The Palestine Chronology

U.S. forces round up more than 1,400 Iraqi soldiers-including a brigadier general-from island of Faylakah, the last piece of Iraqi-held Kuwaiti territory. Allies hold about 63,000 Iraqi POWs [LAT 3/4].

Refugees crossing into Iran and Syria from Iraq report demonstrations against Saddam Hussein has spread from Basra to 3 other cities in southern Iraq [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 3/4].

At UN, U.S. and allies offer to speed the flow of food and other relief supplies into Iraq after nonaligned nations press for formal easing of sanctions [NYT 3/4].

Pres. Mitterrand makes what diplomats describe as his clearest call yet for a Palestinian state [LAT 3/4]; Mitterrand also calls for international peace conference on Middle East [WP, MEM 3/4].

Presenting 9-item postwar agenda, Pres. Mubarak urges fresh start for Arabs, says Egyptians have no quarrel with Iraqi people and will help rebuild Iraq [LAT, NYT, WP, MEM 3/4].

UNLU issues call number 68, calling for "increased rallying around the PLO and adherence to it as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people" [AFP 3/3, JPD 3/4 in FBIS 3/5; AVP 3/5 in FBIS 3/6; MEM 3/5; JPI 3/16].

Israeli jets fly through Lebanese army machine gun fire and bomb Fateh base in southern Lebanon; it is 1st air strike since Gulf war ended [MEM 3/4; MET 3/12].

Israel lifts curfew on Gaza Strip for 1st time since 16 January, Gaza fishermen are permitted to put to sea; several towns and villages in W. Bank remain under curfew [MEM 3/4].

In radio address, Saddam Hussein makes public his commitment to withdraw from Kuwait. Pres. Bush says promise is inadequate, presses for virtual surrender, and orders allied forces to continue attacks [BADS 2/26 in FBIS 2/26; MEM 2/26; NYT, LAT, WP, WT 2/27; MET 3/12].

Allied forces enter Kuwait City, as Iraqi troops are reported in headlong retreat across Kuwait; fighting continues at Kuwait City airport; U.S. troops reach Euphrates River in Iraq, cutting off escape routes for Republican Guards; other allied forces are closing off additional escape routes for Iraqi troops; 25 to 30 mile long column of Iraqi tanks, personnel carriers, and trucks heading north on road to Basra is repeatedly attacked by U.S. warplanes [MENA 2/26 in FBIS 2/27; NYT, LAT, WP, WT, CSM 2/27].

SCUD missile lands in uninhabited area of Qatar, another is destroyed over Bahrain [MEM 2/26].

Emir of Kuwait declares martial law, says it will last for 3 months, in 1st step toward reestablishing his rule [NYT, WP, WT 2/27; MET 3/12].

U.S. command revises death toll in 2/25 SCUD attack on barracks, saying missile killed 28 U.S. soldiers and wounded more than 100 [NYT, WP 2/27; MET 3/12].

Military law specialists say "rules of war" clearly permit allies to attack retreating Iraqis until they law down their arms; claim definite distinction between retreat and surrender [NYT, WP 2/27].

Egypt, Kuwait, Soviet Union, and European members of coalition say Saddam Hussein must accept all 12 UN Sec. Council resolutions before war can end [KUNA 2/26 in FBIS 2/27; NYT, WP 2/27]; PLO calls on UN Sec. Council to bring about immediate ceasefire [TDS 2/27 in FBIS 2/27; AVP 2/27 in FBIS 2/28].

Allies effectively stop counting Iraqi POWs because so many have been taken since ground war began. Officials stop count at 26,000 but estimates are up to more than 30,000 [LAT, WP 2/27].

P.M. Shamir vows to resist concessions in postwar Middle East peace effort [IDF 2/26 in FBIS 2/27; MEM 2/26; WP, WT 2/27].

Yasir Arafat meets in Algiers with Pres. Benjedid; Arafat says U.S. aims to destroy Iraq [AGS, AFP 2/26, APS 2/27 in FBIS 2/27; APS 2/27 in FBIS 3/1].

European Community announces it is freezing contacts with PLO in light of Arafat's pro-Iraqi stand. EC statement says, however, that the decision "in no way calls into question the role of the PLO or the rights of the Palestinian people" [MEM 2/26].

Jordanian Cabinet issues statement accusing allies of exceeding UN mandate [MEM 2/27].

Pres. Bush says 2/18 Soviet proposal for Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait "falls well short of what would be required" to end war with Iraq [NYT, LAT, WP, WT, CSM 2/20].

F.M. Aziz meets in Tehran with Iranian Pres. Rafsanjani; Baghdad gives no formal response to Soviet plan but reiterates 2/15 proposal. Iranian F.M. Velayati says he believes Iraq is "ready to withdraw from Kuwait unconditionally" [NYT, WP 2/20].

UN Sec. Council authorizes Red Cross to make emergency deliveries of water purification equipment to Iraq [NYT 2/20].

Allied planes attack targets in Iraq and Kuwait; single SCUD missile is launched at Israel, no casualties; U.S. A-10 plane is lost in combat, bringing American total to 22, and allied total to 31; U.S. military official says that Iraqi troops in Kuwait and southern Iraq are suffering "horrendous' casualties [JAA, JDS 2/19 in FBIS 2/20; NYT, LAT, WP 2/20; MET 3/5].

In separate forums, Soviet F.M. Bessmertnykh, envoy Primakov, and spokesman Ignatenko argue against beginning ground offensive against Iraq, saying its effect would only be enormous suffering and destruction; they add that Soviet proposal makes ground war unnecessary [NYT, WP 2/20].

U.S. commander Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf says Iraqi military machine is on verge of collapse, losing about 2 battalions of tanks a day to allied air strikes [LAT, WP 2/20].

Pope John Paul II summons bishops from countries involved in Gulf war, including U.S. and Iraq, to unprecedented peace-seeking conference from 3-4 March at the Vatican [MEM 2/19; LAT 2/20].

Moving to contain diplomatic fallout from its support for Iraq, PLO says it accepts the "spirit" of UN Sec. Council resolution 660; PLO also renews its call for talks with Israel [AFP 2/19 in FBIS 2/19].

In Luxembourg, EC "troika" foreign ministers decide to avoid talks with Yasir Arafat in their planned series of Middle East trips (cf. 2/21) [MEM 2/20].

U.S. State Dep't. reiterates its criticism of Israel's policy of administrative detention in light of Taher Shritch case [NYT, MEM 2/201

Soviet F.M. Eduard Shevardnadze abruptly resigns warning that "reactionaries" threatened USSR with dictatorship; specula- tion concerning effect on Gulf crisis [NYT, WT, WP 12/21].

UN Sec. Council adopts resolution 681 deploring Israel's recent deportation of 4 Palestinians and indirectly endorsing international peace conference on Middle East [DDS 12/21 in FBIS 12/21; NYT, WT, WP, MEM 12/21; JPI 12/29].

General strike called for by UNLU is observed throughout o.t. [FJ 12/24].

Media in Damascus report Kuwaiti gov't.- in-exile has granted Syria $110 million loan [MEM 12/21].

U.S. postpones meeting of UN Sec. Council, trying to press for changes in draft resolution that would endorse international conference on Middle East [NYT 12/8, 12/9; LAT, WP 12/8].

State Dep't. says it will not schedule meet- ing between Iraqi F.M. Aziz and Pres. Bush until Baghdad agrees on date for meeting between Saddam Hussein and Sec. Baker [LAT 12/8].

Egypt Defense Ministry says it will increase its military forces in Saudi Arabia and UAE, bringing its total to 27,000 men [LAT 12/8].

Los Angeles Times reports increased pressure or, PLO to allow intifada activists to use firearms against occupation authorities [LAT 12/8].

Israel widens curfews to include nearly all towns and refugee camps in o.t. to prevent unrest and demonstrations ahead of 3d anniversary of intifada on 12/9 [JDS 12/7 in FBIS 12/10; LAT 12/8; FJ 12/10; MET 12/18].

P.M. Shamir flies to London for meetings with British P.M. John Major [JDS 12/7 in FBIS 12/10].

Appearing before Senate Armed Services Committee, 2 former chrmn. of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. William Crowe and Gen. David Jones, urge Bush admin. to postpone military action against Iraq and to give sanctions a year or more to work [NYT, LAT, WT, WP 11/29; CSM 11/30].

Britain and Syria restore diplomatic relations, severed 4 years ago when Britain accused Syria of sponsoring terrorism. Communique from Damascus confirms resumption of ties, renounces terrorism, but adds "Syria does not consider resistance against Israeli occupation as terrorism" [MEM 11/28; NYT, WP 11/29].

UN Sec, Council passes res. 677 condemning Iraq's attempts to change Kuwait's demographic composition [MEM 11/29].

Israeli Cabinet votes to raise personal income taxes by 5% and to raise national sales tax from 16% to 18% in order to help pay for resettlement of Soviet Jewish immigrants. Measures take effect in 1991 pending Knesset approval (cf. 12/2) [MEM 11/28; NYT 11/29; MET 12/11].

Hard-line statement by King Fahd serves warning to Iraq that "no other solution will be accepted" than unconditional withdrawal from Kuwait [NYT 11/29].

Iraqi gov't. statement lashes out at U.S. for sponsoring UN resolution authorizing use of force, says it would ignore any deadline set by UN; in separate statement Saddam Hussein accuses UN of double standard in dealing with Middle East issues, particularly dealings with Israel [NYT, LAT 11/29].

Two IDF reservists who refuse to serve in o.t. are sentenced to 2 and 4 weeks in prison; since beginning of intifada 128 reservists have refused to serve in o.t. (cf. 12/1) [JDS 11/28 in FBIS 11/29].

Al-Fajr poll of 550 Nablus residents finds 34% believe war is inevitable and that 54% believe Iraq would triumph over coalition forces in the war [FJ 11/28].

Soviet F.M. Shevardnadze arrives in New York for UN Sec. Council meeting [TASS 11/28 in FBIS 11/29].

Sec. Baker arrives in Brussels to continue discussions with other members of UN Sec. Council about possible resolution authorizing use of force in Gulf [WP 11/16].

Pres. of National Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk, writes to Pres. Bush that offensive action against Iraq would likely violate criteria Catholic tradition considers essential for a "just war"; National Council of Churches issues statement raising moral objections to possible war, calling for troop reduction in Gulf, and call- ing for international conference to develop comprehensive Middle East peace [WP, NYT 11/16].

Palestinians in O.T. celebrate 2d anniversary of declaration of Palestinian state with parades and fireworks; minor clashes with IDF are reported [WP 11/16].

Saddam Hussein tells ABC News he wants to negotiate peaceful settlement to Gulf crisis, but refuses to withdraw from Kuwait as precondition for talks [WP, NYT 11/16].

Following 2d round of talks between Pres. Mubarak and Pres. Asad, both announce rejection of call for Arab summit [RMC, MENA 11/15 in FBIS 11/16].

Soviet envoy Primakov calls for delaying introduction of Sec. Council resolution authorizing use of force against Iraq to give time for final negotiating effort [NYT 11/16].

Space shuttle Atlantis lifts off on mission allegedly to deploy spy satellite over Gulf [WP 11/16].

White House formally announces sale of 24 jet fighters, 150 tanks, other hardware worth $2.2 billion to Saudi Arabia; sale causes concern among pro-Israel lobby and its congressional allies [MEM 8/29; LAT, CSM 8/30; WT 8/31; MET 9/11].

On tour of Gulf states, British defense secretary Tom King says he's sending 4 additional warships - 3 mine-hunters and 1 destroyer - to the Gulf [LAT 8/30].

U.S. C-5 military transport aircraft carrying supplies to Gulf troops crashes shortly after takeoff in W. Germany, killing 12 soldiers [MEM 8/29; NYT, LAT, WT, CSM, WP 8/30].

10 of 13 OPEC nations, meeting in Vienna, endorse temporary production increase to make up for supplies lost because of Gulf crisis; Iran opposes agreement, Libya and Iraq are absent [AFP 8/29 in FBIS 8/29; NYT, WP 8/30; CSM 8/31].

21-member World Islamic Council denounces Saudi Arabia for inviting "anti-Islamic U.S. troops" into Middle East [INRA 8/29 in FBIS 8/30].

Speech read on behalf of Yasir Arafat to meeting of UN nongovernmental organizations in Geneva says PLO does not take sides in Gulf crisis, links Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait to other "occupied" lands-Lebanon, Golan, and Palestine [AVP 8/29 in FBIS 8/30].

Qatar has expelled 20 PLO officials since beginning of Gulf crisis, according to Yasir Abd Rabbo [AFP 8/29 in FBIS 8/30]; Abd Rabbo also states that breaking the economic blockade against Iraq is an Arab responsibility [RAY 8/30 in FBIS 8/31].

Hamas distributes leaflet in O.T. calling for Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait and Kuwaiti self-determination; UNLU also issues leaflet continuing its demand for withdrawal of foreign troops from Saudi Arabia and calls for strike on 9/26 "in solidarity with the Iraqi people" [JPD 8/30 in FBIS 8/30].

Japan unveils aid package to help finance international effort against Iraq, but package  draws criticism from U.S. because of absence of tangible aid to military buildup. Japanese program offers loans to Egypt, Turkey, and Jordan; sending 100 doctors, refrigeration equipment, and water to region (cf. 8/31) [MEM 8/29; NYT, WT 8/30].

Bethlehem Mayor Elias Freij says he supports UN formula for unconditional Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait, believing it to be the only way to head off a new disaster for Palestinians [WP 8/301.

Pres. Saddam Hussein says he will not withdraw forces from Kuwait unless "all issues of occupation" in Middle East are resolved, beginning with unconditional Israeli withdrawal from O.T. [LAT, WP 8/13].

Arafat sends messages to heads of permanent member states of UN Sec.Council [INA 8/13 in FBIS 8/14].

DFLP, PFLP, and PFLP-GC level sharp criticism at U.S. for its military presence in Saudi Arabia [BDS 8/12 in FBIS 8/13].

Israeli police arrest Jewish woman and 14-year-old boy in connection with killing of E. Jerusalem Arab by Jewish mob [WT 8/13].

Knesset appoints Zalman Shoval to be ambassador to U.S.; Shoval is member of Rafi Ometz party that agreed to join P.M. Shamir's gov't. in return for U.S. appointment [WT, NYT 8/13].

Second Red Cross worker, held hostage since 10/6/89, is freed in S.Lebanon; Elio Erriquez is released by Palestinian Revolutionary Squads group [LAT 8/13; WP, NYT 8/14].

In speech to UN Sec.Council in Geneva, Arafat urges that UN international force be sent to O.T. to protect Palestinians [NYT, LAT 5/26; RMC 5/25 in FBIS 5/29].

Socialist Intemational ends meeting in Cairo; Middle East statement for first time says establishment of Palestinian state is step toward Middle East peace. Israel's representative, Shimon Peres, does not vote [MENA 5/23 in FBIS 5/24; MEM 5/24; RPP 5/25 in FBIS 6/5].

U.S. Senate completes congressional action on bill containing $400 million in housing guarantees for Soviet Jews; no further vote is planned until admin. is satisfied money will not be used to settle immigrants beyond green line [MEM 5/25].

Gazans enter 5th day of curfew, many parts of W. Bank also remain under curfew; over 1 million Palestinians are confined to their homes [MEM 5/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli PM Shamir says that any government he forms will follow Camp David agreement to achieve peace in the Middle East [WP 11/4].

Other Countries: UN General Assembly condemns Israel for "killing and wounding defenseless Palestinians" in the occupied territories. The vote is 130 to 2 (Israel and U.S. are the only dissenters) [NYT 11/4].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Clashes occur in Bayt Hanun leaving 13 Palestinians in hospital. In Jabalya 2 Palestinians are injured during clashes with troops. In Burqa troops demolish or seal 4 homes [FJ 11/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel deports 8 Palestinians, including Gazan Islamic Jihad leader 'Abd al-Aziz 'Awdah, to S. Lebanon security zone. Expulsion orders are issued to 6 Bayta residents and 6 other Palestinians from occupied territories [WP 4/12; CSM 4/13]. In response to charges brought by Israeli civil rights group, Israeli High Court decides army should give at least 48 hours' notice before demolishing more homes in Bayta. Maj. Gen. Ehud Barak, deputy chief of staff, states 1 of 13 Bayta homes may have been demolished mistakenly, says 4,800 Palestinians activists are being held in Israeli prisons, including 900 in administrative detention. [WP 4/12].

Other Countries: At World Court in the Hague, UN argues that U.S. attempt to close PLO's observer mission to UN is violation of U.S. treaty obligations [WP, NYT 4/12]. In speech before Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, Democratic presidential candidate Michael Dukakis blames Arab leaders for continued violence in Middle East, states support for Shultz peace initiative [WP 4/12]. In Cyprus, PLO officials negotiate with hijackers of Kuwaiti airliner in effort to free hostages in exchange for refueling plane [NYT, WP 4/12].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian is shot, killed in clash with Israeli troops in Kafr al-Ra'i, near Jenin; Palestinian sources report 3 killed, 5 injured [WP 4/12; FJ 4/17]. Curfews are in force in Balatah and 'Ayn Bayt al-Ma' camps. At least 2 protesters are seriously wounded by army gunfire in Gaza Strip clashes [FJ 4/17].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Police announce detention of 2 Israelis on charges of stockpiling weapons allegedly for anti-Arab attacks [WP 3/19]. IDF Chief of Staff Dan Shomron calls on Israeli leaders to reach accord with Arab leaders and end uprising [WP 3/19]. Israel arrests Muhammad Abu Sha'ban, deputy chairman of Gaza Bar Association, and 4 Palestinian joumalists [FBIS 3/18; WP 3/19]. In Nazareth, large numbers of Palestinians participate in Rakah-organized demonstration [FJ 3/27]. Close to 700 prisoners from Gaza are moved to Ansar 3, newly opened detention camp in Negev desert [FJ 3/27].

Other Countries: U.S. announces it will send special envoy Philip Habib to Middle East in continuing effort to revive peace process [WP 3/19]. UN General Assembly opens emergency session to consider means to keep PLO observer mission open [NYT 3/19]. Former Atty. Gen. Ramsey Clark says he will represent PLO in U.S. court efforts to prevent closure of its observer mission to UN [NYT 3/19].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF helicopters drop tear gas cannisters while soldiers use rubber bullets and live ammunition in violent clash with worshipers leaving mosque in Gaza's Beach refugee camp; 2 Palestinians are killed and at least 21 are injured [WP, NYT 3/19]. In Ramallah, troops pour gravel from helicopters on protesters; 2 Palestinians are wounded by army gunfire [NYT, WP 3/19]. Army bars foreign joumalists from W. Bank and Gaza Strip [WP 3/19]. In Nablus, soldiers shoot, kill Palestinian youth from 'Ayn Bayt al-Ma' camp [NYT, FJ 3/20]. Elderly Palestinian dies from effects of tear gas in Jabalya camp [FJ 3/20]. Jalazun is ordered under military curfew. Mass detentions are reported in Nablus, Hebron, Ramallah [FJ 3/18].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Body of missing Israeli soldier is discovered near kibbutz in W. Galilee [FJ 10/4]. Israeli police arrest 3 Jerusalem residents for allegedly plotting to bomb W. Jerusalem bus station [FJ 10/4]. Curfew on Jinsafut village is lifted [FJ 10/4]. Keren Keyemet official occupies Arab-owned house in Silwan, claiming building was bought by Jews in 1920 [FJ 10/4]. Residents of Tulkarm-district village of Bala'ah are ordered not to leave the country [FJ 10/4].

Other Countries: In Wall Street Journal interview, Israeli P. M. Yitzhak Shamir voices opposition to proposed U.S. arms sale to Saudi Arabia, says Arab states should look to Israel for military protection [WSJ 9/29]. Speaking before UN, Israeli F. M. Shimon Peres outlines proposal for Middle East peace conference [NYT 10/1]. After meeting with U.S. Sec. of State George Shultz in New York, Egypt's F.M. 'Ismat 'Abd al-Magid expresses support for Shultz's upcoming visit to Middle East [FBIS 10/2].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: PLO exec. committee endorses 2/11 Arafat-Hussein accord with changes: reiterates opposition to UN Sec. Council Resolution 242; reiterates that Palestinian-Jordanian federation can occur only after independent Palestinian state is formed; proposes PLO delegation to intl. peace conference as part of joint Arab delegation to be formed after "complete Arab support" of plan is secured [DT 2/21].

Other Countries: US, USSR begin talks on Middle East in Vienna [WP 2/20]. UN Human Rights Commission condemns Iraeli violations of human rights in occupied Arab territories [MG 2/20].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: IDF soldier wounded by roadside bomb near Lake Karoun. IDF kill commando, arrest dozens, near 'Arab Salim bridge on the Zahrani River [JP 2/20]. RPGs fired at IDF positionear Ansar; no casualties. RPGs, shots directed at IDF position near Deir Qanun; no injuries [JTA 2/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Chrmn. Arafat & Exec. Com. submit resignations at PNC mtg.

Other Countries: During UN debate on Middle East, EEC countries call Israel, Palestinians & Arab states to mutual recognition, renunciation of force & for end to Israeli settlements. MK Abd al-Wahab Darousha tries to attend PNC by entry from Greece, but his (Labor) party persuades him to return home.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops shoot & wound Nablus youth during stone-throwing incident.

Arab World: Israeli F15s & F16s attack DFLP base in Qubb Elias, Beqaa Valley; 7 killed, 9 wounded; Syrian anti-aircraft tire repels planes.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli squatters pitch tents on Abu Dis village land (6 km S. of Jerusalem) secretly declared closed; local landowners present written protest to authorities. Beit Sahour Arab Women's Union issues statement negating recent meeting with "civil admin." representative, and pledges to abide by boycott of "civil admin." Jerusalem police arrest Waqf official for allowing funeral with coffin draped with Palestinian flag.

Arab World: Beirut protesters end 4-day blockade of West Beirut and Beirut Airport after Pres. Gemayel promises to place issue of prisoners at top of cabinet agenda. French Pres. Mitterrand in Amman endorses King Hussein's call for UN-sponsored peace negotiations, including 15 members of Security Council and confronting Middle East states.

Other Countries: Chrmn. Arafat meets UN Sec. Gen. De Cuellar in Geneva to discuss proposed UN-sponsored peace negotiations.

Military Action

Arab World: Pro-Israel mayor Jawad Khalifa of Sarafand, S. Lebanon killed by car bomb.

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/POLITICAL:

Other Countries: British Foreign Secretary Sir Geoffrey Howe rejects Israeli argument that PLO has no role in Middle East settlement and Israeli amb. Yehuda Avner's censure of Howe's statement from Riyadh, urging Israel's recognition of Palestinian rights to self-determination, criticizing West Bank settlement policy and calling for PLO involvement in peace talks. Italian gov't. rejects Gemayel's demand that its MNF contingent withdraw from Palestinian refugee camps and concentrate on protection of Beirut commercial establishments and government buildings. US amb. to UN Kirkpatrick rejects Sec. Gen. Perez de Cuellar's Middle East peace conference proposal as "ill-considered and harmful."