The Palestine Chronology

In Amman, Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan receives Israeli MK Yossi Beilin for talks on the Israeli-PA track, U.S. FRD proposal. (MA 7/12, al-Ra'i in WNC 7/14; JT 7/15 in WNC 7/16; MM 7/21)

In Cairo, Arab League opens 5-day conference on Palestinian affairs, including issues of refugees, economic and social conditions, Judaization of Jerusalem. Reps. fr. Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the PLO, Organization of the Islamic Conference attend. (MENA 7/13 in WNC 7/15; JT 7/15 in WNC 7/16)

In s. Lebanon, the IDF blows up 3 Lebanese homes nr. a crossing separating its self-declared security zone fr. unoccupied Lebanon. Off the coast of Tyre, the Israeli navy fires on Lebanese fishing boats, sinking one; the crew escapes. (RL 7/12 in WNC 7/14)

2 suicide bombers dressed as ultra-Orthodox Jews detonate explosives in a crowded market in Jerusalem, killing 13 Israelis, wounding more than 170 Israelis, Palestinians. IDF immediately seals the West Bank, Gaza, preventing even town-to-town movement; suspends recognition of Palestinian passports; sends troops to seal the PA-controlled cities. A letter signed by Hamas's military wing, Izzeddin al-Qassam Brigades, takes responsibility, but Israeli security question its authenticity, Hamas political leader `Abd al-Aziz Rantisi says Hamas was not involved. (MM 7/30; IDF Radio, ITV, RE 7/30 in WNC 7/31; IDF Radio, ITV, JTV 7/30, MA, RAI Uno Television [Rome], RE, YA 7/31 in WNC 8/1; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 7/31; ITV 7/31 in WNC 8/6; CSM, WT 8/1; AFP, MAP [Rabat], VOA 8/1 in WNC 8/4; NYT 8/3; al-Dustur, al-Majd 8/4 in WNC 8/7; CSM 8/5; WJW 8/7; MEI, PR 8/8; JP 8/9; CSM 8/11)

In the wake of the bombings, PM Netanyahu, FM Levy phone Secy. of State Albright, demand that the U.S. put pressure Arafat. The Israeli cabinet suspends all contacts with the PA until Arafat acts against Islamists "with determination," destroys their infrastructure. However, 1 mtg. btwn. Israeli, PA security officials is held. Over night, an IDF helicopter hovers over Arafat's Gaza headquarters, an Israeli warplane circles the Gaza Strip. (MM 7/30; ITV 7/30 in WNC 7/31; MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/31; YA 7/31 in WNC 8/4; WT 8/1)

As a result of the bombings, U.S. special envoy Ross cancels plans to leave today for the Middle East to meet with Arafat, Netanyahu. (MM, WT 7/30; NYT, WP, WT 7/31)

In Amman, King Hussein receives Israeli Knesset "Coalition Bloc for Peace," comprising Gesher, Third Way, Yisra'el B'Aliya, Shas MKs and the dir. of Israel's International Center of Peace in the Middle East. (JTV 7/30 in WNC 7/31)

State Dept. lifts the 12-yr.-old ban forbidding Americans to travel to Lebanon after that government agrees to take new steps to improve security at various locations, pledges to ratify an international convention against hostage-taking. The decision does not include lifting the ban on flights by Lebanese carriers to the U.S. or by U.S. carriers to Lebanon. (MM, WP 7/30; RL, RMC 7/30 in WNC 7/31; WT 7/31; al-Safir 7/31 in WNC 8/1; RL 8/4 in WNC 8/5; WT 8/6; al-Safir 8/6 in WNC 8/8; MEI 8/8)

Saudi Arabian dissident Sayigh backs out of a plea agmt. with the FBI to cooperate in the al-Khobar bombing case; says that he is innocent of any wrongdoing; was pressured by Canadian immigration officials to make statements on the bombing to avoid being deported to Saudi Arabia, where he faces execution. (NYT, WT 7/31) (see 6/30)

ILMG opens 2-day mtg. to discuss 1 Lebanese, 3 Israeli complaints. (VOL 7/30, RL 7/31 in WNC 8/1)

UN extends the UNIFIL mandate for 6 mos. (RL 7/30 in WNC 8/1)

Israeli naval forces detain 5 Lebanese fishermen off the coast of s. Lebanon, interrogate them before releasing them. (RL 7/29 in WNC 7/30) (see 7/28)

Netanyahu adviser Gold is confirmed as Israel's new amb. to the UN. To assume the post he has to give up his U.S. citizenship. (WT 6/11; MEI 7/25) (see 5/21, 5/29)

House of Representatives condemns the PA by voice vote for allegedly killing land dealers, votes (406-17) to approve a separate nonbinding resolution recognizing Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel. Pres. Clinton opposes the measure as harmful to the peace process. (MM, WT 6/11; MM 6/12; MM, WT 6/13; AFP, RL 6/13, SATN 6/14, JT, RJ 6/15, Muslim [Islamabad] 6/16 in WNC 6/17; Anatolia [Ankara] 6/16, VOA 6/17 in WNC 6/18; TJT 6/20 in WNC 6/24; MEI 6/27; PR 7/4) (see 5/31)

Israeli court rejects the compensation claims of families of Palestinians killed by Baruch Goldstein in the 2/25/94 al-Ibrahimi mosque attack, says government is not accountable for Goldstein's actions. Israel had offered $25,000 each to the parents of the 19 single men killed and $63,000 to the widows of married victims. The 19 families took the money, but the widows sought $150,00-$300,000 each. (WP 6/11; MEI 7/25)

Turkey again raises the possibility of creating a "security zone" in n. Iraq similar to Israel's self-declared security zone in s. Lebanon. (AFP 6/10 in WNC 6/11; MM 6/19) (see 6/20/96, 5/24)

Israeli naval forces halt a commercial ship carrying cars off the coast of s. Lebanon, search it, examine logs before allowing in to dock at Tyre. (VOL 6/11 in WNC 6/12) (see 6/5)

Turkish MP Yildirim Aktuna of the True Path party resigns, leaving the Erbakan government with 275 seats in the 550-mbr. parliament, 1 short of those needed to win a confidence vote. (2 seats are vacant.) Early elections may be called. (WT 5/31)

In the Golan, 2 Austrian UN soldiers are shot dead most likely, according to the UN, by smugglers traveling btwn. Lebanon, Syria. Syria accuses the Mossad; Israel denies involvement. (Der Standard [Vienna] 6/1 in WNC 6/3; RMC 6/5 in WNC 6/6; Wiener Zeitung [Vienna] 6/10 in WNC 6/11; Kurier [Vienna] 6/19 in WNC 6/23)

IDF soldier is killed in a Hizballah mortar attack in s. Lebanon. (VOL 5/30, 6/1 in WNC 6/3; JP 6/7)

In a 3d incident, 7 Hizballah gunmen halt 2 UNIFIL vehicles in s. Lebanon; disarm, threaten the UN soldiers. (AFP, RL 5/30 in WNC 6/2) (see 5/29)

The Israeli navy removes 2 Lebanese fishermen fr. their boat off the coast of s. Lebanon, interrogates them for several hours before releasing them. (RL 5/30 in WNC 6/2)

U.S. Secy of State Christopher meets with PM Peres in Israel. (MM 2/5; IDF Radio, ITV 2/5 in FBIS 2/6; NYT, WP, WT 2/6)

As the likelihood of PM Peres calling an early election rises, Tsomet leader Rafael Eitan agrees to abandon his run for PM, endorses Netanyahu in exchange for no. 2 spot on Likud's ticket (usually considered a promise of the DM position if the slate wins). (MM 2/5; ITV 2/5 in FBIS 2/6; CSM, MM, WT 2/6; JP 2/6 in FBIS 2/7; MM 2/7, 2/8)

Israeli naval forces release 3 Lebanese fishermen detained 2/4, fire on other fishing boats off coast of s. Lebanon. (RL 2/5 in FBIS 2/6)

Arafat appoints comm. to draw up Palestinian constitution.  (al-Quds 2/4 in FBIS 2/5)

U.S. Secy. of State Christopher arrives in Jerusalem on his 17th tour of the region and his 2d shuttle btwn. Syria, Israel this yr. to bridge gaps btwn. the pair following their latest round of talks. (QY, SARR, YA 2/4, SARR 2/5 in FBIS 2/5)

In Jordan, King Hussein replaces PM Bin Shakir with FM Kabariti, who is fully supportive of the king's normalization with Israel; reshuffles cabinet, excluding the Islamic Action Front. (JT, JTV, RJ 2/4 in FBIS 2/5; MM, WT 2/5; RJ 2/5 in FBIS 2/6; CSM 2/6)

1,000's of Islamic Jihad supporters attend funeral of 2 mbrs. killed by PA police 2/3, call for revenge against Arafat. (MM 2/5)

Nr. Nablus, Palestinian boy is shot on his way to school allegedly by IDF. (CSM, WP, WT 2/5)

Israeli naval forces detain 3 Lebanese fishermen off the coast of Tyre, s. Lebanon; stop, search ship arriving fr. Europe. (RL 2/4 in FBIS 2/6) (see 11/19)

Amman economic summit opens. (JT, JTV, MENA, QY, VOA 10/29 in FBIS 10/30; NYT 10/30; WP 11/1; MEI 11/3)

In Amman, Secy. of State Christopher meets with PM Rabin, FM Peres to discuss Syrian-Israeli negotiations. (SARR 10/30 in FBIS 10/31)

In Amman, King Hussein meets with Secy. of State Christopher, Russian FM Kozyrev, Israeli PM Rabin, FM Peres. (JTV 10/29 in FBIS 10/30; JTV 10/30 in FBIS 10/31)

Islamic Jihad selects new head--Ramadan Abdallah Shallah, 40-yr.-old religious speaker, who received economics and political science degrees in England, U.S. In Gaza, Hebron Palestinians protest Shiqaqi assassination. (QPAR, QY 10/29 in FBIS 10/30; NYT, WP, WT 10/30; MM, WT 10/31; CSM, WP, WT 11/1; WJW 11/2)

Israeli navy fires on 5 fishing boats operating off the coast of Tyre, Lebanon; abduct 3 fishermen fr. 1 boat, interrogates them for several hours. (RL, VOL 10/29 in FBIS 10/30) (see 10/10)

PNA Justice M Freih Abu Middein announces investigation into death in custody of Rafah r.c. resident.  Prisoner held on suspicion of drug smuggling, collaboration.  Justice Min. statement says prisoner died of "excessive violence" during interrogation.  3 interrogators detained and under investigation.   Palestinian human-rights orgs., including Hanan Ashrawi's Palestinian Independent Commission for Human Rights, call it a "case of maltreatment and torture."  (NYT 7/10; CSM, MM 7/11)

Israel announces 24-hr. closure of Gaza Strip to start early 7/11 in response to weekend clashes btwn. Palestinians, IDF.  (WSJ, WT 7/11; CSM 7/12)

Israeli Civil Admin., with PLO approval, appoints Fateh mbr. Ghassan al-Shak`a mayor of Nablus.  (Israeli Channel 2 TV 7/10 in FBIS 7/11)

Israel welcomes King Hussein's offer of a summit mtg. with PM Rabin.  (CSM 7/11)

Arafat performs `umra pilgrimage in Mecca, returns to Tunis. PNA Planning M Nabil Shaath says Arafat visit restored Palestinian-Saudi relations PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. Yasir `Abd-Rabbuh tells reporters PLO HQ, including Political Dept., International and Pan-Arab Relations Dept., and Returnees Dept. will remain in Tunis despite Arafat's move to Gaza.  (MENA 7/10 in FBIS 7/11; MM 7/11; WT 7/13)

Israeli navy kills 2 PFLP frogmen off coast nr. Naqura.  (Qol Yisra'el 7/11 in FBIS 7/13; MM 7/12; JP 7/23)

IDF patrol on Jordanian border shoots, kills 3 armed infiltrators from Jordan. Israel "holds Jordan responsible" for the unauthorized border crossing (Jordan denies); Hizballah-Palestine claims responsibility. Israeli navy fires on, kills 4 "terrorists conducting naval training" off Lebanese coast north of Beirut. Islamic Jihad Org. claims operation. (Qol Yisra'el 8/4 in FBIS 8/4; Radio Free Lebanon, Radio Monte Carlo 8/4 in FBIS 8/5; MM 8/4; Qol Yisra'el 8/6, VOL 8/7 in FBIS 8/7)

Detained and interrogated in a W. Bank jail 8/3, Mustafa Mahmud Abdul Hadi Barakat dies of an asthma attack "brought about by conditions in detention" according to an American examiner present at the Israeli army autopsy. (NYT 8/11)

Israeli Police Min. Moshe Shahal orders Ateret Cohanim mbrs. to move out of 2 East Jerusalem houses settled 18 months ago. (Qol Yisra'el 8/4 in FBIS 8/4)

Israeli Radio announces formation of new radical Palestinian-Israeli group, the National Front for the Struggle Against Zionism, which calls for separating the Arab population from Israeli administration and infrastructure, eventually liberating all lands from Zionist control. (Qol Yisra'el 8/4 in FBIS 8/4)

Red Eagles (close to the PFLP) and Black Panthers (close to Fateh) issue joint communique in o.t. (Algiers VOP 8/4 in FBIS 8/5)

Malta, historically in solidarity with Arab nations, lifts its economic boycott on Israel and South Africa. (Qol Yisra'el 8/4 in FBIS 8/4)

PM Rabin appoints Housing Min. Benyamin Ben-Eliezer to serve also as labor and social affairs min., Tourism Min. Uzi Baram to serve also as religious affairs min. (Qol Yisra'el 8/4 in FBIS 8/4)

IDF jets bomb PFLP-GC base in 'Ayn alHilwa refugee camp near Sidon, Lebanon. (MM 6/5)

UNIFIL says Israeli navy boats are fired upon from al-Rashidiyya camp S. Lebanon. (Qol Yisra'el 6/5 in FBIS 6/5)

After receiving distress signals transmitted by a Syrian merchant ship some 60 km. northwest of Haifa, Israeli navy tows ship to Haifa for repairs. (Qol Yisra'el 4/17 in FBIS 4/17; MM 4/23)

Pres. Bush says that U.S., British, and French troops will set up secure camps in northern Iraq that could shelter more than 500,000 Kurds until they could be coaxed back to their homes [NYT, WP, LAT 4/17].

Inspectors from International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA) negotiate with Baghdad for permission to visit rubble of Iraq's 2 nuclear research reactors to see if country's supply of weapons-grade uranium is still intact, and if it is, to destroy it or remove it [WP 4/17].

P.M. Shamir meets with Soviet P.M. in London; Shamir says that diplomatic relations between the 2 countries would have to be established before Moscow could have a role at Middle East peace conference [WP 4/17].

U.S. calls new Jewish settlement of Revava "an obstacle" and questions Israel's timing, with Sec. Baker due to arrive on 4/18 [NYT, WP, LAT, MEM 4/17; MET 4/30].

Israeli navy shells boat carrying 8 Palestinians, allegedly en route to Israel. All are killed [RFL 4/17 in FBIS 4/17].

Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics reports Israel's population has reached 4.9 million [IDS 4/16 in FBIS 4/19]. 

In Bogota, Sec. Baker appears to win qualified support from Colombia for UN resolution authorizing use of force against Iraq [NYT 11/25; MEM 11/26].

Saddam Hussein announces that as a demonstration of his "human feeling" he will release 11 Britons whose wives and children had traveled to Iraq to see them [IRT 11/24 in FBIS 11/26; NYT, WP 11/25].

Israeli navy sinks small boat carrying 5 PFLP-GC fighters off coast of S. Lebanon, killing all 5 [QUD, JDS 11/25 in FBIS 11/26; NYT, MEM 11/26; JPI 12/1; FJ 12/3; MET 12/4]. 

Abul Abbas, leader of PLF group responsible for 5/30 attempted seaborne raid on Israel, says that he is prepared to accept disciplinary action from PLO Exec. Committee, adds that Arafat may "take any measure he sees as necessary to protect the national achievements of our people." Abbas adds that he has given to Arafat a file on the attack to show raid had been aimed at military targets [NYT 6/24].

New York Times reports Abu Nidal is losing control over his Fateh Revolutionary Council; dissidentsay they will follow Arafat [NYT 6/24].

Israeli navy destroy speedboat, kills two unidentified people, off coast of S.Lebanon; military sources claim terrorists aboard were en route to Israel [JDS 6/24 in FBIS 6/25].

Joyce Starr, co-chair of Global Strategy Council, a U.S. thinktank, advises that untreated sewage is causing sanitary and environmental problems in Gaza Strip: "Gaza is a sewage time bomb waiting to explode... .[it] has reached the limits of its disposable water resources" [LAT 6/24]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike is observed throughout O.T. [FBIS 6/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops shoot, kill 20-year-old Palestinian from Gaza City. In Beach camp soldiers kill 17-year-old Palestinian [FBIS 6/5, NYT 6/6]. Palestinian from Silwad dies from wounds received 5/27. Israeli dies from wounds received 6/3 in confrontation with Egyptians. In 'Askar camp soldiers shoot, wound 3 Palestinians [FBIS 6/5]. Hadashot reports that West Germany will build 2 submarines for Israeli navy [FBIS 6/8].

Arab World: Clash at Israel's northern border leaves 3 Palestinian guerrillas, 1 Israeli soldier dead, 2 Israeli soldiers wounded [WP, FBIS 6/5].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Military courts in Gaza and W. Bank begin hearing cases of Palestinians arrested during recent violent disturbances. Additional courts have been set up in Hebron, Ramallah, and Tulkarm. Military confirms that officer has been suspended after opening fire without adequate cause during W. Bank demonstration [WP 12/28]. W. Bank schools reopen; Gaza Strip's 92 schools remain closed [NYT 12/29]. Raja' Ighbariyyah and Raslan Mahajnah, members of Abna' al-Balad Movement from Umm al-Fahm, are placed under administrative detention [FJ 1/3]. Week-long curfew on Jabalya refugee camp is lifted [FJ 1/3].

Arab World: Amal releases 10 Palestinians [FBIS 12/30].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli navy attacks cargo ship sailing from Sidon, S. Lebanon [FJ 1/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Hebron, estimated 150 Jewish settlers occupy Ibrahim Mosque's main hall during Muslim prayers [FJ 11/22].

Arab World: Kuwait and Morocco renew diplomatic relations with Egypt [NYT 11/15].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Israeli navy patrol seizes Nadijah, boat flying Honduran flag, off Israeli coast. Israel alleges crew, who are detained, are members of Fateh [FBIS 11/16].

Arab World: Amal and Palestinian fighters trade gunfire east of Sidon [FBIS 11/16].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Ishaq Abu Surur, student shot in head by Israeli soldiers during Bethlehem U. demonstration 10/28, dies [FJ 11/1]. Jewish settlers fire on student demonstrators at UNRWA's al-Tirah Women Teachers' Institute in Ramallah; school administration closes institute for 1 week [FJ 11/1]. Violent demonstrations break out in Gaza Strip in response to Israeli bulldozing of 4 houses; houses belonged to families of 4 Gazans killed 10/2 by soldiers at Israeli checkpoint [FJ 11/1]. In Lydda, 2 Palestinians abducted in intemational waters by Israeli navy receive prison sentences on charges of Fateh membership [FJ 11/1].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Military orders Bethlehem University closed for 3 months [Fl 11/1].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Al-Fajr reports the Merkovitch Committee, formed to investigate issue of unlicensed construction in the occupied territories, recommends that, of 5,400 unlicensed Arab homes currently scheduled for demolition, 2,600 be given legal status, 300 be destroyed immediately, and 2,500 be scheduled for demolition at a later date [FJ 2/6]. Israeli military authorities order al-Najah University closed for 1 day to prevent possible campus protests [FJ 2/13].

Arab World: Starving residents of Beirut's Burj al-Barajinah refugee camp ask religious leaders for dispensation to eat human flesh [IN 2/7].

Other Countries: Arab-American groups charge 1/27 arrests of Palestinians in Los Angeles are beginning of U.S. plan to round up and deport Arabs [WP 2/7]. Amnesty International spokesman reports Arab prisoners held in S. Lebanon's SLArun al-Khiyam Detention Camp were tortured with electrical shockwaves [FJ 2/13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Two Israeli soldiers are injured by stones thrown at them while they patrolled Balatta refugee camp [FJ 2/13].

Arab World: Israeli navy stops Maria R., freighter enroute from Cyprus to Lebanon, arrests 8 Egyptian crewmen, 50 unarmed Palestinians [LM 2/10; WP 2/8]. SLA and Israeli forces engage in heavy fighting with Hizballah forces in Israel's "security zone" in S. Lebanon. At least 8 Hizballah, 1 SLA fighters are killed [IN 2/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Sixty families in Block 67, just south of Khan Yunis, are ordered evicted. Israeli authorities plan to demolish the houses unless the families obtain retroactive building permits before 1/24 [FJ 1/23].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli navy shells PLO forces in Maghdushah [FJ 1/23; WT 1/20].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Authorities lift curfew imposed on Balatta refugee camp 1/1 [FJ 1/9].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli gunboat intercepts the Sunny Boat, a Cypriot passenger ferry bound for Lebanon, in international waters and orders the ship to return to Lamaca. Israeli navy claims ship's passengers included Palestinian "terrorists" [LAT 1/3; NYT 1/4]. Hizballah fighters attack 2 SLA posts near Barashit, killing 6 [FJ 1/9].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: F.M. Shamir says he will never concede territories in exchange for peace. Survey shows 45,000 settlers are now in occupied territories among 1.3 million Palestinians (MEI 9/14).

Arab World: At Tunis press conference, PLO Deputy Chairman Abu lyad says PLO opposes terrorist acts, individual and state-sponsored, following Karachi and Istanbul incidents (FJ 9/12). U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Murphy in Damascus for talks with Syrian President al-Asad; Asad stresses importance of international conference (MEI 9/14). Syria has ordered most of Abu Nidal's group in Damascus to leave, and detained 14 (including Abu Nidal's nephew 'Abd al-Karim al-Banna, who was released after two weeks following Libyan intervention), according to al-Ittihad (Abu Dhabi) (AFP 9/7).

Other Countries: Nonaligned movement conference in Hararends; accuses U.S. of ''state terrorism" in bombing of Libya; calls on U.S. to "end unprovoked aggression against Libyas well as military maneuvers in Gulf of Sidra (NYT 9/8). Pakistan's President Zia al-Haq says Pan Am terrorists have no apparent connection to any government; will be tried in Pakistan (under threat of death penalty); says Palestinian hijacking in Pakistan showed "bad taste" but would not reduce Pakistan's support for Palestinian cause (NYT 9/8).

Military Action

Arab World: Israel Navy reimposes blockade of port of Sidon; intercepts three commercial vessels, prevents them from entering port. State of emergency declared in Palestinian camps near Sidon for fear of Israeli attack (FBIS 9/8). 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli cabinet appoints Yosef Harish, a district court judge, as attorney general, removing Yitzhak Zamir, who had opposed cabinet by ordering investigation of Shin Bet Chief Avraham Shalom. Investigation order is suspended. Israel Radio says Zamir found evidence showing Shalom ordered 2 Palestinians clubbed to death after they were arrested for attack on Israeli bus [NYT 6/2]. Harish favors secret investigation into Shin Bet case [LT 6/3]. Jerusalem District Electric Company workers strike over nonpayment of salaries. The East Jerusalem utility owes $12 million to Israel Electric Corp., which has refused to approve payment of salaries; JDEC's property attached in court UP 6/2]. Three Palestinians and 1 Tunisian are formally charged with membership in Fateh organization in Israeli military court in Lydda; the 4 were captured on 3/29 when the Israeli navy intercepted their vessel heading from Syria to Lebanon [FJ 6/6].

Arab World: Four hundred Fateh dissidents elect 'Atallah 'Atallah, former Jordanian army officer also known as Abu Za'im, as commander in chief [MG 6/2]. PLO military deputy Khalil al-Wazir calls election "theatricals" and "illegal" [BG 6/2].

Military Action

Arab World: Cease-fire in south Beirut negotiated by Algeria and Iran fails after a few hours. Estimated dead by now 55, and 348 wounded since 5/19 [BG 6/2]. Israeli forces raid Habbaniyeh in Lebanese "security zone" and pound Nabatiyah-Arab Salim-Jarjuh axis [OJ 6/2].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Jerusalem Post quotes Arafat in al-Akhbar interview as saying he would negotiate with Israel only under UN auspices [JP 9/26].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Refugee camps of Balata, 'Askar, and 'Ain Bayt al-Ma' are put under curfew while Israeli soldiers round up and harass male residents; several men are beaten and one injured by rubber bullets [FJ 9/271].

Other Countries: Three gunmen, identified as 2 Arabs and 1 Briton, named Ian Michael Davison, seize private Israeli yacht in Lamaca, Cyprus for 10 hours, demand release of 20 Palestinians captured by Israeli navy patrols in 2 recent incidents, kill 3 Israelis they hold as hostages. Anonymous phone caller in Jerusalem claims responsibility on behalf of Fateh's Force 17, but PLO denies responsibility for the action. PLO office in Nicosia denounces the killings [NYT 9/26; LT 9/27; CSM 10/9]. Bomb rips through British Airways terminal in Rome, wounding 14. Hasan 'Atab, 16, from Shatila refugee camp in Lebanon and a member of the Revolutionary Organization of Socialist Muslims, is arrested and allegedly confesses to the deed [NYT 9/26].

SociaL/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Another 20 Palestinians are put under administrative detention [NYT, LT 9/4]. Military review board rejects appeals submitted by 3 West Bank Palestinians against deportation orders issued against them a week ago. They are expected to appeal to Israeli High Court [FT 9/4]. Shafiqa Abu Sitteh, 25, "accidentally" shot by Israeli soldier in the Gaza Strip last week, dies from her wounds in Beersheba Hospital [FJ 9/6]. Israeli army spokesman reports Iraeli navy seized another yacht, the Gandha, off the coast of southern Lebanon on 8/31, arresting 2 Palestinians, a Greek, and a Briton who were aboard. Spokesman states Palestinians confessed to being members of Fateh and to planning attack against targets inside Israel. Def. Min. Yitzhak Rabin states Israeli navy will intercept vessels anywhere in the Mediterranean to prevent attacks on Israeli targets [LT, CT, MG, JP 9/3]. Israeli Chief of Staff Moshe Levy tours Golan Heights and declares 2-kilometer-wide strip along demarcation line a closed military zone. Army is reportedly building new fortifications and strengthening forces in the Golan [FJ 9/6]. Jewish Telegraphic Agency reports a Modi'in Ezrachi poll shows 60% of Israeli adult public favor amnesty for imprisoned members of Jewish underground; 34% oppose it UTA 9/3].

Other Countries: New York Times reports U.S. administrations discussing convening a meeting of Western European states to sponsor direct Arab-Israeli negotiations as alternative to the international conference which King Hussein and PLO insist on, which would include the Soviet Union [JP 9/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bomb explodes at bus stop at Gilo settlement, south of Jerusalem, wounding 6; 11 Palestinians are arrested [JP 9/3]. Abu Musa faction of Fateh reportedly claims responsibility [MG 9/3]. Unidentified people ambush settler's car in Gaza Strip; Israeli police say several bullets hit the car. Several Palestinians detained by police [Fl 9/6]. Stones thrown at Egged bus smash its windshield near Ramallah; 3 Palestinian youths detained and released [Fl 9/6].

Arab World: Gunmen seriously wound Hussayn al-Hayabi, 50, Palestinian guerrilla official loyal to Arafat, after storming his home in 'Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp. Hayabi is 7th Arafat loyalist attacked since July in 'Ain al-Hilweh, and only one to survive [BG,WP,MG 9/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Prime Minister Peres states only 2 of 7 names on list are acceptable to Israeli government: Hanna Siniora and Fayez Abu Rahmeh. Other 5 are rejected because they representhe PLO or its "constituent bodies" [LAT 7/23]. Large sit-in protest is staged outside Hospice Hospital in Jerusalem's Old City to protest closure of its surgery unit. Press conference held at the hospital announces a general strike for 7/24 to protest impending closure [FJ 8/26]. Israeli soldiers break into homes in Dheisheh camp in West Bank, harass residents, and damage property. No arrests reported [FJ 7/26].

Arab World: Reuters reports 4 Israeli warships shelled Sidon, targeting militia [FT 7/24]. Honduran-registered cargo ship sinks during the shelling; 3 civilians are wounded during shore bombardment. Israeli navy asserts the merchant ship fired first [NYT 7/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: German-language Israel Nachrichten (Jerusalem) publishes Israeli bank report that 1000% inflation possible in 1984.

Other Countries: Portugal Supreme Court annuls decision by Albufiera court clearing Muhammed Hussein Rashid in Issam Sartawi murder trial (11/11/84).

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Lebanese nationalist forces reportedly shoot Katyushas into Israeli settlements in Galilee panhandle, striking Misgav Am, killing and wounding at least 10; IDF spokesman denies report.

Arab World: Suspecting Palestinians aboard, Israeli navy hijacks civilian ferryboat Alizur Blanco in int'l. waters on Cyprus-Beirut run, forcing it to port in Haifa; IDF authorities check passenger identification & seize 9 passengers. IDF soldier wounded by light arms fire near Saksakiya, S. Lebanon. 

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:

Fighting continues southeast of Beirut between LAF and PSP, and in southern Beirut suburbs between LAF and militiamen; car bomb explodes near Reuter news agency in Beirut; PLO rebels advance within half mile of Arafat's HQ in central Tripoli, cut off loyalist forces still holding ground at Baddawi; Islamic Unification Movement fighters deploy alongside PLO loyalists in Tripoli; 12-hour unilateral cease-fire declared in Tripoli by PLO rebels is broken by exchanges of rocket fire in evening; 3 ships carrying supplies to loyalist PLO forces reportedly captured by Israeli navy off Tripoli.

Casualties:

Unspecified civilian casualties in southern Beirut suburbs; contrary to initial claims, French air raid near Baalbek last Thursday did little or no damage to military targets, casualties reported at 2 dead, 7 wounded; Red Cross estimates 60% of Tripoli's 500,000 to 600,000 residents have fled; 8 killed, 97 wounded today in Tripoli, 392 killed, 1869 wounded in fighting since November 3; IDF allows limited flow of commercial traffic across Awali bridge after weekend ban, private vehicles cross only with IDF issued permits.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: 4 petrol bombs thrown at IDF position in Tulkarem, curfew on nearby refugee camp; Council of Jewish Settlements in West Bank and Gaza holds emergency meeting at Kiryat Arba, demands severe action by IDF against Palestinians, settlers threaten to take law into their own hands; 17-year-old boy from Balata sentenced to 6 months in prisoni, IS 30,000 fine for participating in demonstration at Askar camp on November 8; committee representing Dheisheh camp residents releases statement rejecting government plan, announced yesterday, to resettle Palestinian refugees outside camps, details raids, road and school closures, fines, curfews and other measures used against camp residents in recent period.

Palestinian/ Lebanese: Arafat's conditions for leaving Tripoli include security for his supporters, both Palestinian and Lebanese, his right to return to Tripoli, and withdrawal of rebel forces; PFLP and DFLP call for democratic dialogue between fighting PLO forces.

Military Action:

Israeli and Phalangist forces link in Beirut, encircling PLO forces inside city; Israeli tanks push NE of capital, move on Syrian positions; IDF seizes control of Baabda; Beirut radio says IDF, with Phalangist support, moves to coast north of Beirut; Israeli navy closes Beirut port; Sharon visits Beirut for meetings with Phalangist leaders.

PLO leaders tour camps, hospitals, troop positions in Beirut; fighting flares between IDF and Syrians near highway; Phalangist officers, dressed in Israeli uniforms, are seen giving directions to Israeli tanks.

Casualties:

Reports from Tyre indicate no buildings untouched by shrapnel (Israeli military governor estimates only 30 percent of buildings destroyed); Palestinian Red Crescent Hospital in Sidon reports many patients dismem-bered in fighting (only one doctor remains to tend 58 patients after Israelis arrest Canadian, Norwegian, Palestinian doctors); all Sidon men aged 17-55, required to report to IDF for permits, many are arrested after going to IDF headquarters; 90 busloads of Palestinians reportedly taken away for questioning; Lebanese police report 9,583 killed, 16,608 wounded since Israeli air raids began 11 days ago (dead in Beirut estimated at 750); Israel now controls about half of Lebanon; Nabatiyeh reported "sanitized" by IDF before foreign correspondents allowed in; Israelis report 170 Israelis killed, 700 wounded, 10 captured, and 6,000 Palestinian guerrillas and 60 Syrians held; UK embassy advises nationals to leave.

Political Responses:

Israel/Occupied Territories: Israeli Defense Minister Sharon says IDF has "no intention" of taking Beirut; General Eitan says IDF mission is to smash PLO's political and military nerve center; Begin leaves for the US; Israeli agencies plan relief for Lebanon.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO vows to stand and fight; Lebanese President Sarkis, meeting with 10 Cabinet ministers at Presidential Palace (Israeli tanks 200 metres away), calls for setting up a Council of National Salvation; 3 appointees to Council, however, refuse to attend; Habib delivers Israeli withdrawal terms to Sarkis, and US Ambassador Dillon sends limousine to fetch Walid Jumblatt; Jumblatt demands wider representation of Lebanese leftists on Council-other members are Gemayel (Maronite Phalangist), Berri (Shiite Amal), Maalouf (Catholic), Foreign Minister Butros (Greek Orthodox), Prime Minister Wazzan (Sunni), and Presi-dent Sarkis (Maronite); Christians in Baabda reportedly welcome Israelis, guide them; Bashir Gemayel reportedly pushed as future president of Lebanon (election of new Lebanese president by Parliament scheduled for late August); Haddad tours southern Lebanon.

Arab Governments: Egypt relays Palestinian request for cease-fire in Beirut area to Israel; Mubarak meets with Saudi King Fahd (first contact since 1973 peace treaty signed).