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  • November 30, 2023

    In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 10 olive trees in Kafr ad-Dik. Israeli settlers with a military escort also raided al-Twana, assaulting Palestinians. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers...

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  • January 20, 2022

    In the West Bank, Israeli forces delivered a punitive demolition notice for a house in Silat al-Harithiya belonging to a family in which 2 are charged with the killing of 1 Israeli settler on 12/...

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  • May 2, 2003

    An IDF tank opens fire on a British news crew filming IDF demolitions of 2 Palestinian homes in Rafah, killing British journalist James Miller. The IDF also bulldozes 77 dunams of land in Khuza;...

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  • February 12, 1999

    After a 5 wk. trial, the Senate, voting along party lines, acquits Pres. Clinton on both articles of impeachment (45-55; 50-50). (NYT, WP, WT 2/13)

    Arafat resurrects idea of Palestinian...

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  • April 6, 1998

    Pres. Clinton, Secy. Albright, special envoy Ross discuss ways of reviving peace process in light of Ross's failed mission, possibility of publicly presenting 13.1% FRD proposal. (MM...

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  • April 2, 1998

    In Washington, Secy. Albright discusses peace process with Israeli Trade M Sharansky. (IDF Radio, MA 4/3 in WNC 4/6)

    Secy. Albright receives letter fr. 6 senators...

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  • December 11, 1997

    Israeli ministerial team on FRD meets. (MM 12/11; YA 12/12 in WNC 12/15) (see 12/7)

    OIC summit closes, issues final statement calling for solidarity with the Palestinian people; denouncing...

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  • September 20, 1995

    Knesset holds extraordinary session to discuss PA's refusal to extradite Palestinians wanted for crimes in Israel, esp. murders. (MM 9/20) (see 9/13)

    On sidelines of a FMs' mtg. in Cairo,...

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  • September 5, 1995

    U.S. Amb. to Israel Indyk says he did not attend Jerusalem 3000 celebration because of prior engagements; U.S. is not boycotting the festivities. (ITV, QY 9/5 in FBIS 9/6)

    In an attempt to...

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  • March 5, 1991

    In Damascus, F.M.s of GCC nations, Egypt and Syria reach agreement on new postwar defense arrangements in Gulf built around Egyptian and Syrian forces [MEM 3/5; WP, WT, MEM 3/6; NYT, LAT, WT 3/7;...

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  • March 3, 1991

    U.S. forces round up more than 1,400 Iraqi soldiers-including a brigadier general-from island of Faylakah, the last piece of Iraqi-held Kuwaiti territory. Allies hold about 63,000 Iraqi POWs [LAT...

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  • February 27, 1991

    Declaring "Kuwait is liberated" 100 hours after ground war commenced, Pres. Bush orders suspension of offensive military operations against Iraq as long as Iraq does not attack allied forces or...

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  • February 26, 1991

    In radio address, Saddam Hussein makes public his commitment to withdraw from Kuwait. Pres. Bush says promise is inadequate, presses for virtual surrender, and orders allied forces to continue...

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  • January 31, 1991

    Allied bombers attack 10-mile column of thousands of Iraqi troops and as many as 1,000 vehicles as they move in southern Kuwait; allied command says it is not apparent whether Iraqis are...

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  • February 16, 1990

    UN Human Rights Committee endorses resolution calling for Israel not to settle Soviet Jews in O.T. U.S. abstains (cf. 2/17) [ADS 2/18 in FBIS 2/20].

    USSR has informed U.S. it will not allow...

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  • July 29, 1984

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel rejects recent USSR peace proposal based on Brezhnev plan. Jerusalem mayor Kollek tells news conference of drive against Kach and...

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  • November 24, 1983

    Military Action:

    Syrian forces shoot down pilotless Israeli drone aircraft over Beqaa valley; PLO rebels announce open-ended cease-fire in Tripoli area; IDF reports several guerrillas...

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  • November 13, 1983

    Military Action:

    PSP and LAF exchange heavy artillery fire around Suq al-Gharb; sporadic exchanges of artillery and RPGs around Baddawi, cease-fire holds generally; IDF patrol fired on...

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  • May 3, 1983

    Military Action:

    IDF tank detonates mine in Bekaa, no injuries reported; radio-controlled bomb explodes as IDF vehicle passes near Nabrah, in Chouf.

    Casualties:

    3 IDF soldiers...

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  • March 19, 1983

    Casualties:

    Abu Jihad says 8 IDF prisoners of war will be released by PLO if Israel gives POW status to Palestinians held in Israeli prisons and at Ansar camp, PM Begin's office rejects...

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  • February 2, 1983

    Military Action:

    US Marine captain with loaded pistol orders IDF tanks away from checkpoint in Beirut, the sixth incident between the two forces in past month; mortar explodes near US...

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  • January 16, 1983

    Military Action:

    IDF ambushed in Tyre.

    Casualties:

    Some IDF wounded in Tyre; Ansar review committee recommends release of 150, 1,100 cases heard out of 5,400 detainees, review...

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  • July 6, 1982

    Military Action:

    In the fourth day of the blockade, IDF armored units are concentrated near checkpoints, move to port road as well; new fight-ing erupts, with Presidential Palace, US...

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  • July 2, 1982

    Military Action:

    IDF begins broadcasts urging Syrians and Palestinians in W. Beirut to flee or surrender; Sharon, in E. Beirut, says IDF may resume battle, urges Phalangists to join IDF in...

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In the West Bank, Israeli settlers uprooted 10 olive trees in Kafr ad-Dik. Israeli settlers with a military escort also raided al-Twana, assaulting Palestinians. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers blocked the entrance to Deir Balut. Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian man, claiming he had injured 2 Israeli soldiers in a car ramming near Atuf. Israeli forces also shot and killed a Palestinian outside of the Ofer Prison, injuring 4 others with live ammunition. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided Tulkarm, damaging infrastructure and Palestinian property. Israeli forces also assaulted and detained 3 Palestinian farmers in Khirbet Yanun. Meanwhile, Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians during raids in Idhna and Arrabah. Israeli forces also demolished 5 homes and 6 water tanks in Farasin. Separately, Israeli forces seized a home in Karma, turning it into a military outpost. In the western part of Jerusalem, 2 Palestinian gunmen were killed after they opened fire at a bus station, killing 3 people and wounding 16 others. An Israeli civilian was killed by the soldier who killed the 2 Palestinians after the soldier mistook him for a Palestinian. The soldier was later arrested for the killing of the Israeli after a video circulated showing he had his hands raised in the air. Hamas said the 2 gunmen were members of its armed wing. Israeli forces subsequently arrested members of the families of the 2 Palestinians in Sur Baher. In Gaza, a Palestinian man succumbed to injuries sustained from Israeli forces on 11/29 in Beit Hanun. Israeli forces shot and injured an Israeli journalist in southern Gaza. In Lebanon, Israel said it shot down an “aerial target” crossing from Lebanon. (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/30; AP, HA 12/3; HA 12/4)

The Gaza Media Office did not update the casualty numbers, leaving the death toll from Israeli attacks at 15,000 as of 11/27, including 6,150 children and 4,000 women, and around 35,000 injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. At least 7,000 people were missing in rubble, including 1,700 children. 242 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 63 children. More than 3,200 people have been injured. Israel reported that 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed and 5,431 have been injured since 10/7. 75 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the ground invasion began on 10/27. Over 1.8 million Palestinians, nearly 80% of the population of Gaza, have been displaced since 10/7. There has been a complete electricity blackout in Gaza since 10/12 due to the Israeli blockade. As of 11/18, at least 45,000 housing units had been destroyed and 233,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7, constituting 60% of all housing units. Israel said that at least 2,005 soldiers have been wounded since 10/7. Dozens of trucks carrying aid entered Gaza, including 7 trucks carrying fuel. 14 ambulances provided by Saudi Arabia also arrived in Gaza. Gaza’s Ministry of Health said hundreds of Palestinians needed to be evacuated to hospitals outside of Gaza for treatment. 30 people were evacuated to Egypt, including 9 wounded. 91 Palestinians returned to Gaza from Egypt and 31 medical staffers from the UAE and 2 UN staffers entered Gaza. (AJ, HA, UNOCHA, WAFA 11/30; UNOCHA 12/1)

The temporary ceasefire that was set to expire at 7 a.m. was extended for an additional day into 12/1. 30 Palestinian prisoners, 8 women and 22 children, were released from Israeli prisons on the seventh day of the prisoner exchange. 8 Israeli captives were released from Gaza. 2 Russian Israelis released on 10/29 were counted as released today to uphold the 1 to 3 prisoner release ratio that the parties had agreed to. Israel reportedly rejected a proposal from Hamas to exchange 7 captives and the bodies of 3 captives who had been killed in Israeli airstrikes. Egypt and Qatar said they continued efforts to extend the ceasefire by 2 days. Parents of Palestinians released in the prisoner exchanges called on the Red Cross to investigate the treatment of Palestinians after freed Palestinians said they were beaten and mistreated in prison.  (AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AX, AX, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/30; AJ, AP, NYT 12/1)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken met with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and attended a meeting of the Israeli war cabinet. Blinken urged Israel to account “for humanitarian and civilian needs in southern Gaza before any military operation there,” and to curb settler violence in the West Bank. Blinken also reportedly expressed support for Israel’s continued war but warned that the longer it takes the more pressure there would be on Israel and the U.S. Blinken also met PA president Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah, saying the 2 discussed the need for reforms in the PA to combat corruption, aid to Gaza, and settler violence. Abbas presented Blinken with a file documenting Israeli crimes in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and urged Blinken to support a lasting ceasefire. (AJ, AJ, AX, HA, NYT, REU, WAFA 11/30; AP 12/1; HA 12/4)

Israeli energy minister Israel Katz called on Israel to punish the families of the 2 Palestinian gunmen that killed 3 Israelis in Jerusalem, saying they should lose their East Jerusalem residency cards. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir responded to the shooting by saying Israel will distribute more weapons to Israeli civilians. (AJ 11/30)

Higher Arab Monitoring Committee chairperson Mohammed Barakeh petitioned the Israeli High Court of Justice to end the Israel’s ban on protests in Palestinian communities in Israel. (HA 11/30; WAFA 12/2)

Qatari minister of state for international cooperation Lolwah al-Khater visited Gaza, meeting with Thomas White, the director of UNRWA affairs in Gaza. (AJ 11/30)

ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan visited Israel, touring areas attacked by Hamas on 10/7. Khan was invited to visit Israel by Israeli families that have relatives held captive in Gaza. In an interview with Haaretz, Khan said he had “reason to believe” that Hamas had committed crimes under international law on 10/7. Khan also said he was looking into settler attacks in the West Bank and the large casualty numbers in Gaza. Palestinian rights organizations urged Khan to visit Gaza. (AJ 11/30; HA 12/2)

Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez said he doubted that Israel respected international humanitarian law and called Israel’s resumption of attacks in Gaza unacceptable. Israel subsequently summoned the Spanish ambassador for a reprimand and recalled its ambassador to Spain for consultations. (AJ, AJ, HA, REU, WAFA 11/30)

Jordan hosted an aid conference for Gaza. King Abdullah II condemned Israel for not allowing sufficient aid into Gaza. (REU 11/29; AJ, REU 11/30)

A +972 Magazine and Local Call investigation based on interviews with 7 current and former members of the Israeli intelligence community, Palestinian testimonies, data, and documentation from Gaza revealed that Israel had increased its attacks on what it calls “power targets,” which include private buildings, infrastructure, and high-rise blocks, to create a shock effect among civilians. According to the sources, the goal of bombing these civilian targets is to “lead civilians to put pressure on Hamas.” Several sources also said Israel has files that show its assessment of how many civilians will be killed in the bombing of these civilian targets. A source told the 2 publications that Israel had increased its permitted “collateral damage” from dozens when targeting a Hamas commander to hundreds and that Israel is fully aware how many civilians will be killed in its attacks. The sources also revealed that Israel use AI-based systems, such as Habsora, to identify targets, including the suspected homes of junior members of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The investigation also said that Israel had broken from previous protocol by allowing the targeting of residential buildings without warning the residents, with Israeli Air Force chief of staff Omer Tishler saying that the “roof knocking” policy does not apply to war. Israel estimated that it had killed 1,000-3,000 Palestinian militants in Gaza out of at least 15,000 casualties. (+972, AJ 11/30)

The Washington Post reported that in late October Pope Francis told Israeli president Isaac Herzog in a phone call not “to respond to terror with terror”. (AJ, HA 11/30)

German and Belgian police searched homes of people who allegedly made social media posts in support of Hamas in Munster, Nordhorn, and Eupen. (AJ, HA 11/30)

Al Jazeera said its analysis of hundreds of speeches at the UN found that 55% of nations that have spoken on the issue of the situation in Gaza have called for a ceasefire, while 23% have called for a “pause,” and 22% did not call for either a pause or a ceasefire. (AJ 11/30)

The New York Times reported that Israeli military and intelligence officers knew of Hamas’ plans for Operation Al-Aqsa Flood but dismissed the attack as aspirational. The Israeli military obtained a 40-page document it called “Jericho Wall” outlining the plans for the operation, which the Times said was followed “with shocking precision.” The document showed that Hamas had intricate knowledge of Israeli military bases, prompting questions of whether it had informants in the Israeli military. (NYT 11/30; AP 12/1; NYT 12/2)

MSNBC cancelled The Mehdi Hasan Show, hosted by Mehdi Hasan, from 1/1/2024, saying it was making changes in preparation for the 2024 U.S. presidential elections. MSNBC was criticized for silencing voices critical of Israel with its cancelation of the show. Hasan was pulled off air for a period after the Israeli attacks started on 10/7. (AJ 11/30)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces delivered a punitive demolition notice for a house in Silat al-Harithiya belonging to a family in which 2 are charged with the killing of 1 Israeli settler on 12/20/2021 near the Homesh settlement outpost. Israeli forces razed a tract of land in Jalud in preparation for expanding the nearby Ahiya settlement. 11 Palestinians were arrested during house raids in Qabatiya, Qalandia, al-Ram, ‘Azzun, Beit Fajjar, Biddu, and Beit ‘Anan. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Khuza‘a; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 1/20; MEMO 1/21; PCHR 1/27)

Palestinian Israeli Bedouins in several Naqab villages said they had been experiencing prolonged electricity blackouts for 2 weeks. The Israeli Electricity Corporation (IEC) blamed the blackouts on cold weather and illegal electricity hookups. In a recording of a conversation between an IEC representative and a resident, the representative is heard saying that the Israeli police is preventing them from conducting work to mend the situation, a claim the Israeli police denies. (HA 1/20)

The UN agencies UNWRA, UNICEF, and OHCHR called on Israel to release 1 Palestinian teenager held on administrative detention who is seriously ill due to an autoimmune disease and has been held without charges for more than 1 year. (MEMO, WAFA 1/20)

16 Palestinian Israeli Bedouins were indicted for alleged crimes committed during protests against a forestation program meant to displace Bedouins in the Naqab last week. A total of 155 protesters were arrested over several days of protesting. The protesters are accused of throwing stones and burning tires. (HA 1/20)

A PA court in Nablus sentenced 1 Palestinian journalist to 3 months in prison for defaming the PA. (MEMO 1/21)

PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki criticized the U.S. Biden administration for not working to reverse the Trump administration’s one-sided policies against Palestinians during a meeting at the UN security council. Foreign Minister al-Maliki also called on the U.S. to pressure Israel into reversing its rejection of a 2-state solution. Al-Maliki also said that the EU, UN, and Russia had agreed to a ministerial meeting about the Palestinian-Israeli situation but that the U.S. had not. Israeli ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan accused al-Maliki of ignoring “terror attacks” by Palestinians, holding up a stone that allegedly had been thrown at Israeli forces. (AP, HA, WAFA 1/20)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh, during a meeting with UN humanitarian coordinator in Palestine Lynn Hastings, urged the international community to pressure Israel to release tax funds withheld from the PA. (WAFA 1/20)

Former Israeli soldiers acknowledged that there is a mass grave of Palestinians killed during the Nakba in 1948 on a beach in the depopulated village of Tantura, where Israeli forces and militants massacred Palestinian prisoners of war. The Israeli government has denied the existence of the mass grave despite it being published in a thesis in 2000. The mass grave site is now a parking lot for the Dor beach built on the depopulated village. The PA foreign ministry called for an international investigation into the massacre aimed at punishing Israeli officials and institutions covering crimes committed by Israel. (HA 1/20; WAFA 1/21; AJ, JDF, WAFA 1/22)

Israel and Germany signed a deal for Israel to buy 3 submarines from the Germany company ThyssenKrupp. Germany agreed in 2017 to cover $680 million of the price Israel will have to pay. ThyssenKrupp recently raised the price of the submarines from $2 billion to $3.4 billion. (ALM, AP, HA, MEMO, REU 1/20)

Israeli Channel 13 aired a program showing NSO Group employees training Ghanaian officials in using NSO’s Pegasus software. Ghana’s government bought the Pegasus software in 2016 to use against political opponents ahead of the 2017 elections. (HA 1/20)

An IDF tank opens fire on a British news crew filming IDF demolitions of 2 Palestinian homes in Rafah, killing British journalist James Miller. The IDF also bulldozes 77 dunams of land in Khuza; fires on residential areas of Dayr al-Balah; fires on stone-throwing Palestinians in Bayt Furik and Qalandia, wounding a total of 10; conducts arrest raids in Khan Yunis. In Gaza City, 10,000s of Palestinians attend the funeral for Palestinians slain by the IDF during a raid on 5/1, also denouncing Abbas’s call for a cease-fire, disarmament of Palestinian militant groups. Britain arrests 3 women, 2 men for involvement in the 4/29 Tel Aviv suicide bombing. (AFP 5/2; NYT, PCHR, PM, WP, WT 5/3; PR 5/7; HA, PCHR 5/8)

Bush announces that combat operations in Iraq have ended; does not officially declare an end to the war, which under the Third Geneva Convention would require the U.S. to release POWs. (NYT 5/2)

After a 5 wk. trial, the Senate, voting along party lines, acquits Pres. Clinton on both articles of impeachment (45-55; 50-50). (NYT, WP, WT 2/13)

Arafat resurrects idea of Palestinian confederation with Jordan in a final peace arrangement. (NYT, WP, WT 2/13; `Ukaz 2/13 in WNC 2/17; al-Ayyam 2/13, al-Hayat al-Jadida 2/14 in WNC 2/18)

200 Palestinian protesters storm PA jail in Jericho, demanding release of 5 Islamists held there without charge. The 5 are among the 48 political prisoners who have been on hunger strike since 1/24. Protesters scuffle with PA police but eventually leave the building peacefully. In Nablus, 1,000 Palestinians hold rally in solidarity with prisoners. (WP 2/13; MEI 2/26)

In keeping with its 1/30 decision, the UN creates a panel to review Iraq's disarmament record, recommend ways of ensuring Iraq fulfills agmt. to abandon unconventional weapons. 20-mbr. panel contains 12 UNSCOM mbrs., including the ranking American UNSCOM inspector but not chmn. Butler. UN also creates 2 other panels on humanitarian affairs, prisoners of war and Kuwaiti property. (NYT 2/13)

Pres. Clinton, Secy. Albright, special envoy Ross discuss ways of reviving peace process in light of Ross's failed mission, possibility of publicly presenting 13.1% FRD proposal. (MM 4/6)

Lebanon, Syria hold summit in Damascus to draw up plans to counter Israel's moves to promote its conditional s. Lebanon withdrawal offer. (MM 4/6)

Pres. Clinton receives letter fr. 33 House reps., praising their Middle East policy. (WJW 4/2; NYT 4/7; MM 4/8; WJW 4/9; MEI 4/10; WT 4/13; NYT 4/26)

PA concludes that Hamas's Sharif was killed by a rival Hamas faction; says it has detained 30, arrested 5 Hamas suspects in the murder, is looking for a 6th accomplis. Hamas rejects report, saying PA is seeking an excuse to can crack down on the movement as Israel demands prior to an FRD. PM Netanyahu says investigation proves the PA is capable of fighting terrorism. (ITV 4/6 in WNC 4/7; MM 4/6; VIRI 4/6, Corriere della Sera [Milan] 4/7 in WNC 4/8; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 4/7; MM 4/8; MM, WT 4/15; PR 4/17; CSM 4/21; MEI, PR 4/24; YA 4/26 in WNC 4/30) (see 4/4)

1,000s of Israeli Arabs hold general strike, protest march in the Galilee to denounce government discrimination against Arab citizens. In Um al-Sehali, Israeli police watch, do not interfere as 3 bedouin families rebuild their homes. (MM 4/6; MM, WP 4/7; WT 4/8; MM 4/9; PR 4/17) (see 4/4)

Hrs. after being summoned to appear before the PA General Intelligence Service (GIS), Palestinian Muhammad Anqawi, previously arrested by the PA on suspicion of being a collaborator, is found shot dead in Ramallah. (PR 4/17; JP 4/25)

Russia says it has proposed building a nuclear research reactor in Iran in addition to the atomic energy plant currently under construction. Israel, U.S. protest. (WP 4/7)

Iran-Iraq POW swap ends. (CSM 4/6; WT 4/8; WP 4/20)

Federal judge in Manhattan jails Ismail Elbarasse, a Palestinian American, for refusing to testify before a secret grand jury investigating Hamas fundraising in the U.S. (NYT 4/18) (see 2/23)

Pres. Clinton announces ban on foreign-made assault rifles that closes loophole in a 1994 weapons ban that allowed the continued import of Israeli Uzis, Galils. Israeli Military Industries, which planned to sell 10,000 of the guns in the U.S. over the next 3 to 4 yrs., is considering manufacturing the guns in the U.S. to avoid the restriction. (Globes [Internet], YA 4/7 in WNC 4/8; WJW 4/9)

Roadside bomb detonates nr. the Lebanon-Israel border, killing 1 civilian, injuring 3. 1 IDF soldier is injured, 1 Hizballah mbr. is killed in separate incident nr. the border. (RL 4/6 in WNC 4/7; WJW 4/9)

In Washington, Secy. Albright discusses peace process with Israeli Trade M Sharansky. (IDF Radio, MA 4/3 in WNC 4/6)

Secy. Albright receives letter fr. 6 senators praising their Middle East policy. (WJW 4/2; NYT 4/7; MM 4/8; WJW 4/9; MEI 4/10; WT 4/13; NYT 4/26))

In Ramallah, more than 6,000 Palestinians attend funeral for Hamas's Sharif. Afterward, 100s of mourners demonstrate outside nearby Jewish settlement. IDF fires teargas, rubber bullets at them, injuring 10. (MM 4/2; WT 4/3) (see 3/29)

In Um al-Sehali, n. Israel, Israeli authorities demolish 3 bedouin homes allegedly build without permits. Um al-Sehali is home to 8 bedouin families, 100s of Israeli Arabs. (MM, WT 4/6)

U.S. eases travel warning on Iran. (WP 4/3)

Iran, Iraq begin POW exchange. (WP 4/3)

Israeli ministerial team on FRD meets. (MM 12/11; YA 12/12 in WNC 12/15) (see 12/7)

OIC summit closes, issues final statement calling for solidarity with the Palestinian people; denouncing Israeli "state terrorism," stating that "the killing of innocent people is forbidden by Islam." Iran releases 2 Jordanian POWs fr. the 1980+n88 Iran-Iraq war into Crown Prince Hasan's custody as a thanks for attending the conference. (MM 12/11; WT 12/12; MENA 12/12, JT 12/15 IN WNC 12/16; MEI, PR 12/19)

Daniel Kurtzer is sworn in as the new U.S. amb. to Egypt. (WJW 1/1; JP 1/3; al-Ahram 1/7 in WNC 1/10)

Knesset holds extraordinary session to discuss PA's refusal to extradite Palestinians wanted for crimes in Israel, esp. murders. (MM 9/20) (see 9/13)

On sidelines of a FMs' mtg. in Cairo, Arab League representatives discuss Libyan deportations of Palestinians. Secy. Gen. of the Libyan General People's Comm. for Unity Jum'ah al-Fazzani claims Palestinians are not being deported but are leaving of their own free will out of a desire to return to their homeland. Lebanese Tourism M Nicholas Fattush calls the Palestinians "human waste being dumped in Lebanon." (MM 9/19; MENA 9/19, 9/20 in FBIS 9/21; MM 9/22) (see 9/17)

In Nablus, 20 Palestinian youths throw stones at Israeli police car. Police open fire on group, killing 1, then leave scene. Palestinians spontaneously rally in protest. IDF intervenes to disperse the crowd, sparking riot, killing 2, wounding 9. Clashes continue on and off all day. (ITV, QY, 9/20, QY, VOP 9/21 in FBIS 9/21; MM, WT 9/21; NYT 9/22; ITV 9/21 in FBIS 9/22)

Egypt says it has discovered 2 mass graves in the Sinai containing remains of 30-60 Egyptian POWs killed by the IDF during the 1967 war. (NYT 9/21)

Iranian jet is allowed to leave Israel with its 174 passengers. Hijacker is detained, will not be extradited to Iran. (MM 9/20; IDF Radio, QY 9/20 in FBIS 9/20; MM, NYT 9/21) (see 9/19)

IDF imposes indefinite closure on Gaza, citing "terror alert." Goods will still be allowed through the Qarni crossing point. (QY, VOP 9/20 in FBIS 9/20)

U.S. Amb. to Israel Indyk says he did not attend Jerusalem 3000 celebration because of prior engagements; U.S. is not boycotting the festivities. (ITV, QY 9/5 in FBIS 9/6)

In an attempt to limit the damage to relations with Egypt, PM Rabin asks the media to limit its reports on the POW issue. (HA 9/8 in FBIS 9/15) (see 9/4)

In Beirut, PLO mbrs Faruq al-Qaddumi, Sulayman al-Najjab, Muhammad Jihad al-Amoudi, Shafiq al-Hut meet with Lebanese FMin. officials (incl. FM Buwayz) to discuss alternatives to the Oslo process. (VOL 9/5 in FBIS 9/5; VOL 9/5 in FBIS 9/6; WT 9/6; MM 9/11) (see 8/16)

Palestinian enters Ma'ale Michmash settlement nr. Ramallah, kills 1 settler, wounds another. PFLP claims responsibility. (MM, WT 9/5; AFP, QY 9/5 in FBIS 9/6; WJW 9/7)

Russia signs 2 contracts to build 3 nuclear reactors for Iran, claims reactors are for nonmilitary purposes. U.S., Israel protest. (WT 9/6, 9/15)

In Damascus, F.M.s of GCC nations, Egypt and Syria reach agreement on new postwar defense arrangements in Gulf built around Egyptian and Syrian forces [MEM 3/5; WP, WT, MEM 3/6; NYT, LAT, WT 3/7; DDS 3/5 in FBIS 3/6; DDS 3/6 in FBIS 3/7; MET 3/19].

Republican Guard tank and infantry brigades loyal to Saddam Hussein attack rebel positions in Basra; opposition leaders say at least 6 Iraqi cities are still controlled by rebels; thousands of refugees flee the violence; Bush admin. says it has no intention of getting involved in the rebellion [LAT, WP, WT 3/6; IRNA, AFP 3/5 in FBIS 3/5].

U.S. and Kuwaiti experts say it may take almost 2 years to extinguish about 550 Kuwaiti oil wells that have been set ablaze, and at least 5 years before the country's oil export facilities are fully restored [LAT, NYT, WP 3/6; CSM 3/7].

Iraq hands over what it calls its last POWs, releasing 35 allies, including 15 Americans, to the Red Cross; up to 26 journalists are still missing in southern Iraq [MEM 3/5; NYT, LAT, WP, WT, CSM 3/6; BADS 3/5 in FBIS 3/5; MET 3/19].

Pentagon updates U.S. casualty toll in Gulf war to 115 dead and 330 wounded. Tens of thousands of Iraqis are believed to have been killed [LAT 3/6].

Pentagon also says that tens of thousands of U.S. troops will have to stay in Gulf region for several months [NYT 3/6].

France begins withdrawing its forces from region; pullout expected to take until September [MEM 3/5].

In letter from F.M. Aziz to Sec.-Gen. Perez de Cuellar, Iraq renounces its annexation of Kuwait and promises to return hundreds of millions of dollars worth of looted property [LAT, NYT 3/6; INA 3/5 in FBIS 3/6; MET 3/19].

Food, water, and electricity remain scarce in Kuwait City, but 2,700-man allied task force is hoping to alleviate worst of problems within days [LAT, WT 3/6].

Kuwaiti gov't places Kuwait City under 10 P.M. to 4 A.M. curfew [AFP, KUNA 3/5 in FBIS 3/6; MET 3/19].

House Appropriations Committee votes to give Israel $650 million to cover costs associated with Gulf war, and approves $42.6-billion down payment of Operation Desert Storm [NYT, LAT, WP, WT, MEM 3/6].

Doctors in Kuwait City say that in the last 5 days they have treated scores of Palestinians who had been severely beaten and in some cases shot. U.S. military reports that 7 Kuwaiti soldiers manning checkpoints have been shot to death by people in passing vehicles [NYT 3/6].

Amnesty International warns of the risk of reprisal killings against Palestinians and other Arabs, urges that Red Cross be given access to all detainees in Kuwait [MEM 3/5; FJ 3/1].

In 1st postwar policy statement, King Fahd predicts Saddam Hussein will meet an ominous end as "all tyrants" in the Arab world have before him [NYT, MEM 3/6].

Israeli Immigration Min. Yitzhak Peretz expresses concern over small number of recent Soviet Jewish immigrants who, dissatisfied with high standard of living and limited employment opportunities, are emigrating to Canada, Australia, and Germany [WT 3/6].

U.S. forces round up more than 1,400 Iraqi soldiers-including a brigadier general-from island of Faylakah, the last piece of Iraqi-held Kuwaiti territory. Allies hold about 63,000 Iraqi POWs [LAT 3/4].

Refugees crossing into Iran and Syria from Iraq report demonstrations against Saddam Hussein has spread from Basra to 3 other cities in southern Iraq [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 3/4].

At UN, U.S. and allies offer to speed the flow of food and other relief supplies into Iraq after nonaligned nations press for formal easing of sanctions [NYT 3/4].

Pres. Mitterrand makes what diplomats describe as his clearest call yet for a Palestinian state [LAT 3/4]; Mitterrand also calls for international peace conference on Middle East [WP, MEM 3/4].

Presenting 9-item postwar agenda, Pres. Mubarak urges fresh start for Arabs, says Egyptians have no quarrel with Iraqi people and will help rebuild Iraq [LAT, NYT, WP, MEM 3/4].

UNLU issues call number 68, calling for "increased rallying around the PLO and adherence to it as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people" [AFP 3/3, JPD 3/4 in FBIS 3/5; AVP 3/5 in FBIS 3/6; MEM 3/5; JPI 3/16].

Israeli jets fly through Lebanese army machine gun fire and bomb Fateh base in southern Lebanon; it is 1st air strike since Gulf war ended [MEM 3/4; MET 3/12].

Israel lifts curfew on Gaza Strip for 1st time since 16 January, Gaza fishermen are permitted to put to sea; several towns and villages in W. Bank remain under curfew [MEM 3/4].

Declaring "Kuwait is liberated" 100 hours after ground war commenced, Pres. Bush orders suspension of offensive military operations against Iraq as long as Iraq does not attack allied forces or launch missiles at any country [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 2/28; CSM 3/1]; Pres. Bush also sets demands on Iraq for permanent cease-fire; complying with all 12 UN resolutions; freeing all POWs and detainees; giving allies location of all land and sea mines. Bush adds he is sending Sec. Baker to Middle East to deal with "the difficult task of securing a potentially historical peace" [NYT, WP, WT 2/28].

Before suspension of hostilities, 4 U.S. Army armored divisions defeat resisting Republican Guard units in large tank battle; Gen. Schwarzkopf says there are more than 50,000 total Iraqi POWs and "a very, very large number" of Iraqi dead [MEM 2/27; NYT, LAT, WP, WT 2/28; MET 3/12]; allied officials and relief organizations discuss what to do with growing number of POWs who do not wish to return to Iraq [LAT 2/28].

Kuwaiti army returns to Kuwait City, is met by cheering civilians; gov't. buildings are reported destroyed by retreating Iraqis [LAT, WP, CSM 2/28].

In Damascus, Pres. Asad meets with Lebanese Pres. Hrawi to discuss Middle East future; thousands of Palestinians in Sidon demonstrate against U.S. [DDS 2/27 in FBIS 2/28; LAT 2/28; MET 3/12].

Congressmen say they fear allies will not follow through on monetary pledges made to U.S. during Gulf war; Congress members are reportedly especially upset at Japan [LAT 2/28].

Egyptian police fire rubber bullets at stone-throwing students at Cairo University where thousands protest war against Iraq for 3d consecutive day [AFP 2/27 in FBIS 3/1; MET 3/12].

Prominent Palestinian nationalist, Dr. Mamdouh al-Aker, is arrested on suspicion of helping to write UNLU leaflets, apparently as part of Israeli crackdown on Palestinian moderates (cf. 4/7) [MEM 2/28].

In radio address, Saddam Hussein makes public his commitment to withdraw from Kuwait. Pres. Bush says promise is inadequate, presses for virtual surrender, and orders allied forces to continue attacks [BADS 2/26 in FBIS 2/26; MEM 2/26; NYT, LAT, WP, WT 2/27; MET 3/12].

Allied forces enter Kuwait City, as Iraqi troops are reported in headlong retreat across Kuwait; fighting continues at Kuwait City airport; U.S. troops reach Euphrates River in Iraq, cutting off escape routes for Republican Guards; other allied forces are closing off additional escape routes for Iraqi troops; 25 to 30 mile long column of Iraqi tanks, personnel carriers, and trucks heading north on road to Basra is repeatedly attacked by U.S. warplanes [MENA 2/26 in FBIS 2/27; NYT, LAT, WP, WT, CSM 2/27].

SCUD missile lands in uninhabited area of Qatar, another is destroyed over Bahrain [MEM 2/26].

Emir of Kuwait declares martial law, says it will last for 3 months, in 1st step toward reestablishing his rule [NYT, WP, WT 2/27; MET 3/12].

U.S. command revises death toll in 2/25 SCUD attack on barracks, saying missile killed 28 U.S. soldiers and wounded more than 100 [NYT, WP 2/27; MET 3/12].

Military law specialists say "rules of war" clearly permit allies to attack retreating Iraqis until they law down their arms; claim definite distinction between retreat and surrender [NYT, WP 2/27].

Egypt, Kuwait, Soviet Union, and European members of coalition say Saddam Hussein must accept all 12 UN Sec. Council resolutions before war can end [KUNA 2/26 in FBIS 2/27; NYT, WP 2/27]; PLO calls on UN Sec. Council to bring about immediate ceasefire [TDS 2/27 in FBIS 2/27; AVP 2/27 in FBIS 2/28].

Allies effectively stop counting Iraqi POWs because so many have been taken since ground war began. Officials stop count at 26,000 but estimates are up to more than 30,000 [LAT, WP 2/27].

P.M. Shamir vows to resist concessions in postwar Middle East peace effort [IDF 2/26 in FBIS 2/27; MEM 2/26; WP, WT 2/27].

Yasir Arafat meets in Algiers with Pres. Benjedid; Arafat says U.S. aims to destroy Iraq [AGS, AFP 2/26, APS 2/27 in FBIS 2/27; APS 2/27 in FBIS 3/1].

European Community announces it is freezing contacts with PLO in light of Arafat's pro-Iraqi stand. EC statement says, however, that the decision "in no way calls into question the role of the PLO or the rights of the Palestinian people" [MEM 2/26].

Jordanian Cabinet issues statement accusing allies of exceeding UN mandate [MEM 2/27].

Allied bombers attack 10-mile column of thousands of Iraqi troops and as many as 1,000 vehicles as they move in southern Kuwait; allied command says it is not apparent whether Iraqis are regrouping or massing for attack [WP, NYT 2/1].

Saudi and Qatari forces, backed by U.S. artillery retake Saudi border town of Khafji, capture 167 Iraqi soldiers [WP, NYT, LAT 2/1].

Envoys from France, Algeria, Yemen, and Iraq arrive in Iran on separate diplomatic missions designed to end Gulf war; Iran tells Iraq it will hold on to Iraqi airplanes until end of war [WP, NYT, LAT 2/1].

Israeli F.M. David Levy outlines possible 5-point post-war plan, linking Israel's discussion of Palestinian issue with simultaneous bilateral peace talks with Arab nations [WP 2/1].

Pres. Mubarak affirms that 45,000 Egyptian soldiers would not be used to attack Iraq [LAT 2/1].

Rocket and artillery clashes between Israel and PLO fighters in S. Lebanon continue; radio stations call it "mini-war"; Israel says PLO is trying to open 2d front in war [NYT, LAT 2/1].

Iraq fires SCUD missile at Israel; it disintegrates in flight, falling debris lands in West Bank [NYT, LAT 2/1].

State Dep't. official says that about 70 acts of terrorism have been committed against U.S. and allied interests outside U.S. since Gulf war began; most are small property damage [NYT, LAT 2/1].

Red Cross convoy carrying 19 tons of emergency medical supplies for Iraqi civilians crosses from Iran into Iraq; 1st such mission since war began [LAT 2/1].

War toll according to allies includes: 30,000 sorties flown; 23 allied planes lost, 18 in combat; 11 Americans killed in action; 161 Iraqi prisoners; 59 Iraqi planes destroyed. Iraq claims to have shot down 180 allied aircraft; captured 20 prisoners; and that 320 civilians and 90 soldiers have been killed [LAT 2/1].

UN Human Rights Committee endorses resolution calling for Israel not to settle Soviet Jews in O.T. U.S. abstains (cf. 2/17) [ADS 2/18 in FBIS 2/20].

USSR has informed U.S. it will not allow direct Aeroflot flights from Soviet Union to Israel (cf. 2/19) [YA 2/16 in FBIS 2/16].

Soviet P.M. Nikolay Ryzhkov says USSR will consideresuming diplomatic ties with Israel only after Israeli-Palestinian dialogue is launched [RPP 2/16 in FBIS 2/23].

Yasir Arafat contacts the "parties concerned" in the intra-Christian fighting in E. Beirut, offers to mediate (cf. 2/19) [RMC 2/17 in FBIS 2/20].

Gaza Strip residents observe general strike [MET 2/27-3/5].

Israeli helicopters attack Amal post south of Sidon, S. Lebanon; no injuries UDS 2/16 in FBIS 2/20; MET 2/27-3/5].

DFLP has asked Red Cross to force Israel to give prisoner of war status to 3 DFLP members captured 2/15 [RMC 2/ 16 in FBIS 2/20].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel rejects recent USSR peace proposal based on Brezhnev plan. Jerusalem mayor Kollek tells news conference of drive against Kach and Meir Kahane with appeal to support anti-racism bill. Defendents Amjad Rabaya and Wafiq Sawalha tried for armed attack on W. Jerusalem street (4/2/84) admit charges, insisting on POW status. Najah student sentenced to 10 mos. charged with membership in Palestinian organization. Police summon head of Gaza Citrus Producers' Union, warning of legal retaliation against Union for assisting farmers to obtain financialid.

Other Countries: USSR calls for renewal of Geneva Middle East peace talks including USSR, US, Israel, PLO & Arab states.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli-made bomb thrown at Shefa 'Amr home; no injuries. Kach members beat up 2 Palestinian laborers; victims hospitalized in serious condition.

Arab World: IDF units attacked by rocket fire near Jezzine and S. of Tyre.

Military Action:

Syrian forces shoot down pilotless Israeli drone aircraft over Beqaa valley; PLO rebels announce open-ended cease-fire in Tripoli area; IDF reports several guerrillas killed, arms and ammunition caches seized in Beqaa.

Casualties:

Massive prisoner exchange takes place as 6 IDF POWs released by PLO, 4500 Arab prisoners, including 63 Palestinians convicted of attacks in Israel, and 37 Palestinians arrested at sea in late September by Israeli navy off the coast of tripoli, released by Israel; Ansar camp closed, 3400 prisoners remain in Lebanon, 1100 flown by Air France to Algeria; IDF returns Palestinian Research Center archives seized in Beirut during 1982 invasion.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Council of Jewish Settlements on West Bank and Gaza criticizes release of Palestinians from Israeli prisons, calls for death penalty in certain cases to prevent repetition.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Saudi FM, in Damascus, says general agreement has been reached for cease-fire and withdrawal of all Palestinian forces in and around Tripoli, practical steps under discussion; Lebanese government announces it will break diplomatic relations with Iran, freeze relations with Libya.

US and Other Countries: White House announces that Reagan will meet Gemayel on December 1.

Military Action:

PSP and LAF exchange heavy artillery fire around Suq al-Gharb; sporadic exchanges of artillery and RPGs around Baddawi, cease-fire holds generally; IDF patrol fired on north of Zahrani.

Casualties:

Car bombs kills 2 civilians in South Lebanon village of Tibnin; 6 Israeli POW held by PLO in Tripoli moved to safety.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: 5 Jewish civilians enter Dheisheh camp, under curfew, shoot and wound 3 Palestinian men after breaking into house, IDF says those responsible were border police in plain clothes on undercover operation; Arens, dedicating new settlement near Hebron, calls on "Arabs of Eretz Israel" to negotiate coexistence with Israel.

Arab Govenments: Assad taken to hospital in Damascus, reportedly has appendectomy, tomorrow's meeting with Gemayel postponed.

US and Other Countries: Special envoy Rumsfeld arrives on first visit to Beirut, meets Gemayel; McFarlane warns Syria US will respond to fire at US aircraft over Lebanon, cites Grenada as example of US resolve to protect American lives.

Military Action:

IDF tank detonates mine in Bekaa, no injuries reported; radio-controlled bomb explodes as IDF vehicle passes near Nabrah, in Chouf.

Casualties:

3 IDF soldiers wounded in Chouf attack; ICRC delegates visit 2 Israeli POWs held in Syria.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Lawyers representing Bidya residents send protest telegram to Defense Minister Arens, say border police failed to protect residents who held court orders enjoining developers from working on the land; Supreme Court refuses appeal by Ziad Abu Ein, extradited to Israel from US in December 1981, against conviction and life imprisonment for bomb attack in Tiberias in 1979.

Palestinians/ Lebanese-PLO Chairman Arafat and Syrian President Assad meet formally for first time since September, reportedly agree to coordinate military resources against IDF in Bekaa Valley; Haddad says he will accept no post other than commander of Lebanese forces in South Lebanon.

Arab Governments: Jordan restricts West Bank Palestinians entering Jordan to one month permits.

US and Other Countries: Shultz continues talks in Jerusalem, then returns to Beirut, says he thinks agreement possible by end of week, meets with Gemayel, Salem; Senate subcommittee hearing on US aid to Syria postponed after Reagan Administration expresses concern it could complicate Shultz mission.

UN: At WHO congress in Geneva, Israel blocks Kuwaiti-Libyan motion to put issue of mass illness on West Bank on agenda for full scale plenum debate.

Casualties:

Abu Jihad says 8 IDF prisoners of war will be released by PLO if Israel gives POW status to Palestinians held in Israeli prisons and at Ansar camp, PM Begin's office rejects proposal.

Political Responses:

Arab Governments: King Hussein, in London, says he will meet with Arafat in coming week, there is not much time before formidable obstacles are created in the path of any move towards peace, American credibility is passing through a difficult test; Habib meets Hussein to report on recent visits of Israeli and Lebanese delegations to Washington.

Military Action:

US Marine captain with loaded pistol orders IDF tanks away from checkpoint in Beirut, the sixth incident between the two forces in past month; mortar explodes near US Marine position at airport; UNIFIL headquarters complains of IDF restrictions on their movements south of Beirut.

Casualties:

2 French soldiers wounded by gunfire from passing car; official IDF casualty figures to date for Lebanon war are 466 killed, 2567 wounded, from all causes; report on Ansar detention camp shows it has received 9200 detainees since out-break of war, with 5412 Palestinians and Lebanese still held, at a cost of IS lm. a day; 293 Syrian prisoners of war, of whom 24 are officers, also held at Ansar.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Socialist International mission meets Begin and Shamir and visits West Bank; Israel's foreign debt totals $20.1 billion, an increase of $2.2 billion in last year, while interest payments are expected to total $5.3 billion in the 1982-83 period; delegation of Lebanese Christian officials meets Sharon and other Israeli ministers in Tel Aviv; Village League head Mustafa Dudeen announces that the Palestinian Democratic Peace Movement will be formed at Hebron convention on February 12.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Leaflets distributed in Sidon area call on residents to deport strangers from Lebanon, no more Palestinians on Lebanon's land.

Arab Governments: Arab League delegation to Britain postponed for second time over question of PLO representation; President Mubarak meets PM Thatcher in London, seeks support for early withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon.

US and Other Countries: Reagan tells 150 World Jewish Congress members that Israel should freeze settlements on the West Bank, rules out use of sanctions or pressure to force withdrawal from Lebanon, urges King Hussein to negotiate directly with Israel; Reagan to seek $250 million in emergency supplemental aid to Lebanon, of which $100 million will go to rebuild army; administration officials expect US Marines will remain in Lebanon for at least another year; Anti-Defamation League releases 100 page handbook on "Pro-Arab Propaganda in America"; Rev. Jerry Falwell, at National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, urges Christians to support Israel; Chinese Foreign Minister tells Shultz in Peking that US should pressure Israel to pull its troops out of Lebanon; chairman of foreign affairs committee of Dutch parliament says in Jerusalem that no solution can be found to the Palestine problem without the involvement of the PLO.

Military Action:

IDF ambushed in Tyre.

Casualties:

Some IDF wounded in Tyre; Ansar review committee recommends release of 150, 1,100 cases heard out of 5,400 detainees, review committee established under the Fourth Geneva Convention on civilians as Israel does not recognize detainees as POWs covered under Third Geneva Convention.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Sharon, Shamir and chief negotiator David Kimche meet for 2 hours with Habib and Draper, discussion focuses on 3 main differences between US and Israel (surveillance stations, UNIFIL, role of Saad Haddad); Commission of Inquiry completes 3?/2 months of investigation covering 49 witnesses, 152 eyewitnesses, 65 hours of testimony, 17,703 pages of transcript, closing with oral arguments of lawyers for 9 senior officials (Sharon, Eitan, Drori, Yaron, Dudai and Mossad head); Begin meets with head of Association for Prevention of Emigration, agrees to consider setting up ministerial committee to combat emigration (now 200,000 Israelis in the US alone); Israeli Foreign Ministry paying $5,000 per month rent on Saudi-owned villa along Beirut-Damascus high-way as Lebanon headquarters; Education Ministry setting up a committee to review curriculum in Arab schools and examine educational, psychological and social causes for growing extremism among Palestinian Israeli youth; Democratic Front for Peace and Equality (Rakah) candidates win election of Arab student committees in Tel Aviv and Haifa universities; army uses tear gas and warning shots to disperse demonstrators in Hebron protesting arrest on Jan. 13 of 50 students, including entire student council, from Islamic University; Cabinet settlement committee votes to set up 2 new settlements in West Bank near Hebron, and 2 across green line in same area, approves referral center for prospective settlers.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO Executive Committee, chaired by Arafat, meets in Damascus to plan for PNC; Walid Jumblatt criticizes compromise agenda in talks as concession to Israeli and US terms; Lebanese Forces Commander Fadi Frem urges Government to sign peace treaty with Israel to liberate Lebanon from psychological and political domination of Syria.

Arab Governments: Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmad Taleb Ibrahimi says Alteria purchased $20 million worth of arms direct from USSR for PLO in June, and later sent another 2 planeloads from Algiers; Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries reportedly removing British firms from list of eligible contractors due to dispute over PLO representative in Arab League delegation; Saudi Crown Prince Abdallah in Damascus for talks with Assad.

Military Action:

In the fourth day of the blockade, IDF armored units are concentrated near checkpoints, move to port road as well; new fight-ing erupts, with Presidential Palace, US embassy hit; shelling begins in afternoon, continues into night; IDF bombardment by tanks/ artillery hits PLO ammunition dump in Burj al-Barajneh camp, also target near UNESCO building; USSR compound badly damaged (Syrian outpost nearby); cease-fire called at end of day.

Casualties:

Political and military groups organize garbage removal, flour deliveries to small bakeries, creation of small clinics (only 10 days of flour on hand in W. Beirut; oxygen in short supply, gas almost unavailable); World Council of Churches says hundreds of Lebanese civilians have disappeared, apparently to Israeli internment centers (also charges obstruction of relief efforts, delaying shipping, documentation, unloading and distribution of supplies); after initial denial, IDF admits cutting water/ electricity to W. Beirut (only revealed after journalists found IDF soldiers inside switching station); Lebanese Red Cross calls for intervention to spare the people of Beirut; International Commission of Jurists calls on Israel to grant POW status to estimated 4000 Palestinians taken prisoner; Israeli government considers appointment of Arye Eliav to head rehabilitation efforts for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon (Eliav tentatively accepts pending government decision); suffering of Lebanese civilians from IDF invasion reportedly significantly higher than PLO; danger of cholera/ typhoid epidemics grow in W. Beirut; 3 IDF soldiers wounded at Baabda by PLO shelling.

Political Responses:

Israel/Occupied Territories: Israeli sources report US willingness to station US troops in Beirut (US government later agrees "in principle" to send US troops as PLO escort, but opposition from Congressional leaders grows); Telem faction joins Begin government, giving Likud Bloc one more vote; government reportedly sets July 9 as deadline for diplomatic solution; Sharon, in speech near Tel Aviv, says invasion pre-empted Syrian war plans against Israel; Cabinet rejects 2 parts of US plan (continued PLO political role and 2 PLO units to be attached to Lebanese Army); government dismisses elected mayor and towni council of Jenin (sixth pro-PLO West Bank mayor ousted since November 1981), reportedly for failure to cooperate with new Israeli administrators; tear gas used to disperse Bir Zeit students protesting invasion; curfew imposed on Balata refugee camp near Nablus after bus carrying IDF soldiers stoned; 3 people in Idna near Hebron detained on suspicion of inciting workers to strike.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat rejects PLO evacuation under US supervision or via Sixth Fleet (however, other PLO spokespeople say US/French troops will separate PLO and IDF units, allow PLO evacuation to east); Arafat refers to Habib's "blackmail"; Phalange calls up 2500-3000 high school graduates of 1982 to boost armed strength; Greek Catholic bishop and two priests abducted in the Bekaa area (apparent retaliation for ab-duction of Iranian charge d'affaires on Sunday).

Arab Governments: Syria rejects participation in US plan.

US and Other Countries: Reagan agrees "in principle" to US troops being sent to Lebanon, key Congressional leaders voice concern, opposition to plan; US appeals for restoration of water, electricity to Beirut.

UN: Discussion of French/Egyptian resolution continues.

Military Action:

IDF begins broadcasts urging Syrians and Palestinians in W. Beirut to flee or surrender; Sharon, in E. Beirut, says IDF may resume battle, urges Phalangists to join IDF in war against PLO; cease-fire holds despite IDF overflights of Beirut in morning and evening; PLO fortifies positions around camps and along coasts.

Casualties:

PLO, in press conference, charges wide-spread IDF use of cluster bombs; observers report no IDF effort to restore services to Palestinian refugee camps, only to nearby Lebanese towns, villages; Begin promises Israeli Druze leaders to protect Lebanese Druzes from Phalange harassment.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Sharon, during tour of troops in Beirut, says Camp David process will be helped by elimination of PLO; Uri Avnery (former Sheli MK) meets Arafat and Israeli pilot POW in W. Beirut; General Eitan says invasion planned in its "final ver-sion" 1 year ago; Sharon reiterates opposition to any remaining PLO presence in Lebanon; Shamir tells French diplomats invasion will help autonomy talks, asks French to stay out of Lebanese negotiations; opinion poll says 93 percent of Israelis think invasion justified (98.5 percent of Likud, 90.7 percent of Labor), that Likud and Begin popularity surging up; government says US ammunition sold to Saudi Arabia turned up in Lebanon.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Negotiations stalled on issues of PLO retention of arms and future political role in Lebanon (Arafat, in meeting with Wazzan, reportedly proposes 2 units under Lebanese Army command that would leave only after all Syrian and Israeli troops leave Lebanon; Saudi plan reportedly has no provision for eventual removal); reports that PLO Executive Committee agrees to military pullout over 8-week period (other reports say meeting rejected all Israeli government demands); Salam, after meeting Arafat, says PLO seeks diplomatic role as it has in other Arab countries; Gemayel returns to Lebanon, indicates no compromise reached (Phalange issues statement saying IDF invasion "defensive" move to wipe out PLO, endorses Sharon statement on Jordan as place for a Palestinian state); Habash rejects Israeli terms.

Arab Governments: Egyptian foreign ministry officials say PLO, if it came to Egypt, would have to proclaim "temporary government in exile" and restrict itself to political activity; Arab League ends meetings in Saudi Arabia, failing to resolve differences (PLO proposals reportedly accepted by all but Gemayel); Egypt says strong political PLO essential.

US and Other Countries: In Paris, 3 leading Jewish figures (Nahum Goldmann, Philip Klutznick, Pierre Mendes-France) issue joint declaration asking for mutual recognition by Israel and the PLO (hailed by PLO as pro-gram to lead out of the Lebanese crisis; strongly criticized by mainstream US Jewish groups, Israel).

UN: France and Egypt call on UN Security Council to intervene without formally asking body to meet; seek resolution to preserve PLO political role in the Mideast (part of draft resolution resembles one vetoed June 27; part assures Palestinians of their right to self-determination).