The Palestine Chronology

10,000 Palestinians greet Arafat as arrives for his 1st visit to Ramallah since the IDF pulled out. Arafat then heads to Tulkarm, Qalqilya to celebrate the IDF's withdrawal there. (NYT, WP, WT 12/31; JP 1/6)

Hamas mbrs. Isma'il Haniyya, Khalid al-Hindi, Sa'id al-Namruti say the will run for seats on the Palestinian Council as independents. (JMCC 12/30 in FBIS 1/2)

In Madrid, PA, Spain sign joint cooperation agmt. (PWR 1/9)

PSF releases al-Quds editor `Alami (arrested 12/27). (QY 12/31 in FBIS 1/2; NYT, WP 1/1; FT 1/3; CSM, WJW 1/4; JP 1/6)

After a Lebanese civilian is killed, 4 others wounded by IDF shelling, Hizballah fires rockets into n. Israel, wounds 2 IDF soldiers in clash in s. Lebanon. Israel blames Syria. (ITV, QY 12/30, QY 12/31, ITV 1/1 in FBIS 1/2; NYT, WT 12/31; MM 1/2; JP 1/6)

IDF completes withdrawal fr. Bethlehem. (MM 12/21; QY, VOP 12/21 in FBIS 12/22; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/22; JP 12/30)

At PISMC mtg. in Jerusalem, PA demands Israel withdraw immediately fr. Abu-Dis, Sawahirah villages nr. Jerusalem, both part of Bethlehem municipality under Oslo II. Israel says there was a mistake on the Oslo II maps, incorrectly placing the 2 villages in the withdrawal zone; it expects the PA to agree to the corrected maps that exclude them fr. the municipality. (QY 12/22 in FBIS 12/22)

Samiha Khalil, fmr. gen. secy. of the General Union of Palestinian Women and head of a respected West Bank charity, announces she will run against Arafat for the presidency as an independent in 1/20 elections. A PNC mbr., she says she will vote against amending the PLO covenant. (WT 12/28; CSM 1/4; WP 1/19)

PA, Hamas closed 4 days of their 1st formal, high-level reconciliation talks in Cairo, agree talks were positive but fail to reach accord. Hamas refuses to sign pledge to participate in Palestinian elections, cease attacks on Israeli targets, but agrees not to call for election boycott. (MM 12/18; MENA, VOP 12/18, MENA 12/19 in FBIS 12/19; CSM, WT 12/19; MENA, VOP 12/19 in FBIS 12/20; MM 12/20; MBC, RE, VOP 12/20, MENA, VOP 12/21 in FBIS 12/21; MENA, RMC, VOP 12/21, RE, SA 12/22 in FBIS 12/22; CSM, NYT 12/22; al-Quds 12/22 in FBIS 12/26; JP 12/30) (see 11/18)

Likud MK and fmr. DM Ariel Sharon announces that he will not run for PM, endorses party chmn. Benjamin Netanyahu. (QY 12/21, JP 12/22 in FBIS 12/22; JP 12/30)

Ahmad Tibi, Arafat adviser and head of the Israeli Islamic Movement, says his movement has created a party, the Arab Movement for Change, to participate in the 10/96 Knesset elections. (ITV 12/21 in FBIS 12/22) (see 9/10)

In s. Lebanon, IDF clashes with Amal, killing 3 Amal mbrs. (WT 12/26)

In Jericho, Secy. of State Christopher announces that Syria, Israel will resume negotiations in Washington 12/27. (ITV, QY, SATN, VOP 12/16, ITV 12/17 in FBIS 12/18; NYT, WP, WT 12/17; MM 12/18; JP 12/23)

In Gaza, 30,000 attend rally to celebrate Hamas's 8th anniversary. (WT 12/17; PR 12/29)

On his return fr. the U.S., PM Peres stops in Morocco to visit King Hassan. (QY 12/13, HA 12/14 in FBIS 12/14; MM 12/14, 12/15)

8 Hamas mbrs. (incl. Abu Musamih, `Abd al-Khaliq al-Natshe, Muhammad Abu Shama'a, Zahhar) travel fr. Gaza to Khartoum for 4 days of talks with diaspora Hamas leaders in advance of negotiations with the PA in Cairo 12/18-21. (MM, WT 12/13; IRNA [Tehran], VOP 12/13 in FBIS 12/14; MENA 12/16 in FBIS 12/18)

Syria releases 100's of Muslim Brothers, communists fr. jail, leaving only a handful of Muslim Brothers still in detention. (MM 12/15; RMC 12/17 in FBIS 12/18) (see 12/11)

Jordanian prosecutor general orders detention of Sawt al-Mar'ah chief editor for "slandering Iraqi president Saddam Hussein." (al-Dustur 12/18 in FBIS 12/19)

Saudi Arabia's Prince Khalid Bin Sultan calls for and end to sanctions on Iraq. (NYT 12/14)

IDF turns over control of Nablus to the PA. (NYT 12/12; VOP 12/12 in FBIS 12/12; NYT, WP, WT 12/13; MM 12/14; PR 12/15; JP 12/23)

PM Peres addresses a joint session of Congress. 300 American Jewish leaders are then briefed in Senate offices by Peres, U.S. special envoy Ross, U.S. Amb. to Israel Martin Indyk, and others. (WT 12/12; ITV 12/12 in FBIS 12/23; NYT, WP, WT 12/13; WJW 12/14)

Hamas expels Imad al-Faluji fr. all its bodies for failing to follow instructions after he declares he will run as an independent in the 1/20 elections, accepts position on panel to discuss draft election law with the PA (see 11/30), making statements in Hamas's name without approval; says his paper al-Watan will no longer serve as Hamas's mouthpiece. (AFP 12/12 in FBIS 12/13; MM 12/13) (see 12/11)

PA releases Hamas official, and editor of al-Watan Sayyid Abu Musamih. (MM 12/13; VOP 12/13 in FBIS 12/13) (see 5/14, 12/11)

IDF declares Nablus area a closed military zone, begins final redeployment 6 days ahead of schedule. IDF arrests 13 yeshiva students who refuse to leave Joseph's tomb, inside the closed zone; 40 others settlers who arrive at the tomb to confront the IDF are detained. After withdraw, Jewish settlers who attend yeshiva in the city will continue to receive IDF protection. (IL, NYT, WP 12/12; QY 12/12 in FBIS 12/12; CSM 12/13; MEI 12/15)

Pres. Clinton holds positive telephone conversation with Pres. Asad, then meets with PM Peres. Peres asks for assurances that money fr. its $3 b. 1996 aid package will be received by 1/1/96 even if the foreign aid bill has not been passed (aid for FY 1996 was to begin 10/95); gives Clinton a letter, asking for Pollard's release (see 11/21). (ITV, QY, SARR 12/11, QY 12/12 in FBIS 12/12; MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/12; MM 12/13; MA, SARR 12/13 in FBIS 12/13; WJW 12/14; MM 12/15; HA 12/15 in FBIS 12/15; CSM 1/4; WJW 1/18)

Israel Amb. to the U.S. and chief negotiator with Syria Rabinovitch says Israel is ready to make unspecified "significant concessions" to Syria. (WT 12/12)

In Paris, PA, France sign $15-m. cooperation agmt. (VOP 12/11, 12/12 in FBIS 12/12; PR 12/29)

PA announces creation of National Dialogue Office (NDO) to be headed by fmr. Hamas mbr. Faluji. At the same time, Faluji announces the indefinite closure of al-Watan. NDO will promote dialogue btwn. the PA, other political, social forces amid recognition of the "changed reality" following fr. the Oslo process. (HA 12/12 in FBIS 12/14)

In Gaza, Arafat, Hamas delegation meet to discuss of Hamas-PA talks on elections scheduled for 12/18-21 in Cairo. (VOP 12/12 in FBIS 12/12)

In Gaza, Arafat discusses joint ventures opportunities with Poland's Construction M Barbara Blida, delegation of Polish businessmen. (VOP 12/11 in FBIS 12/12)

Syria grants special amnesty to fmr. secy. gen. of Syria's Muslim Brotherhood `Abd al-Fattah Abu Ghuddah, allowing him to return to Damascus after 16-yrs. exile. (RMC 12/11 in FBIS 12/11; MM 12/14) (see 11/30)

IDF completes redeployment fr. Janin. 1,000 PA policemen take up posts. (CSM 11/13; QY, VOP 11/13 in FBIS 11/13; QY 11/13 in FBIS 11/14; NYT, WT 11/14; WT 11/15)

PA receives control over transportation, communications, meteorological spheres for Nablus, Tulkarm. (VOP 11/12 in FBIS 11/13)

Israel allows Fatah rejectionist Hani al-Hassan into Gaza. (QY 11/13 in FBIS 11/14)

In gesture to Hamas, PA releases 24 Hamas mbrs fr. PA prisons. (AFP, QY 11/13 in FBIS 11/14)

Over 1,000 Labor party mbrs vote to support the party's central comm. decision to make Peres party head, form government. (ITV, QY 11/13 in FBIS 11/14; NYT, WT 11/14)

Israeli police indict 24 Jewish settlers--incl. head of Hebron settlers Rabbi Moshe Levinger, head of Kach Baruch Marzel, spokesman for Eyal Itamar Ben-Gvir--on charges of disturbing the peace, assaulting police, attacking Palestinians over the last 2 yrs. (WP, WT 11/15)

Israeli Atty. Gen. Ben-Ya'ir meets with immigration officials to discuss banning entry, citizenship to some radical American Jews; notes that Jewish groups in the U.S. have raised over $100,000 for Yigal Amir's defense fund. (CSM, WT 11/14) (see 11/8)

New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani orders the UN to rescind its invitation to Arafat (sent 9/27) to attend a Lincoln Center concert marking the UN's 50th anniversary. (NYT 10/26)

Special Israeli ministerial comm. extends Shin Bet's authority to use physical force on Palestinian suspects during interrogation for 3 mos. (WP 10/21; WJW 10/26) (see 8/16)

PA approves formation of new Islamic National Union party in Gaza, to be headed by 3 frmr. Hamas mbrs. (see 8/13)

In Janin, Israeli security forces close down 5 PSF offices, interrogate staffs, saying under the Oslo agmts the PA may open police stations in rural areas, but not official PSF offices. (QY 10/14 in FBIS 10/16)

In the West Bank, Palestinians observe a commercial strike in protest over Israel's refusal to pardon all female prisoners. (QY 10/14 in FBIS 10/17)

Arafat accuses Hamas leaders abroad of blocking Hamas-PA reconciliation. (AFP 10/14 in FBIS 10/16)

While in Malta to receive peace award, Arafat's car is broadsided by a van, damaging the car but causing no injuries. Maltese authorities cannot explain how the van bypassed security measures set up for the motorcade. (WT 10/15)

Donors' Local Aid Coordinating Comm. (LACC), JLC hold joint mtg. in Gaza. (VOP 10/13 in FBIS 10/16)

Arafat holds follow-up mtg. with Hamas delegation. (VOP 10/13, MENA 10/15 in FBIS 10/16) (see 10/12)

In Gaza, Arafat meets with Hamas delegation that returned fr. the Sudan 10/7. (NYT 10/13; Al-Hayat, VOP 10/13, MENA 10/15 in FBIS 10/16)

Palestinian People's Party (PPP), formerly the Palestinian Communist party, says it will take part in elections. (QY 10/13 in FBIS 10/16)

Following events 10/10, 10/11, PM Rabin cancels appearance at Saharena celebrations in Ashqelon, fearing he would be prevented fr. speaking by hecklers. Shin Bet notes increasing number of attempts to attack ministers by extreme right-wingers; says it has increased its VIP detail to offer more protection. (YA 10/12 in FBIS 10/13)

Egyptian FM Musa says Libya's Col. Qaddafi has agreed to stop expelling Palestinians, only final details of an agmt. of understanding need to be worked out. (NYT 10/13; VOP 10/13 in FBIS 10/16; BT 10/19) (see 10/6)

In Damascus, PLO's Qaddumi meets with FM Shara`, then with Palestinian opposition leaders to discuss implications of the Oslo II agmt., conditions of refugees in Libya, Lebanon. (SARR 10/12 in FBIS 10/13; Al-Hayat, RMC 10/13 in FBIS 10/16)

Peace Now releases figures for Israel's 1995 West Bank housing starts, showing the highest rate of construction since PM Rabin took office in 1992. So far this year there have been 1,398 starts compared with 1,290 for 1994, 980 for 1993, and 6,210 in 1992. Most of the 6,000 West Bank settler homes under construction are nr. Jerusalem. (WT 10/13)

2 Fatah Hawks handcuff, blindfold journalist Samir Al-Kurdi, lead him to the courtyard of Nablus mosque, shoot and wound him, citing "moral offenses." (JP 10/21, 10/28) (see 10/11)

PA arrests 5 Palestinians, incl. security agents, in connection with American Azzam Muhammad Ibrahim Muslih's death in custody 9/29. (WP 10/13; JP 10/21)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah detonates roadside bomb, killing 3 IDF soldiers, wounding 6. (MM 10/13; RL 10/13 in FBIS 10/13; VOL 10/13 in FBIS 10/16) WT 10/16; MM 10/18; JP 10/21, 10/28)

In Gaza, Hamas, PA representatives discuss reconciliation agmt. (QY 10/11 in FBIS 10/11) (see 10/7)

At funeral of Abu Shaqra in Ramallah, IDF clashes with 2,000 mourners, arrests 5 Palestinians. (AFP 10/9 in FBIS 10/10) (see 10/7)

SLA allows delegation fr. the International Comm. of the Red Cross to visit al-Khiyam prison in s. Lebanon for 1st time since it was build in 1984. (VOL 10/8, AFP, RL 10/9 in FBIS 10/10)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah attacks IDF convoy, killing 3 IDF troops. (RL 10/9 in FBIS 10/10)

Based on complaints of conflict of interest presented by the pro-Israeli activist group CAMERA (Comm. for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America), National Public Radio fires its Middle East correspondent Maureen Meehan because she is married to PA official Jiryis Atrash. CAMERA says it will now try to have Meehan removed from her second job as a stringer for Newsday. (WJW 10/12; JP 11/4)

Central Cmdr. Maj. Gen. Biran refuses to approve releases for 2 Palestinian female prisoners on security grounds. (MM 10/10)

PA cabinet approves new budget for the authority in the West Bank. (VOP 10/7 in FBIS 10/10)

In Khartoum, Hamas delegation fr. the o.t. presents exiled Hamas mbrs with drafts for PA-Hamas reconciliation agmt. Hamas spokesman Ibrahim Ghawshah says the mbrs abroad feel the agmt. is too concessionary, are threatening to secede fr. Hamas if it is signed. (VOP 10/7, Al-Dustur, JP 10/8 in FBIS 10/10; Al-Sharq Al-Awsat 10/8 in FBIS 10/11; MM 10/11; AFP, Al-Hayat 10/11 in FBIS 11/12; MM 10/12) (see 10/6)

On the Egyptian-Libyan border, 200-300 Palestinians block road outside customs depot in protest over their planned expulsion. (WT 10/8) (see 10/6)

At Israel's Qetziot prison (Ansar 3) in the Negev, Palestinian administrative detainee Muhammad `Abd al-Raziq Abu Shaqra is found dead. Officials say he might have been beaten to death, will investigate. (AFP 10/9, JP 10/10 in FBIS 10/10) (see 9/10)

Israeli security extends Ayshah Ayyash's detention to 10/13. (QY 10/7 in FBIS 10/10) (see 9/16)

Knesset approves Oslo II accord. (MM 10/6; NYT, WP 10/6; QY 10/6 in FBIS 10/6; WJW 10/12; JP 10/14)

Outside the Knesset, Israeli protesters attack car of Housing M Ben-Eliezer and his aides, yelling "Get them! Kill them!"; do not injure the group but badly damage the car. (MM 10/6)

Israeli Pres. Weizman refuses to sign the releases of 2 Palestinian female prisoners convicted of murder. (QY 10/6 in FBIS 10/6; WP 10/7; MM 10/9, 10/12; MEI 10/20)

Egyptian FM Musa, Libyan Col. Qaddafi meet at border, discuss expulsions; Musa gives Qaddafi letter fr. Mubarak. 900 Palestinians stranded in the border camp burn tires, stone passing cars, demand they be allowed into the Palestinian self-rule areas. (MENA 10/5, 10/6, 10/7, 10/8, VOP 10/9 in FBIS 10/10; WT 10/8) (see 10/4)

Israel allows 4 Hamas mbrs (Isma'il Hanniyya, Khalid al-Hindi, `Abdallah Muhanna, Sa'id al-Naruti) to leave the West Bank for Jordan, then Sudan to consult with exiled Hamas leaders (incl. Imad al-Alami, Muhammad Nazzal, Munir al-Sa'id) regarding forming a political party. (QY 10/6 in FBIS 10/6; ITV 10/6 in FBIS 10/10; MM 10/11)

At the invitation of Secy. of State Christopher, Syrian FM Shara` arrives in Washington for 2-day working visit. (MM 10/5; RMC, SARR 10/5, SARR 10/6 in FBIS 10/6; MM 10/6; SARR 10/6 in FBIS 10/10; WJW 10/12)

In Jerusalem, 20,000-30,000 Israelis gather in Zion Square to urge MKs to vote against the Oslo II accord. (NYT 10/6; JP 10/6 in FBIS 10/6; JP 10/14)

PM Rabin opens the Knesset debate on the Oslo II agmt., for the 1st time outlining his vision of a final settlement. Labor coalition MKs vote unanimously for resolution calling the vote on the interim agmt. binding on all faction, coalition mbrs. (MM 10/5; QY 10/5 in FBIS 10/5)

Arab FMs meet at the UN to discuss Israeli memorandum circulated 10/3, issue their own memorandum calling on the UN committees dealing with Palestine, particularly the UNRWA, to continue their work until Palestinians regain their national rights, Israel completes its withdrawal fr. the o.t., the issue of settlements is solved. (VOP 10/5 in FBIS 10/6)

PA police arrest 20 Hamas mbrs in connection with 10/4 shooting of Israeli policeman. (JP 10/6 in FBIS 10/6)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah attacks 2 SLA convoys, killing or wounding 6. (VOL 10/5 in FBIS 10/6) 

Syrian FM Shara` meets with Egyptian FM Musa, Lebanese FM Buwayz, Saudi FM Prince Sa'ud al-Faysal on the sidelines of the UN mtgs. (RL, SARR 10/4 in FBIS 10/5)

On the sidelines of the UN mtgs., Arab FMs agree to support Libya's nomination for the rotating position UN Security Council. (MENA 10/5 in FBIS 10/6)

9 PLO Exec. Comm. mbrs (Mahmud Darwish, `Abdallah Hurani, Shafiq al-Hut, Muhammad Isma'il, Taysir Khalid, Iliya Khuri, `Abd al-Rahim Malluh, Sulayman al-Najjab, Faruq al-Qaddumi) release joint statement rejecting Oslo II accord. 2 others, Samir Ghawshah, Jamal al-Surani endorse the statement. Only 9 Exec. Comm. mbrs approved the agmt. (see 9/26) (SANA 10/4 in FBIS 10/5)

Visiting Palestinians detained in camp on Egypt's border, Libyan leader Col. Muammar Qaddafi calls on Arab leaders to "send home" all Palestinians in protest over the Oslo II agmt. Islamists, nationalist Palestinians jointly condemn the call. (NYT, WP, WT 10/5) (see 9/27)

Al-Watan publisher Imad al-Faluji signs PA pledge to respect the press and publication law, allowing publication of his pro-Hamas paper to resume. (Al-Nahar 10/5 in FBIS 10/6) (see 8/6)

In Gaza, Israeli policeman is wounded by shots fired at a joint Israeli-PA patrol. Group calling itself the Islamic Salvation Front takes responsibility. (ITV 10/4 in FBIS 10/5)

IDF extends closure on West Bank, Gaza to 10/8. (QY 10/4 in FBIS 10/5) (see 9/30)

PA cabinet approves Oslo II agmt., with Labor M Samir Ghawshah, Telecommunications M `Abd al-Hafiz al-Ashab abstaining over Hebron clauses. (CSM, MM 9/26; VOP 9/26 in FBIS 9/26)

DFLP, Hamas, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria issue statements denouncing Oslo II agmt. (SANA 9/25, INRA [Tehran], The Times [London] 9/26 in FBIS 9/26)

PSF cmdr. Maj. Gen. Nasr Yusuf says he has 6,000 policemen, security personnel ready to assume duties in the West Bank; expects 4,000-5,000 additional men to come fr. outside the territories to assume duties. (VOP 9/25 in FBIS 9/26)

In Amman, Jordanian security forces arrest 3 Fatah-Uprising mbrs, charge them with attacking the Israeli embassy in the Hotel 9/18. (Al-Bilad 10/4 in FBIS 10/3 [dates as published])

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah shells IDF post, killing 2, wounding 2. (MM, NYT 9/26)

Despite Peres's last-minute insertion of clauses concerning PA police movement, redeployment prompting Arafat to temporarily walk out of the talks, Israel, PA initial Oslo II agmt. Arafat immediately departs for a tour to discuss the agmt. with Arab leaders. (ITV, MBC, QY, RE, VOP 9/24 in FBIS 9/25; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/25; NYT, WP 9/26; WJW 9/28; JP 9/30)

In protest over the initialling of the accord, Palestinians throw stones at IDF soldiers in Hebron, Nablus. In Nablus, soldiers shoot, kill 1 Palestinian. Right-wing settlers call on soldiers to ignore redeployment orders. (ITV, QY 9/24 in FBIS 9/25; WT 9/25, 9/26)

U.S. blocks informal PA request to the UN regarding importing oil fr. Iraq. (WT 9/25; Al-Ra`i 9/25 in FBIS 9/25; JT 9/25 in FBIS 9/27) (see 9/22)

Israeli security detains 2 leading Hamas mbrs., Shaykh Jamal Abu Hayja and Bassam Abu Shamla; places them in 4-mo. administrative detention. (QY 9/24 in FBIS 9/26)

IDF imposes closure on West Bank for Rosh Hashanah, continues closure of Gaza begun 9/20. (HA 9/24 in FBIS 9/25)

After 2 postponements, FM Peres, Arafat meet in Taba to resolve deadlock over Hebron, electricity, water, prisoners; say they will meet without break until they come to an agmt. (MENA, VOP 9/15, MENA 9/16 in FBIS 9/18)

Despite FM Peres's protests, South African FM Nzo meets with Faisal Husseini at Orient House, discusses status of Jerusalem. (VOP 9/16 in FBIS 9/18)

In Damascus, Japanese PM Tomiichi Murayama, 60 Japanese officials meet with Pres. Asad. Delegation then leaves for 2-day official visit to Israel and the self-rule areas. (JP 9/16; KYODO [Tokyo], QY 9/17, JP 9/18 in FBIS 9/18; KYODO [Tokyo] 9/16 in FBIS 9/19)

Israeli police arrest 3 Palestinian in connection with Halhul attack 9/8; say motive was criminal, not political. They also detain Ayshah Ayyash in attempt to coerce her son, most wanted Hamas mbr. Yahya Ayyash, to surrender. (IDF Radio, QY 9/16 in FBIS 9/18; WP, NYT 9/17; CSM, MM 9/18; JP 9/23; QY 10/7 in FBIS 10/10)

U.S. Consul Gen. Abington, Mubarak advisor Osama Baz encourage Arafat to accept a compromise proposal on Hebron to complete Oslo II negotiations. (RE, VOP 9/14 in FBIS 9/15; WT 9/16)

In Gaza, Arafat meets with `Abd al-Majid Shuman, the chmn. of the Arab Bank board of directors, and a number of Palestinian investors interested in participating in infrastructure building. (VOP 9/14 in FBIS 9/15)

In Amman, PM Bin Shakir, Oman's FM Yusuf Bin-`Alawi discuss improving Omani-Jordanian ties, importance of cooperation, consultation. (RJ 9/14 in FBIS 9/15)

In Gaza, PA military court convicts 2 Hamas mbrs. to 12 yrs each for carrying out attacks with automatic weapons outside the self-rule areas. (MM 9/14; QY 9/14 in FBIS 9/14; Davar, HA, VOP 9/14 in FBIS 9/15)

In Hebron, 2,000 Palestinians protest West Bank settlements, clash with IDF. IDF throws stun grenades into crowd, arrests 2. (MM 9/14; CSM, WT 9/15)

On 2d anniversary of DOP, Israeli police use water cannons to disperse 100s of Israelis protesting the accord outside PM Rabin's Jerusalem residence; 9 police, 20 protesters injured, 22 arrested. Also in Jerusalem, Palestinians clash with IDF. In Hebron, IDF attempts to disperse settlers outside nursery school, fires tear gas, injuring 11 toddlers. (MM 9/13; QY 9/13, QY 9/14 in FBIS 9/14; NYT, WP 9/14; MM 9/14; NYT 9/17; PR 8/22; JP 9/23)

In Beirut, Spanish PM Gonzalez meets with Pres. Hrawi, PM Hariri, FM Buwayz. (RL 9/13 in FBIS 9/14)

In Amman, King Hussein receives Qatari FM Shaykh Hamad Bin Jasim al-Thani, who expresses Qatar's warm feelings for Jordan, desire to "heal the rift in Arab ranks." (PETRA-JNA 9/13 in FBIS 9/15)

Israel appoints Ali Yahya as its 1st Arab amb. He will be posted to Finland. (MA 9/13 in FBIS 9/14; WT 9/14; MM 9/18; JP 9/26; WJW 10/19)

1 man is killed, 1 woman injured in an explosion in Gaza City. PA police say the man, a Hamas mbr., was preparing a bomb for an anti-Israeli attack when it accidentally exploded. (QY 9/13 in FBIS 9/14; QPAR 9/15 in FBIS 9/19)

Palestinians in the `Ayn al-Hilwa refugee camp in s. Lebanon hold general strike to protest Libya expulsion of Palestinians, Lebanon's barriers to their return to Lebanon. (RL 9/13 in FBIS 9/13; MM 9/14)

Israeli FMin. says it is having trouble planning a speaking tour of U.S. for a group of senior IDF reserve officers. PM Rabin is dispatching the delegation to encourage U.S. Jews to support the peace process, explain the Israeli government's positions, however, many Jewish conservative, reform groups are refusing to meet. (HA 9/11 in FBIS 9/12)

Reacting to the expulsion 9/8 of 350 Palestinian refugees with Lebanese laissez-passer, Lebanon closes sea routes with Libya, says Palestinians wishing to return must obtain entry visas fr. Lebanese embassy, but orders embassies not to issue new documents or visas without case-by-case approval by the Interior Min. Libya sends 10s of busses carrying 50 Palestinians each to Egypt, prompting Egypt to stop allowing in Palestinians without permits to enter Gaza, leaving 100s stranded on the border. (VOL 9/7, MENA, VOL 9/8 in FBIS 9/8; NYT, WP, WT 9/10; MBC, RL 9/8, AFP, RL, VOL 9/9, AFP, RL, VOL 9/10 in FBIS 9/11; MM 9/11; NYT 9/13)

Frmr. Israeli Islamic Movement mbrs. led by Shaykh Atif Khatib announce they will present an Islamic list for 10/96 Knesset elections that will incl. a candidate for PM. It would be the 1st time an Arab would run for PM. Shaykh Khatib says the new party, Islamic Arab Faction, will be left leaning, pro-peace process, for Arab equality. (YA 9/10 in FBIS 9/12; HA 9/18 in FBIS 9/21)

In Hebron, Jewish settlers storm Palestinian girls school, beat headmistress, injure 4 girls (aged 6-10) who took part in street protest. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/11; NYT 9/13)

In Nablus, armed men kidnap Fatah Hawk official Na'il Shubaytah. 25 Fatah Hawks march through city armed with grenades, pistols, machine guns in protest; accuse supporters of Issam Abu Bakr, who was suspended fr. the group 1 mo. ago. (AFP 9/10 in FBIS 9/11)

At Tel Ashqelon prison in Israel, 20 Palestinian prisoners beat to death their Hamas cell mate `Abd al-Fatah al-Rantisi, who was serving a 15-yr. sentence as a collaborator. (AFP 9/10 in FBIS 9/11)

Hamas's Hisham `Abd al-Raziq says Israel permitted 2 Hamas leaders to meet with the group's jailed spiritual leader Shaykh Ahmad Yasin a month and a half ago. Yasin advised Hamas to cease violent attacks, work toward an agmt. with the PA. (QY 9/3, Davar 9/4 in FBIS 9/5; MM 9/4)

PA police say they have conducted 10s of raids in Gaza over the past few days in an attempt to capture Yahya Ayyash, thought to be the mastermind behind Hamas's bombings. (QY 9/3 in FBIS 9/5)

Arab parents in Jaffa call school strike, demanding that children of relocated Palestinian informers be expelled fr. class, saying "If they betrayed their people . . ., we don't want them." (WT 9/4)

In 1st mtg. since the Vatican established ties with the PA, Arafat meets with Pope John Paul II at Castelgandolfo, Italy; also confirms secret negotiations were held in Italy before, after Oslo agmt. (VOP 9/2 in FBIS 9/5; WP 9/3; WJW 9/7; RAI Radio [Rome] 92 in FBIS 9/8)

In Damascus, PLO's Qaddumi meets with FM Shara` to discuss recent developments in the peace process. (SATN 9/2 in FBIS 9/5)

Sr. PLO official Hisham `Abd al-Raziq, head of PLO talks with Hamas, says he is close to an agmt. with Hamas that would end its violent attacks. (AFP 9/2 in FBIS 9/5; Al-Hayat 9/2 in FBIS 9/6; WT 9/4; CSM 9/5)

In apparent suicide, Israeli motorist speeds through Israeli, PA roadblocks at entrance to Gaza, is shot, killed by Palestinian police. (AFP, QY 9/2 in FBIS 9/6; NYT, WP, WT 9/3)

In Gaza, Arafat receives 3 mbrs of the New York Board of Rabbis; then meets with Brazilian FM Lampreia on bilateral ties, enhancing cooperation, aid Brazil can provide for economic, agricultural spheres. (VOP 8/30 in FBIS 8/31; MM 8/31)

PA police detain 3 Palestinian journalists (Fa'id Abu Shamallah, Mustafa Sawwaf, Tahir al-Nun) who reside in Gaza, work for Al-Nahar, and are suspected of working for Hamas. (MM 8/31; QY 8/31 in FBIS 8/31)

Suspected Hamas mbr. Tawfiq Subay Sawarqa (arrested 8/27) dies while in PA custody. Arafat suspends PSF officers in charge, orders inquiry. (QY 8/30 in FBIS 8/30; MM 8/31; AFP 8/31 in FBIS 9/1)

In Nablus, IDF soldiers clash with large crowd of Palestinians, fire tear gas, injuring 3. (ITV 8/30)

Israel lifts closure on Jericho though PA still refuses to turn over Dudin, Khatib. (NYT, WP 8/31) (see 8/27)

In s. Lebanon, an explosion during training maneuvers destroys PFLP-GC camp, killing 10 top commanders, seriously wounding 17, incl. Ahmad Jibril's son. (AFP 8/31, AFP, QY 9/1 in FBIS 9/1; HA 9/3 in FBIS 9/5)

U.S. special envoy Dennis Ross (on personal visit to the region) discusses PA-Israeli negotiations with Arafat in Gaza, then with FM Peres in Jerusalem. (QY, VOP 8/29 in FBIS 8/30; CSM 8/30; PWR 9/4)

In Damascus, Pres. Asad, FM Shara` receive U.S. Senators Arlen Spector, Hank Brown; discusses Syrian-U.S. relations, peace process. (SARR 8/29 in FBIS 8/30; MM 8/30; MM 9/5)

U.S. State Dept. says it warned Syria (8/11) to do "everything in its power" to curb threats against the U.S. and its citizens by Syrian-based Palestinian/Islamic rejectionist groups; U.S. reserves the right to respond to attacks "in any way it deems necessary." (MM, WP 8/30; WJW 9/7)

PA says that, in past 2 days, based on Israeli information, it has arrested over 30 Hamas mbrs, foiling 2 planned attacks on Israeli, PA targets. (ITV, QPAR, QY 8/29 in FBIS 8/30; NYT 8/30; CSM 8/31)

In Cairo, Israel, PA sign pact, giving PA control over 8 spheres of West Bank administration. (VOP 8/20 in FBIS 8/21; MM 8/21; QY 8/20 in FBIS 8/22; MENA, VOP 8/27 in FBIS 8/28; WP, WT 8/28; CSM, MM 8/29; JP 9/2; WJW 9/7)

Jordan's King Hussein meets with Israeli PM Rabin, FM Peres in Aqaba to discuss Iraqi defections. (IL 8/28; Al-Aswaq 8/28 in FBIS 8/28)

In Damascus, German Economics M Spranger meets with Pres. Asad. (SANA, SATN 8/27 in FBIS 8/28)

Israel demands extradition of Dudin, Khatib in connection with 12/24/94 Jerusalem bombing, vows to keep closure on Jericho (begun 8/22) in place until pair is turned over. For 1st time, IDF stops journalists fr. entering Jericho while under closure. In continuing crackdown in the West Bank, IDF arrests 12 alleged Hamas mbrs, says recent arrests have prevented 2 bombings, a plan to kidnap IDF soldiers. (QY 8/27, JP 8/28 in FBIS 8/28; MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/28) (see 8/25)

Israeli police release Fatah's Ghunaym. (Al-Quds 8/28 in FBIS 8/30) (see 8/21)

IDF lifts closure on West Bank, but says closure on Jericho will remain in place through 8/30. (QY, VOP 8/27 in FBIS 8/28)

After Egyptian Pres. Husni Mubarak calls on Israel to prosecute soldiers accused of killing Egyptian POWs during the 1956, 1967 wars, Israeli historian accuses Egypt of killing 200 Israeli POWs during 1973 war. (MM 8/23; WT 8/26; MM 8/29) (see 8/16)

The Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council reports that about 500 new water wells have been dug in Gaza since the IDF withdrew, causing salinization to increase in the souther costal aquifer. (HA 8/25 in FBIS 8/25)

In Hebron, IDF kills 2 Hamas mbrs in gunfight, then razes house in which they were trapped, puts curfew on residents. (MM 8/25; QY 8/25 in FBIS 8/25; NYT, WP, WT 8/26; JP 9/2)

In Copenhagen, Syrian FM Shara` discusses peace process, Syrian-EU relations with Danish PM Poul Rasmussen, FM Niels Petersen, other parliamentary, FMin. officials. (SANA 8/24 in FBIS 8/25)

In light of Hamas's claim of responsibility for 7/24, 8/21 attacks, PA halts talks with the group about its participation in elections. (WT 8/25)

Throughout Jerusalem, 1000s of right-wing Jewish protesters calling for PM Rabin's resignation clash with Israeli police. 3 police, 3 demonstrators are injured, 14 arrested. (ITV 8/24 in FBIS 8/25; JP 9/2)

PA police arrest `Abd al-Majid Dudin, Rashid Khatib after the pair flees to Jericho to evade IDF troops intent on arresting them as Hamas attackers. IDF demands they be returned to Israel; PA refuses. (WT 8/27; CSM 8/28; JP 9/2)

Islamic National Path Movement, a newly formed Hamas breakaway group which accepts the DOP as a fait accompli, calls to Hamas to end attacks, give the PA a chance. The party is the 17th to be formed this yr. (JP 8/24 in FBIS 8/24)

1 IDF soldier is wounded, 3 Hizballah mbrs. killed in IDF attack on Hizballah base in s. Lebanon. (QY 8/25 in FBIS 8/28)

At Orient House, German delegation reaffirms to Faisal Husseini Germany's position that East Jerusalem is part of the Palestinian territories. (VOP 8/23, 8/24 in FBIS 8/25)

In response to news reports 8/18 showing settlers' flowering gardens in Kiryat Arba and dried-up Palestinian fields in neighboring Hebron, Israeli Agriculture Min. orders Efrat settlement to temporarily divert 1,000 cu.m./day of water to Hebron to ease the severe water shortage. (MM 8/21; JP, QY 8/20, QY 8/23 in FBIS 8/24)

Israeli military court sentences Hamas's `Abd al-`Aziz Rantisi, arrested after his return fr. exile in Lebanon 12/15/93, to 42 mos in jail, plus 28 mos suspended for being a mbr. of an illegal organization. (MM 8/24)

IDF lifts closure on Gaza, extends closure on West Bank to 8/27. 6,000 Palestinian workers are allowed to enter Israel fr. Gaza. (QY, VOP 8/23 in FBIS 8/23; QY 8/23 in FBIS 8/24)