The Palestine Chronology

Palestinian delegates return to West Bank via Allenby Bridge as thousands cheer them in Jericho. Member of advisory committee to delegation Ziyad Abu Zayyad announces establishment of"political committees" throughout o.t. to advise Palestinian delegates, reportedly under the leadership of Sari Nusseibeh in the West Bank and As'ad al-Saftawi in Gaza. DM Moshe Arens, Chief-of-Staff Ehud Barak, Police Min. Ronni Milo brief Israeli cabinet on decrease in intifada activities during the week after the peace conference, noting that incidents such as rock throwing have decreased 30% in West Bank and 70% in Gaza. (WP, MEM 11/11)

A poll described as the largest ever carried out in Israel is published, revealing that 74% of Israelis are ready to yield territory in the West Bank and Gaza for peace. Thirty-one percent stated that land in the Golan Heights should be exchanged for peace. (MEM 11/11)

Faruq al-Qaddumi, top official of both Fateh and PLO, arrives at head of Fateh delegation to Syria in aftermath of Chmn. Arafat's recent meetings with Pres. al-Asad. (NYT 11/10; AFP 11/13 in FBIS 11/14)

Israeli aircraft attack alleged DFLP positions in Rashidiyya refugee camp near Tyre, Fateh-Force 17 positions in 'Ayn al-Hilwa camp near Sidon in S. Lebanon, while Israeli-South Lebanon Army bombardment of S. Lebanese villages continues. (MEM 11/8)

Israeli DM Arens returns from China. (Qol Yisra'el 11/22 in FBIS 11/22)

Syrian FM Faruq al-Sharaa confirms Syria will attend peace conference but will not participate in subsequent talks on regional issues unless Israel displays willingness to withdraw from occupied Arab territories [see 9/26]. Al-Sharaa also states he will not shake hands with Israeli delegates at conference. (MEM, WP 10/17)

Tunisia, Morocco indicate they will take part in peace conference as observers. (MEM 10/17)

Secy. of State Baker travels to Jerusalem, holds discussions with PM Shamir, Palestinian negotiators. Talks with Palestinians centered on Palestinian delegation to peace conference. Two sides continue to disagree over Israeli demand that such a delegation not include Palestinians from East Jerusalem, a demand which Baker has urged Palestinian negotiators to accede to in order that the Palestinians not be left out of the peace process. (WP 10/17)

PLO delegation in Amman reportedly reaches agreement with Jordanian government over composition of joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation under joint leadership of King Hussein and Chmn. Arafat. But Jordanian government states it has discussed the issue not with the PLO but "people from the occupied territories" in effort to stem Israeli objections to PLO role in choosing Palestinian delegates. (MEM 10/16; WP 10/17)

PLO Central Comm. meets in Tunis to discuss Palestinian participation in peace conference. (WP 10/17)

Clandestine al-Quds Palestinian Arab Radio reports statement has been issued in o.t. by PFLP-GC, Hamas, Fateh-Revolutionary Council [Abu Nidal], Islamic Jihad, Mujahid Islamic Trend, and Fateh-Uprising [Abu Musa] rejecting "conference of humiliation." (al-Quds Palestinian Arab Radio 10/16, in FBIS 10/17)

Israeli military court sentences Shaykh Aimad Yasin, founder of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), to life imprisonment for ordering the deaths of several alleged Palestinian collaborators. Yasin was arrested in May 1989. (NYT 10/17)

PLO-Lebanese army ceasefire takes hold in Sidon area after 73 killed, 200 wounded, mostly Palestinians. Under terms of ceasefire agreement, PLO agrees to move heavy weapons out of S. Lebanon, restrict remaining 5,000 fighters, armed only with light infantry weapons, to the 'Ayn al-Hilwa and al-Mi'a wa Mi'a refugee camps. Army agrees not to enter camps as long as cease-fire remains in effect. Government states discussions on civil and social rights of Palestinians in Lebanon will take place. Government also agrees to release PLO prisoners. In Tunis, PLO Chmn. Arafat backs accord, telephones approval. Fighting came as result of attempt by Lebanese government to disarm all armed group in Lebanon. Army control of area could limit attacks on Israeli-backed forces in the "security zone" in S. Lebanon. (MEM 7/5; NYT, LAT 7/6)

Hunger strike among Palestinian prisoners spreads to Tel Mond prison, the seventh prison now on strike. (MEM 7/8)

At press conference with Israeli peace activist Abie Nathan, PLO Chmn. Arafat declares willingness to have portions of Palestine National Charter which "threaten" Israel deleted as part of peace treaty in return for reciprocal Israeli measures. (MEM 7/5) 

Israeli jets attack Fateh base east near al-Mi'a wa Mi'a refugee camp east of Sidon, killing three, wounding 11. (BVOL in FBIS 6/3)