The Palestine Chronology

In Jericho, Secy. of State Christopher announces that Syria, Israel will resume negotiations in Washington 12/27. (ITV, QY, SATN, VOP 12/16, ITV 12/17 in FBIS 12/18; NYT, WP, WT 12/17; MM 12/18; JP 12/23)

In Gaza, 30,000 attend rally to celebrate Hamas's 8th anniversary. (WT 12/17; PR 12/29)

In Gaza, Hamas, PA representatives discuss reconciliation agmt. (QY 10/11 in FBIS 10/11) (see 10/7)

At funeral of Abu Shaqra in Ramallah, IDF clashes with 2,000 mourners, arrests 5 Palestinians. (AFP 10/9 in FBIS 10/10) (see 10/7)

SLA allows delegation fr. the International Comm. of the Red Cross to visit al-Khiyam prison in s. Lebanon for 1st time since it was build in 1984. (VOL 10/8, AFP, RL 10/9 in FBIS 10/10)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah attacks IDF convoy, killing 3 IDF troops. (RL 10/9 in FBIS 10/10)

Based on complaints of conflict of interest presented by the pro-Israeli activist group CAMERA (Comm. for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America), National Public Radio fires its Middle East correspondent Maureen Meehan because she is married to PA official Jiryis Atrash. CAMERA says it will now try to have Meehan removed from her second job as a stringer for Newsday. (WJW 10/12; JP 11/4)

Syrian FM Shara` meets with Egyptian FM Musa, Lebanese FM Buwayz, Saudi FM Prince Sa'ud al-Faysal on the sidelines of the UN mtgs. (RL, SARR 10/4 in FBIS 10/5)

On the sidelines of the UN mtgs., Arab FMs agree to support Libya's nomination for the rotating position UN Security Council. (MENA 10/5 in FBIS 10/6)

9 PLO Exec. Comm. mbrs (Mahmud Darwish, `Abdallah Hurani, Shafiq al-Hut, Muhammad Isma'il, Taysir Khalid, Iliya Khuri, `Abd al-Rahim Malluh, Sulayman al-Najjab, Faruq al-Qaddumi) release joint statement rejecting Oslo II accord. 2 others, Samir Ghawshah, Jamal al-Surani endorse the statement. Only 9 Exec. Comm. mbrs approved the agmt. (see 9/26) (SANA 10/4 in FBIS 10/5)

Visiting Palestinians detained in camp on Egypt's border, Libyan leader Col. Muammar Qaddafi calls on Arab leaders to "send home" all Palestinians in protest over the Oslo II agmt. Islamists, nationalist Palestinians jointly condemn the call. (NYT, WP, WT 10/5) (see 9/27)

Al-Watan publisher Imad al-Faluji signs PA pledge to respect the press and publication law, allowing publication of his pro-Hamas paper to resume. (Al-Nahar 10/5 in FBIS 10/6) (see 8/6)

In Gaza, Israeli policeman is wounded by shots fired at a joint Israeli-PA patrol. Group calling itself the Islamic Salvation Front takes responsibility. (ITV 10/4 in FBIS 10/5)

IDF extends closure on West Bank, Gaza to 10/8. (QY 10/4 in FBIS 10/5) (see 9/30)

U.S. Consul Gen. Abington, Mubarak advisor Osama Baz encourage Arafat to accept a compromise proposal on Hebron to complete Oslo II negotiations. (RE, VOP 9/14 in FBIS 9/15; WT 9/16)

In Gaza, Arafat meets with `Abd al-Majid Shuman, the chmn. of the Arab Bank board of directors, and a number of Palestinian investors interested in participating in infrastructure building. (VOP 9/14 in FBIS 9/15)

In Amman, PM Bin Shakir, Oman's FM Yusuf Bin-`Alawi discuss improving Omani-Jordanian ties, importance of cooperation, consultation. (RJ 9/14 in FBIS 9/15)

In Gaza, PA military court convicts 2 Hamas mbrs. to 12 yrs each for carrying out attacks with automatic weapons outside the self-rule areas. (MM 9/14; QY 9/14 in FBIS 9/14; Davar, HA, VOP 9/14 in FBIS 9/15)

In Hebron, 2,000 Palestinians protest West Bank settlements, clash with IDF. IDF throws stun grenades into crowd, arrests 2. (MM 9/14; CSM, WT 9/15)

In Gaza, Arafat receives 3 mbrs of the New York Board of Rabbis; then meets with Brazilian FM Lampreia on bilateral ties, enhancing cooperation, aid Brazil can provide for economic, agricultural spheres. (VOP 8/30 in FBIS 8/31; MM 8/31)

PA police detain 3 Palestinian journalists (Fa'id Abu Shamallah, Mustafa Sawwaf, Tahir al-Nun) who reside in Gaza, work for Al-Nahar, and are suspected of working for Hamas. (MM 8/31; QY 8/31 in FBIS 8/31)

Suspected Hamas mbr. Tawfiq Subay Sawarqa (arrested 8/27) dies while in PA custody. Arafat suspends PSF officers in charge, orders inquiry. (QY 8/30 in FBIS 8/30; MM 8/31; AFP 8/31 in FBIS 9/1)

In Nablus, IDF soldiers clash with large crowd of Palestinians, fire tear gas, injuring 3. (ITV 8/30)

Israel lifts closure on Jericho though PA still refuses to turn over Dudin, Khatib. (NYT, WP 8/31) (see 8/27)

In s. Lebanon, an explosion during training maneuvers destroys PFLP-GC camp, killing 10 top commanders, seriously wounding 17, incl. Ahmad Jibril's son. (AFP 8/31, AFP, QY 9/1 in FBIS 9/1; HA 9/3 in FBIS 9/5)

At Orient House, German delegation reaffirms to Faisal Husseini Germany's position that East Jerusalem is part of the Palestinian territories. (VOP 8/23, 8/24 in FBIS 8/25)

In response to news reports 8/18 showing settlers' flowering gardens in Kiryat Arba and dried-up Palestinian fields in neighboring Hebron, Israeli Agriculture Min. orders Efrat settlement to temporarily divert 1,000 cu.m./day of water to Hebron to ease the severe water shortage. (MM 8/21; JP, QY 8/20, QY 8/23 in FBIS 8/24)

Israeli military court sentences Hamas's `Abd al-`Aziz Rantisi, arrested after his return fr. exile in Lebanon 12/15/93, to 42 mos in jail, plus 28 mos suspended for being a mbr. of an illegal organization. (MM 8/24)

IDF lifts closure on Gaza, extends closure on West Bank to 8/27. 6,000 Palestinian workers are allowed to enter Israel fr. Gaza. (QY, VOP 8/23 in FBIS 8/23; QY 8/23 in FBIS 8/24)

FM Peres meets with Arafat before, after PA-Israeli "drafting comm." mtg. Both say they are closer to reaching preliminary self-rule agmt. Meanwhile, 10 comms meet in Elat to work out differences on specific issues blocking a final agmt. (MM, WT 8/10; AFP, ITV, MENA, QY, VOP 8/10, VOP 8/11 in FBIS 8/11)

2d group of 150 Palestinians is deported fr. Libya. Libya says it will continue expelling Palestinians to the self-rule areas via Egypt. PA says it has no agmt. with Libya to accept the deportees but PA, Israel have agreed to let them into Gaza. [Over the past 2 days, some 2,500 Egyptians have also been expelled. There are 40,000 Palestinians, 800,000-900,000 Egyptians in Libya.] (AFP, MENA 8/10 in FBIS 8/11; MM 8/11; PR 8/18) (see 8/9)

Jordan gives asylum to Iraqi defectors Lt. Gen. Hussein Kamel Hassan, Lt. Col. Saddam Kamel Hassan (both sons-in-law of Pres. Saddam Hussein), their families, 15 other army officers. Lt. Gen. Kamel headed Iraq's weapons program; Lt. Col. Kamel was chief of security. (NYT, WP, WT 8/11; CSM 8/14)

PA police arrest 5 Hamas mbrs. in Gaza, IDF arrests 17 West Bank Palestinians; all are accused of plotting attacks for Hamas. IDF orders West Bank, Gaza closure extended until 8/13. (QY 8/10 in FBIS 8/10; YA 8/11 in IL 8/11; WP 8/12) (see 8/9)

Arafat, Peres continue talks in Taba. PA, Israel agree on timetable for Israeli withdrawal fr. parts of the West Bank after PA agrees to allow IDF until 2/97 to complete redeployment. IDF would withdraw fr. some towns 6 mos after elections, give up control of roads 1 yr. after elections (which would ideally be held in 12/95). (MM 8/8; VOP 8/8 in FBIS 8/8; MENA, QY 8/8 in FBIS 8/9; CSM, NYT, WT 8/9; WT 8/10)

In more than 20 Israeli cities, settlers block roads during rush hour, clash with Israeli police in their 1st protests inside the Green Line against expanded Palestinian self-rule. 130 are arrested; primary organizer Moshe Reiglin is fined IS10,000 ($3,300). (MM 8/8; QY 8/8 in IL 8/8; QY 8/8 in FBIS 8/9; MM, NYT, WT 8/9; WT 8/10; PR 8/18)

In the West Bank, settlers set up encampments nr. Alfe Menashe, Hebron, Elon Moreh, Ofra, al-Nabi Samu'il bringing to 15 the number of new sites occupied by right-wing Jews in recent days. (QY 8/8, 8/9 in FBIS 8/9)

PM Rabin holds follow-up mtg. settler leaders (see 8/4), refuses their request to see maps of the planned IDF redeployment fr. the West Bank. Leaders vow to continue antigovernment protests. (MM 8/8; QY 8/8 in IL 8/8; Davar 8/8 in FBIS 8/8; QY 8/8 in FBIS 8/9; MM 8/10)

5 dissident PFLP-GC mbrs hold reconciliation talks with Arafat; ask him to allow 100 PFLP-GC mbrs. to return to Gaza, hold mtg. to oust Ahmad Jibril as leader. Arafat says he will consider the request. (AFP 8/8 in FBIS 8/9)

U.S. formally arrests Hamas's Abu Marzuq, begins extradition proceedings that could result in his being deported to Israel on charges of terrorism, conspiracy to commit murder. (NYT, WP 8/9; WT 8/10) (see 7/31)

In Elat, Israel, PA reopen talks on transfer of authority that were suspended after 7/24 bombing; again divide into 4 comms (see 7/16); also discuss release of security prisoners. Israel reopens borders with West Bank, Gaza. (NYT 7/30; CSM, MM, WP, WT 7/31; QY 7/31 in FBIS 7/31; VOP 7/31 in FBIS 8/1; MEI, PR 8/4)

Syrian FM al-Shara` denies Israeli accusations Syria has backtracked on its negotiating positions; claims Gens. Shahak, Shihabi had agreed on an aerial- and satellite-based early warning system with no ground posts, meaning Israel is the one that has changed positions; says talks btwn. military advisers can resume if an agenda on security arrangements is agreed upon. (MM 7/31)

By consensus, UN mbrs. (incl., Israel, U.S.) permit Arafat to speak with other heads of states at 50th anniversary commemorative session to be held 10/22. Arafat draws earlier time slot than Rabin in lottery to determine order of speakers. (WT 7/31; MM 8/7) (see 7/5)

Israel makes 1st Arrow-2 missile launch test. Officials say missile could be deployed within 18 mos. The project has cost $500 m. so far, is expected to total $1.2 b.--mostly paid by the U.S. (QY 7/31 in FBIS 7/31; WT 8/2; WJW 8/3)

In s. Lebanon, Hizballah mbrs. ambush IDF convoy, killing 1 soldier, wounding 2. IDF, SLA shell Hizballah positions n. of self-declared security zone in response. (ITV, VOL 7/30, RL 7/31 in FBIS 7/31; CSM, MM, WP 7/31)

Israeli legal experts say Israel does not have enough evidence to press charges against Hamas's Abu Marzuq. Israel's Atty. Gen. Mikhael Ben-Ya'ir advises against extradition. (YA 7/30, IDF Radio 7/31 in FBIS 7/31; MM 7/31)

In Gaza, PA Planning M Shaath, U.S. Amb. to Israel Indyk sign agmt. whereby USAID will give the PA $11 m. for first stage of a 4-yr., $40-m. waste water project. (VOP 7/28 in FBIS 7/28; PR 8/4; JP 8/5)

Fatah Central Comm. meets in Gaza, discusses PA negotiations with Israel, criticizes Arafat for trying to reclaim parts of Golan. (SA, VOP 7/27 in FBIS 7/28) (see 7/24)

In Nazareth, Israeli police raid office of Islamic Aid Comm., confiscate material allegedly showing comm. transfers money fr. U.S. to families of Hamas deportees. (QY 7/27 in FBIS 7/28; MM 7/28)

Israel, PA reach tentative accord on transfer of West Bank agriculture, labor, local administration spheres; agree to table water issues for now. (CSM 7/13)

Israel, PA scrap idea of moving talks fr. Egypt to Italy because of Egypt's protests, Arafat's strong preference to keep negotiations in the region; say talks will resume in Egypt or Israel 7/14. PA Economic M Qurai` thanks Italy for hosting "three sessions of negotiations [that] have taken place in Italy in recent days, far from the media"--leading to speculation secret talks are being held. (QY 7/12 in FBIS 7/12; AFP, VOP 7/12 in FBIS 7/13; AFP 7/13 in FBIS 7/17; al-Majd 7/17 in FBIS 7/18) (see 7/10, 7/11)

In Damascus, U.S. envoy Ross holds follow-up mtg. with Syrian FM al-Shara`; returns to Israel, briefs PM Rabin; meets with Arafat in Gaza, assures him U.S. attaches importance to the conclusion of an agmt. on the next stage of self rule. (SARR 7/12, QY 7/13 in FBIS 7/13; al-Hayat 7/14 in FBIS 7/17)

Arafat meets with Russian charge d'affaires on Russia's decision to open a liaison mission to the PA; briefs Turkish consul general on current status of talks with Israel. (VOP 7/12 in FBIS 7/13)

PA Local Government M Saeb Erakat meets with EU rep. Thomas Dupla about EU supervision of elections; briefs U.S. Consul Gen. Abington on latest events in the peace process. (VOP 7/12 in FBIS 7/13)

15 prominent Orthodox rabbis call on IDF soldiers to disobey any orders to redeploy, remove army bases fr. the West Bank. PM Rabin says appeal is a call for "anarchy," asks atty. gen. to see whether rabbis should be prosecuted. (MM 7/12; QY 7/12 in FBIS 7/13; MM, NYT, WP 7/13; CSM, WT 7/14; CSM 7/17; WJW 7/20; MEI 7/21; JP 7/22)

Shin Bet tells PM Rabin that Hamas has shown no signs of trying to carry out attacks for 3 wks, they suspect the slowdown is a product of Hamas aspirations to take part in elections. (IDF Radio 7/12 in FBIS 7/14)

In keeping with call by settler leaders 7/10, 100s of settlers block West Bank highway, try to move trailers into Hazayit hill to expand Efrat settlement; 42 are arrested by IDF. (MM 7/12; QY 7/12 in FBIS 7/12; NYT 7/13; JP 7/22)

Referring to the SLA as "Lahd's militia," PM Rabin accuses the SLA of creating problems for Israel by shelling Shi`ite villages in s. Lebanon, provoking Hizballah to respond by firing rockets at n. Israel. Coming before the resumption of negotiations with Syria, many see the statement as an offer to trade Syrian crackdown on Hizballah for Israel's dropping of the SLA. (MM 7/4)

Nr. Jneid prison, Nablus, IDF opens fire with live ammunition on 1000s of Palestinians rallying for release of prisoners, killing 2, wounding 50. In Gaza, an alleged Hamas mbr. detonates an explosive-laden cart nr. an IDF patrol, killing himself, injuring 3 soldiers. PA police arrest 50 Hamas mbrs., incl. leaders Mahmud Zahhar and Ahmad Bahar. Hamas denies responsibility. (CSM, MM, WP, WT 6/26; AFP, HA, QY 6/26 in FBIS 6/27; WP 6/27; MM 6/28; WJW 6/29; PR, WP 7/2; MEI 7/7)

Israeli Environment M Yossi Sarid meets with Arafat, Planning M Shaath in Gaza; discusses redeployment, elections, transfer of powers, release of prisoners; calls on Arafat to settle for partial troop pullback in West Bank to be followed by Palestinian elections in the fall. Arafat rejects offer. (MM 6/15; QY, RE, VOP 6/15 in FBIS 6/16; CSM, WT 6/16; MEI 6/23)

PA Transportation M `Abd al-`Aziz al-Hajj Ahmad announces draft transportation agmt. with Jordan, opening of commerce crossing point at King Hussein Bridge. (al-Dustur 6/15 in FBIS 6/16; JTV 6/15 in FBIS 6/19; PR 6/18)

IDF seizes 30 dunums of land belonging to al-Wadiri Agricultural College nr. Tulkarm, begins clearing area to build joint liaison office in advance of redeployment. (QY 6/15 in FBIS 6/16)

After allegedly finding "inciting" Hamas material during raid, IDF closes Aroura mosque nr. Ramallah for 5 mos. (PR 6/25) (see 5/17)

In Beirut, U.S. Asst. Secy. of State Pelletreau says U.S. will begin easing travel ban on Lebanon by allowing airlines to ticket non-Americans for travel btwn. the 2 countries; urges Lebanon to sign international antiterrorism agmt. Hizballah balks, saying U.S. is in no position to call others "terrorists." (MM 6/15)

Hizballah fires 12 rockets into n. Israel, killing 1, wounding 1. IAF strikes targets north of self-declared security zone, wounding 4. (MM 6/15; IDF Radio, QY 6/15, IDF Radio, MA, QY 6/16 in FBIS 6/16; MM 6/16; MEI 7/21)

In Gaza, FM Peres, Arafat discuss industrial parks. In a gesture of goodwill in light of land conflict, Peres increases number of Palestinians allowed to work in Israel to 35,000, says PA will be allowed to take over 8 more spheres (5 agreed upon 5/16 plus agriculture, census and statistics, local administration) before 7/1. (MM 5/22; IDF Radio, QY, VOP 5/22 in FBIS 5/23; NYT 5/23; PR 5/28)

PM Rabin suspends confiscation of 134 acres of land in Jerusalem, killing no-confidence vote brought by Arab and rightist MKs that could have collapsed the government (see 5/17). Arab nations postpone minisummit on Jerusalem (see 5/21). (MM 5/22; ESC Television, IDF Radio, MENA, QY, VOP 5/22, MA, MENA, QY, VOP 5/23 in FBIS 5/23; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/23; CSM, MM 5/24; WJW 5/25; MEI 5/26; PR 6/28; JP 6/3; WSJ 6/6; MEI 6/9)

FM Peres tells Arafat that Israel will loan the PA $125 m.--the sum Israel should hand over for tax collection on behalf of PA but cannot due to delays in Knesset legislation. (QY 5/22 in FBIS 5/23)

PLO's Qaddumi meets with heads of Palestinian opposition groups in Damascus, incl. DFLP's Nayif Hawatmeh, Islamic Jihad's Fathi Shiqaqi, Palestinian National Grouping's (PNG) Bassam al-Shak'a, a Hamas rep. (RMC 5/23 in FBIS 5/24)

UNRWA Commissioner Gen. Ilter Türkman meets with Arafat in Gaza to discuss UN activities in Gaza, Jericho. (UNRWA News 6/2)

IDF soldier opens fire on, throws grenades into Jaffa church, causing extensive damage but no casualties. 11 Palestinians are injured when clashes erupt outside church btwn. Palestinians, Israeli police. (ITV, QY 5/22 in FBIS 5/23; WT 5/23; MM, WT 5/24)

Syrian, Israeli ambs. resume talks on security issues in Washington. Mtg. is attended by Secy. of State Christopher but does not include military advisers. (QY 4/26 in FBIS 4/26; MM 4/27; WT 4/28)

PA, Israel resume talks on elections in Cairo, focus on allowing East Jerusalem Palestinians to vote, nature, structure, jurisdiction of projected legislative council. (MENA 4/25, MENA, VOP 4/26 in FBIS 4/26; WT 4/26; MENA, QY, VOP 4/26 in FBIS 4/27)

Preliminary donor mtg. opens in Paris. PA Planning M Shaath suggests donor states commit to timetable for meeting pledges for 1 yr., but several states (Shaath refuses to say which) oppose. (RMC 4/26 in FBIS 4/28)

In 1st such incident since signing of DOP, Palestinian arrested 4/22 on charges of being a sr. military leader in Hamas dies of injuries sustained during interrogation by Shin Bet. (MM 4/25; QY 4/25 in FBIS 4/25; CSM, NYT, WP 4/26; WP 5/4)

Jordan's amb. to Israel Muasher meets with Arafat advisor Husseini, frmr. PLO negotiator Hannan Ashrawi at Orient House in East Jerusalem, says Jordan, PA have resolved their differences over Jerusalem. (QY 4/25 in FBIS 4/25; QY 4/25 in FBIS 4/26; MM 4/26)

PA signs $65 m. contract with OPIC, Washington-based General Resources and Design Group to build Marriott hotel in Gaza. Hotel will have independent infrastructure (incl. water desalinization, communications, electricity). (MM 4/27)

Jordan's Dentists' Association bans mbrs. fr. treating Israelis, who have been coming to Jordan for cheaper medical attention since signing of peace treaty. Move seen as part of growing disenchantment with normalization with Israel. (MM 4/26, 5/2)

In retaliation for Yassin killing 3/31, Hizballah suicide bomber crashes explosive-rigged car into IDF, SLA convoy in s. Lebanon, wounding 9 IDF soldiers, 1 SLA mbr., 12 civilians. IDF reinforces troops in south, sweeps area, arrests 40 Lebanese. IAF overflies Beirut, is fired on by Lebanese Army again. (AFP, IDF Radio, QY, RL, VOL 4/25, RL 4/26 in FBIS 4/26; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/26; VOL 4/26 in FBIS 4/27; JP 5/6; MEI 5/12)

In Amman, Israel's FM Peres, Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan open 3-day mtg. on Rift Valley development. 250 business, government representatives fr. Jordan, Israel, U.S. discuss water, energy, telecommunication, transportation, environment, possible free trade agmt. btwn. Jordan, Israel, U.S., EU. (RJ 4/24 in FBIS 4/25; MM 4/25; JT 4/25 in FBIS 4/26; RJ 4/26 in FBIS 4/27)

Israel says PA is overdue in paying $16.5 m. in phone bills, threatens to cut off international phone service to o.t. if PA does not pay. All international calls to o.t., calls btwn. Gaza, Jericho are currently routed through the Israel phone system. (JP 5/13)

PA military court sentences 2 Hamas mbrs. to 3 yrs, acquits 1 on charges of murdering alleged collaborator. (QY 4/24 in FBIS 4/25)

IDF arrests 14 Palestinians in Hebron on charges of planting bombs. (ITV 4/24, QY 4/25 in FBIS 4/25; MM 4/25; NYT 4/26)

PA police release 20 Hamas mbrs. arrested after 4/9 bombings. some 100 remain in custody. (AFP, QY 4/24 in FBIS 4/24)

Israel lifts closure on o.t. begun 4/13. (QY 4/24 in FBIS 4/25; CSM 4/25)

IAF reportedly overflies Beirut, draws antiaircraft fire fr. Lebanese Army. (MM 4/26)

Rabin says he would accept a Palestinian state in Gaza if Palestinians would drop claims to rest of o.t.; PA Planning M Shaath rejects idea. Rabin also calls on Arafat to arrest all Palestinians who assist or incite anti-Israeli attacks, incl. religious leaders. (MM 4/13; JP 4/13 in FBIS 4/13; MM 4/20, 4/21)

IDF confiscates 4,080 Palestinian passports issued to West Bank, Jerusalem residents leaving to perform hajj; says passports are "a muscle-flexing move on the part of the PA, as it tries to show it has authority" in West Bank, only Palestinians fr. self-rule areas can have them. (QY 4/13 in FBIS 4/14; JP 4/29) (see 3/30)

Jordanian Interior Min. officials question Hamas spokesman Ibrahim Ghawshah about making "press statements against another state," following PA complaints 4/12. Government says Hamas mbrs. live in, but Hamas does not operate as a group fr. Jordan. (AFP, RMC, VOP 4/13 in FBIS 4/13; ITV 4/13 in FBIS 4/14)

Arafat orders closure of al-Hayat al-Jadid, which began publishing in Gaza 11/20/94, citing breech of loyalty agmt. reached with its owner Nabil `Amr, editor Hafiz Barghouti. (al-Ahali 4/13 in FBIS 4/20)

After Hamas-run al-Watan criticizes PA arrest of Hamas mbrs. following 4/9 bombings, PA police raid paper's Gaza offices, detain editors Sayyid Abu Musamih, Ghazi Hammad; release them hours later. (QY 4/13 in FBIS 4/14)

Israel puts curfew on Hebron, closes borders with Gaza, West Bank to prevent violence during, keep Palestinians out of Israel through Passover. (QY 4/12 in FBIS 4/12; MM, NYT 4/13; QY 4/13, 4/14 in FBIs 4/14; WT 4/14, 4/15)

Rabbi Ido Elba, spiritual leader of Kiryat Arba arrested in 8/94 in connection with Hebron massacre, is sentenced to 2 yrs for inciting racism for saying "thou shalt not kill" commandment does not apply to Jews killing non-Jews. (JP 4/22)

PA continues crackdown on Hamas, Islamic Jihad in Gaza, bringing number of alleged mbrs. in custody to more than 300, gives Palestinians until 5/11 to register weapons with police or have them confiscated. PA Atty. Gen. al-Qidra say 35 Palestinians are scheduled to go before military court. (VOP 4/11, QY 4/12, VOP 4/12 in FBIS 4/12; MM 4/12; VOP 5/12 in FBIS 5/13; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/13; JP 4/22)

PA approves appointment of Ziyad al-Majali as Jordan's diplomatic representative in the self-rule areas. PA M Jamil al-Tarifi delivers message fr. Arafat to King Hussein, expressing PA's desire to coordinate with Jordan on all aspects of negotiations. (RJ 4/12, JT 4/13 in FBIS 4/13)

Arafat asks Jordan to crack down on Hamas elements in kingdom, prevent them fr. publishing leaflets. (MENA, VOP 4/12 in FBIS 4/13; MM 4/13)

FBI sends team to Gaza to investigate death of 1, wounding of 3 Americans in 4/9 bombing. Under 1986 law, U.S. can investigate crimes against its citizens overseas, prosecute defendants in U.S. courts. (NYT 4/12; MM, WP, WT 4/13; CSM 4/14)

PM Rabin tells cabinet he will not suspend talks with Syria despite Hizballah attacks 3/31, only a diplomatic solution to the conflict is possible, Israel will not attempt a military solution; says Syria has promised Secy. of State Christopher it will restrain Hizballah. (MM 4/3)

Jordanian FM al-Kabariti, Syrian Amb. Mu`allim meet in Washington to discuss Syria's stand in talks with Israel. Mu`allim leaves for Syria to prepare for Ross visit. (RJ 4/2 in FBIS 4/4)

Russian FM Kozyrev meets with PM Rabin, Pres. Weizman, FM Peres in Jerusalem, discusses Israeli-Lebanese border tensions, NPT, Iran, peace process. (QY 4/2, HA 4/3 in FBIS 4/3)

Arafat advisor Husseini meets with Russian Dep. FM Viktor Posuvalyuk at Orient House to discuss Israeli obstacles to implementing DOP. (VOP 4/2 in FBIS 4/3)

PM Rabin approves 2,000 more work permits for Palestinian workers to enter Israel, bringing total to 27,000. (ITV 4/1 in FBIS 4/4)

Kamal Kahil, sr. mbr. of Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades and no. 15 on Israel's most-wanted list, 7 others die, 30 are wounded in explosion in Gaza allegedly triggered when Kahil, 1 other Hamas mbr. accidently detonate bomb they are making. Hamas accuses Israel of assassinating Kahil, plotting to turn public opinion against Hamas. (QY, RMC, VOP 4/2 in FBIS 4/3; MM, WP, WT 4/3; AFP, ITV, QPAR, QY, VOP 4/3 in FBIS 4/4; MM, NYT 4/4; NYT 4/7; VOP 4/8 in FBIS 4/10; MEI, 4/14; JP 4/15)

PA says it is holding 3 Palestinian policemen after frmr. collaborator is found dead in Gaza. (AFP 4/2 in FBIS 4/4) (see 4/1)

Hizballah, Amal hold mtg. in s. Lebanon to coordinate efforts against Israel. (RL 4/2 in FBIS 4/3)

PA-Israeli delegations meet in Jericho to discuss next official round of negotiations on elections, redeployment scheduled for 3/28-29 in Cairo. Parties say sides are still divided but talks are reaching a "practical stage," esp. on makeup of observer teams. (IDF Radio, VOP 3/26 in FBIS 3/27; MM 3/29)

Israeli FM Peres tells press "several" Jewish settlements in Gaza, West Bank will have to be removed as Israeli authority is replaced by Palestinian self-rule. Statement provokes outrage of Likud, settler groups. (Sunday Times of London 3/26 in FBIS 3/28)

3 alleged Hamas mbrs. cross into Gaza fr. Egypt nr. Rafah checkpoint. IDF captures 1; 2 others escape into PA territory. (QY 3/26, 3/27 in FBIS 3/27)

King Hussein, U.S. VP Gore meet in Amman. King criticizes congressional decision to cut Jordan's debt forgiveness. Gore promises U.S. will forgive all debt. (JTV, RJ 3/21, RJ 3/22 in FBIS 3/22; WP, WT 3/22; JP 4/1) (see 3/3, 3/13)

Israeli Dep. FM Beilin, Egyptian FM Musa meet in Cairo, say relations have improved since Knesset delegation visit 3/19. Beilin says Egypt now better understands Israel's security needs, NPT argument has abated. (QY 3/21 in FBIS  3/22)

In Beersheba, Israeli police arrest 2 Hamas mbrs., 1 Israeli bedouin with explosives-rigged truck with Gaza plates. Pair confesses to planning suicide attack. PM Rabin cancels mtg. with PA scheduled for 3/22 to discuss release of Palestinian prisoners, bans all vehicles with Gaza license plates fr. entering Israel. (MM 3/21; QY 3/21 in FBIS 3/21; CSM, MM, WP 3/22; NYT 3/23; IDF Radio 3/23 in FBIS 3/23; PR 3/26; MM 3/27; JP 4/1)

10 Damascus-based Palestinian opposition groups close 2-day mtg. to assess peace process, PA administration, possible relations with PNG (see 2/21). PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. al-Qaddumi says he will head delegation to Damascus in next wk. to try to reach a conciliation agmt. with these groups. (al-Ray 3/23, QY 3/24 in FBIS 3/24)

Officials fr. 39 countries, financial institutions meet at State Dept. in Washington to discuss Middle East regional finance. Israel, Egypt, Jordan, PA agree to work toward setting up regional bank despite EU, Saudi Arabian opposition at Casablanca conference 11/94. U.S. promises to lobby internationally for support for project. (NYT 1/12; JT 1/14 in FBIS 1/18)

Oman informs Israel it will delay establishment of diplomatic relations, apparently as a result of Alexandria summit 12/29. Israeli Dep. FM Beilin dismisses declaration as insignificant. (QY 1/11 in FBIS 1/12; MM 1/12; QY 1/17 in FBIS 1/17; MM 2/6)

Arafat meets with Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood officials, asks them to mediate btwn. PLO, Hamas. (AFP 1/11 in FBIS 1/12; Al-Sha`b 1/13 in FBIS 1/24; PR 1/15; Al-Musawwar 1/20 in FBIS 1/24)

UNRWA announces the following donations: $3.3 m. fr. Denmark for training centers in West Bank; $3.8 m. fr. Denmark for Gaza Hospital; $2.3 m. fr. Netherlands, $1.5 m. fr. Kuwait, $50,000 fr. Brazil, $40,000 fr. Portugal, $25,000 fr. Indonesia for UNRWA operations; $700,000 fr. Germany, $685,000 fr. Switzerland for education. (UNRWA News 1/11)

2 IDF soldiers lightly wounded when bomb explodes nr. their patrol at Kissufim crossing, Gaza. (MM 1/11)

Hizballah attacks IDF patrol in southern Lebanon. IDF, SLA respond, using planes, tanks, artillery. 4 Hizballah mbrs. killed; 2 IDF, 1 SLA soldiers, 3 civilians wounded. (IDF Radio 1/11 in FBIS 1/12; WP, WT 1/12)

Arafat, PM Rabin meet at Erez checkpoint; agree on recognition of Palestinian passports, release of prisoners, routes linking autonomous areas. Men over 50, women over 35 will begin using safe-passage routes. (MM 1/9; AFP, QY, VOP 1/9 in FBIS 1/9; QY 1/9 in FBIS 1/10; NYT, WP, WT 1/10; CSM 1/12; PR 1/15; MEI 2/3) (see 1/6)

Israeli-PA talks on procedures and mechanisms for elections, expanding self-rule reopen in Cairo. Parties defer discussion on redeployment, review events of previous 8 mtgs. (MM 1/9; MENA 1/9 in FBIS 1/9; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 1/10; RE 1/9, MENA 1/10 in FBIS 1/10; MENA 1/10 in FBIS 1/11)

PA holds conference on settlements in Jericho. Participants, incl. 4 PA mbrs. and Hamas mbrs., call on PA to suspend talks, step up protests, reconsider peace process in light of Israeli settlement violations. (MM 1/9; QY 1/9 in FBIS 1/10; NYT 1/10; Al-Quds 1/10, QY 1/11 in FBIS 1/11; CSM 1/12; PR 1/15)

PA, German officials meet in East Jerusalem to discuss development projects. Israeli FMin. complains it did not receive prior notice of mtg. (QY 1/9 in FBIS 1/10) (see 12/26)

U.S. Defense Secy. Perry receives briefing on Golan fr. IDF, say U.S. anticipates being asked to provide monitors for the area (as opposed to security forces). (MM 1/9; AFP, JP, QY 1/9 in FBIS 1/9; ITV 1/9 in FBIS 1/10; WP, WT 1/10; CSM 1/11; MEI 1/20; JP 1/21)

Poll released by Center for Palestine Research Studies shows that majority of Palestinians favor suspending (31.5%) or completely halting (20.6%) talks with Israel. (MM 1/9)

HA reports Iraq is ready to recognize Israel since Israel has reconciled with PLO, has asked Morocco to mediate; claims Iraqi official Ismat Katani visited senior FMin. official Yitzhak Lior in Israel. Lior admits mtg. took place but says Israeli-Iraqi relations were not discussed. (HA 1/9 in FBIS 1/9; WT 1/10)

Rigged donkey cart explodes in Gaza as bus of Jewish settlers passes. No injuries, no one takes responsibility. (NYT, WT 1/10)