The Palestine Chronology

A relative calm prevails in the West Bank and Gaza given the exceptionally tight closure. The IDF records only 3 Palestinian shooting incidents. Another Israeli injured in the 6/1 bombing dies, raising the toll to 19. The PA accuses the IDF of attempting to assassinate senior Islamic Jihad mbr. Muhammad Bisharat, 1 of Israel's most wanted, by detonating a remote controled bomb nr. his car in Tulkarm. The IDF fires tank shells at residential areas of Tal al-Sultan; bulldozes 15 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Kefar Darom settlement. Jewish settlers occupy 10s of dunams of Palestinian land nr. Bethlehem. (HP, WP, WT 6/4; PMC 6/6; NYT 7/2)

PA security officials meet with reps. of all Palestinian factions to press Arafat's cease-fire call. (NYT, WP, WT 6/4; SA 6/5, MENA 6/6 in WNC 6/7; HJ 6/7 in WNC 6/11; MEI 6/15)

After an "intense internal debate," the Bush admin. decides not to send a high-level diplomatic mission to work with Israeli, PA officials to secure a more durable cease-fire, deciding instead to press Arafat to act more forcefully to suppress violence. Powell praises Israel for its restraint. When asked if he has urged Israel to avoid retaliation, Powell says, "I have not given that direct comment to the Israeli government." (NYT 6/4; WP 6/6)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Palestinian dead. Jewish settlers fr. Yitzhar attack a Palestinian taxi nr. Nablus, injuring 3 Palestinians. The IDF directs shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Dayr al-Balah, Tulkarm; shuts the Waqf offices, a mosque in Hebron. This evening Israeli, PA security officials meet at Erez to discuss improving security coordination. (MM 3/16; NYT, WT 3/17; MA 3/18 in WNC 3/20; LAW 3/24)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, killing 1 Palestinian. The most severe fighting is around Ramallah, where Palestinians protesting the continued encirclement of Ramallah (see 3/7) clash with IDF soldiers. In Tulkarm, 15,000 Palestinians attend a Hamas rally denouncing Sharon's inauguration, calling for more suicide bombings in Israel. IDF soldiers outside `Ayn Arik nr. Ramallah bar Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Michael Sabbah, several priests fr. entering the village to perform mass. The IDF also shells residential areas of Nablus, Rafah; bulldozes 10 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Kefar Darom; detains several Jewish settlers suspected of shooting a Palestinian. (Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem press release 3/9; NYT, WT 3/10; MM 3/12; LAW 3/17)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. Nr. Ma'ale Adumim settlement, 4 Palestinian gunmen ambush a Jewish settler's vehicle, seriously injuring 2 settlers. Palestinians also fire homemade mortars at Netzarim settlement, causing no damage. The IDF shells residential areas Bayt Sahur; seals main roads leading to Dayr al-Balah (destroying a vocational school, a girls' school, 1 home), Jericho, Jinin, Nablus, Tulkarm; conducts arrest sweeps in East Jerusalem, Ras al-Amud; bulldozes Palestinian land nr. Nablus. Palestinians in Jinin, Nablus, Qalqilya note IDF reinforcements in their areas. The IDF issues a demolition order for a Palestinian clinic in Aqraba nr. Nablus, which 2 wks. ago treated 2 IDF soldiers injured in a car accident. (HP, MM 2/22; HP, WT 2/23; al-Quds 2/23 in WNC 2/26; MA 2/23 in WNC 2/26; LAW 3/1)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes escalate, leaving 8 Palestinians dead, including senior Islamic Jihad mbr. Sa'ir al-Khruf, who is assassinated by the IDF. (1 Palestinian dies en route to the hospital when his ambulance is detained by the IDF for over 1 hr.) In Nablus, 20,000 Palestinians attend a funeral for 3 of the dead killed overnight. Israel allows a small number of West Bank, Gaza Palestinians over age 35 to attend Friday prayers at al-Aqsa Mosque. Those that are barred scuffle with Israeli police who respond with rubber bullets, stun grenades, tear gas. The IDF also placed curfews on Salfit, Qasrah to conduct an arrest sweep. IDF directed shells, heavy machine gun fire at residential areas in Aida, Aqbat Jabir camp, Bayt Jala (damaging an elementary school), al-Bireh, Dayr al-Balah, Nablus, Ramallah (damaging the PA Local Government Min.), Tulkarm; bulldozes Palestinian agricultural land across Gaza, in Qalqilya. In Rafah, the IDF fires a shell at a family protesting the bulldozing of their land, injuring 6 children. Jewish settlers attack Palestinian property around Qalqilya, shoot at Palestinians in Silt al-Thahir (wounding 1). (ADM, LAW 12/15; NYT, WP, WT 12/16; PCHR 12/18; NYT 1/17)

Israel's Ben-Ami meets with Arafat at Erez to discuss resuming peace talks, holds follow-up mtg. with PA Information M `Abid Rabbuh in Tel Aviv. The State Dept. says that midlevel Israeli, PA negotiators may come top Washington the wk. of 12/18. (NYT, WP 12/16) (see 12/10)

In Gaza, over 30,000 Palestinians attend a Hamas rally in support of continuing the al-Aqsa intifada no matter what stand the PA regarding negotiations with Israel. (MEI 12/22)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 5 Palestinians dead. A 6th Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. A Palestinian sniper fatally shoots a Jewish settler driving through Gaza; the IDF demolishes a nearby abandoned PA Preventive Security Force (PSF) post thought to be the source of the gunfire. IDF helicopter gunships, tanks shell residential areas of Dayr al-Balah (targeting the home of senior PSF official Ahmad `Abd al-Karim), Jericho, Khan Yunis, Nablus, al-Shaykh, Tulkarm. Jewish settlers fire on Palestinian homes in Huwarra (nr. Nablus), in Kafr Deek (nr. Salfit). The IDF bulldozes 60 dunams of Palestinian land along setter bypass roads nr. Kefar Darom, 10s of dunams of olive groves nr. Salfit, a Palestinian road and water network in Ramallah. (ADM, LAW, MM 11/21; AFP, MENA 11/21 in WNC 11/22; MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/22; SA 11/22 in WNC 11/24; HJ 11/22 in WNC 11/29; MEI 11/24; WJW 11/30)

In protest over Israel's 11/20 shelling of PA offices, Egypt recalls Amb. Muhammad Bassyouni but does not suspend diplomatic relations. (MM 11/21; AFP, MENA 11/21 in WNC 11/22; MENA 11/21, MENA 11/22, HJ, MENA, al-Quds, SA 11/23 in WNC 11/24; MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/22; MEI 11/24; MENA 11/25 in WNC 11/29; MM 11/27; JP 12/1; SA 1/22 in WNC 1/23)

Israel informs the U.S. it will delay the start of the Mitchell Comm.'s investigation into the causes of the al-Aqsa intifada because "the timing is wrong." (MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/22; ATL 11/22 in WNC 11/24; MEI 11/24; WJW 11/30)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes intensify, leaving 8 Palestinians, 1 German doctor dead, over 110 Palestinians injured. (1 Palestinian dies en route to the hospital when his ambulance is blocked by Jewish settlers for over an hr.) A 9th Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. The IDF shells Fatah headquarters in Hebron, Salfit, Tulkarm and an armory in Jericho. The IDF also shells residential areas of Bayt Jala, Bethlehem, Dayr al-Balah, Nablus, Tulkarm and bulldozes Palestinian agricultural lands in Rafah. IDF shelling in Bayt Jala damages a school and a cultural center, destroys an unfinished apartment complex. In Hebron, Jewish settlers vandalize Palestinian property, uproot trees, damage an irrigation system. (ADM, LAW 11/15; AP, HA [Internet], LAW, MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/16; NYT, WP 11/17)

A demonstration in support of the Palestinians is held at New York University, where 2 IDF soldiers speak as part of a national tour to present the Israeli position on the ongoing clashes. (al-Awda Internet news group 11/15)

On the anniversary of the PLO's 1988 declaration of independence in Algiers, the PA does not unilaterally declare a Palestinian state or reaffirm the Algiers declaration as Israel, the U.S. had feared. Due to the ongoing closure, the PLOCC is unable to meet as planned. (AP 11/15) (see 9/10)

Senior Israeli, PA officials reportedly hold a secret mtg. at the Egyptian mission to the UN in New York to discuss options for a UN buffer force in the West Bank, Gaza. (WP 11/16, 11/18)

First Lady Hillary Clinton (the senator-elect fr. NY), U.S. special envoy Ross, Russian FM Ivanov are among those who attend the funeral of PM Yitzhak Rabin's widow, Leah Rabin, who died on 11/12. Arafat sends his condolences via video tape, which is aired on Israeli TV. Afterward, Ross meets with Barak. (MA [Internet], MM 11/15; MM, NYT, WJW, WP, WT 11/16; JP 11/24)

In Marseilles, France, a 2-day Euro-Mediterranean FMs mtg. opens to review regional cooperation efforts over the past 5 yrs. The session focuses on the Israeli-Palestinian crisis as it affects regional stability. (AFP [Internet], JT [Internet] 11/15; see also JT 11/13 in WNC 11/14; AYM 11/14 in WNC 11/15; SA 11/15, ANSA, ATL 11/16 in WNC 11/17)

In Lebanon, PM Hariri, Hizballah spiritual leader Shaykh Hassan Nasrallah hold their 1st in 8 yrs. during which they reportedly agreed not to give Israel a pretext to strike Lebanon while upholding Beirut's right to recover Shaba` Farms, to coordinate efforts to keep the issue of Syria's troop presence in the country out of the public domain. (MM 11/17)

Israel restricts Palestinians' access to Jerusalem for the 3d Friday in a row. Israeli-Palestinian clashes intensify again, leaving 4 Palestinians dead, 250 injured. Main flash points are Bayt Jala, Bethlehem, Hebron, Jinin, Qalqilya, Qarni checkpoint, Ramallah, Tulkarm. IDF troops outside Ramallah open fire on an ambulance, severely injuring the driver. In Gaza, the IDF bulldozes another 3 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Kefar Darom settlement. At least 3 roadside bombs explode nr. Bethlehem, injuring 1 Israeli border policeman. A synagog in Efrat is vandalized, presumably by Palestinians, though how they entered the Jewish settlement is unclear. (ADM, LAW, MM, PCHR 10/27; IDF Radio [Internet], Guardian [Internet], NYT, WT 10/28; AYM 10/31 in WNC 11/1)

Palestinian refugees in `Ayn al-Hilwa camp in Lebanon demonstrate against the weak Arab League statement issued on 10/22. In Nairobi, 1,000s of Kenyans march in solidarity with the Palestinians. In the U.S., similar rallies are held outside the New York Times offices in New York, as well as in Hartford, Sacramento. (Panafrican News Agency [Internet] 10/27; al-Safir 10/28 in WNC 10/31)

Police arrest 115 peace activists near Janin trying to march from Israel into W. Bank, including a member of Belgian parliament. Marchers were participating in 6-day march by 400 Israeli and foreign activists calling for end to Israeli occupation in o.t. (WP, MM 6/8)

Four FMs meeting in Amman conclude their talks, issue final communique calling for extraordinary session of Arab League Council to discuss Lebanese situation. (Jordan TV, AFP 6/7 in FBIS 6/8)

Fateh and Hamas proclaim "pact of honor"; leaflet issued in o.t. seeks to end organizational feuding and further dialogue between Islamic Resistance Movement and PLO. (Jordan TV 6/7 in FBIS 6/8; MM 6/8)

Mukhtar of Gaza's Dayr al-Balah refugee camp, Shafiq al-Hasi, is killed by masked men in local market. (Qol Yisra'el 6/7 in FBIS 6/8)

Cairo-Amman Bank opens branch in Tulkarm. (Al-Sha'b 6/7 in FBIS 6/10

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian activist Faisal al-Husseini isreleased from administrative detention after spending 18 of last 21 months behind bars [WP, LAT 1/ 30]. Curfews are in effect for Dayr al-Balah, Maghazi camps [FJ 2/6].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Bayt Lid collaborator is found stabbed to death. In Rafah 4 Palestinians are injured during demonstrations. In Khan Yunis troops injure 3 Palestinians. In Tulkarm troops arrest 75 Palestinians [FJ 2/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Settlers from Ariel distribute "Appeal No. 1" waming W. Bank residents against continuing the uprising. Curfews are in effect in Tulkarm, Bayt Surik, Hablah, Dhannabah, Ramin, and Maghazi, Dayr al-Balah camps [FJ 1/30].

Arab World: Israel expels 40 Lebanese from Israeli-controlled portion of southern Lebanon two days after demonstration against Israel [CSM 2/9].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Gaza at least 4 Palestinians are shot, injured during confrontations with troops. In Jenin a Palestinian is shot by troops. Troops destroy 3 Palestinian homes, seal 2 [Fl 1/30].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Curfew for Dayr al-Balah enters 8th day [FJ 1/16].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 17-year-old Palestinian from Tulkarm dies from wounds received 1/10 [NYT 1/14, FJ 1/16]. In Nusayrat soldiers open fire, wound at least 5 Palestinians. Palestinian from Rafah is shot, wounded by troops. Soldiers shoot, wound 2 Palestinians in Tulkarm camp [FJ 1/16].

Arab World: Israeli warplanes bomb Palestinian base in Lebanon; there is no report on casualties [NYT 1/12, LAT 1/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike is observed in O.T. [FJ 12/26].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Dayr alGhussun 24-year-old Palestinian dies after being shot by Israeli troops. In Rafah troops shoot, kill 2 Palestinians, wound 4 during clashes. In Qalqiliyyah troops shoot, wound 2 Palestinians. In Tulkarm troops uproot trees. In Nablus troops shoot, wound 1 Palestinian. In Silwan troops arrest 20 Palestinians. In Dayr alBalah troops shoot, wound 4 Palestinians. As many as 65 people are reported injured in Gaza Strip [FJ 12/26].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Report of investigation into death of Israeli girl killed in Bayta is submitted to Chief of Staff Gen. Dan Shomron [NYT 4/15]. Shop owners in occupied territories strike [NYT 4/15]. UNRWA expresses concern about increasing number of injuries and deaths attributed to tear gas [NYT 4/15].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus, 2 Palestinians are shot dead by army gunfire during violent clashes [NYT 4/15]. Several demonstrations are reported in Tulkarm region villages. Soldiers and protesters clash in Am'ari camp, near Ramallah, and several areas near Hebron. Military-imposed curfews are in effect in village of Bayta and Nur Shams, Balatah, and Jalazun camps. Several Palestinians are injured during clash in Gaza Strip. Dayr al-Balah camp is still under curfew [FJ 4/17].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Yamun, near Jenin, 3 houses are demolished by Israeli authorities; owners are suspected of participating in demonstrations [FJ 4/10]. In Bethlehem, 10 stores are welded shut and owners' IDs confiscated because shops had opened during morning [FJ 4/10].

Arab World: Sec. of State George Shultz meets with King Hussein in Amman, flies to Damascus for talks with Pres. Hafiz al-Asad, and returns to Jerusalem [WP 4/6].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Demonstrations are reported in several W. Bank and Gaza Strip villages and camps. In Zayat, in Tulkarm district, soldiers use live ammunition to disperse protesters, injuring 8. Curfews are in force in 6 W. Bank villages and cities as well as Qabatiyyah and Jenin camp. Balatah is under curfew for 14th consecutive day. Dayr Ghassana and Bayt Rima villages, near Ramallah, are among 6 sealed villages. Soldiers raid Sura village, near Nablus, and uproot olive trees. In Gaza Strip, curfew in Jalazun is lifted for 3 hours. In Dayr al-Balah camp, protesters stone car of settlers from Kiryat Arba; settlers flee and Palestinians burn car; camp is placed under curfew [FJ 4/10].

Arab World: In Israel's S. Lebanon security zone, Israeli soldiers kill 2 Palestinian commandos attempting to cross border. Palestine Liberation Front claims responsibility [WP 4/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Jerusalem, thousands join in Peace Now demonstrations. Protest in Haifa draws close to 5,000 Israeli Arabs and Jews [WP 2/14]. Merchants strike throughout occupied territories [FJ 2/14]. Israel orders all government schools in E. Jerusalem closed [FJ 2/21].

Other Countries:

Military Action: In Rome 50,000 marchers protest Israel's policy in the occupied territories [NYT 2/16]. 

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Curfews continue in Qalqiliyyah, 'Anabta, Bayt 'Ur alTahta, Bayt Ummar, as well as in Am'ari, Jalazun, Tulkarm, and Dayr al-Balah camps. Military lifts 9-day-old curfew in Tulkarm [FJ 2/21]. In Nablus area, Israeli troops use tear gas and rubber bullets in clash with demonstrators, wounding Balatah camp youth. Clashes are also reported in al-Birah, Ramallah, Abu Dis village, Jerusalem-area village of Jabal al-Mukabir, Shu'fat camp, and Gaza [FJ 2/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Israel says it has begun jamming Radio al-Quds broadcasts [WP 2/14]. Other Countries: Ibrahim Khalid, Palestinian involved in 1985 attack on Rome airport, receives 30-year prison sentence. Sabri al-Banna (Abu Nidal) and Rashid Hamida are sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment [NYT 2/13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus, soldiers fire tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition in battle with violent crowd throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails; 2 Palestinians are killed. At least 5 are wounded by gunfire, another 12 by beatings [NYT, WP 2/13]. Soldiers break into Nablus' Ittihad Hospital, beat and detain 4 Palestinians giving blood [WP 2/13]. Military-imposed curfews continue in Tulkarm, Tulkarm camp, Qalqiliyyah, 'Anabta, Bayt 'Ur al-Tahta, and Bayt Ummar. Am'ari, Jalazun, Beach, and Dayr al-Balah camps are placed under curfew following demonstrations [FJ2/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: After separate meetings with U.S. envoy Richard Murphy, P. M. Shamir expresses "deep reservations" about U.S. ideas for new peace negotiations; F. M. Peres says U.S. plan is welcome [NYT, WP 2/11]. Gazan shot 1/5 dies in Israeli hospital [WP 2/11; FJ 2/14]. Tire-burning, rock-throwing demonstrations continue in E. Jerusalem [NYT 2/11]. In Netanya, 2 Jewish settlers accused of shooting to death a W. Bank Palestinian are released on bail [NYT 2/11]. Unified National Command of the Uprising issues statement rejecting Egyptian Pres. Mubarak's peace initiative [FJ 2/14]. Police arrest 7 residents of Taybah, town inside green line, for participating in protest against Israeli measures in occupied territories [FJ 2/14].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus, 2 Palestinians are killed by army gunfire. Clashes are reported in Gaza Strip's Beach camp [WP 2/11]. Military lifts 10-day-old curfew on Nablus and 4-day-old curfew on Shu'fat camp in E. Jerusalem [NYT 2/11]. Curfews are also lifted for 'A'idah, Balatah, new and old 'Askar, Beach, and Burayj camps and village of Bani Na'im. Curfews continue in Qalqiliyyah, Tulkarm, Bayt 'Ur al-Tahta, and Bayt Ummar. Jericho is placed under siege. Demonstrators throw stones, burn tires in Nablus, Silwan, Beach camp, Dayr al-Balah, Burayj camp, Rafah, and E. Jerusalem [FJ 2/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus-area village of Burqa, Palestinian child dies of gunshot woundsuffered during demonstration 2/5 [NYT 2/8; FJ 2/14]. Dayr al-Balah youth dies in E. Jerusalem hospital from army-inflicted head injuries [WP 2/8]. General strike is observed throughout E. Jerusalem, W. Bank, and Gaza Strip. All government schools in E. Jerusalem are ordered closed [NYT 2/8]. Unanimous finding by Israeli High Court calls for creation of appeals court in Gaza Strip and W. Bank. Strike by Gaza's 300 Palestinian lawyers enters 6th week [NYT 2/9]. Palestinian youths riot in East Tapiot, Jewish neighborhood in E. Jerusalem, breaking windows, blockading streets, and fighting police. Police fire tear gas, rubber bullets to break up crowd [LAT 2/9].

Arab World: Iraqi Foreign Ministry official denies having direct contacts with Israeli officials during 1985 negotiations to build oil pipeline [WP 2/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Bayt Ummar, village north of Hebron, Israeli forces fire into crowd of stone throwers, killing 3, wounding at least 7. In nearby Bayt Fajjar, residents burn bus used to transport workers to Israel; at least 10 are wounded in clash between villagers and army. At least 1 is shot during demonstration in Halhul. In village of Jabal al-Mukabir, soldiers close off 2 roads after stone throwers attack Jewish houses. Police use military-delegated emergency powers to impose curfew on Jerusalem refugee camp after violent demonstrations in 4 E. Jerusalem neighborhoods [NYT, WP 2/8]. Violent demonstrations and clashes with police are reported in Jerusalem's Thuri quarter, 'Isawiyyah village, and nearby Silwan village. At least 9 are injured by police trying to disperse demonstrations. Shu'fat camp, north of Jerusalem, isordered under curfew after violent nightlong demonstration [FJ 2/14]. Military imposes curfews in Qalqiliyyah, 'Aqbat Jabir refugee camp, Tulkarm-area village of Hibla, Bayt 'Ur al-Tahta, and Kafr Malik after violent demonstrations. In Tulkarm, curfew is temporarily lifted to allow food distribution. Curfews continue in Nablus, old and new 'Askar camps, 'Ayn Bayt al-Ma', Tulkarm camp, Bani Na'im, 'A'idah camp, Jalazun camp, Am'ari camp, and 'Arrub camp [FJ 2/14]. Reports indicate 2 villagers are shot, killed: 1 during demonstration i Tulkarm, another in clash in Ayyub. Both demonstrations are instigated by rumors of settler attacks against Palestinians [WP 2/10]. UN officials report treating 37 residents of Jabalya refugee camp for beating injuries after army raid. At least 1 is shot, wounded in Khan Yunis [WP 2/8]. Soldiers conducting search for stone throwers in Burayj camp, seize youth, beat him, and leave him in orange grove; boy dies in hospital [LAT 2/9]. Arab World: PLO fighters surround house near 'Ayn al-Hilwah in S. Lebanon where gunmen are believed to be holding 2 UNRWA employees [LAT 2/8].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bethlehem U. reopens after 3-month military-ordered closure and immediately receives new closure order [NYT 2/4]. Hebron Polytechnic Institute and Hebron U. are closed indefinitely. Israel postpones indefinitely reopening of schools in Nablus, Jenin, and Tulkarm [FJ 2/7]. In Nazareth, 50 Muslim, Christian, Druze, and Jewish leaders condemn Israeli measures in occupied territories, express support for uprising [FJ 2/7].

Arab World: Lebanese Shi'i coalition Islamic Resistance Front threatens to kill Israeli soldier held captive for 2 years [WP 2/2].

Other Countries: U.S. envoy Philip Habib meets with Egypt's Pres. Mubarak in Paris before returning to Washington [WSJ 2/2]. U.S. vetos UN Security Council resolution setting forth UN role in Palestinian-Israeli peace negotiations and calling on Israel to abide by Geneva Convention terms [WP 2/2]. In Rome, Jordan's King Hussein visits with Pope John Paul II, meets with Egyptian F. M. 'Ismat 'Abd al-Magid [NYT 2/2].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In village of 'Anabta near Tulkarm, stone-throwing Palestinians attack army bus, settlers' cars, and police vehicle after blockading road. Israeli fires on demonstrators, killing 2, wounding 1. Officials are uncertain whether shots were fired by soldiers or settlers. Army patrol later disperses crowd with live ammunition, wounding 2 more. Settlers attack village during curfew, vandalizing houses, cars [WP 2/2; FJ 2/7]. Crowds throw rocks, bottles and block roads in cities, villages, and camps throughout W. Bank; 3 Palestinians are wounded in Jenin, and 2 are injured by army gunfire in Hebron-region village of Bani Na'im; village is placed under curfew. Violent disturbances are also reported in E. Jerusalem [WP 2/2; FJ 2/7]. Israeli authorities arrest 14 Palestinians during raid of Jerusalem's Thuri quarter [FJ 2/7]. More than 20 are arrested in early morning raid in Nablus [WP 2/2]. Balatah, new and old 'Askar, Duhayshah, Tulkarm, and Am'ari refugee camps and Nablus are under curfew [FJ 2/7]. In Gaza Strip, military imposes curfew on Burayj camp following violent stone-throwing demonstrations; curfew is lifted in Dayr al-Balah camp. Violent clashes are reported in Gaza Strip camps and cities; many Palestinians are injured by army gunfire and beatings [FJ 2/7]. At least 40 Palestinians have been killed since uprising began 12/9 [NYT 2/2]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Arab merchants in E. Jerusalem continue commercial strike. About 600 police and border police stand guard outside al-Haram al-Sharif; 4 Palestinians are arrested on charges of inciting demonstration. Jerusalem Police Chief Yosef Yehudai asks for, receives emergency security powers; Jerusalem neighborhood of al-Tur is placed under curfew [WP 1/23]. Military closes al-Quds for 45 days [FBIS 1/22]. Israel reports capture of 8-member armed PFLP cell in W. Bank, alleges group was responsible for October 1987 murder of Yigdal Shahaf [FBIS 1/26]. Arsonists set fire to customs department in Hebron [FJ 1/24].

Other Countries: UN Sec. Gen. Javier Perez de Cuellar releases report on Palestinian uprising in occupied territories, condemning Israeli use of harsh methods against demonstrators and endorsing plan for international peace conference on Middle East [WP 1/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Military lifts curfews on Rafah, Khan Yunis, Beach, and Dayr al-Balah refugee camps. Curfews remain in effect in Gaza Strip's Jabalya, Nusayrat, Maghazi, and Burayj camps. Curfews continue in W. Bank's old and new 'Askar camps and villages of Sa'ir and al-Mazra'ah al-Sharqiyyah. Curfews are imposed on Tulkarm refugee camp and Ramallah-area village of Bayt 'Ur al-Tahta after marches and stone throwing [FBIS 1/22; FJ 1/24].

Arab World: Amal releases 3 Palestinians [FBIS 1/22]. Salah Salah, Palestinian command secretary in S. Lebanon, announces his forces will withdraw from Sidon and Iqlim al-Tuffah roads [FBIS 1/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In W. Bank town of Baytin, 2 prominent Jewish settlers open fire on demonstrators whose barricade blocks road, killing 1 and wounding another [CSM, WP 1/12]. F. M. Shimon Peres meets with UN Undersec. Gen. Marrack Goulding [WP 1/12]. Rafah resident shot 1/8 and Khan Yunis resident also wounded in earlier clash die in Israeli hospital [FJ 1/17]. General strike is observed in E. Jerusalem, W. Bank, and Gaza Strip [FJ 1/17]. Reports indicate 4 Palestinians ordered deported have withdrawn their appeals because their lawyers have been denied access to files [FJ 1/17]. Heads of private schools decide to remain closed until 1/18 [FJ 1/17].

Other Countries: Abraham Sofaer, legal adviser to U.S. State Dept., says closing PLO's UN observer mission would violate international law [NYT 1/13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops clash with 20 Palestinian women protest ng in front of Qalandiya refugee camp UN office [CSM 1/12]. Khan Yunis demonstrator who allegedly tried to grab soldier's gun is shot dead [WP 1/12]. Balatah refugee camp and Nablus-area village of Bayt Hilma are placed under curfew. Soldiers use tear gas and rubber bullets against crowds waving Palestinian flag at Qalandiya refugee camp. Clashes are also reported in Duhayshah and Tulkarm camps, Bethlehem and 'Azzariyyah (Bethany) [WP 1/12; FJ 1/17]. Palestinian sources report a Khan Yunis resident is beaten to death. Demonstrations are reported in Gaza City, Bayt Hanun, and Jabalya camp. Curfews are imposed on 5 Gaza Strip refugee camps: Khan Yunis, Dayr al-Balah, Maghazi, Nusayrat, and Burayj. Strip is declared closed military zone [FJ 1/17]. Military imposes curfew on 'Askar camp [FJ 1/17].