The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Dheisheh camp residents demonstrate & Nablus merchants strike in solidarity with Jnaid prison inmates on 12th day of their hunger strike. 45 Arab local councils and municipal workers strike over unpaid salaries owed by Israel.

Arab World: As Arab League chrmn., Morocco's King Hassan calls for summit mtg. on Jordan's new relations with Egypt. In speech before Jordan's parliament, King Hussein rejects peace talks as proposed by Israel, calls for UN-sponsored negotiations.

Other Countries: US-based AAI Corp. (div. of United Industries Corp.) agrees to produce & market in US remotely-piloted vehicles (RPVs) Mastiff &Scout made by Israeli cos. Tadiran & Israel Aircraft Industries. 100-mm. guns made by Israel displayed atop Chinese Type 69 tanks in Peking military parade.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Dheisheh camp youths throw stones at Israeli vehicles, smash 1 bus window. Police detain 4 Kach members attempting to enter Dheisheh after curfew.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: On Israeli radio, Bethlehem Mayor Freij welcomes renewed Jordan-Egypt ties. High Court grants injunction to 9 Beit Amin villagers halting Israeli development on their land. Israeli FM Shamir meets with Spanish FM Moran to discuss possible future diplomatic relations.

Arab World: Palestinian Natl. Alliance condemns Jordan for renewed relations with Egypt. US envoy Murphy returns to Damascus for further talks with Syrian officials.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: PM Peres says Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon no longer contingent upon simultaneous Syrian withdrawal.

Arab World: Jordan and Egypt announce resumption of full diplomatic relations; US and Israel claim the move is a victory for Camp David process; Syria and Libya denounce it, call for boycott of Egypt.

Other Countries: Israeli FM Shamir meets with Soviet FM Gromyko at UN in New York.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gaza military court charges 2 Israeli officers with 5/1/84 attack & blinding of Gaza man M. H; Abu Amra.

Arab World: 3 Palestinian Nat'l. Action leaders in Jordan voice opposition to PNC mtg. before agreement between all PLO groups. Lebanese Pres. Gemayel meets Pres. Assad in Damascus for talks on security and political reforms. Palestine Higher Military Council meets in Tunis, endorses Aden-Algiers agreement (6/27). Chrmn. Arafat meets with Algerian (FLN) officials.

Other Countries: Nigerian gov't. sanctions chiefs Oba Sijuade II and Alhaji Ado Bayero for recent visit to Jerusalem for talks with Israeli officials. Israel Aircraft Industries recruits 10 engineers from Lear Fan plant in Belfast, N. Ireland to accelerate production of Lavi jets. France's Chief Rabbi Rene Sirat condemns Kahane as "contrary to all ideals of Judaism." Venezuelan Confederation of Jewish Associations denounces Pan American Gymnastics Federation support for Palestine's membership in International Gymnastics Federation. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In radio interview, Educ. & Culture Min. Shmueli advises teachers to combat incitement against Arab citizens. Maariv quotes Ariel Sharon as saying Jordan rightfully belongs to Israel and will one day be settled by Jews.

Other Countries: Chrmn. Arafat arrives in Lusaka for visit with Zambian Pres. Kaunda. The Washington Times reports classified US defense document "Lessons Learned in Lebanon" concludes 20% IDF casualties in 1982 Lebanon invasion were self-inflicted, calls IDF "inept horde."

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Govt. unity talks stall over issues of settlement & negotiations with Jordan. Actual foreign currency reserve losses in July reportedly exceed $700 million; official $351 million figure created by bookkeeping maneuver [see 8/1]. Speaking at National Defense College, DM Arens charges communications media give "distorted" reports of S. Lebanon situation.

Other Countries: House Ways & Means Trade Subcom. members predict Congress will pass "free trade pact" with Israel before October. US Pres. Reagan tells World Jewish Congress leaders he will cancel US participation in Nairobi UN Conference on Women (1985) if it adopts measure equating Zionism with racism.

Military Aciton

Arab World: Israeli jets bomb supposed Palestine guerrilla camp E. of Bar Elias in Beqaa Valley; casualty reports contradictory; later, roadside bomb explodes near Jezzine, wounding 3 Israelis.

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Jordan gov't. places former PM Mudar Badran & Minister of Occupied Territories Ibrahim under town arrest for suspicion of embezzling over $500,000 from Joint Committee funds.

Other Countries: Arab league amb. to US Clovis Maksoud urges US to renew peace efforts in Middle East, says recent events have not irreparably damaged US influence in region. AFL-CIO Executive Council votes to endorse boycott of El Al Airlines for its union-breaking policies.

Military Action

Arab World; Lebanese army reportedly repels 2 IDF gunboats approaching West Beirut coast. Military post atop Nabatiya building attacked with grenade; 1 Israeli killed, 1 wounded. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IS13 million exacted from Azza camp shopowner in 1st taxation of refugee camp shops. Qabatya youth sentenced to 2 mos. & charged IS100,000 for demonstrating. Jamal Awarneh gets life sentence for killing Jewish settler in Bethlehem (1982).

Arab World: In al-Ra'i (Amman) both Jordanian and PLO officials quoted saying Israeli election aided extremism and will lead to more Arab-Jewish violence in Palestine. Israeli liaison office in Dubayeh officially closed; Israel gov't. threatens closure "will necessarily cause great harm and suffering to the Lebanese people."

Other Countries: Chrmn. Arafat received by Malaysia's Sultan Iskandar in Kuala Lumpur for 3-day visit. US State Dep't. study possibility of revoking Meir Kahane's US citizenship for allegiance to foreign gov't.; officials say official action against him unlikely. Reagan aides meet Antiochian Orthodox and national Council of Churches leaders, reaffirm US stand against embassy transfer to Jerusalem. US Asst. Undersec. of State testifies before House Foreign Affairs Subcom. that, with outcome of Israel's elections, its economic situation is much worse than earlier suspected, and that US will resuscitate Reagan peace initiative.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Molotov cocktail hurled at IDF soldier patroling al-Ibrahimi Mosque, Hebron; curfew imposed, several passersby arrested & searched.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Al-Najah U. lecturer Sami Kilani gets 4th 6-mo. town arrest term in Ya'bad. Israel prevents journalist Raymonda Tawil from leaving Palestine to Jordan for television appearance.

Arab World: Families of missing civil war hostages burn tires in roadblock demonstration in Beirut, call for militias to release all prisoners.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Trial of 22 Jewish terror suspects begins in Jerusalem with defense request for 3-mo. adjournment; defendents' supporters attempt to eject attending attorney Darwish Nasser from courtroom as "PLO presence." Election officials ban Meir Kahane's Kach party from upcoming elections. 6 Palestinian prisoners escape Rafah prison, Gaza; 1 rearrested.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bomb discovered and defused at Beit Safafa soccer field before game.

Arab World: Jordan's King Hussein announces willingness to send troops to aid Iraqi war effort.

Social/Economic/ Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Trial of 25 Jewish terror suspects begins, 2 Israeli Army officers charged with bomb attacks on 3 West Bank mayors (1980); Rabbi Levinger released and Rabbi Waldman (also of Kiryat Arba) arrested for alleged links with Jewish terrorists. Za'el Issa Harashe, 34, of Bani Na'im released after 17-yr. imprisonment on security-related charge. Saleh Baransi released from custody. Residents of Deir al-Hatab fight fire destroying 300 dunums of trees and crops; arson suspected. Military court sentences Sharhabil Farajeh of Halhoul to 6 mos. prison on political charge upon return from studies in Jordan. Abd al-Basit of Daboriyah given 6 mos. prison on charge of PLO membership.

Arab World: Lebanese PM meets with US, Soviet and UK ambs. to seek help ending Israeli human rights violations in S. Lebanon; later Soviet amb. strongly condemns Israel's "inhuman" acts.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli forces bulldoze homes of Qasem, Ali & Majed Sweitat in Izzedin near Jenin, West Bank, claiming they are built on "state land." Mine explodes near Biddu village, killing 10 sheep. Bomb planted in Bir Sab'a Beduin market defused; no arrests.

Arab World: Israeli planes bomb Bar Elias village in Beqaa Valley. 4 Israelis wounded by roadside bomb near Ansariya, S. Lebanon.

Other Countries: US Defense Sec. Weinberger discloses US assisting Israel to develop Saar 5 attack missile patrol boat.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 25 Jewish terror suspects formally charged with membership in "terrorist organization"; suspects names remain secret. Musrara shopkeepers strike, Arab Chamber of Commerce (Jerusalem) meet to protest Israeli VAT collections, illegal under international law. West Bank military coordinator meets with Bethlehem & Beit Sahour mayors. Liberal Party votes to continue 19-yr.-old alliance with Herut.

Other Countries: At American Jewish Press Association conference US Sec. of Defense Weinberger reveals US Navy purchased Israeli-made pilotless planes. [Both US Navy and Air Force have own drone development programs and 10 US companies produce them.] US State Dep't. spokesman says Reagan admin. asked Congress to defer action on proposed 8,000-man Gulf strike force based in Jordan. US embassy in Colombo reports Sri Lanka [having severed relations with Israel in 1970] to allow limited Israeli presence there to train Sri Lankan counter-insurgency forces.

Military Action: Occupied Palestine/Israel:

Police raid several Ramallah shops, fining or closing them for lack of license.

Social/Economic/Political:

Arab World: Chrmn. Arafat visits Jordan for talks with King Hussein on joint position on Israeli-occupied territories. Syria reports 3 Israelis captured (5/1/84) admit to spying.

Other Countries: Guatemalan Jewish leader Sabbaj tells American Jewish Com. " Soviet intervention" in his region threatens future of Jewish community there by inevitable nationalization of businesses.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Some of the 15 Israeli settlers detained on suspicion of West Bank bombing attempts admit to murdering at least 4 Palestinians in Hebron, and bombing that injured 2 West Bank mayors (6/1980).

Other Countries: Palestinian journalist and secretary of Arab Journalists' and Writers' Union Hanna Moqbil killed by gunman in Nicosia, Cyprus.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Labor candidate Peres tells World Jewish Congress that Camp David not only basis for negotiations between Israel and Jordan. Peace Now members end conference with decision to follow Labor Party platform in July elections. Israel Discount Bank announces 1983 loss of $17.2 million.

Arab World: Lebanese cabinet holds inauguration mtg. in absence of National Salvation Front leaders Berri, Jumblatt and Abdullah Rassi.

Other Countries: Israel asks US help in securing return of 3 Israelis seized yesterday in Syrian-held territory in Lebanon; claims they are diplomats. Before US Senate Appropriations Com., US amb. to UN Kirkpatrick slams criticism of Israel in Security Council. Addressing B'nai B'rith Caribbean District convention in Panama City, Costa Rican Pres. Monge responds to int'l. criticism for moving embassy to Jerusalem, vowing not to "give in to diplomatic terrorism."

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 2 IDF-trained Kiryat Arba settlers arrested in connection with 4/27/84 bombing plot confess to attack on Hebron Islamic College where 4 Arab students were killed and 33 wounded; 3rd man reportedly sought. Arab World: Syria reports 3 Israelis arrested (5/1/84) held in Syria. Israeli soldiers kill 1 and wound another suspected of planting roadside bomb south of Tyre.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 5th anniversary of signing of Egypt-Israel peace treaty. Abu Ali Shahin wins temporary injunction against proposed expulsion from Gaza, Palestine. 4 American Jews formally charged with attack on Arab bus near Ramallah (3/4/84). 3 Alignment MKs walk out of Constitution Com. mtg. as Kach leader Kahane arrives uninvited. Tel Aviv U. pres. and Alignment candidate for Finance Min. Ben-Shahar alerts economics conference that Israeli GNP growth is slower than Arab neighbors.

Arab World: UK's Queen Elizabeth arrives in Jordan for state visit. Shlomo Ilya, recently dismissed from post as "civil administration" head in West Bank for misconduct, appointed IDF commander in S. Lebanon.

Other Countries: Commemorating Egypt-Israel treaty anniversary, US & Israel reaffirm March 1979 memorandum, extending (for 5 more years) and expanding Israel's prospects for arms sales in US.

Social/Economic/Political:

Other Countries: Canadian FM MacEachen tells Canada-Israel Com. a negotiated peace with secure Israeli borders and a Palestinian homeland in West Bank and Gaza still possible. Bowing to pro-Israel pressure, Reagan admin. abandons proposed arms sale to Jordan. Swedish gov't. statement affirms support for Palestinian state in 1967 occupied territories.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF disband Tulkarm Red Crescent Society admin. council for unspecified reasons. Arab World: Jordan's Queen Noor criticizes US-Israeli ties before World Affairs Council, Washington, DC.

Other Countries: On Middle East fact-finding mission, UN Undersec. Gen. Urquhart told by Shamir of Israel's opposition to UNIFIL troops in S. Lebanon. Israel claims smuggled Palestinian vegetables from West Bank & Gaza sold on Israeli market.

Military Action:

Arab World: 1 IDF soldier killed, 1 wounded in roadside bomb blast near Sarafand, S. Lebanon; IDF conducts house-to-house search, arresting several "suspects."

Social Economic/Political:

Arab World: Participants in Lebanon reconciliation talks agree all political prisoners of Lebanon's warring factions be released. IDF reopens Sidon port after 10-day closure.

Other Countries: In response to remarks by King Hussein, Reagan admin. says "there is no possibility of progress toward peace" unless Jordan and other Arab countries change their attitude and agree to negotiate with Israel; White House sends cable to US amb. Viets in Amman, demanding explanation why Washington not alerted to Hussein's seeming abrupt loss of confidence; State Dep't. suggests Syrian-backed extremism provoked his rejection of Reagan "peace initiatives."

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Home-made bomb hurled at IDF patrol near Gaza; no casualties.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 5th American Jewish Kach settler arrested in connection with shooting of Arab bus passengers (3/4/84) and other "TNT" activities. 6 Israeli settlers tried in Jersualem for rioting and arson of Hebron market last year. Tel Aviv police unit leader Hafetz suspended for leaking information of "TNT" to press. Knesset defeats bill to declare "Hatikvah" Israel's national anthem, with its theme of a historic Jewish yearning for the "land of Israel." National Com. of Arab Town Councils urges adoption of national anthem that expresses the notion of two nations living in a single country. Returning from 3-day visit to Cairo int'l. trade fair, Israeli Industry & Trade Minister Patt reports no improvement in Israel-Egypt relations in sight; says 50% decrease in exports to Egypt since 1982 linked to poor political relations. US Marine commander Gen. Kelley begins 2-day official visit with IDF and DM Arens. At Jerusalem rally PM Shamir claims USSR refused renewed relations with Israel because of its hatred of the Jewish people. Members of Makuya sect of Japanese Christian zealots conduct pro-Israel march in Jerusalem.

Arab World: Beirut cease-fire called by leaders at reconciliation talks in Lausanne.

Other Countries: French Minister of Industry Fabius and Israeli Trade Minister Patt agree to further cooperation in commerce and industrial research. Pres. Reagan defends proposed arms package to Jordan before United Jewish Appeal. Added to his recent refusal to assist in obtaining Israel's permission for West Bank delegates to attend PNC session, Reagan refuses to support or withhold veto on Jordan's draft resolution condemning Israeli settlements in occupied territories as illegal. 4 JDL members arrested for criminal trespass and possession of noxious chemicals, and held in suspicion of bomb threat at Greensburgh, NY Town Hall showing of Russian architecture film. [JDL seeks severance of all US relations with USSR until all Soviet Jews permitted to emigrate freely.] 

Social/Economic/Political:

Arab World: Jordan holds 1st election in 17 years to fill 8 remaining parliament seats.

Other Countries: US amb. to Cairo reportedly tells US Senators he hopes for advance notice of plans to move US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, so he and staff will have the chance to get out of town. Netherlands gov't. decides to remove last remaining office in Jerusalem to its embassy in Tel Aviv. Jamaica National Investments Co, and Wild World Promoters of Israel join in $30 million venture to export vegetables to US (duty free under Reagan's Caribbean Basin Initiative). Speaking before UJA convention in Washington, Israeli amb. to US Rosenne warns Israel will be reluctant to negotiate with any other Arab country if Egypt does not return amb. to Israel soon.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Kiryat Arba school bus hit by stones near Halhoul; authorities force closure of 5 nearby shops. 

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bethlehem Mayor Elias Freij heads delegation to Jordan to observe Arafat-Hussein talks; says will urge Arafat to join peace process.

Arab World: Chairman Arafat arrives from Tunis for talks with King Hussein on future of PLO-Jordan coordination.

Other Countries: Richard Arens, international human rights lawyer and board member of Search for Justice and Equality in Palestine/Israel, dies of heart failure in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

MILITARY ACTION:

Arab World: Marine contingent completes withdrawal to warships off coast of Beirut; Shi'ite militia and rebel Lebanese Army units take bunkers vacated near airport; within hour after last Marine retreat, USS Caron and New Jersey blast anti-government positions in hills over Beirut; Israeli jets bomb positions around Souq al-Gharb as Druze militia fights last LAF holdout there.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli firm J.O.E.L. strikes oil in commercial quantities at Gurim in Negev.

Other Countries: Reagan administration informs Israeli gov't. of plans to renew efforts to supply Jordan with $220 million in military equipment for 8,000-man strike force for Gulf.

MILITARY ACTION:

Arab World: Israeli-backed militia leader in S. Lebanon, Mohammed Farhat, shot and killed by assailant in speeding car in Ramun village.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Representatives of 31 Palestinian institutions in West Bank meet at BZU to issue statement strongly rejecting moves by Jordan to recall National Assembly with Palestinian participation as conspiracy undermining PLO achievements. Israeli Cabinet approves 1984 budget of $20.1 billion providing for $169 million cut in military spending. Leader of "Sons of the Cedars" militia, Etienne Saqr (a.k.a. Abu Arz), meets with PM Shamir in Jerusalem.

Other Countries: US and Israeli officials meet for 2 days of talks in Washington on expanded military and political cooperation. Joseph Churba, Dir. of Center for International Security, NY, asserts Israel's military involvement with pro-Western Central American forces is part of Israeli state policy to prevent US becoming bogged down defending the western hemisphere.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: As students escalate protests against Jordan's imposition of comprehensive exams, UNRWA-operated Ramallah Teachers Training Centers for men and women close for 8 days. Israeli police arrest Yonah Aburushmim in connection with last year's murder of Peace Now activist Emil Gruinzweig. Palestinian home in Ibtin village destroyed by Israeli police bulldozer on pretext that structure was unlicensed.

Other Countries: British PM Thatcher and US envoy Donald Rumsfeld meet in London to discuss alternatives to MNF in Lebanon.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: IDF Brigadier-General Amos Yaron, criticized in March 1983 report for role in Sabra and Shatila massacres, promoted to full general in spite of recommendation that "no command be given to him for three years." Karam Saleh Karam of Bethlehem fined IS50,000 and given suspended sentence of 3 years prison for demonstrating and throwing stones at Israeli border guards last year. 30 Dheisheh camp residents summoned to Bethlehem military governor's office and told to create council of camp residents to coordinate with "civil administration;" proposal rejected by refugees citing "lack of faith" in military gov't. Political prisoner, Nabil shawkeh, sentenced (November 1982) to 7 years prison for membership in "hostile organization," deported to Jordan following drastic deterioration of health and subsequent repeated request by his lawyer for release.

Arab World: US envoy Rumsfeld arrives in Damascus for talks with Syrian officials.

Other Countries: 9 children wounded in Israeli invasion of Lebanon arrive in NY for medical treatment sponsored by "Save Lebanon" project of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee; 40 have already been treated under this project.

MILITARY ACTION:

Arab World: IDF convoy ambushed near Zahrani River, 3 soldiers wounded.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Israeli reservist convicted of stealing money from West Bank residents returning from Jordan. Chrmn. of US Joint Chiefs of Staff arrives from mtg. with Pres. Gemayel for 3-day visit with IDF officials. Zionist General Council convenes in Jerusalem to discuss settlement, immigration, Jewish education, as well as crisis in the Zionist movement. Muhammed Amireh, journalist with al-Quds, placed under town arrest for 6 mos. Palestinian journalist, Raymonda Tawil prevented from leaving West Bank to participate in political debate for West German television. Meir Kahane, after stating to press he would turn himself in only if later released on bail, reports to Jerusalem police station; released on IS25,000 bail and ordered to turn over US passport to authorities.

Arab World: 3 PLO Executive Committee members, Abdul Mohsen Abu Maizar (Ind.), Ahmed al-Yamani (PFLP) and Yasser Abed Rabbo (PDFLP), leave talks in Tunis, return to Damascus. Syrian and Lebanese FMs meet in Riyadh with Saudi counterparts for talks on Lebanon security plan; talks focus on Syrian call for repudiation of May 17 agreement. 

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Israel Central Bureau of Statistics reports Israeli population grew by 1.7%; Arabs by 2.8% in 1983. Meir Kahane detained for illegal demonstration supporting Jewish terror against Arabs; Kahane allowed by interrogators to escape.

Arab World: King Hussein orders reconvening of Jordan's parliament; 12 deputies now live under Israeli occupation. International Red Cross confirms that casualties of Israeli bombing raids near Baalbek (1/4/84) were mostly civilians; Baalbek closed in general strike.

MILITARY ACTION:

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Bomb in Qazizin market in Hebron; defused shortly before set to explode. 

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: In response to report of arrest of 160 former Ansar detainees, DM Arens says only 16.

Arab World: Fateh Central Committee ends 3 days of talks in Tunis; 5 rebel officers expelled from PLO military ranks: Mohammed Tarki al-Khadra, Mohammed Zahran, Lt. Col. Mahmoud Hamdan (Abu Adwi), Maj. Yusef al-Ajjouri and Said Musa (Abu Musa).

Other Countries: Jury selection begins in Albufeira, Portugal for trial of Muhammed Hussein Rashid (a.k.a. Yousef al-Awad), for murder of Issam Sartawi (4/10/83); defendent denies guilt.

MILITARY ACTION:

Arab World: 16 Israeli bombers inflict heavy casualties in Baalbek area; 40-100 killed, 360-400 wounded. Lebanese state court reinstates ailing Saad Haddad into Lebanese Army, reversing 7-year-old decision; Haddad being treated in Rambam Hospital, Haifa. 7 West Bank deputies cross to Jordan to attend session of reconvened Jordanian parliament.

Other Countries: Reagan says willing to meet Syrian Pres. Assad if it would help peace in the Middle East.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Students of West Bank vocational institutes and colleges strike to protest renewed attempts by Jordan Ministry of Education to impose comprehensive exam. Heads of Jewish settlements in occupied Golan complain that Israeli gov't. neglecting development there. PM Shamir says there is no chance for revival of Reagan peace initiative. Dr. Khalil Budeiri, 1st Palestinian opthamologist and respected patriot, dies.

Arab World: Arafat arrives in Yemen Arab Republic with loyalists aboard Greek ship; 10 marriages and 1 birth took place on board during weeklong voyage.

Other Countries: US presidential candidate, Jesse Jackson, invited to Damascus for talks by Pres. Hafez al-Assad.

MILITARY ACTION:

Arab World: 1 Israeli soldier killed in Sidon ambush.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Ansar prisoner, Othman Raafat Said Hamdan, scheduled for release in November prisoner exchange, discovered still held in Israel's Atlit military prison. Israeli Cabinet accuses Egypt of violating spirit of Camp David by Mubarak's meeting with Arafat. Railroad workers in North strike for 3 days to protest erosion of salaries. Estimated 12,000 tourists visit Bethlehem at Christmas.

Arab World: Egypt's FM Butros Ghali urges resumption of talks between Jordan and PLO.

MILITARY ACTION: Arab World: 30 killed (mostly civilians) and 50 wounded in Beirut fighting; LAF gain control of 3 key positions near Sabra & Shatila after French withdrawal.