The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Israel, transfer of power is postponed indefinitely. Knesset passes vote of confidence in Shamir (NYT 10/16). One person killed, 70 injured in Jerusalem as three grenades are thrown at group of IDF soldiers in swearing-in ceremony at Western Wall; area is sealed off as police search for suspects (NYT, WP 10/16). Responsibility for attack is claimed by PLO, DFLP, and Abu Nidal group (NYT 10/17). Twenty-nine Palestinians, including six children under 11, are detained (FJ 10/17).

Other Countries: At UN, representatives of nine countries involved in UNIFIL meet to discuss new protective measures. UN Secretary General Perez de Cuellar proposes spending an extra $10.5 million on 30 armored vehicles, reinforcement of UNIFIL positions, creation of three new positions, and shifting of headquarters (JP 10/6).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli P.M. Peres pardons seven more Shin Bet agents from Gaza bus hijacking incident (CSM, FBIS 8/25). Peres leaves Jerusalem for two-day visit to Cameroon (with which Israel is to reestablish diplomatic relations) (CSM 8/25). Knesset Interior Committee recommends demolition of Arab village of al-Zubaydat, on grounds that homes were built "without license on state land" (FJ 8/29). In Golan Heights, Arab residents distribute leaflet rejecting their inclusion on Israeli voter registration roll (FJ 8/29).

Military Action

Arab World: Amal holds ceremony to commemorate killing of Shi'a militiamen in fight with French UNIFIL soldiers (FRIS 8/26).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jerusalem Mayor Teddy Kollek visits nearby Shu'fat refugee camp and offers financial assistance to persuade residents to move to another location; residents vehemently oppose idea [FJ 6/13].

Other Countries: King Hussein announces foreign ministers of Syria and Iraq will meet 6/13 [WP 6/11]. Italian prosecutors release report on Achille Lauro hijacking, say Muhammad 'Abbas planned it [NYT 6/10]. Israeli Palestinian Knesset member Muhammad Mi'ari meets in Tunis with PLO Chairman Arafat [MG 6/18].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Some hundred Jewish extremists are arrested by Israeli police while trying to reach al-Aqsa Mosque during demonstration by nearly 10,000 celebrating the 19th anniversary of the "reunification of Jerusalem" [AFP 6/6]. According to Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics, "united Jerusalem" now has 460,000 inhabitants, including 331,000 Jews (71.5%). Al-Fajr reports that 2 released members of the Israeli settler underground have been reinstated into the army reserves and given duty [FJ 6/6]. Al-Fajr reports MK Abba Eban told dovish members of Knesset he recently met with PLO officials while in the U.S., that he believes there can be no peace without the participation of the PLO [FJ 6/6]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Peres states in keynote speech opening Labor party convention that Israel recognizes the Palestinians "as a nation," states Israel is trying to "create interim conditions for an interim arrangement" in the occupied territories until their final status is resolved [DT 4/10]. Egyptian delegation headed by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Butrus-Ghali attends the convention, as well as delegations from 20 other countries [JP 4/9].

Arab World: Former chief of intelligence for the PLO, 'Atallah 'Atallah (Abu Za'im), is reported to have been touring Palestinian refugee camps in Jordan delivering speeches critical of policies of Yasir Arafat and blaming him for the collapse of dialogue with King Hussein; Abu Za'im's statements have been given front-page coverage in Amman [JP 4/8; NYT 4/9]. Chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Abba Eban arrives in Cairo for a visit [JP 4/9].

Other Countries: U.S. Asst. Sec. of State Richard Murphy, originally scheduled to accompany Vice Pres. George Bush on his M.E. tour, stops instead in Cairo and then proceeds to Israel; Bush tells press conference Murphy is investigating a new peace initiative [LAT, BG 4/9].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Firebomb is thrown at bus on northern edge of Jerusalem, injuring 9 Israeli passengers; police detain 17 Palestinians for questioning [LAT, WP 4/9]. A bomb explodes in Afula, injuring a soldier; WAFA, the Palestine News Agency, states the PLO is responsible for placing the bomb [WP, LAT 4/9].

Arab World: Suicide bomber drives car into checkpoint near Hasbayya, at edge of Israeli-declared "security zone," killing himself and injuring 3 SLA militiamen and 3 civilians; the pro-Syrian Lebanese Ba'th party claims responsibility [WP, NYT 4/9]. Car bomb in Christian port city of Juniyah kills 10, injures over 100; no one claims responsibility [WP, NYT 4/9]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jerusalem Post reports family of 1 of 3 Israeli soldiers reported missing in action during Lebanon war received information their relative was alive, imprisoned by Syrians; families are being briefed in Paris. Israeli Army, Foreign Ministry deny knowledge of the report [JP 1/21]. Jerusalem city inspectors tell Knesset Interior Committee allegations of unlicensed construction on the Haram al-Sharif have been investigated, are baseless [JP 1/21]. Sephardi Chief Rabbi Mordechai Eliahu and Deputy Prime Minister David Levy inaugurate settlement in Dabboya building in heart of Hebron (where settlers have squatted since 1979) to provide permanent homes for dozens of settler families [JP 1/21; FJ 1/24].

Other Countries: U.S. Asst. Sec. of State Richard Murphy meets with P.M. Peres at The Hague, then shuttles back to London where King Hussein is staying [WP 1/21].