The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Attorney Ibrahim Irshayd, sec. of Prisoners' Friends Assoc., calls for closure of Kafr Una Prison [FJ 11/8].

Arab World: Senior Jordanian official states King Hussein has rejected U.S. proposal for peace conference sponsored jointly by U.S. and U.S.S.R. and is insisting on international conference [NYT 11/71.

Other Countries: Washington Post reports Israel has denied allegations of new arms sales to Iran [WP 11/6].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops raid Zahra School for Girls in Gaza, arrest 6 students. Soldiers and youths clash at Jabaliya refugee camp [FJ 11/8]. Palestinian farmers in Jericho begin exporting produce to EEC through Israeli Agrexco Co. [Fl 11/8]. Residents of Laqqiyyah replant olive trees uprooted by Israeli troops; Israel uproots trees again [FJ 11/8]. Al-Quds reports Israeli Ministry of Justice has ruled all Jerusalem property owned by W. Bank Palestinians will be considered absentee property [FJ 11/8].

Arab World: Israeli patrol boat searches boat off Lebanon coast, detains passenger suspected of transporting arms to guerrilla forces [WP 11/9].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Several W. Bank and Jerusalem Palestinian political activists are arrested, charged with organizing demonstrations [WP 9/17; FJ 9/20]. Bethlehem U. students hold symbolic funeral to commemorate 5th anniversary of Sabra and Shatila massacres [FJ 9/20]. Inner cabinet adopts economic and cultural sanctions against S. Africa [NYT, WP 9/17]. Palestinian political prisoners at Nafha Prison begin 2-day hunger strike to protest conditions; strike at Ashkelon Prison enters 6th week [FJ 9/20]. Authorities arrest 12 Palestinians in occupied territories: 3 are placed under administrative detention for 6 months; 9 receive 9-day detentions for planning strikes, demonstrations [FJ 9/20]. Israeli High Court rules non-striking Palestinian lawyers have right to form union [FJ 9/20]. Al-Najah U. administration adopts new regulations concerning campus mosque, religious celebrations [FJ 9/20]. Israeli authorities confiscate copies of Arabic dailies in the occupied territories [FJ 9/20].

Other Countries: Hasan 'Abd al-Rahman, director of Palestine Information Office in U.S., says he will sue to prevent State Dept.-ordered closure of PIO [LAT 9/18].

Military Action

Arab World: Lebanese National Resistance Front, groups of Syrian-sponsored Palestinian and leftist Lebanese fighters, attack Israeli patrol just north of Israeli border, killing 3 Israelis. Israeli sources allege guerrillas were trying to infiltrate border and take hostages. In Rashayyah, Israeli infantry and helicopters follow group of fighters spotted approaching Israeli border; 3 guerrillas are killed [WP 9/17].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Reports suggest Brig. Gen. Ephraim Sneh, head of W. Bank civil administration, is stepping down from post after repeated differences with Shmuel Goren, Defense Ministry coordinator for occupied territories [LAT 9/17]. In E. Jerusalem, Com. Confronting the Iron Fist holds protest condemning detention of Faysal Husayni [FJ 9/20]. Journalist Mahmud Ramahi receives 5-year prison sentence on charges of leading Fateh military cell [FJ 9/20]. Gaza union leaders are interrogated by Israeli authorities [FJ 9/20].

Arab World: Nabih al-Bizri, Sidon representative to Lebanese parliament who mediated between Amal and Palestinian fighters, survives explosion at his home; 5 others are injured [FJ 9/20].

Other Countries: U.S. State Dept. orders Palestine Information Office, Washington, D.C., to close within 30 days [NYT 9/16].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Numerous clashes between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian youths are reported at Balatah refugee camp; 12-year-old boy is killed, 2 others seriously wounded. Camp is placed under curfew [LAT 9/17; FJ 9/20].

Arab World: In overnight battle on slopes of Mt. Hermon in S. Lebanon, Israeli troops battle Lebanese National Resistance Front guerrillas; 3 IDF soldiers are killed, 4 wounded [NYT 9/17].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli cabinet votes to cancel 7-year-old Lavi jet fighter project. Demonstrating Israeli Aircraft workers block highway near factory [LAT 8/31]. In Rafah, Palestinian child is shot in leg by Israeli truck driver who alleges he opened fire after group of children threw stones at him [FJ 9/6]. Trial of Mordechai Vanunu begins under extraordinarily heavy security; Vanunu faces life imprisonment for selling The Times of London information about Israel's nuclear facility at Dimona [WP, LAT 8/3 1]. In Jenin area, 5 people are injured when 2 gas bombs are thrown at Arab bus. In Gaza, Israeli police order 30 stores closed after gas bomb is thrown at Israeli car [FJ 9/6]. Palestinian-owned poultry farm in Nablus-area village of Naqura is demolished by Israeli bulldozers. It is the 3d farm destroyed in the past week [FJ 9/6]. Israeli authorities reopen Rafah crossing to Egypt after 4-day closure. The crossing was closed after acollaborator was attacked [FJ 9/6].

Arab World: Jordanian Ministry for Occupied Territories Affairs agrees to allocate JD 140,000 for development projects in Gaza Strip [FJ 9/6].

Military Action

Arab World: Shi'i guerrillas claim 4 Israeli soldiers were killed in overnight clash in S. Lebanon security zone. Israeli sources state 4 Shi'i fighters were killed north of the security zone [CSM 8/31].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: A 1-day general strike in support of Jerusalem Electric Company closes most shops in E. Jerusalem [FJ 8/23]. Israeli police announce arrest of 4 Palestinians in connection with 4 murders, including assassination of Nablus Mayor Zafir al-Masri in 1986, and 3 attempted murders in Nablus and Jenin [FJ 8/23]. In Rahat village, 1,500 demonstrators inside mosque prevent court-ordered demolition of mosque by Israeli soldiers and police [FJ 8/23]. Jerusalem planning com. approves project to build 10,000 housing units for Palestinians innorthern Jerusalem [FJ 8/23]. Lina Tubaylah, member of Women's Work Com. in Nablus, receives 6-month town arrest order [FJ 8/23]. Israeli authorities ban 22 books from use in Palestinian schools on W. Bank [FJ 8/23]. Israeli authorities approve building of 4 new settlements in Jordan Valley, Nablus, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem [FJ 8/23]. Israeli authorities inform landowners in Hebron-area villages of Dura and Dhahriyyah of plan to expropriate 2,000 dunams of village land [FJ 8/23]. Members of Village League open fire on Bayt 'Ula residents, injuring 2 [FJ 8/23].

Arab World: Maronite leader Camille Chamoun dies in Lebanon [MEI 8/28]. Arab committee studying terrorism ends session in Damascus; meeting was attended by an official delegation of the PLO [FJ 8/23]. Khalid Yasin, member of DFLP, is released from Israeli prison after 14 years, arrives in al-Baddawi refugee camp in N. Lebanon [FJ 8/23].

Other Countries: Scotland Yard reveals arrest of Isma'il Hasan Suwan, Palestinian researcher, in connection with attempted assassinationf Naji al-'Ali and seizure of large arms and explosive cache believed to be for use by PLO guerrillas in Europe [NYT 8/19; FJ 8/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: More than 50 Israeli soldiers raid al-Najah University in Nablus, confiscate books and files from administrative and student council offices [FJ 8/23]. In Gaza, 2 Israelis are injured in gunfire attack [FJ 8/23].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Bayt Jann village in the Galilee, hundreds of Palestinian Druze clash with Israeli soldiers and nature reserve officers when authorities try to evict Druze from village land annexed by Israel for a nature reserve; at least 16 Israelis and 6 Druze are injured [BG 7/7; FJ 7/12]. Office of Jerusalem Mayor Teddy Kollek announces mayor will boycott French Consulate's Bastille Day celebration to protest practice of holding separate receptions for Arabs in E. Jerusalem and for Jews in W. Jerusalem [WP 7/7].

Arab World: U.S. envoy Vernon Walters meets in Damascus with Syrian Pres. al-Asad for 2d day of discussions aimed at improving U.S. -Syrian relations [WP, NYT 7/7].

Military Action

Arab World: Combined Israeli ground and air forces fight Hizballah guerrillas in daylong battle near Yatir in S. Lebanon [BG 7/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldiers capture 1of 6 Palestinian political prisoners who escaped from Gaza Prison on 5/18 [FJ 5/24]. After bombing incident near Gaza Strip's Netzarim settlement, Israeli soldiers shoot, kill Palestinian youth running from scene [WP 5/23; FJ 5/31]. Army reveals discovery of 4 Palestinian military cells near Bethlehem [FJ 5/31].

Other Countries: U.S. federal court excuses former Israeli official David Kimche from testifying before grand jury but reserves righto order him to return to U.S. and testify infuture [NYT 5/23].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli troops attack S. Lebanon town of Arnun, half mile north of security zone, destroying houses allegedly occupied by Shi'i guerrillas; Pres. Jumayyil calls for UN intervention [BG 5/23].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: F. M. Peres testifies before Israeli Parliament Defense and Foreign Affairs Com. that Israel warned U.S. there was only 25% chance of success in U.S.-Iran arms-for-hostages deal, denies Israeli involvement in diverting money to Nicaraguan contras [NYT 1/14]. Muhammad Shakir Dahlan, resident of Khan Yunis accused of heading the Fateh youth movement in Gaza and inciting "armed struggle against Israel," receives deportation order [FJ 1/16].

Military Action

Arab World: Lebanese guerrillas raid SLA position; 3 killed, 10 wounded. Four Israeli fighter-bombers attack Fateh dissidents in Biqa' Valley, killing 3, injuring 13 [NYT 1/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M.Shamir says he is prepared to attack guerrilla bases inside Syria (WP 11/13).

Other Countries: Israel tells Britain Mordechai Vanunu left Britain voluntarily (contrary tospeculation Israeli agents abducted him) (WP 11/14). In nationally broadcast TV address, Pres. Reagan denies he paid "ransom" for U.S. hostages in Lebanon (WP 11/14).

Military Action

Arab World: In south Lebanon, two Shi'is are killed in clash with IDF (JP 11/14).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Several thousand people, including several Jews, march to commemorate 30th anniversary of 1956 Kafr Qasim massacre (WP 10/30).

Other Countries: Le Monde reports that Syria helped France reach "truce" with group believed to have exploded bombs in Paris. "Truce" will last until February when Georges Ibrahim 'Abdallah is to stand trial. Meanwhile, Saudi newspaper publishes interview with French interior minister saying Syrian and French secret services were involved in "real cooperation" to prevent terrorist bombings (NYT, WP 10/30).

Military Action

Arab World: In Lebanon, Palestinian Amal rocket and artillery battles spread to Beirut suburb Burj al-Barajinah, which has been quiet since the summer when 200 were killed in Palestinian camps. Druze leader Walid Jumblatt warns Palestinians against using south Lebanon for "military adventurism." AP reports UN and Palestinian sources estimate 3,500 Palestinian guerrillas have returned to refugee camps in Lebanon in past six months (NYT, WP 10/30). Syria begins formation of joint leftist force to fight Fateh in the Lebanese camps. Force would comprise fighters from Druze Progressive Socialist party, Lebanese Ba'th, Syrian Social Nationalist party, and Lebanese Communist party (JP 10/30).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Blind 28-year-old Palestinian is sentenced to life imprisonment for leading a guerrilla band, killing British tourist and Israeli businessman in East Jerusalem (NYT 10/28).

Other Countries: Led by Greece and France, 12-member European Economic Community rebuffs British pressure to adopt punitive sanctions against Syria at foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg (NYT, WP 10/28). U.S. considers sanctions against Syria (NYT 10/28).

Military Action

Arab World: Truce in Lebanon is broken, Amal and Palestinians resume clashes near Sidon (30 killed, 80 wounded) (NYT 10/28).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Two Palestinians (Mustafa Mahmud Karush and Tawfiq Ibrahim 'Abdallah) are sentenced to life imprisonment for killing Israeli soldier in November 1984 (WP 10/24).

Military Action

Arab World: Palestinian guerrillas in rubber dinghies attack Shi'i militia camp in south Lebanon, killing 5, following overnight clashes between Amal and Palestinians in Rashidiyyah in which 3 residents were killed. Fighting ends Syrian-sponsored truce (NYT 10/24).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P. M. Peres calls Sunday Times report on Israeli nuclear bomb factory "sensationalist" and repeats longstanding Israeli policy on nuclear weapons (i.e., Israel "will not be the first to introduce" them) (WP, NYT 10/7).

Other Countries: In London, trial opens of Nizar Hindawi, Jordanian accused of trying to blow up El Al jumbo jet with 375 passengers on board on 4/17 by giving girlfriend suitcase with bomb inside. Prosecution says Hindawi told British investigators that Syrian military intelligence officers gave him money, passport, explosives, and bomb training (NYT, WP 10/7). Israeli diplomatic mission in Geneva announces name of third Taba arbitrator: Gunnar Lagergren of Sweden. Other two are Pierre Bellet of France and Dietrich Schindler of Switzerland (JP 10/7).

Military Action

Arab World: Eight Israeli jets attack PFLP training camp and ammunition dump north of Tripoli, ten miles from Syrian border; nine are wounded-seven guerrillas and two civilians. First Israeli bombing activity in north Lebanon in 15 months, but 12th in Lebanon this year (WP, NYT 10/7). Video recordings of three French hostages are received in West Beirut news agency office (NYT 10/7).

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: Israeli P.M. Peres meets Soviet F.M. Shevardnadze for 90 minutes at UN. Peres calls meeting "beginning of dialogue" (WP 9/23); it is highest level meeting since 1967 rupture. Peres says they agree to consider normalizing relations (NYT 9/23). At request of France, Israel tells UN Security Council that it won't dismantle "security zone" inside Lebanon as Security Council demands (NYT 9/23).

Military Action

Arab World: IDF mass troops and equipment on both sides of the Lebanese border; military sources repeat warnings that Israel will use "all means necessary" including use of troops to defend SLA from new attacks by Muslim guerrillas and to maintain control of "security zone." Mobilization is largest concentration of troopsince June 1985 withdrawal (WP, NYT 9/23).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: As Israeli P.M. Peres sets off for Washington, F. M. Shamir says "big part" of Israeli government opposes international conference (NYT, WP 9/15). Young Arab woman is killed by IDF after stabbing soldier (FBIS 9/16).

Other Countries: In Paris, third bomb in a week explodes (eighth since December 1985), killing policeman and seriously wounding two. "Partisans of Right and Liberty" (Arab group) claims responsibility. Paris announces sweeping measures to fight bombing wave, including requirement that all foreign visitors obtain visas (NYT 9/15).

Social/Economic/Politica

l Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli and Westem military sources state that over the past few months, the Syrian army has been building trenches in S. Lebanon that are closer to the Israeli border [NYT 5/13].

Arab World: Thousands of Fateh fighters are returning to take up fighting positions in Lebanon; PLO officials confirm that a tacit alliance has been established between the PLO and Hizballah organization, in the wake of ongoing clashes between PLO guerrillas and the Amal militia [FT 5/12]. Syrian govt.-owned newspaper Tishrin states Syria has signs and proof of an imminent Israeli attack on Syria [LT 5/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Cabinet hears report from Hebrew U. Prof. Roberto Bacchi on falling birth rate among world's Jewish population, predictions that there will be more Palestinians than Israelis living in Israel and the occupied territories by early next century [LT 5/13; JTA 5/14; BG 5/15]. Deputy Agriculture Minister Avraham Katz-Oz stated over the weekend Israel has been overpumping from its water reserves for the past decade by over 1,000 cubic meters; he stated water quotas would be cut this year by 10% from a high of 2 billion cubic meters [JP 5/11].

Arab World: Pres. Husni Mubarak has talks in Jordan with King Hussein [BG 5/12].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli army spokesperson states Israeli troops kill two guerrillas in S. Lebanon "security zone" [JTA 5/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: Julio Maria Sanguinetti, president of Uruguay, arrives for 5-day visit to Israel, receives 21-gun salute in Jerusalem, marking the first time a visiting head of state agreed to be welcomed officially in the disputed capital rather than at Ben-Gurion Airport [LT, JP 5/2].

Military Action

Arab World: Shi'ite guerrillas from the Islamic Resistance Movement say they kill 7 members of the SLA; Israeli reports say 1 Shi'ite was killed and 5 SLA members were wounded; both reports say 3 SLA members were kidnaped by the Shi'ites [NYT, JTA 5/2].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli magistrate's court in Haifa remands 10 Palestinians from inside the Green Line who are alleged to have been organized in the Palestinian resistance movement and to have killed an Israeli soldier in August 1984; some of the detainees have travelled to Cyprus and are alleged to have continued on to Syria for military training, as well as being members of the PFLP [FJ 4/25]. Yesh Gvul (There Is a Limit) organization holds press conference in West Jerusalem announcing their refusal to serve in the occupied territories [FJ 5/2]. Moshe Mendelbaum, governor of the Bank of Israel, states he will resign within 30 days; Giora Gazit, chairman of Bank Hapoalim, announces his resignation [WSJ, MG 4/22]. The number of West Bankers working inside the Green Line declined slightly last year to 47,000 each week, down from 50,000 weekly during the previous year; the number of Gazans working inside the Green Line increased from 41,000 to 42,000 weekly; the work force in the occupied territories reached 251,000 weekly last year, a 2% rise from 1984 [JP 4/21].

Arab World: PFLP announces 13 guerrilla organizations held a secret conference in Damascus last week and decided to escalate attacks against U.S. targets to avenge air strikes on Libya; the groups included the 6 Palestinian factions making up the Palestine National Salvation Front, as well as 7 unidentified "liberation movements," according to the source [JP 4/22]. Druze leader Walid Jumblatt denies meeting with Israeli Defense Minister Yitzhak Rabin in Geneva in February, as was reported by Agence France Presse [JP 4/22].

Other Countries: P.M. Peres meets in Paris with French Pres. Francois Mitterrand and P.M. Jacques Chirac for talks on terrorism and Peres' proposal for a M. E. Marshall Plan [JP 4/22]. U.S. Justice Dept. notifies Congress it does not plan to seek prosecution of Yasir Arafat for the murders of 2 U.S. diplomats on 5/2/73 [WP, BG 4/22]. U.S. State Dept. has appealed ruling by U.S. district judge allowing PLO Permanent Observer to the UN Zuhdi Tarzi to travel to Cambridge, Mass. for a debate despite State's travel ban on Tarzi, on grounds it would lend legitimacy to the PLO [BG 4/22].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Peres demands resignation of Finance Minister Yitzhak Modai, who publicly criticized Peres over the weekend [LAT, CT 4/8]. Smith Research Center poll finds 54% of Israeli public wants rotation agreement between P. M. Peres and Foreign Minister Shamir to be honored [JP 4/7].

Other Countries: Greece and Israel sign a cultural and scientific cooperation agreement [JC, JTA 4/7].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Ten people are injured, one seriously, by gasoline bomb thrown through back window of Egged bus in north Jerusalem suburb of Neve Ya'acov UP 4/9].

Arab World: Israeli planes attack Palestinian guerrilla bases around Sidon, killing 2 and wounding 20 [NYT, WP 4/8].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli police announce they have arrested 6 members of a West Bank Palestinian family in connection with kidnap-slaying of Israeli soldier David Manos, whose remains were found in a West Bank cave 2 weeks ago [JTA 3/28].

Arab World: Shi'ite Amal militia announces it holds 3 Palestinian guerrillas who the PLO claimed were killed in cross-border raid into Israel in which 4 Israeli soldiers were also claimed to have been killed [JP 3/26]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli security authorities seal 1 house and 3 rooms belonging to 4 residents of Tulkarm accused of throwing fire bombs at Israeli vehicles [JP 3/7].

Arab World: Israeli journalist Uri Avneri is expelled from Jordan to Egypt after reportedly holding contacts with Jordanian and PLO officials in Amman; Avneri retums to Israel, states he met with senior Jordanian and Palestinian personalities, including at least 1 cabinet minister and PNC members, denies he was expelled. (Avneri's trip was approved by P.M. Peres, Foreign Minister Shamir, and Defense Minister Rabin) [JP 3/7; WP 3/8]. Syrian Foreign Minister Faruq al-Shar' concludes 2 days of apparently unproductive talks in England with senior British officials; he states in press conference that Israel is main obstacle to peace in the M.E., that Syria allows Abu Nidal group to maintain political press office in Damascus but it "has nothing to do with violence" [WP, MG, LT 3/6].

Military Action

Arab World: SLA soldier is killed by roadside bomb; Israelis kill 2 Arab guerrillas in S. Lebanon "security zone"; Lebanese security sources say Israeli troops kill 1 farmer, injure another in raid outside "security zone" [MG 3/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: An Israeli army intelligence report dated 6/30/48 has recently surfaced which states more than 70 percent of the Palestinian exodus from Palestine by June 1948 was caused by Jewish military attacks [JP 3/2]. In last 3 days, Israeli security forces have freed 32 Palestinians held under administrative detention orders because 6-month detention period had ended; freed detainees were asked to sign document sating they would not commit future offenses; some refused to sign [JP 3/3]. Israel has agreed to allow Golan Heights Druze to export apples to Syria, possibly through Jordan or directly; P.M. Peres also favors renewing family reunions between Golan and Syrian Druze, which were stopped by Syrians several years ago [JP 3/2].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli-appointed Palestinian mayor of Nablus, Zafir alMasri, is shot dead by a single, unidentified assailant. In Damascus, the PFLP claims responsibility; in Beirut, a telephone caller claims responsibility on behalf of Fateh Revolutionary Council (Abu Nidal group) [NYT, PI, CT 3/3]. Nablus city council appoints Deputy Mayor Hafiz Tuqan mayor [CSM 3/3].

Arab World: Israeli army patrol north of the S. Lebanon "security zone" intercepts guerrilla squad, kills 1 [JP, JTA 3/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Deputy head of the DFLP Yasir 'Abd Rabbu states PLO is considering abrogating 11 February Hussein-Arafat agreemento heal rifts in the PLO and head off what he called attempts by King Hussein to create a substitute Palestinian leadership [NYT 3/2].

Other Countries: Thirty-four members of Congress serving on committees that deal with foreign policy received nearly half the $853,520 in contributions made last year by 65 political action committees advocating strong support for Israel, according to a report by Common Cause [WP 3/1].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Two guerrillas from the DFLP wearing Israeli army uniforms and carrying Israeli army weapons are caught after crossing Lebanese border into Israel; both are killed [LT, NYT, JP 3/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Israeli editor of HaOlam HaZeh, Uri Avneri, traveling on a West German passport, arrives in Jordan for a visit [BG, CSM 3/6; JP 3/7]. Yasir Arafat tells press conference PLO is preparing a reply to King Hussein's 2/19 speech, states that the PLO considers the 11 February accord "still working" [BG 2/28].

Other Countries: Common Cause reports spending by pro-Israel political action committees on congressional campaigns has increased at far sharper rate in 1980s than election spending by PACs as a whole [NYT, LAT 2/28].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli forces bombard several Shi'ite villages in S. Lebanon hours after Israeli command announces 1 soldier was killed, 4 wounded in clash with Lebanese guerrillas [NYT, WP 2/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel plans to increase aid to El Salvador, now that a Salvadoran ambassador has been named to the disputed Israeli capital of Jerusalem [CT 2/20].

Arab World: Yasir Arafat meets with top aides in Baghdad to discuss implications of King Hussein's 2/19 speech [JP 2/21].

Other Countries: U.S. State Dept. issues statement blaming breakdown of talks between King Hussein and Yasir Arafat on the PLO, says it will continue efforts to encourage direct negotiations between Jordan and Israel, although process is entering "period of reflection" [LT, WP 2/21].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli army clashes with Lebanese guerrillas in S. Lebanon; 1 Israeli, 8 Lebanese killed [NYT, LAT 2/21]. Lebanese sources state Israeli army has rounded up 200 people during search [NYT 2/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Pres. Mubarak asks France to organize intl. conference on M.E. peace to contact "both parties" - Israel and the Palestinians - in preparation for real conference [NYT, JTA 1/30]. Mubarak holds talks with W. German officials [NYT 1/30].

Other Countries: British Foreign Office stops processing documents on behalf of Arab Boycott Office, following visit by P.M. Peres [JTA 1/30].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gunman carrying Jordanian army papers crosses Jordan River, kills 2 Israeli soldiers on patrol, wounds 2 others before he is shot to death [NYT, LAT 1/30].

Arab World: Israeli warplanes bomb Palestinian guerrilla bases in S. Lebanon, killing at least 5, wounding 6; Israeli army states targets were 3 houses used by opposition PLO factions, including Abu Musa's Fateh faction, which claimed responsibility for 1/26 bombing of Jerusalem restaurant [WP, LAT 1/30]. Vacuum bombs were reportedly used in the raid [FJ 1/31].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Arab local councils inside the green line end strike following agreement with Israeli officials over $6 million in owed funds; P.M. Peres acknowledges Arab councils receive smaller budgets than Jewish ones, states inequity should be righted [JP 12/26; FJ 1/3].

Arab World: PLO rep. in Cairo Tayyib 'Abd al-Rahim states PLO seeks Arab summit conference to adopt unified peace policy [BG 12/26].

Military Action

Arab World: Body of Lebanese Jew Chaim Cohen Halala is found with 3 gunshot wounds in head; Organization for the Op, pressed of the Earth claims responsibility, says he was killed in retaliation for 12/22 SLA shelling of Shi'ite villages in S. Lebanon which killed 5, wounded 8. Organization holds 3 other Lebanese Jews hostage, warns against further shelling [WP, BG 12/26; WP 12/23]. 2 SLA militiamen are killed by Lebanese guerrillas in S. Lebanon security zone [PI 1/2].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli military destroys house in Jaba village of alleged member of guerrilla cell responsible for several attacks in Hebron area, according to military sources [JP 11/18]. Military seals homes of 3 Palestinians in Sa'ir village who allegedly fired at civilian and military vehicles in the West Bank, according to military sources [JP 11/19]. 9 Palestinians are arrested in Aylut village, near Nazareth, in confrontation with Israeli authorities over attempt to confiscate their land [FJ 11/22]. Israeli Cabinet sends message to Reagan-Gorbachev summit meeting asking them to agree on allowing Soviet Jews to emigrate [LT, CT 11/18].

Arab World: King Hussein and Pres. Mubarak arrive in Oman for talks [FT 11/18]. Syrian Vice Pres. Abd al-Halim Khaddam states the Jordanian-PLO peace plan of last February is "dead" [JP 11/17]. Toronto Star reports Yasir Arafat has appealed to Syria to join the Jordanian-Palestinian M.E. peace initiative, welcomed Syria's rapprochement with Jordan [TS 11/17; WP 11/18]. Shi'ite Muslim group the "Organization of the Oppressed of the Earth" states it will hold 4 Lebanese Jews hostage until more than 300 Arab prisoners held at Khiam prison camp in S. Lebanon are released [PI 11/18]. Israeli military states SLA maintains Khiam camp, not Israel [JP 11/19].