The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Spain's first ambassador to Israel, Pedro Lopez Aguirre de Goa, arrives to take up his post [JP 4/7]. Twenty black union leaders from South Africa are attending a course at the Histradrut's Afro-Asian Institute in Tel Aviv [JP 4/6]. They are receiving training in social organizing and economic leadership skills, in preparation for power sharing in the event of a transition from white rule [WP, LAT 4/8].

Arab World: Syrian-sponsored cease-fire takes effect around Sabra and Shatila refugee camps, ending 10 days of fighting between Amal and Palestinian fighters; at least 46 have been killed [BG 4/7].

Other Countries: West Germany's defense minister arrives in Israel for 4-day visit [JP 4/7]. American Israel Public Affairs Committee begins 27th Annual Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. [JTA 4/8].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Tension between Jews and Muslims over control of the Haram al-Sharif (Temple Mount) flares as Jerusalem police block an attempt by the Waqf (Islamic trust) to seal off a courtyard leading to the area [JP, JTA 4/4].

Arab World: PLO closes another of its offices in Amman; the Office of Popular Organization maintained contact with and files on Palestinians living in Jordan, especially refugee camps; no reason is given for the closure [JP 4/4].

Military Action

Arab World: Fighting continues between Amal and Palestinian fighters in Sabra and Shatila refugee camps in Beirut; nearly 30 people have been killed, 60 wounded in 6 days of fighting [MG 4/4]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Thousands attend Land Day protests held in Taybah village, Dayr Hanna, Kafr Saba, and Tel Sheva, in the Negev; rallies were organized by Rakah Communist party, National Committee of Arab Mayors, and the National Committee for the Protection of the Land [MG 3/31; JTA 4/1]. Palestinian shopkeepers in East Jerusalem close shops to commemorate 10th anniversary of Land Day, which coincided with Easter this year [LAT, TS 3/31].

Military Action

Arab World: Fighting continues for 3rd day between Palestinian and Shi'ite gunmen around Sabra and Shatila refugee camps; 6 Palestinians and 4 Shi'ites have been killed, and 40 people wounded [TS, NYT, BG 3/3 1]. Two UNIFIL, 1 SLA soldier die in 3 separate clashes over the weekend [JP 3/30; JTA 3/31]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Cabinet approves series of harsh security measures in the occupied territories, capital punishment not among them. Measures include deportation of "persons who constitute a security risk," indefinite "administrative detention" without charges for Palestinians suspected of security offenses, an increase in prison capacity in the West Bank, and closing Palestinian newspapers that violate censorship regulations [LAT 8/5]. Forty-three Palestinian local councils in Israel and their employees hold rally outside Israeli prime minister's office to protest government failure to provide promised funds to alleviate their financial difficulties. They demand budgets equal to those of Israeli local councils. The 43 councils have an accumulated debt of $10 million; some have not been able to pay employees for 3 months [FJ 8/2, 8/9]. Public opinion poll by Pori Research Institute published in Ha'Aretz shows 10.6 percent of those who voted for Likud in last Knesset elections would now vote for Kach. Another poll by the Modi'in Ezrachi Institute shows Kahane would increase his Knesset seats to 5 if elections were held now [JTA 8/5].

Arab World:The Sunday Times reports testimony of British doctor on conditions in the 3 Beirut refugee camps besieged 2 months ago. According to Dr. Swee Chai Ang, over 1,500 Palestinians are missing, feared to have been kidnapped or killed. Palestinians are still being killed, although war of the camps technically ended in June and the camps of Sabra, Shatila, and Burj al-Barajinah are now protected by Lebanese army and internal security forces [LT 8/4]. Libya, which had threatened toboycott Arab summit, sends senior official [WSJ 8/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Petrol bomb hurled at a border police patrol outside 'Ain Beit al-Ma', near Nablus injures 2 policemen. Curfew is imposed [JP 8/5]. Another petrol bomb incident is reported in Azzariya, near Jerusalem; no injuries reported [JP 8/6].