer with Pres. Husni Mubarak. Mubarak, Syria's Pres. Hafiz al-Asad discuss plans by phone. (MKR, RE 5/18, RE 5/19 in FBIS 5/19; RMC 5/19, AFP, RMC 5/21 in FBIS 5/22)

PA police raid 5 Gaza mosques in search of "inflammatory material," tear pro-Hamas placards off walls; issue order banning "provocative actions in mosques." (QY 5/17 in FBIS 5/17)

MK `Abd al-Wahhab Darawshah, head of Israel's Arab Democratic Party (ADP), says Arafat has urged him to withdraw ADP's no confidence motion over the Jerusalem land confiscation. Arafat's office denies it, saying PA does not interfere in Israeli domestic affairs. (QY 5/17 in FBIS 5/17; QY 5/17 in FBIS 5/18) (see 5/15)

1 IDF soldier, 1 Hizballah mbr. are killed, 7 Hizballah mbrs, 3 IDF soldiers, 1 SLA mbr. are wounded in 2 clashes in s. Lebanon. (MM 5/17; CSM, MM 5/18; JP 5/27; MEI 6/9)

Permanent extension of NPT is passed by consensus, without vote. Nations making critical speeches incl. Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Malaysia, Nigeria. (MM, NYT, WP 5/12; MENA 5/12, 5/13, 5/14, RE 5/14, MENA 5/15 in FBIS 5/15)

To date, 20 Republicans, 2 Democrats have signed on to Dole bill on move embassy to Jerusalem. Administration presses Democrats to reject bill. (MM 5/11)

PA says 500 guns have been registered since 5/11 deadline was declared 4/12. (JP 5/20, NYT 5/21)

PA, Israel reach agmt. that prevents disconnection of phone service to o.t. Israel will deduct communications debt. fr. aid it is donating to PA. (QY 5/12 in FBIS 5/12) (see 4/24)

PA receives 2 helicopters fr. Egypt for flying PA mbrs. btwn. Gaza, Jericho. Flights must have Israeli approval. (VOP 5/11 in FBIS 5/15; MENA 5/11 in FBIS 5/16)

Pres. Clinton picks Jay Footlik as his "special liaison" to the Jewish community. Footlik's job is to "monitor issues of concern to American Jews, ensuring Jewish access to the president and arranging for Clinton to attend relevant Jewish community events." (WJW 5/11)

PA-Israeli Joint Liaison Comm. meets for 2d day in Cairo. FM Peres offers PA Planning M Shaath sudden concessions to Palestinians at negotiating table in light of Jerusalem issue). Sides agree to set up unofficial Jerusalem Comm. to address expropriation issue. Israel offers to broaden PA autonomy in West Bank, Gaza but dispute over land confiscation in Jerusalem prevents agmt. (MENA 5/7, QY, RE 5/8 in FBIS 5/8; MENA, VOP 5/8 in FBIS 5/9; WT 5/9; MEI, WP 5/12)

At AIPAC conference, Sen. Dole announces he will submit legislation to force U.S. to move embassy in Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Israel reacts coolly. Jordan, Morocco, UAE criticize  initiative, urge UNSC action. (ITV 5/8, QY 5/9 in FBIS 5/9; CSM, MM, WP 5/10; NYT, WT 5/11; MEI, WP 5/12)

Syria refuses Jordan's request to name amb. to Jordan, host visit of Jordanian FM Kabariti to Damascus to try to improve bilateral relations. (MM 5/9; al-Bilad 5/10 in FBIS 5/9 [dates as printed]; al-Quds 5/9 in FBIS 5/12) (see 12/14/94)

Rabin meets with mbrs. of Congress; presses them not to reduce foreign aid, aid to Israel, Arab partners in peace effort; discusses Iranian threat, talks with  Syria, PA about efforts to end attacks against Israeli targets; backs away fr. supporting Dole initiative to move embassy to Jerusalem. (NYT, WT 5/9)

In Amman, Jordan, Israel initial draft agmts. on regulating agriculture, energy, environmental cooperation; postpone initialing draft trade accord that will give Israel preferential tariffs for Jordanian goods. The accord would be 1st by Arab country to give preferential treatment to Israel. (WT 5/9)

Jordan's amb. to Israel Muasher warns Dep. FM Beilin that Jordan will chill relations with Israel if it does not reverse land confiscations in Jerusalem. (WP 5/12, CSM 5/15)

Jordan reportedly gives 2 Hamas mbrs. residing in Amman 1-mo. notice to leave country. (MM 5/9) (see 4/13)

IDF closes al-Quds office in Nablus, claiming it materials there linking the paper to Hamas. (HA, JP 5/10 in FBIS 5/11) (see 1/16)

Israel releases 250 pro-Fatah Palestinian prisoners, lifts curfew on Hebron (see 4/19) as goodwill gesture for Id al-Adha. (QY 5/8 in FBIS 5/8; NYT 5/9; CSM 5/10)

PLO Tokyo mission closes due to lack of funds. (al-Manar 5/8 in FBIS 5/11)

In Damascus, Egyptian FM Musa meets with Syrian FM al-Shara`, transmits message fr. Pres. Mubarak to Pres. al-Asad on bilateral coordination, consultation on peace process, regional issues. (SARR 5/2 in  FBIS 5/2; RE 3/2 in FBIS 3/3)

In Gaza, Arafat meets with EU delegation, U.S. Consul Gen. Edward Abington to discuss outcomes of Paris donor's mtg. 4/27-28. (VOP 5/3 in FBIS 5/4)

PA invites Canada, EC, Egypt, Japan, Jordan, Norway, Russia to participate in 1,000-mbr. elections observer force. Arafat opens Palestine Central Elections Comm. headquarters in Gaza. (ITV 3/2 in FBIS 3/3; JP 5/13)

PA says direct phone line btwn. Arafat, Rabin has been set up so they can make rapid decision as problems arise, esp. concerning IDF, police, border issues. (YA 5/3 in FBIS 5/4)

U.S. Amb. to the UN Albright meets with Israeli PM Rabin, FM Peres, PA Local Government M Erakat, PA Information M `Abid Rabbu; discusses settlements, new U.S. trade ban on Iran, terrorism. Rabin gives support for U.S. dual containment policy; heads to Jordan for mtg. on peace process with Crown Prince Hassan. (WT 5/2; JP, QY 5/2 in FBIS 5/2; JTV, RJ, VOP 5/2 in FBIS 5/3; MM 5/3)

PA military court gives 1st death sentence to Palestinian police officer for killing 2d officer, gives him 14 days to appeal. (ITV 3/2 in FBIS 3/3; NYT 5/3; WT 5/15) (see 4/24)

Masked Israeli border policemen raid Makassed hospital in East Jerusalem in search of "Palestinian activists"; prevent ambulance workers fr. admitting patients. (WT 5/3)

Israel closes o.t. for 4 days, over Remembrance Day holiday. (QY 4/30 in FBIS 5/1)

PA Planning M Shaath says PA-Israeli Joint Liaison Comm. talks on expanding self-rule, scheduled for 4/30, are postponed until 5/8; gives no reason for delay. (AFP 4/22 in FBIS 4/24)

Islamic Jihad offers to end attacks against Israeli targets in Gaza, Jericho until 7/1, if PA releases mbrs. in prison, cancels prison terms imposed by military court, Israel promises not to carry out actions against Gaza. PM Rabin rejects deal unless all attacks are halted. (ITV 4/22, MENA, QY 4/23, AFP 4/24 in FBIS 4/24; CSM, MM 4/24; WT 4/25; WJW 4/27)

Following weekend of talks with PA, DFLP spokesman Ahmad Hamad announces group has decided to end all operations against Israel; expects DFLP detainees to be released, 1 DFLP office to be reopened, new paper al-Jamahir to publish as result. (QY 4/22, AFP, QY 4/24 in FBIS 4/24)

2 Hamas mbrs. are sentenced to 7 and 4 yrs respectively in PA closed military court. 15 mbrs. are released. (QY 4/22 in FBIS 4/24; NYT 4/24)

Rabin says he would accept a Palestinian state in Gaza if Palestinians would drop claims to rest of o.t.; PA Planning M Shaath rejects idea. Rabin also calls on Arafat to arrest all Palestinians who assist or incite anti-Israeli attacks, incl. religious leaders. (MM 4/13; JP 4/13 in FBIS 4/13; MM 4/20, 4/21)

IDF confiscates 4,080 Palestinian passports issued to West Bank, Jerusalem residents leaving to perform hajj; says passports are "a muscle-flexing move on the part of the PA, as it tries to show it has authority" in West Bank, only Palestinians fr. self-rule areas can have them. (QY 4/13 in FBIS 4/14; JP 4/29) (see 3/30)

Jordanian Interior Min. officials question Hamas spokesman Ibrahim Ghawshah about making "press statements against another state," following PA complaints 4/12. Government says Hamas mbrs. live in, but Hamas does not operate as a group fr. Jordan. (AFP, RMC, VOP 4/13 in FBIS 4/13; ITV 4/13 in FBIS 4/14)

Arafat orders closure of al-Hayat al-Jadid, which began publishing in Gaza 11/20/94, citing breech of loyalty agmt. reached with its owner Nabil `Amr, editor Hafiz Barghouti. (al-Ahali 4/13 in FBIS 4/20)

After Hamas-run al-Watan criticizes PA arrest of Hamas mbrs. following 4/9 bombings, PA police raid paper's Gaza offices, detain editors Sayyid Abu Musamih, Ghazi Hammad; release them hours later. (QY 4/13 in FBIS 4/14)

Israel puts curfew on Hebron, closes borders with Gaza, West Bank to prevent violence during, keep Palestinians out of Israel through Passover. (QY 4/12 in FBIS 4/12; MM, NYT 4/13; QY 4/13, 4/14 in FBIs 4/14; WT 4/14, 4/15)

Rabbi Ido Elba, spiritual leader of Kiryat Arba arrested in 8/94 in connection with Hebron massacre, is sentenced to 2 yrs for inciting racism for saying "thou shalt not kill" commandment does not apply to Jews killing non-Jews. (JP 4/22)

PA continues crackdown on Hamas, Islamic Jihad in Gaza, bringing number of alleged mbrs. in custody to more than 300, gives Palestinians until 5/11 to register weapons with police or have them confiscated. PA Atty. Gen. al-Qidra say 35 Palestinians are scheduled to go before military court. (VOP 4/11, QY 4/12, VOP 4/12 in FBIS 4/12; MM 4/12; VOP 5/12 in FBIS 5/13; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/13; JP 4/22)

PA approves appointment of Ziyad al-Majali as Jordan's diplomatic representative in the self-rule areas. PA M Jamil al-Tarifi delivers message fr. Arafat to King Hussein, expressing PA's desire to coordinate with Jordan on all aspects of negotiations. (RJ 4/12, JT 4/13 in FBIS 4/13)

Arafat asks Jordan to crack down on Hamas elements in kingdom, prevent them fr. publishing leaflets. (MENA, VOP 4/12 in FBIS 4/13; MM 4/13)

FBI sends team to Gaza to investigate death of 1, wounding of 3 Americans in 4/9 bombing. Under 1986 law, U.S. can investigate crimes against its citizens overseas, prosecute defendants in U.S. courts. (NYT 4/12; MM, WP, WT 4/13; CSM 4/14)

U.S. envoy Ross stops briefly in Amman to discuss bilateral relations, update Crown Prince Hassan on recent shuttle mission btwn. Syria, Israel; leaves for Washington. (MM 4/10; RJ 4/10 in FBIS 4/11)

Middle East Economic Summit steering comm. (incl. representatives fr. 30 countries, international bodies) meets in Amman, announces follow-up conference to 10/94 Casablanca summit will be held 10/29-31. (JT 4/11 in FBIS 4/11; WT 4/23; MM 4/27)

PA cracks down on Islamist opposition in reaction to 4/9 bombings, arresting 112 alleged Hamas, Islamic Jihad mbrs. Arafat convenes new military court for closed-door, all-night trial; 1 Islamic Jihad mbr. given 15-yr. sentence for recruiting bombers. U.S. applauds measures. Palestinian police, Hamas mbrs. exchange gunfire in Gaza, no casualties. 1 American, 1 Israeli die of wounds sustained in bombings. (NYT 4/10; QY 4/10 in FBIS 4/10; AFP 4/10 in FBIS 4/11; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/11; NYT 4/13; JP 4/22)

Israel's Chief of Staff Shahak, Planning Branch head Maj. Gen. Uzi Dayan present PM Rabin with road separation plan for Gaza, recommending construction of separate north-south routes for Palestinians, leaving existing highways for IDF, Israelis only; say roads closed 4/9 will remain closed until Palestinians accept plan. (MM 4/11)

U.S. special coordinator Ross flies to Cairo to brief Pres. Mubarak on talks with PM Rabin, Pres. al-Asad, then returns to Tel Aviv for scheduled mtg. with PM Rabin, which Rabin cancels. Israeli Amb. Rabinovitch says Syria's insistence on "equality" is preventing progress in talks. (ITV, MENA 4/9 in FBIS 4/10; MM 4/10; WJW 4/13)

In 2 separate incidents nr. Jewish settlements in Gaza,  suicide bombers drive explosive-laden cars into bus, military jeep, killing 8 (incl. 1 American), wounding 46 (incl. 3 Americans). Islamic Jihad takes credit for 1st bombing, Hamas for 2d. Both are apparently in response to 4/2 explosion for which both groups blame Israel. PM Rabin credits closure with preventing attacks fr. occurring inside Israel, says he will not let attacks halt negotiations. Pres. Weizman calls for halt to talks.(IDF Radio, QPAR, QY, SARR, SATN, VOP 4/9 in FBIS 4/10; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/10; CSM, WP 4/11; MEI, WJW 4/14)

Secy. of State Christopher sends Arafat message that he must take stronger measures to ensure those attacking Israelis are found, shut down. (MM 4/10)

IDF says 2 main Gaza roads will be permanently closed to Palestinians following bombings. Closing the roads--used by 1000s of Palestinians, 10s of Israelis daily--is meant to curb "terrorists' . . . freedom of action." (IDF Radio, HA 4/10 in FBIS 4/10; MM 4/11)

PM Rabin's settlement review comm. announces mtg. to consider 6,000 new housing units around Jerusalem, quickly calls it off when FM Peres, Communications M Shulamit Aloni, Justice M David Libai protest expansion. (NYT 4/10; WJW 4/13)

Hizballah tanks shell SLA patrol nr. Marja'uyun in s. Lebanon, killing 5 SLA mbrs. (WP 4/10)

U.S. envoy Ross, Arafat meet in Gaza; discuss closure, economic aid, Israeli security and settlement construction; leaves for Damascus. (MM 4/7; VOP 4/7, 4/8 in FBIS 4/10)

Egypt's Pres. Mubarak, Syria's Pres. al-Asad should meet in Cairo to assess the situation in the region, progress on Syrian and Lebanese tracks, evaluate international environment, discuss enhancing joint Arab action, esp. in the Arab League. (MENA 4/7, 4/9 in FBIS 4/10)

PA police arrest Shaykh Ahmad Bahar after he gives anti-PA sermon at Friday prayer service. (MM 4/7)

Israeli police arrest sr. Orient House official Kamal Shwayka for operating Palestinian police force in Jerusalem. (JP 4/15)

IDF shells Hizballah positions in s. Lebanon in retaliation for Hizballah attack on IDF, SLA positions. 1 SLA mbr., 1 civilian killed. (WP 4/9)