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

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Def. Min. Rabin tells Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Com. that 4,912 people are being detained in Israeli jails [WP 4/27]. Israeli govemment suspends official accreditation of 2 American reporters for not submitting stories about assassination of Khalil al-Wazir (Abu Jihad) to military censor [WP 4/27]. Bulldozers uproot olive trees in Qatannah village, north of Jerusalem; village is under 2-day curfew [FJ 5/1]. In E. Jerusalem, shopowners strike to protest 4/25 arrest of 14 merchants [FJ 5/1].

Arab World: PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat leaves Damascus. PLO Pol. Dept. head Faruq al-Qaddumi remains in Syria for further talks with govemment officials [CSM 4/28]. In Damascus, DFLP leader Nayif Hawatmah threatens more attacks on Israel from S. Lebanon [NYT 5/1]. National Resistance Front also claims responsibility for attack on Israel [WP 4/27].

Other Countries: In The Hague, World Court rules U.S. must submit to arbitration over legislation ordering PLO to close its observer mission to UN [WP 4/27].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli patrol kills 3 Palestinian guerrillas who entered Israel across Lebanese border; 2 Israeli soldiers are killed [WP 4/27; NYT 4/28]. In Gaza Strip, student demonstrators stone soldiers in Gaza City and Jabalya, Beach, and Khan Yunis camps. Soldiers respond with tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition. In Sha'jiyyah quarter of Gaza City, authorities seal 6 rooms; 2 houses in Dayr al-Balah camp are also sealed [FJ 5/1].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus-area village of Burqa, Palestinian child dies of gunshot woundsuffered during demonstration 2/5 [NYT 2/8; FJ 2/14]. Dayr al-Balah youth dies in E. Jerusalem hospital from army-inflicted head injuries [WP 2/8]. General strike is observed throughout E. Jerusalem, W. Bank, and Gaza Strip. All government schools in E. Jerusalem are ordered closed [NYT 2/8]. Unanimous finding by Israeli High Court calls for creation of appeals court in Gaza Strip and W. Bank. Strike by Gaza's 300 Palestinian lawyers enters 6th week [NYT 2/9]. Palestinian youths riot in East Tapiot, Jewish neighborhood in E. Jerusalem, breaking windows, blockading streets, and fighting police. Police fire tear gas, rubber bullets to break up crowd [LAT 2/9].

Arab World: Iraqi Foreign Ministry official denies having direct contacts with Israeli officials during 1985 negotiations to build oil pipeline [WP 2/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Bayt Ummar, village north of Hebron, Israeli forces fire into crowd of stone throwers, killing 3, wounding at least 7. In nearby Bayt Fajjar, residents burn bus used to transport workers to Israel; at least 10 are wounded in clash between villagers and army. At least 1 is shot during demonstration in Halhul. In village of Jabal al-Mukabir, soldiers close off 2 roads after stone throwers attack Jewish houses. Police use military-delegated emergency powers to impose curfew on Jerusalem refugee camp after violent demonstrations in 4 E. Jerusalem neighborhoods [NYT, WP 2/8]. Violent demonstrations and clashes with police are reported in Jerusalem's Thuri quarter, 'Isawiyyah village, and nearby Silwan village. At least 9 are injured by police trying to disperse demonstrations. Shu'fat camp, north of Jerusalem, isordered under curfew after violent nightlong demonstration [FJ 2/14]. Military imposes curfews in Qalqiliyyah, 'Aqbat Jabir refugee camp, Tulkarm-area village of Hibla, Bayt 'Ur al-Tahta, and Kafr Malik after violent demonstrations. In Tulkarm, curfew is temporarily lifted to allow food distribution. Curfews continue in Nablus, old and new 'Askar camps, 'Ayn Bayt al-Ma', Tulkarm camp, Bani Na'im, 'A'idah camp, Jalazun camp, Am'ari camp, and 'Arrub camp [FJ 2/14]. Reports indicate 2 villagers are shot, killed: 1 during demonstration i Tulkarm, another in clash in Ayyub. Both demonstrations are instigated by rumors of settler attacks against Palestinians [WP 2/10]. UN officials report treating 37 residents of Jabalya refugee camp for beating injuries after army raid. At least 1 is shot, wounded in Khan Yunis [WP 2/8]. Soldiers conducting search for stone throwers in Burayj camp, seize youth, beat him, and leave him in orange grove; boy dies in hospital [LAT 2/9]. Arab World: PLO fighters surround house near 'Ayn al-Hilwah in S. Lebanon where gunmen are believed to be holding 2 UNRWA employees [LAT 2/8].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bethlehem U. reopens after 3-month military-ordered closure and immediately receives new closure order [NYT 2/4]. Hebron Polytechnic Institute and Hebron U. are closed indefinitely. Israel postpones indefinitely reopening of schools in Nablus, Jenin, and Tulkarm [FJ 2/7]. In Nazareth, 50 Muslim, Christian, Druze, and Jewish leaders condemn Israeli measures in occupied territories, express support for uprising [FJ 2/7].

Arab World: Lebanese Shi'i coalition Islamic Resistance Front threatens to kill Israeli soldier held captive for 2 years [WP 2/2].

Other Countries: U.S. envoy Philip Habib meets with Egypt's Pres. Mubarak in Paris before returning to Washington [WSJ 2/2]. U.S. vetos UN Security Council resolution setting forth UN role in Palestinian-Israeli peace negotiations and calling on Israel to abide by Geneva Convention terms [WP 2/2]. In Rome, Jordan's King Hussein visits with Pope John Paul II, meets with Egyptian F. M. 'Ismat 'Abd al-Magid [NYT 2/2].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In village of 'Anabta near Tulkarm, stone-throwing Palestinians attack army bus, settlers' cars, and police vehicle after blockading road. Israeli fires on demonstrators, killing 2, wounding 1. Officials are uncertain whether shots were fired by soldiers or settlers. Army patrol later disperses crowd with live ammunition, wounding 2 more. Settlers attack village during curfew, vandalizing houses, cars [WP 2/2; FJ 2/7]. Crowds throw rocks, bottles and block roads in cities, villages, and camps throughout W. Bank; 3 Palestinians are wounded in Jenin, and 2 are injured by army gunfire in Hebron-region village of Bani Na'im; village is placed under curfew. Violent disturbances are also reported in E. Jerusalem [WP 2/2; FJ 2/7]. Israeli authorities arrest 14 Palestinians during raid of Jerusalem's Thuri quarter [FJ 2/7]. More than 20 are arrested in early morning raid in Nablus [WP 2/2]. Balatah, new and old 'Askar, Duhayshah, Tulkarm, and Am'ari refugee camps and Nablus are under curfew [FJ 2/7]. In Gaza Strip, military imposes curfew on Burayj camp following violent stone-throwing demonstrations; curfew is lifted in Dayr al-Balah camp. Violent clashes are reported in Gaza Strip camps and cities; many Palestinians are injured by army gunfire and beatings [FJ 2/7]. At least 40 Palestinians have been killed since uprising began 12/9 [NYT 2/2]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Arab merchants in E. Jerusalem continue commercial strike. About 600 police and border police stand guard outside al-Haram al-Sharif; 4 Palestinians are arrested on charges of inciting demonstration. Jerusalem Police Chief Yosef Yehudai asks for, receives emergency security powers; Jerusalem neighborhood of al-Tur is placed under curfew [WP 1/23]. Military closes al-Quds for 45 days [FBIS 1/22]. Israel reports capture of 8-member armed PFLP cell in W. Bank, alleges group was responsible for October 1987 murder of Yigdal Shahaf [FBIS 1/26]. Arsonists set fire to customs department in Hebron [FJ 1/24].

Other Countries: UN Sec. Gen. Javier Perez de Cuellar releases report on Palestinian uprising in occupied territories, condemning Israeli use of harsh methods against demonstrators and endorsing plan for international peace conference on Middle East [WP 1/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Military lifts curfews on Rafah, Khan Yunis, Beach, and Dayr al-Balah refugee camps. Curfews remain in effect in Gaza Strip's Jabalya, Nusayrat, Maghazi, and Burayj camps. Curfews continue in W. Bank's old and new 'Askar camps and villages of Sa'ir and al-Mazra'ah al-Sharqiyyah. Curfews are imposed on Tulkarm refugee camp and Ramallah-area village of Bayt 'Ur al-Tahta after marches and stone throwing [FBIS 1/22; FJ 1/24].

Arab World: Amal releases 3 Palestinians [FBIS 1/22]. Salah Salah, Palestinian command secretary in S. Lebanon, announces his forces will withdraw from Sidon and Iqlim al-Tuffah roads [FBIS 1/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike in E. Jerusalem, W. Bank, and Gaza Strip continues despite military efforts to open stores [WP, CSM 1/21]. In Gaza Strip, 7 refugee camps remain under curfew. Accident involving stone-throwing youths and police jeep in E. Jerusalem suburb of 'Isawiyyah leaves 1 youth, 2police officers injured [LAT 1/21]. Army, police, and Jerusalem officials confirm that under new agreement Jerusalem police can request emergency powers from military, allowing them to impose curfews, force shops to open [NYT 1/2 1]. Israel announces capture of 3 Palestinians accused of 1986 attempted murder of soldier [FBIS 1/21; FJ 1/24]. In Burqin, near Salfit, Jewish settlers attack houses; 1 resident is beaten [FJ 1/24]. Israeli officials order Hebron Polytechnic closed indefinitely [FJ 1/24].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldiers kill 3 armed Palestinians shortly after they cross Israel's northern border from Lebanon. Fateh claims responsibility for infiltration. At least 20 stone-throwing Palestinian demonstrators aearrested during violent riots in al-Ram, near Jerusalem. Reports indicate many residents of Shu'fat in E. Jerusalem are detained, beaten by border police in nighttime crackdown on alleged protesters [WP 1/21; FJ 1/24]. Violent clashes between demonstrators and Israeli troops are reported in E. Jerusalem and numerous W. Bank refugee camps, villages, and towns. More than 50 Palestinians are beaten by Israeli troops in Gaza Strip camp [CSM, LAT 1/21]. Estimated 100 youth are beaten in army raid of Jenin-district vllage of 'Arrabah [FJ 1/24]. Arab World: Amal militiamen end 3-year siege of Beirut's Burj al-Barajinah and Shatila refugee camps [WP 1/21]. At Fez U., students demonstrating in solidarity with Palestinians in occupied territories and against regime clash with police, soldiers; 9 demonstrators are wounded, and 1 dies later of injuries [FBIS 1/22]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Defense Minister Yitzhaq Rabin announces new policy of using "might, power, and beating" instead of live ammunition to quell disturbances. At least 38 Palestinians have been killed since uprising began 12/9 [WP 1/21]. Rabin bans food shipments by relief agencies to Palestinian refugee camps until general strike ends. General strike continues. Soldiers order W. Bank and E. Jerusalem businessmen toopen shops [NYT 1/20]. Food trucks are allowed to enter Khan Yunis, Jabalya,nd Nusayrat refugee camps; trucks are denied entrance to Dayr al-Balah and Burayj camps [WP 1/20]. Military, police, and Jerusalem city officials arrange to invoke emergency powers for Jerusalem police [NYT 1/21]. Dozens are arresteduring police sweep of E. Jerusalem's Shu'fat and Thuri neighborhoods [FJ 1/24].

Arab World: PFLP Sec. Gen. George Habash travels to Lebanon, meets with 4 Palestinians deported by Israel [FBIS 1/20]. Radio al-Quds broadcasts call for general strike [FBIS 1/20].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israelis drop tear gas from helicopters then open fire with rubber bullets, live ammunition in clash with stone-throwing demonstrators in Ramallah-area village of al-Mazra'ah al-Sharqiyyah; 2 Palestinians are shot, wounded [WP 1/23]. Military lifts curfew on Balatah refugee camp [FJ 1/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Commercial strike in E. Jerusalem continues [CSM 1/19]. Shops in W. Bank cities remain closed despite army attempts to break strike. In Balatah refugee camp, Palestinian shot by soldiers in December dies in hospital [FJ 1/24]. In Gaza Strip's Bayt Hanun village, 8 dunums of citrus trees are destroyed; Israeli officials claim stonethrowing youths hid in grove [FJ 1/24].

Other Countries: U.S. vetoes UN Security Council resolution condemning Israeli attack on Lebanon [WP, NYT 1/19]. In Helsinki, U.S.S.R. agrees to permit official Israeli visit [FBIS 1/20]. Canadian officials say they are investigating immigration case of Palestinian Mahmud Muhammad 'Isa Muhammad, convicted in 1970 of blowing up El Al plane [FJ 1/24].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Military imposes curfews on 'Askar and Balatah refugee camps [FJ 1/24]. Palestinian youth is shot, wounded in clash between demonstrators and IDF troops in Qabatiyyah [FJ 1/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike in Arab E. Jerusalem, most W. Bank towns continues; Israeli troops force some striking shopowners in Nablus and Ramallah to open [FJ 1/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldiers clash with rock-throwing demonstrators in Nablus and 'Askar refugee camp [FJ 1/3]. Demonstrators in Abu Dis village, near Jerusalem, are attacked with clubs; tear gas is dropped on crowds from helicopters. Violent clashes between soldiers and demonstrators are also reported in Ramallah, al-Birah, Am'ari camp, Balatah camp, and Jenin camp. In Gaza Strip, elderly woman suffocates when troops fire tear gas into Jabalya home; Nusayrat camp is placed under curfew [FJ 1/10].

Arab World: Israeli helicopters and fighter jets attack several Palestinian targets in S. Lebanon, including 'Ayn al-Hilwah refugee camp and PFLP-GC base. At least 19 are killed, 14 wounded [WSJ, WP 1/4].