The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike is observed in Bethlehem, Nablus, Gaza Strip [F) 1/2].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 22-year-old Palestinian from Dayr al-Hattab dies from wounds received 12/16. In Shu'fat camp troops arrest 20 Palestinians [FJ 1/2].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli PM Shamir pledges to build more settlements if he forms coalition [WP 11/6]. Al-Fajr daily publishes Palestinian declaration of independence calling for the establishment of Palestinian state, reaffirming PLO as sole representative of Palestinian people, calling for superpowers and western governments to work toward the implementation of UN resolutions and Geneva agreements, and stating the sole path to peace is through international convention. The paper states that this will be issued at PNC meeting in Algiers [LAT 11/5]. Rujayb enters 8th day under curfew [FJ 11/13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Demonstrations erupt in Jabalya, Beach, and Khan Yunis camps leaving at least 13 people wounded from gunfire. In Silwad troops shoot, wound 3 Palestinians. At Balatah camp 2 Palestinians are injured. In Bethlehem soldiers use plastic bullets to break up demonstrations. At least one woman is injured [FJ 11/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Hebron observes the first day of 3-day strike to protesthe 9/ 30 killing of 2 residents. In Dannabah a curfew enters its 29th day [FJ 10/11].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Bethlehem troops shoot 4 Palestinians with rubber bullets. Troops shoot 5 Palestinians in Rafah. During clashes in Beach camp 2 Palestinians are shot. In Nusayrat 2 Palestinians are shot [FJ 10/11]. UNRWA expresses concern over the rising number of Palestinian injuries in Gaza. Whereas 107 Palestinians were injured in Gaza during August, 760 Palestinians were injured in September. Of the 760, 445 were injured by gunfire, 66 by rubber bullets or tear gas, and 249 by beatings [FJ 10/11].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: A letter signed by 51 U.S. senators calls upon State Dept. to deny Yasir Arafat a visa if he is invited to speak at the UN [NYT 9/30]. An intemational arbitration panel finds in favor of Egypt in its dispute with Israel conceming sovereignty over Taba, a resort on the Gulf of Aqaba [WP 9/30].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Gaza troops use tear gas in confronting over 1,000 Palestinians attending the funeral of Rashad al-Shawwa. Troops shoot Palestinians in Bethlehem, Nablus, Artas, and al-Maghazi [FJ 10/2].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Israeli authorities limit to 400 Jordanian Dinars ($1200) the amount Palestinians can receive from abroad [FJ 8/21]. All of Gaza Strip is placed under curfew [FJ 8/21, LAT 8/15].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Two Palestinians die from injuries sustained 8/13. Palestinians clash with troops in Tulkarm, Sa'ir, Bethlehem, Hebron, and Balatah and Jalazun camps.

Military

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Troops shoot, kill 12-year old boy from Jenin camp and 52-year-old from Rafah camp; 6 are wounded [FJ 8/21, LAT 8/15]. In the Dhahriyyah Detention Center 21-year-old Palestinian is found dead in his cell. In Ramallah troops use tear gas, live bullets to break up disturbances. Demonstrations occur in Khan Yunis, Gaza City, Tulkarm, Qalqiliyyah, Hebron, Bethlehem [FJ 8/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Speaking before the Knesset P.M. Yitzhaq Shamir says any attempt to establish independent Palestinian state on the W. Bank will be met with "iron fist" [WP 8/11]. Shamir also says Israel "possesses rights in all spheres concerning Judea, Samria, and Gaza" [NYT 8/11].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: During demonstrations near Nablus troops shoot, kill 17-year-old Palestinian [NYT 8/11, FJ 8/14]. Ramallah is declared closed military zone after two firebombs damage military vehicle, injure driver [FJ 8/14]. Soldiers use tear gas, rubber bullets, live ammunition to quell demonstrations in Beach, Jabalya camps [FJ 8/14]. Demonstrations occur in Burayj, Bethlehem, Gaza City [FJ 8/14]. The curfew in Burayj enters its 3rd week [FJ 8/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Ramallah first day of two-day strike is observed in protest of killing of a Palestinian youth last week [FJ 8/14].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 16-year-old boy from Kafr Haris dies from wounds suffered previous day. In Duhayshah troops shoot 2 demonstrators. Tear gas is used to break up demonstrations in Bethlehem. Demonstrations erupt in Jabalya and Beach camps. Husan, Qabatiyyah and al-Burayj and Beach camps are under curfew [FJ 8/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jordan announces it is firing or retiring 21,000 civil servants, teachers on the W. Bank as part of decision to sever ties with the W. Bank; 16,000 will receive severance pay, 5,300 workers with 15 years of service will continue to be paid until they reach retirement age, at which time they can collect Jordanian pensions [LAT 8/5].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Bethlehem 4 Palestinians are shot in clashes with IDF. In Beach camp 1 Palestinian is shot in clashes with soldiers. During clashes in Burayj and Jabalya 5 Palestinians are injured. In Kafr Zaqif Israeli bulldozers destroy olive trees to open road for Israeli settlement [FJ 8/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: At inner cabinet meeting ministers Yitzhaq Modai and Ariel Sharon call for Israeli annexation of occupied territories; ministers from Labor party counter that annexation of 850,000 W. Bank Palestinians would dilute the Jewish character of Israel [WP 8/4]. In Nablus total strike is observed [FJ 8/7].

Arab World: In Baghdad the PLO announces it will perform duties of legitimate representative of Palestinian people; it gives little indication how it will carry out its new duties in territories [WP 8/4].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF destroys 10 homes, seals 2 of families of people suspected of throwing Molotov cocktails at army patrols, settlers [WP 8/4, FJ 8/7]. In Nablus Israeli troops use rubber bullets, helicopters to quell demonstrators. In Irtas, near Bethlehem, troops arrest 11. Clashes occur in Salfit, Jabalya, Khan Yunis, Rafah, Gaza City, Beach, Bayt Hanun, and Bayt Lahiya [FJ 8/7].

Other Countries: Negotiations in U.S. Congress clear way for Kuwait to buy sophisticated weapons from U.S.; restriction will be placed on the weapons to ensure Israeli security [WP 8/4].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Shops in W. Bank remain closed for second day in protest against deportations of Palestinians [WP 8/3]. Left-wing legislators call special meeting of the Knesset to discuss King Hussein's severing of ties with W. Bank; right-wing legislators will ask for extension of Israeli law to territories [NYT 8/3].

Arab World: In Baghdad PLO spokesman announces emergency session of Palestine National Council will be held to discuss King Hussein's surrendering of sovereignty over the W. Bank [WP 8/3]. Jordanian interior minister Raja'i Dajani says it is too early to comment on effects of King's move on administration of West Bank [WP 8/3].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus troops kill 18-year-old Palestinian, wound 2 more [WP 8/3, FJ 8/7]. In Kafr Thulth 100 olive trees are destroyed. Tear gas is used to break up riots in Bethlehem and Beach camp. Clashes also occur in Burayj, Jabalya, Qalqiliyyah camps [FJ 8/7]. Arab World: Lebanese fighters attack South Lebanon Army position killing 1 SLA fighter [FJ 8/7]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike is observed in Bethlehem and Bayt Jala in solidarity with residents of Bayt Sahur [FJ 7/24].

Other Countries: Platform plank concerning Palestinian self-determination is debated at the Democratic National Convention in Atlanta: under a pre-arranged agreement the plank is removed from consideration [NYT 7/20].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 15-year-old Palestinian boy is shot, killed in an E. Jerusalem suburb setting off demonstrations inwhich 25 are arrested; policeman is seriously injured [WP 7/20].

Other Countries: Greek security officials state that leader of group that attacked tourist boat last week killing 9 people is associated with Abu Nidal.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli military authorities increase the fees charged at govemment hospitals on W. Bank; patients must pay for 3 days in advance [NYT 7/10]. General strike is observed in response to call from the Unified National Command of the Uprising [FJ 7/17].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Jabalya troops shoot, kill 25-year-old Palestinian [FJ 7/17]. In Khan Yunis soldiers use live ammunition to disperse demonstrators; 1 Palestinian is wounded [FJ 7/17]. In 'Ayn Bayt al-Ma' camp a demonstrator is shot in the head [FJ 7/17]. In Bethlehem 8 Palestinians are injured during clashes with troops [FJ 7/17].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: A general strike is observed in the occupied territories [FJ 7/10].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Authorities destroy 2 houses in Bethlehem [FJ 7/10]. Demonstrations occur in Nablus, Hebron, Jerusalem, Tulkarm [FJ 7/10].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF orders W. Bank schools closed for 3 days [WT 7/5, FJ 7/10]. A general strike is observed in Ramallah to protest Israeli digging near al-Aqsa [FJ 7/10].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops use tear gas to break up demonstrations i Bethlehem [WT 7/5]. F.M. Shimon Peres states that the uprising has cost the Defense Ministry more than $162 million; Israel's economy is in danger if uprising continues [WT 7/5]. Israeli police commissioner David Krausstates that Arab nationalists are responsible for 114 of the 210 fires set inside the green line [WT 7/5]. In Husan settlers uproot scores of trees owned by Arabs [FJ 7/10]. In Hebron troops and soldiers fire on stone throwers; 2 are shot [FJ 7/10].

Arab World: Fighting kills at least 24, wounds 67, in Burj al-Barajinah camp in Beirut. Since 1 May at least 151 people have been killed, 594 wounded in inter-Palestinian fighting in the camps outside of Beirut [LAT 7/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: The New York Times reports that leaflet no. 20 of the Unified National Command of the Uprising suggests ways to end the intifadah: 1) deploying international observer force in the occupied territories; 2) holding municipal elections; 3) implementing Fourth Geneva Convention; 4) withdrawing IDF troops from populated areas; 5) releasing prisoners and closing prison camps; 6) repatriating deportees; 7) respecting principles of human rights. A senior Israeli military officer states that: "There's nothing to respond to" [NYT 6/28].

Arab World: Salah Khalaf criticizes recent statement by Bassam Abu Shaif as containing "vain political gestures" [WT 6/29].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus troops fire on demonstrators, wounding 12-year-old and 18-year-old. [FJ 7/3]. In Bethlehem a firebomb hits bus carrying Arab workers across the Green Line; 1 woman is slightly injured [FJ 7/3]. In Gaza over 160,000 people are placed under curfew [FJ 7/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Japanese F.M. Uno visits Israel; pledges $500,000 for Palestinian projects [NYT 6/27]. Israeli authorities order 14 Nablus-area schools closed until 6/30 [FJ 7/3].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Army troops destroy 2nd floor of Gaza City home [FJ 7/3]. The army surrounds churches in Bethlehem and Bayt Sahur fearing demonstrations following Sunday services [FJ 7/3]. In Jaffa fire destroys part of Bassam, Bek Mosque; Muslim leaders believe the fire was deliberately started by Jewish extremists [FJ 7/3].

Arab World: IDF and South Lebanon Army sweep through S. Lebanon searching for resistance fighters; come within 5 miles of the Syrian lines [FJ 7/3]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: The United States and Israel conclude an agreement that will allow for joint monitoring of human rights practices in the occupied territories [NYT 6/26].

Other Countries: Transtech Corporation halts tear gas sales to Israel in response to Arab-American pressure and reports of misuse [NYT 6/26].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Police use tear gas to break up demonstrations in Jerusalem and near Bethlehem [FJ 7/3]. In Kharabatha, villagers clash with settlers trying to bum crops and trees [FJ 7/3]. The army uses rubber bullets to break up demonstrations in Nablus [FJ 7/3].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Soldiers seal or destroy up to 18 houses across the W. Bank [WP 6/18, LAT 6/18]. Following Palestinian attack on an Israeli soldier the city of Nablus is placed under a curfew; up to 1500 Palestinians are rounded up for questioning [FJ 6/19]. Jewish settlers block Hebron-Bethlehem highway refusing to let Palestinians pass [FJ 6/19].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: A general strike is observed in the occupied territories including East Jerusalem. The IDF closes schools in the occupied territories for two days [NYT 6/16, FJ 6/19].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldiers shoot, kill 21-year-old Palestinian armed with a firebomb; another Palestinian is shot and wounded in a similar incident [NYT 6/16]. In Bethlehem a 14-year-old Palestinian is shot, killed [FJ 6/19]. In Jabalya 15 Palestinians are reported injured during clashes with troops; clashes are also reported in Nablus, Hebron, Yatta, Balatah, 'Askar, Kafar Malik, Beach camp [FJ 6/19].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Sit-in strikes are held in Bethlehem and Bayt Sahur to protest raids by tax collectors [FJ 6/12].

Other Countries: Democratic presidential nominee apparent, Michael Dukakis, reiterates his belief that U. S. Embassy in Israel should be moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem [NYT 6/11, WP 6/11].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli security police arrest and demolish house of 26-year-old Palestinian who confessed to attacking the Israeli appointed mayor of al-Birah [NYT 6/11, WP 6/11]. Troops order 100 Israelis to leave the W. Bank village of Bayta; the Israelis were planting olive trees to protest the army's treatment of the village in the wake of the shooting death of a 15-year-old Israeli girl [WP 6/10]. Protests erupt in Gaza City following Friday prayers [FJ 6/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Authorities extend the closure of Bethlehem and al-Najah universities and 'Asriyyah Community College [FJ 6/12].

Arab World: Arab summit in support of the Palestinian uprising opens in Algiers. King Hussein of Jordan praises the uprising as "the path to liberation and dignity" [WP 6/8]. Sec. of State Shultz ends his Middle East trip [WP 6/8].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli-appointed mayor of al-Birah is stabbed and seriously wounded by fellow Palestinians [WP 6/8, FJ 6/12]. In Gaza, a 20-year-old man dies from massive internal bleeding in the head. Victim's family says he was beaten with clubs and rifle butts by Israel's Border Police [WVP 6/9].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Peace Now holds rally in Huwara on the W. Bank, attended by some 2,000 Israelis, but officials ruled Arabs could not attend [NYT 5/28]. In Nablus a total strike is observed [FJ 6/5].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Ramallah, Bethlehem, and throughout the Gaza Strip Palestinians clash with Israeli troops. In Beach camp troops seal a number of houses [FJ 6/5]. Moshe Levinger, leader of Gush Emunim, enters a Palestinian home in Hebron, assaults 5-year-old girl [FJ 6/5].

Arab World: Syria deploys forces in Beirut's southern suburbs in order to halt 3-week-old battle between Amal and Hizballah [WP 5/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Washington Post reports at least 1, 700 Palestinians are being held in administrative detention [WP 5/13]. Israel releases nearly 300 prisoners [WP 5/14]. Palestinian wounded in clash with troops 5/5 dies [WP 5/14]. Palestinian youth shot during demonstration weeks ago dies in Ramallah [NYT 5/14]. IDF releases 280 Palestinian prisoners as good will gesture [LAT 5/15].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Qabatiyyah village near Jenin, Palestinian is shot dead while trying to escape army raid [FJ 5/15]. In Jerusalem, border and regular police use rubber bullets and night sticks to disperse stone-throwing Palestinian demonstrators after Friday prayers at Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa mosques; 10 demonstrators are detained and about 20 are arrested; 3 police officers are also injured. Nablus and entire Gaza Strip are under curfew; Ramallah, Hebron, and Bethlehem are declared closed military areas. Worshipers are prevented from attending Gaza City's 'Umar Mosque [WP 5/14; LAT 5/15].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gaza residents begin registering to receive new identity cards; residents must pay taxes in order to receive new cards [WP, NYT 5/11]. General strike is observed in occupied territories [FJ 5/15]. Trials begin for Qabatiyyah residents charged in connection with 2/24 lynching of collaborator [FJ 5/15]. Water supplies restored to village of Bayt Fajjar, near Bethlehem [FJ 5/15]. Resident of Ta'amrah village shot in 3/30 clash dies [FJ 5/15].

Arab World: Speaking in Baghdad, PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat charges U.S. has threatened to assassinate PLO leaders if PLO attacks U.S. targets [WP 5/11].

Other Countries: U.S. vetoes UN Security Council resolution condemning 2-day Israeli sweep in S. Lebanon [WP 5/1 1]. F. M. Peres holds talks with 2 Soviet officials in Madrid [MET 5/19].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: In village of Till near Nablus, 4 Palestinians are wounded by army gunfire when residents protest military raid [FJ 5/15]. Israeli troops use live ammunition to disperse demonstrators in village of Ramin, near Tulkarm. Several army raids of W. Bank villages are reported. Ramallah-area village of Kafr Malik is still sealed. Curfews remain in force in Duhayshah refugee camp, Irtas village, and Balatah refugee camp [FJ 5/15].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinians in occupied territories strike in response to call for "day of confrontation" [WP 5/5]. Israel appoints 'Ali Jarrar acting mayor of Qabatiyyah, near Jenin [FJ 5/8].

Arab World: Baghdad sources report PLO Executive Com. has elected Mahmud 'Abbas (Abu Mazin) to replace Khalil al-Wazir (Abu Jihad) as chairman of Palestinian delegation to joint Palestinian-Jordanian com. on occupied territories affairs [FJ 5/8].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Gaza Strip, 2 Palestinians are shot dead, another dies from tear gas during fierce clashes in Beach and Jabalya camps. Demonstrations erupt during funerals in spite of curfews; many are injured by tear gas, iron bars. In Salim village, 2 Palestinians are shot, wounded. Balatah camp is put under curfew. Demonstrations are reported in Ramallah district village of Silwad, Am'ari camp, Jenin, Bani Na'im, Bethlehem, and Tulkarm [FJ 5/8]. Army blocks 5 entrances to 'Ayn Bayt al-Ma' refugee camp with concrete-filled barrels [FJ 5/8].

Arab World: Israeli troops attack Lebanese village of Maydun and nearby villages, killing more than 40 Hizballah fighters, before pulling back to S. Lebanon security zone to end "Operation Law and Order"; 3 Israeli soldiers are killed and 17 wounded in fighting [WP 5/5].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Teenager from W. Bank village of Bayt Wazin is electrocuted while trying to hang Palestinian flag from power cable. Commercial strike continues in W. Bank. Israeli officials order al-Awdah, Arabic and English weekly magazine, closed. Government announces it will begin cutting water and electricity to W. Bank and Gaza Strip towns that do not pay their bills [NYT 5/3]. Dr. Zakariya al-Agha, head of the Arab Medical Association, is arrested, placed under administrative detention for 6 months [FJ 5/8].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Several Balatah camp residents are arrested after military lifts curfew. Soldiers respond with live ammunition and rubber bullets to demonstration in 'Ayn Bayt al-Ma' camp. Several Palestinian protesters are injured by gunfire in 'Askar camp. Scattered demonstrations are reported in Bethlehem region, Ramallah region, and Gaza Strip. Army imposes curfew in 'Arrub camp [FJ 5/8].

Arab World: Led by tanks and helicopters, up to 2,000 Israeli troops cross into Lebanon in search of Palestinian commandos [WP 5/3]. Followers of Abu Musa battle Arafat loyalists in Shatila and Burj al-Barajinah camps; 10 have been killed and 40 wounded in 3 days of fighting [WP 5/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF officials announce they will reopen W. Bank and Gaza Strip after 7-day closure [WP 4/24].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Curfews are in effect in 18 towns and camps in occupied territories. Palestinian is shot dead during clash in Qabatiyyah [WP 4/24; FJ 5/1]. Severe food shortages are reported inBayta village, Jalazun camp, and Nablus-area village of Yamun; villages remain sealed [FJ 5/1]. In Misha village, near Qalqiliyyah, 2 are injured by army gunfire during fierce clash. Several protesters are shot, injured when soldiers open fire during demonstrations in Bethlehem area's Hussan village, Bani Na'im, and Bani Majal. Israeli authorities use bulldozers to uproot olive trees in village of Hawwara. At least 12 are wounded by live ammunition or beating during clashes in Gaza Strip [FJ 5/1].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel celebrates its fortieth anniversary [WP 4/22]. U.S. and Israel sign "memorandum of agreement" formalizing U.S.-Israel military, security, and economic relationships [CSM 4/22]. Palestinians in occupied territories observe general strike [WP 4/22]. Gaza Strip telephone lines are cut. Water is shut off in Beach refugee camp [FJ 4/24].

Other Countries: Washington Post reports Israeli cabinet approved assassination of Khalil al-Wazir during 4/13 meeting; operation was planned by Mossad, army, navy, and air force [WP 4/21].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF seals off most of territories; 23 camps are under curfew. Palestinians are barred from entering Israel. Soldiers use tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition after firebomb is thrown at military vehicle in Bethlehem [WP 4/22]. In Jerusalem-area village of 'Isawiyyah, soldiers use tear gas, rubber bullets in clash with villagers after Palestinians refuse to remove Palestinian flags and black banners. Scattered demonstrations continue in Hebron and Ramallah regions. Army uses bulldozer and graveler in fierce clash in village of Hussan, west of Bethlehem [FJ 4/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied PalestinelIsrael: In village of Bayta, south of Nablus, 2 Palestinians and 1 Israeli are killed in clash between villagers and 16 youths and 2 adult guards from Jewish settlement of Elon Moreh; 1 guard is seriously wounded. Officials announce Jewish girl was stoned to death [WP 4/7]. Sec. of State George Shultz leaves Israel [WP 4/7]. Shop owners in Bayt Sahur, near Bethlehem, are fined and their IDs confiscated for opening their stores in the morning [FJ 4/10].

Arab World: Sec. of State Shultz travels to Cairo for meeting with Pres. Husni Mubarak before flying to Amman for talks with Jordan's King Hussein [WP 4/7]. Estimated 800 Palestinians demonstrate illegally in Amman streets to protest Shultz visit [NYT 4/7].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus, Palestinian is injured while allegedly trying to disarm soldier. Curfews continue in many northern W. Bank areas, including Qabatiyyah, Jalazun camp, Am'ari camp, and Balatah camp [FJ 4/10].