The Palestine Chronology

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: Israeli cabinet decides to postpone vote on continuing Lavi project [NYT 8/17]. Palestinian prisoners in Nablus prison begin 2-day hunger strike to protest worsening conditions [FJ 8/23]. Dr. Zakaria al-Agha, chairman of Arab Medical Assoc., is dismissed from his position at Nasir Hospital in Khan Yunis for making political statements to the press without military permission [FJ 8/23]. Israeli court orders demolition of mosque in Beersheba-district village of Rahat on grounds that it was constructed without a license [FJ 8/23]. Police raid Jerusalem offices of Alternative Information Center, confiscate equipment and documents; center reopens after 6-month, police-ordered closure [FJ 9/20].

Arab World: Jericho Mayor Jamil Sabri Khalaf visits Amman for discussions of municipal projects with Jordanian officials [FJ 8/23].

Other Countries: Reports indicate Italian government is donating over $500,000 to UNRWA vocational school in Gaza [FJ 8/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldier and a civilian are shot, wounded in attack near Jabaliyyah refugee camp on Gaza Strip. Israeli troops seal off camp with barbed wire [FJ 8/23]. Soldiers in Nablus respond to stone-throwing Palestinian youths with tear gas and live ammunition; 3 Palestinians are wounded in the clash [CSM 8/17; FJ 8/23].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Police use tear gas and clubs to disperse some of the more than 3,000 ultra-Orthodox marching in Jerusalem to protest showing films on Friday nights [JPI 8/15]. Israeli officials remove Taybah monument commemorating Palestinian writer Hanna Muqbil [FJ 8/16].

Other Countries: Ghazi Khuri, director of PLO office in Holland, dies after long illness [FJ 8/16].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli cabinet votes to postpone decision on future of Jerusalem Electric Company [FJ 7/26].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Nablus military court sentences 2 Palestinians to 7 years imprisonment and 5-year suspended term for membership in an illegal organization, possession of weapons, and assaulting collaborators; Gaza court hands down sentences ranging from 3-7 years in cases of 6 Palestinians charged with membership in an illegal organization and involvement in bombing Israeli vehicles [FJ 7/19]. Jerusalem water department's request to drill 3d well at 'Ayn Samia is denied [FJ 7/19].

Other Countries: Jordan's King Hussein and British P.M. Thatcher discuss proposed international peace conference during meetings in London [BS 7/14]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: First Soviet delegation to visit Israel since 1967 war arrives unannounced in Jerusalem; 8-member group is expected to remain at least 2 months [WP, CSM 7/14]. Italian Communist party delegation ends visit to occupied territories [FJ 7/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Knesset defeats bills recognizing as Jews only those converted to Judaism by Orthodox rabbis and restricting Israeli citizenship to Jews converted by Orthodox rabbis [PI 7/9]. Inner cabinet votes to grant concessions for Jewish settlements, including Jerusalem's Jewish quarter, to Israel Electric Company (IEC); Jerusalem Electric Company (JEC) will be allowed to continue serving only its Arab customers [FJ 7/12]. U.S. Consulate in Jerusaleni registers complaint regarding treatment of Arab Americans visiting Israel, demands equal treatment for all Americans [LAT 7/9]. Villagers from 'Ubaydiyya hold peaceful 1-hour demonstration outside Jerusalem offices of the International Com. of the Red Cross to publicize continuing land dispute and recent violence in the Bethlehem-area village [FJ 7/12]. Authorities close Jerusalem's Hakawati theater for 24 hours, preventing commemoration of 15th anniversary of Ghassan Kanafani's murder [FJ 7/12]. Kidnappers of Muhammad Walid Naji, 3-yearold Gaza boy kidnapped 30 June, are apprehended by police; boy is found safe in citrus orchard [FJ 7/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Five-member delegation from Italian Communist party arrive for visit to occupied territories [FJ 7/12]. Jerusalem authorities demolish unlicensed Palestinian-owned house in 'Isawiyyah [FJ 7/12]. Israeli F.M. Peres and Druze leader Amin Tarif reach agreement whereby 12,000 dunams of Bayt Jann village land confiscated to form nature reserve will be returned to village [FJ 7/12].

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: Prisoners at Junayd Prison conduct 1-day hunger strike to protest mistreatment at he facility [FJ 7/5]. Authorities seal houses of 2 Jenin families, leaving 18 homeless [FJ 7/5]. Defense Minister Rabin approves plan to drill new well near Bethlehem and transport water to Jerusalem and Israeli settlements [FJ 7/5]. Gaza's Israeli military governor evicts 6 families from their 450 dunams of agricultural lnd in southwest Gaza [FJ 7/5].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli cabinet votes to implement uniform university tuition rate, abandoning controversial 2-tier plan [LAT 6/29]. Alati Mahmud Khalifah, resident of Bethlehem-district's 'Ubaydiyyah village, is killed and 6 other villagers wounded when 2 landbrokers, escorted by bodyguards and Israeli soldiers, open fire on landowners disputing landbrokers' claims to own 6,000 dunams of village land [NYT 6/29; FJ 7/5]. Israeli Prof. Ehud Kidar announces new peace plan supported by Israeli and Palestinian scholars proposing 1 state with 2 governments and a counseling body [FJ 7/5]. In trial of alNajah University's Dr. Sa'ib 'Iriqat for incitement, Israeli prosecutor agues that W. Bank and Gaza residents do not have right of freedom of expression [FJ 7/5]. Sulayman Da'ud Hulaysi, brother of 2 Palestinians involved in October 1986 attack on Israeli soldiers in Jerusalem, is sentenced by Lydda military court to 6 years imprisonment ad4 years suspended on weapons charges [FJ 7/5]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Over 400,000 Arabs from within the green line join in general strike to demand equal rights and end to discriminatory practices [JP 6/25; FJ 6/28]. Palestinian woman is shot and wounded by Israeli soldiers who open fire after stone-throwing incident [FJ 6/24]. Meir Kahane and followers attack 2 Jerusalem residents at Damascus Gate [FJ 6/28]. Israeli military court convicts officer and 5 soldiers of torturing Palestinian prisoners at Ansar II detention center [FJ 6/28]. Nablus military court imposes 4 and one-half-year prison sentence on landbroker 'Abdullah 'Awdah on charges of land fraud in W. Bank [FJ 6/28].

Arab World: 'Ali 'Usayran, son of Lebanese defense minister, and his driver are released by their kidnappers; American Charles Glass is still being held [WP 6/25].

Other Countries: Congressional panel investigating Iran-contraffair details CIA role in Israel's November 1985 shipment of American arms to Iran [WP 6/25]. Amnesty International adopts Faysal Husayni, director of Arab Studies Society who was arrested 4/13, as a prisoner of conscience [FJ 6/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Curfew at Dahayshah refugee camp is lifted [FJ 6/14]. Hanna Siniora states he will consult with jurists from U.S., Europe, and Eastern bloc before deciding whether to pursue his plan to run in 1988 Jerusalem municipal eections [FJ 6/14]. Employees of Jerusalem Electric Company (JEC) hold 1-day strike to protest stated intention of Energy Ministry to divide JEC's concession rights in the occupied territories [FJ 6/14]. Trees owned by 50 Palestinian families in Za'tarah are uprooted by Israeli bulldozers [FJ 6/14]. Ramallah military court hands down 7-year and 5 and one-half-year sentences to 2 youths charged with throwing bombs at military vehicles [FJ 6/14].

Other Countries: At meeting in Budapest 5-member PLO delegation opens talks with 21-member Israeli delegation [JP 6/12; FJ 6/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: At Dahayshah refugee camp, Israeli soldiers close entrance along main Hebron-Jerusalem road, extend fence on west side of camp; curfew prevents 100 tawjihi students from taking exam [FJ 6/14]. Accompanied by other Israeli officials and more than 800 soldiers, 6 Knesset Interior Com. members visit al-Aqsa Mosque [FJ 6/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike in E. Jerusalem and Ramallah closes most businesses. Al-Fajr editor Hanna Siniora announces plan to lead slate of Palestinian candidates in 1988 Jerusalem municipal elections [LAT 6/6; FJ 6/7]. Jihad Musaymi, served with expulsion order during 5/31-6/1 search of Balatah refugee camp, is deported to Jordan [FJ 6/7].

Arab World: Middle East sources report Syria has closed office of Abu Nidal's Fateh Revolutionary Council and expelled some members [NYT 6/5].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli cabinet votes to examine Shin Bet interrogation methods [CSM 6/1]. Jewish settlers rampage through Gaza City stoning houses; thousands of settlers hold demonstration i Tel Aviv in memory of boy killed on W. Bank [BS 6/1]. Estimated 50 Jewish settlers attack 2 Palestinian truck drivers near Nahal Oz settlement in Gaza Strip [FJ 6/7]. Israeli troops declare Balatah refugee camp closed military area to conduct comprehensive search, interrogations; more than 60 residents are arrested, 10 served with administrative dtentions. Jihad Musaymi, a camp leader, is ordered deported to Jordan for inciting demonstrations [BS 6/1; FJ 6/7]. Khan Yunis refugee camp resident Ahmad Nasr is expelled to Jordan [FJ 6/7]. Reports indicate head of Arab Bank in Jordan has turned down Jordanian request to open branch of bank in W. Bank, said bank would only open office if it was located in Jerusalem [FJ 6/7].

Military Action

Arab World: Estimated 250 Islamic Resistance Front militiamen battle Israeli and SLA troops in S. Lebanon for more than 7 hours; reports indicate between 16 and 31 are killed [CSM 6/1; PI 6/2]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Estimated 1,500 Peace Now demonstrators march on Jerusalem residence of P. M. Shamir amid heckling and minor clashes with opponents to international peace conference. Yosef Ben-Aharon, director general of Shamir's office, leaves for Washington [NYT, LAT 5/11]. Israeli military authorities file charges against 17 Jewish settlers who broke into Joseph's tomb in Nablus [FJ 5/17]. Israeli soldiers raid al-Rawdah Community College in Nablus, ban student elections scheduled for 5/11 [FJ 5/17].

Arab World: U.S. and Egyptian diplomats meeting in Cairo report significant progress in talks on international Middle East peace conference [NYT 5/11].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Shamir leaves for Paris where he hopes to "undermine European support for an international conference" [NYT 4/28]. More than 100 Palestinians and Israelis join in demonstration at al-Hakawati Theater in show of support for Faysal al-Husayni, held under administrative detention, and Birzeit U., closed for 4 months [FJ 5/3]. At press conference, Higher Council of Education members protest Israeli harassment of universities in the occupied territories [FJ 5/3]. Estimated 1,000 residents of Palestinian Druze village of Bayt Jann gather in Jerusalem to protest government's landuse and budget policies; village holds commercial and school strike [FJ 5/3].

Arab World: Egypt orders PLO offices in Cairo and Alexandria closed in reaction to PNC criticism of Camp David accords [NYT 4/28; CSM 4/29].

Other Countries: Members of U. S. congressional panels investigating Iran-contra affair review material submitted by Israel; negotiations between U.S. investigators and Israel over confidentiality of report continue [WP 4/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Demonstrators in Ramallah burn tires and throw stones at IDF patrols. Gaza confrontation results in wounding of 1 soldier and 1 protester [FJ 4/19]. Lydda military court hands down 20-year sentence in case of Shakir Mustafa 'Ayyash, convicted of planting bombs in Tel Aviv in 1979 [FJ 4/19]. Jerusalem's al-Ibrahimiyyah College and Gaza's Islamic U. suspend classes until 4/18 to protest harassment of universities in occupied territories [FJ 4/19]. Bethlehem U. ordered closed until 4/22 [FJ 4/19].

Arab World: Salah Khalaf (Abu lyad) announces PLO decision to abandon pact with Jordan and instead form wider accord with Arab governments [NYT 4/15]. Egypt's Pres. Mubarak says PLO decision to cancel Amman accords reduces chance for international Middle East peace conference in 1987 [SG 4/16].

Military Action

Arab World: Syrian troops reach Awwali River in S. Lebanon [BG 4/16].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Military court finds Al-Najah U. Prof. Sa'eb Erakat guilty of incitement in connection with an editorial calling for Palestinians to "learn how to endure and reject and resist" all forms of occupation; 'Iraqat's lawyer is appealing the decision to the High Court, asking court to decide the limits of free speech in the occupied territories [NYT 4/7]. Estimated 200 women, many relatives of prisoners, join in peaceful march from Jerusalem's Red Cross offices to Damascus Gate where it is broken up by police; 11 women are arrested [FJ 4/12]. Military authority imposes curfew on Ramallah town center after student demonstration. The Friends Boys School is ordered closed for 1 week [FJ 4/12]. Israeli, after thrown stone breaks his windshield, opens fire on East Jerusalem's Salah al-Din Street, wounds 2 Palestinians [FJ 4/12]. Military court orders 'Abd al-Fattah Ziyarah expelled from Gaza to Egypt [FJ 4/12].

Other Countries: Israeli Pres. Herzog arrives in W. Germany for official state visit [WT 4/6; FT 4/7]. Herzog and W. German Pres. von Weizsacker visit Bergen-Belsen concentration camp [LT 4/7].

Military Action

Arab World: Cease-fire allows 5 truck-loads of food donated by Kuwait to enter Beirut's Shatila refugee camp, the second supply operation since November [GU 4/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Poice arrest 7 women during Jerusalem rally supporting prison hunger strike [FJ 4/12]. More than 10,000 Syrians and Palestinians join in unveiling of monument to Syrian nationalist leader Sultan Basha al-Atrash in Majdal Shams on the Golan Heights [FJ 4/12]. Attorney for families of 2 students killed in confrontation with Israeli troops last year demands Defense Ministry conduct thorough probe of 12/4 incident at Birzeit U. [FJ 4/12]. Estimated 100 members of Palestinian Family Reunification Com. demonstrate outside P. M. Shamir's office [FJ 4/12].

Arab World: In presence of Syrian military observers, six trucks of food and other supplies donated by Kuwait enter Burj al-Barajinah camp. Equal amounts were given to Amal for distribution to Shi'i residents of the area [GU 4/6]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: JEC workers, vowing to protect the company from government take-over, strike for 2 hours [FJ 4/3]. Spokesman for Jerusalem municipality denies Arab bakeries have been ordered not to bake or sell bread during Passover; says bakeries have been asked not to display bread outside their shops [FJ 4/3].

Arab World: Statement signed by "rank-and-file" members of PFLP denounces reconciliation with PLO Chairman Arafat, demands PFLP boycott PNC session scheduled for 4/20; George Habash, leader of PFLP, is in Algiers for consultations with Arafat aides in preparation for the upcoming session [NYT 4/4].

Other Countries: Reports indicate U.S. investigators believe Harold Katz, an attorney who holds U. S. and Israeli citizenship, was involved in the Pollard spy affair, but the investigation of his role is being seriously hampered by Israeli government's decision to bar Katz from leaving Israel [WP 4/2]. Katz denies he participated in the espionage ring, says his Washington, D.C. apartment may have been used without his knowledge [WP, NYT 4/3]. Soviet spokesman denies reports U.S.S.R. and Israel have agreed to exchange official delegations, confirms Soviet "consular workers" will go to Tel Aviv [WP 4/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Authorities extend Bethlehem U. closure order to 4/4. Boys' school in al-Khadr village, near Bethlehem, and secondary school in Bayt Sahur are also ordered closed for a week [FJ 4/3]. In letter to Jerusalem Electricity Co. (JEC) board of directors, Minister of Energy Moshe Shahal demands board prepare to cede company to ministry at the end of December [FJ 4/3]

Other Countries: U.S. State Dept. report cites Israel as 1 of 7 states which has sold arms to S. Africa in violation of a decadeold embargo [PI 4/2; NYT 4/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Balatah refugee camp youths clash with Israeli troops for third straight day [FJ 4/3].

Arab World: Palestine National Salvation Front reports Amal snipers fired on women trying to leave Burj al-Barajinah camp to shop for food; 1 is killed, 3 wounded [LAT 4/2].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Striking waqf teachers hold sit-in at al-Fatah al-Laji'ah Girls School in Jerusalem. Union of Workers in Private Schools in Jerusalem has stated support for the strike [FJ 4/3]. Former U.S. Pres. Carter and his wife travel to Hebron area village of Bayt Ummar to observe projects sponsored by Catholic Relief Services and U.S. government [FJ 4/3].

Military Action

Arab World: Explosion near Syrian command post in Beirut kills 8, injures at least 10. In Kafr Hazir, village in N. Lebanon, unidentified gunmen ambush an army jeep, killing 1 Syrian officer, wounding 5 soldiers [WP 3/29]. Amal snipershoot at Shatila refugees protesting Amal siege, kill 5 [WP 3/30]. Hizballah and SLA forces clash inside Israeli security zone; Israeli military claims 5 SLA soldiers are wounded, 3 Hizballah fighters killed [FJ 4/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: F. M. Peres meets with "moderate" PLO supporters to discuss Palestinian representation at international peace conference [CSM 3/27]. Former U.S. Pres. Carter arrives in Jerusalem, encourages Israeli leaders to join Syria and Lebanon in international peace conference, calls on Reagan administration to increase pace of Middle East peace efforts [BS 3/27]. Israeli border patrol denies 29 black evangelical Christians, mostly Americans, permission to enter W. Bank via Jordan [WP 3/27]. Military authorities order al-Najah U. closed until 4/12 and Bethlehem U. closed until 4/1 [FJ 4/3].

Arab World: Islamic Jihad for the Liberation of Palestine reiterates demand for release of 100 Arabs held in Israeli jails [BG 3/27].

Military Action

Arab World: Amal militia attack estimated 500 Palestinian women returning to Burj al-Barajinah refugee camp from protest demanding end to Amal siege of the camp; at least 6 are killed [BG 3/27; FJ 4/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: MK Abba Eban and other representatives of Labor party meet with 4 Palestinians; joint statement released after the meeting calls for international peace conference including representatives of Israel, Jordan, and the Palestinians [FJ 3/27]. Israeli authorities serve Khalil Ibrahim 'Ashur expulsion order [FJ 3/27]. Trial of Roger Heacock, American professor teaching at Birzeit University, opens [FJ 3/27]. Police and border guards use live ammunition and tear gas to break up demonstration at Jerusalem's al-lbrahimiyyah College [FJ 3/27]. Members of Peace Now, Citizens Rights Movement, and Mapam protest at inauguration ceremony for Betar, W. Bank settlement near Bethlehem [FJ 3/27]. Prisoners in at least 3 Israeli prisons begin hunger strike, demanding impartial inspection, improved conditions in all Israeli prisons within green line and occupied territories [FJ 3/27]. Israeli government promises 3 key witnesses in Pollard spy case that their testimony before Rotenstreich-Tsur board of inquiry will not be made available to U.S. [BS 3/26].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Economics Minister Ya'cobi calls for subpoena power for Rotenstreich-Tsur commission investigating Pollard spy case or new panel with sufficient powers to complete investigation. Lawyer representing 3 witnesses who refused to testify before commission meets with Attorney General Harish in effort to resolve issue [BG 3/23]. Protestors disrupt Jerusalem meeting of pro-Jordanian Abu al-Za'im suppprters [FJ 3/27]. Gaza man is sentenced to 15 years for membership in Fateh and bombing Israeli road [FJ 3/27]. Military authorities close elementary school in Jalazun refugee camp after students stoned Israeli cars [FJ 3/27]. Explosion at Ashdod shopping center leaves 1 Israeli seriously injured [FJ 3/27].

Arab World: Former U.S. Pres. Carter meets twice with Syrian Pres. al-Asad during 3-day visit to Damascus [BS 3/23].

Other Countries: U.S. Defense Sec. Weinberger denies charges that U.S. recruited Israeli officer to spy on Israel [WP 3/23].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli forces kill two PLO fighters near Hasbayyah in S. Lebanon [LAT 3/23].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Teachers from 9 Jerusalem waqf schools begin strike to demand increased salaries and prompt payment of wages; the teachers are usually paid by Jordan [FJ 3/27].

Arab World: Former U.S. Pres. Carter leaves Cairo, flies to Damascus for meetings with Pres. al-Asad [BG 3/22].

Other Countries: Reports allege CIA recruited Israeli officer as spy in 1982 [WP 3/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Inner cabinet appoints 2-member commission to investigate Pollard espionage affair [LAT, WP 3/12]. Cleaning workers and clerks end 10-day strike against 26 government hospitals UPI 3/14]. Minister of energy announces plan to take over concession of Jerusalem Electric Company (JEC) at the end of the year. JEC workers condemn decision while company disputes government's claim it backed out of earlier agreement [FJ 3/13]. Classes resume at al-Najah U.; students have lost 2 months from the current semester [FJ 3/13].

Other Countries: U.S. sources charge independent counsel Walsh's investigation of Iran-contra scandal is being seriously hampered by Israel's refusal to allow direct questioning of Israelis involved in affair. Some U.S. senators have expressed satisfaction with Israel's cooperation in their investigation [LAT 3/11].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian farmers rally in Jericho to protest falling vegetable prices [FJ 3/6]. Planned Jerusalem memorial service for slain Nablus mayor Zafir al-Masris banned by Israeli authorities [FJ 3/6]. Officials of Gaza's Union of Carpenters and Construction Workers hold press conference, complain of Israeli harassment since 2/21 elections [FJ 3/6]. Gaza military court sentences 3 teenagers charged with throwing stones and molotov cocktails to between 10 and 14 years in prison [FJ 3/13].

Arab World: Nabih Birri renews offer to swap captured Israeli for 400 Arabs held in Israeli prisons, urges Islamic Jihad for the Liberation of Palestine to free 4 professors [LAT 3/4].

Other Countries: U.S. grand jury indicts Israeli Air Force officer Aviem Sella on charges of espionage. Since espionage is not covered by extradition treaties, Sella cannot be extradited to stand trial [NYT 3/4]. Reports indicate Israeli objections have convinced U.S. officials to abandon plan to take $30 million of U.S. grants to Israel and give funds to Jordanian 5-year W. Bank development plan [LAT 3/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Troops use tear gas to break up protest at Balatah camp, impose curfew. Demonstration is believed related to 3/2 killing of Nablus youth. Students at Ramallah's Teacher Training College burn tires, clash with Israeli soldiers [FJ 3/6].