The Palestine Chronology

Hundreds of Palestinians across the oPt gather at protests against U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. IDF troops violently disperse them at the Qalandia checkpoint, central Jerusalem, Abu Dis village, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Hebron, Jericho, Qalqilya, and along Gaza’s border near al-Bureij refugee camp; 11 Palestinians are injured. Meanwhile, IDF troops arrest 8 Palestinians during late-night raids near Ramallah, Hebron, and in Biddu (East Jerusalem). Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Khan Yunis, causing no damage or injuries. Along Gaza’s border, Israeli forces fire sound bombs and artillery at Palestinian lands and other property near Gaza City and Khan Yunis, causing no serious damage. (HA, TOI, WAFA, YA 12/20; PCHR 12/21; PCHR 12/28)

Palestinian diplomatic delegations discuss the future of the peace process with local officials in Moscow and Beijing. PLO executive committee member Salih Ra‘fat says that the delegations are part of the Palestinians’ efforts to gather support in the wake of U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Both Russia and China have expressed interest in becoming more active in the peace process, and the Palestinians are looking to replace the U.S. as sole mediator. (HA, TOI, WAFA 12/20)

U.S. pres. Trump threatens to cut economic aid to any country that votes in favor of a UNGA resolution rejecting his 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, which is set for a vote on 12/21. “They take hundreds of millions of dollars and even billions of dollars, and then they vote against us,” he says. “Well, we’re watching those votes. Let them vote against us. We’ll save a lot. We don’t care.” (AP, HA, TOI, YA 12/20; HA 12/21)

The EU’s Ashton meets again (see 1/25/11) with Abbas in Amman to urge him to continue the talks. Afterward, Jordanian FM Judeh states that no further Israeli-Palestinian talks are scheduled, as the sides need to “assess where we are and how to move to the next stage.” Meanwhile, PLO EC mbr. Hanan Ashrawi says: “There has been no progress whatsoever. . . . There are no talks anymore. We don’t want to be complicit in this game of deception.” (HA 1/26, REU, WP 1/27, Asia Times 1/31)

IDF troops on the s. Gaza border fire warning shots at Palestinian farmers who stray too nr. the border fence e. of Khan Yunis, forcing them to flee. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 5 villages nr. Ramallah and 2 nr. Jericho in the morning; patrols in 1 village nr. Jericho and 1 nr. Salfit in the afternoon; patrols in Kafr Qaddum late at night; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Hebron; escorts Jewish settlers enter Kafr Haris village nr. Salfit late at night to pray at a local shrine. (PCHR 2/2; OCHA 2/3)

PLO Executive Committee (PLOEC) meets in Ramallah to discuss resumption of the 4/27+n29 PLO Central Council (PCC) mtg., which will continue discussion on possible declaration of a Palestinian state. (al-Ra'i 6/2 in WNC 6/3; al-Quds 6/4 in WNC 6/11)

In Paris, King Abdallah of Jordan holds talks on the peace process, debt forgiveness with Pres. Jacques Chirac. (AFP, RJ 6/2 in WNC 6/3)

In talks with Syrian pres. Asad in Damascus, Crown Prince Abdallah of Saudi Arabia offers to mediate btwn. Asad, Arafat if it would help coordinate a unified Arab stand on the peace process. (al-Nahar 6/2 in WNC 6/3; MM 6/3, 6/4)

IDF suspends export licenses of the Israeli company Orlil based on reports that Orlil stole U.S. night-vision equipment purchased for the IDF, sold it to "Far Eastern" countries. (Globes [Internet] 6/2 in WNC 6/3)

Faisal Husseini, Hanan Ashrawi hold meeting at Islamic College of Hebron to explain what transpired at Madrid. Fights break out between supporters, opponents of peace process. (Qol Yisra'el 11/13 in FBIS 11/14)

Additional members of the political committees resign (See 11/12) (Qol Yisra'el 11/13 in FBIS 11/14)

In Washington, West Bank academic Sari Nusseibeh, the driving force behind creation of the political committees, meets with State Department officials, requests U.S. intervention with Israel to assure Palestinians in o.t. be given freedom to express themselves politically, an essential step if the committees and other forms of political expression are to succeed. (MEM 11/14)

In Damascus, Fateh Central Comm. mbr. 'Abbas Zaki states that Fateh, Syria have agreed to normalize relations. Fateh-Syrian discussions have been ongoing since a Fateh delegation's arrival in Damascus 11/8. (AFP 11/13 in FBIS 11/14)

PLO Executive Committee begins meeting in Tunis to discuss the venue for second phase of peace talks. (MEM 11/14) 

Chmn. Arafat arrives in Damascus at head of four-person delegation, holds talks with Syrian vice pres. 'Abd al-Halim Khaddam. Arafat later meets with Pres. al-Asad in Ladhaqiyya. (MEM 11/7)

At Damascus press conference, PFLP Gen. Secy. George Habash states PFLP has suspended its membership in PLO executive committee due to its opposition to peace conference. Habash notes PFLP will reserve final decision on whether to stay in committee. (Radio Monte Carlo 11/6 in FBIS 11/6; MEM 11/7)

Hizbullah-led Islamic Resistance movement detonates another roadside bomb in Israel's "security zone" near village of Rashaf; casualty reports vary. (MEM 11/6)

PNC meeting in Algiers ends after issuing statement outlining PLO conditions for Palestinian participation in peace talks, including PLO's right to appoint delegates. PNC also accepts resignation of Muhammad 'Abbas (Abu al-'Abbas), leader of the Palestine Liberation Front, from PLO executive committee. Speaking to a press conference, Chmn. Arafat states PLO has now complied with U.S. demands for resumption of U.S.-PLO dialogue, begun in late 1988 and suspended by Pres. Bush in wake of a foiled June 1990 PLF attack on Israel. (NYT 9/29)

New PLO Exec. Comm. membership announced.

Palestine National Council meeting begins in Algiers. Chmn. Arafat, calling meeting a "decisive point in the history of the Palestinian cause,' asserts PLO willingness to cooperate with moves to hold peace conference, but without submitting to Israeli "blackmail." Following recent failures to agree on proposed new formulas for PNC composition, either Hamas nor constituent groups of the PNSF are in attendance. PNSF Chmri. Khalid al-Fahum denounces "authoritarian, irresponsible manner" in which composition of PNC was decided, states present composition does not represent all factions. Nayif Hawatma attends the meeting despite 9/21 statement. PNC reelects Shaykh 'Abd al-Hamid al-Sa'ih chairman of PNC after his nomination by Chmn. Arafat, despite al-Sa'ih's earlier statements that he would not seek reelection. PNC also approves expansion of PLO executive committee from 15 to 18 members. (MEM, NYT 9/24; Radio Algiers Network 9/23, al-Quds Palestinian Arab Radio 9/23 in FBIS 9/24)

In Jerusalem, 24 Knesset members from Labor, Mapam, Ratz, and Shinui issue statement urging PNC to authorize Palestinian participation in peace talks. (MEM 9/23)

In Jeiusalem, prominent figures from o.t. hold press conference calling on UN to pressure Israel into allowing residents of the territories who are members of the PNC to attend meeting. (Qol Yisra'el 9/23 in FBIS 9/24)

In leaflet issued in o.t., Hamas denounces PNC as "conference to sell Palestine." (al-Ribat 9/24 in FBIS 10/17)

Pres. Bush addresses UN general assembly, calls for repeal of General Assembly Resolution 3379, adopted in 1975, which calls Zionism aform of racism. Move seen as attempt to improve U.S.-Israeli relations in wake of public dispute over U.S. loan guarantees sought by Israel. (NYT, WP 9/24)

Israeli troops kill three fighters identified as belonging to DFLP (Hawatma faction) who were trying to infiltrate Israel from Syrian front. (NYT 24/9)

Pres. Bush asks Congress to delay considering Israeli loan guarantee request for 120 days. Ignoring the pleas of the U.S. administration, Israel formally submits its request. Request states Israel expects to settle one million immigrants during next five years and reiterates claim that none of the money guaranteed will be spent in the o.t. (NYT 9/7; Israel Television 9/7 in FBIS, 9/9)

In Khartoum, Chmn. Arafat meets with Hamas representatives for the first time. Talks focus on conditions set by Hamas for its attendance at upcoming meeting of PNC. (MENA 9/8 in FBIS 9/9)

PLO executive committee holds meeting. (Sanaa Voice of Palestine 9/8 in FBIS 9/9)

Israeli security forces kill Ahmad Akmil, reportedly a high Fateh official in the West Bank, after an eight-month search for him. (MEM 9/9)

France calls on exiled Lebanese gen. Michel 'Awn to halt his calls for the Lebanese people to overthrow the government of Pres. Ilyas al-Hirawi and fight a war of liberation against Syrian forces. (NYT 9/7)

Amal leader in Lebanon states Israeli pilot Ron Arad is in Lebanese hands and not being held in Iran as claimed 8/29 by Nabil Birri. (Radio Lebanon 9/6 in FBIS 9/9)

Israeli newspaper Ma'ariv publishers poll shows 86% of Israelis support cabinet's decision to attend peace conference. (MEM 8/9)

PLO Executive Committee supports Palestinians who have been meeting with Secy. of State Baker in Jerusalem, in wake of 8/4 death threat directed against the Palestinians. (MEM 8/9)

U.S. officials including Dan Kurtzer, Aaron Miller, and Edmond Hall meet with Faisal Husseini, Hanan Ashrawi to discuss text of U.S.-Palestinian "memorandum of understanding" but fail to reach agreement. Americans met with Israeli officials 8/7 to discuss similar memorandum between U.S., Israel. Palestinians reportedly sought inclusion of demands that peace talks be based on U.N. Security Council resolutions 242, 338, that Israel must withdraw completely from occupied territories, that transition period of Palestinian self-government last for one year only, and that disagreement among peace conference participants be referred to binding international arbitration. (MEM 8/12)

Five-member Arab Maghrib Union, 15 other African countries meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe, issue statement urging PLO inclusion in peace conference. (MEM 8/12)

PLO Executive Committee begins open-ended meetings in Tunis, awaiting response from U.S.-Soviet summit in Moscow to demands put forward in letter to Soviet Pres. Mikhail Gorbachev. Demands include: guarantees that peace conference will result in Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories, including Jerusalem, and granting of Palestinian self-determination; halt to Israeli settlement activity; and composition of Palestinian delegation by representatives chosen by PLO, including Jerusalem residents. (MEM 7/30)

Following meeting with Palestinian activist Faisal Husseini, French For. Min. Roland Dumas calls on Israel to accept E. Jerusalem Palestinians as part of Palestinian delegation to peace conference. Dumas states he was in contact with Secy. of State Baker, but did not claim U.S. or PLO support for his call. (MEM 7/25)

King Hussein meets with senior Jordanian officials, later meets with PLO officials led by PLO Executive Comm. member Mahmud 'Abbas. Talks allegedly center on composition of joint Jordanian-Palestinian delegation to peace conference. Israel continues to insist that no PLO members or E. Jerusalem residents participate inconference. (MEM 7/24; WP 8/2)

At E. Jerusalem press conference, PFLP, DFLP advocate rejection of U.S.-led peace efforts, warn against Palestinian concessions in excess of those authorized by resolutions of PLO Executive Committee, Central Committee, and Palestine National Council. (MEM 7/23) 

At economic summit in Britain, Group of Seven leaders (U.S., Canada, France, Italy, Britain, Japan, and Germany) endorse U.S.-led peace efforts, call for end to both Arab boycott of Israel and Israeli settlement-building. Prime Min. Shamir reacts to linkage of two issues with "disgust." (LAT 7/17; WP 7/20)

Fateh central committee mbr. Khalid al-Hasan criticizes PLO leadership for supporting Iraq in recent Gulf war, urges formation of provisional government comprised of Palestinian independents. He urged restoration of Palestinian-Arab relations. (MEM 7/17)

Hizballah fighters ambush Israeli troops in Kufr Huna, north of Israel's "security zone" in S. Lebanon. Three Israelis killed, including two officers; four others were wounded. One Hizballah fighter died. Clash was most lethal for Israeli troopsince Nov. 1990. Israel has recently begun dispatching patrols north of the "security zone" to engage anti-Israeli forces before their arrival in zone. (WP, MEM 7/18)

Lebanese Def. Min. Michel al-Murr accuses PLO of hiding medium and heavy weapons in refugee camps near Tyre, vows continued blockade of camps until weapons are surrendered. PLO denies it holds such weapons. Issue centers on definition of "medium" weapon: Lebanese army considers rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) as medium weapons; PLO does not. Lebanese army now has some 10,000 troops deployed in S. Lebanon. (MEM 7/16, 7/18)

PLO committee meeting in Tunis agrees to convene Palestine National Council (PNC) within three months, urges PLO executive committee to seek rapprochement with Hamas, Palestinian National Salvation Front groups, which boycotted the meeting after PLO invited only those PNSF groups which had membership in the Palestine National Council before 1983 to participate. PNSF, Islamic Jihad, Fateh-Revolutionary Council (Abu Nidal) later call on committee to "reconsider" call for convening PNC in order to preserve "unity of Palestinian ranks." Committee also urged greaterepresentation from occupied territories within PNC. PNC currently has 637 seats, including 186 allocated to representatives from the occupied territories. PNC meeting would be first since August 1988, when it declared existence of independent Palestinian state, accepted U.N. Security Council resolution 242. (MEM 7/18, 7/26)

Egyptian-Syrian commission agrees to formulate joint foreign policies between the countries. (LAT 7/18)

Meeting of 6 March Damascus Declaration signatoriesnds. The eight states indicate "total agreement" about amendments to declaration but refuse to state what they are. Observers see move as signalling the effective end of the Syrian-Egyptian-led Gulf security plan. (MEM 7/17)

U.S. accuses Iraq of releasing millions of gallons of Kuwaiti crude oil into Gulf; officials say it will have little military significance, but threatens ecology on scale larger than Exxon Valdez disaster. Pres. Bush says spill is "sick" act of desperation, orders Pentagon to find way to stop leak [WAKH 1/26 in FBIS 1/28; NYT, LAT 1/26].

Iraqi SCUD missile hits Riyadh, killing 1 person and wounding 6; 7 missiles are fired at Israel, all are reportedly intercepted by Patriot missiles, but falling debris kills 1 and injures 42 others [RIDS, JAA, IDF 1/25 in FBIS 1/28; NYT, LAT 1/26].

New York Times reports that Pan American World Airways has refused to carry Iraqi passengers since 1/16, for fear of terrorism like that which destroyed Pan Am flight over Lockerbie 2 years ago [NYT 1/26].

Iranian Pres. Rafsanjani restates neutrality in Gulf war; strongly rejects idea that Iran join with Iraq, saying that would be suicide and would mean Iran approved of Iraq remaining in Kuwait [NYT 1/26].

Soviet F.M. Alexander Bessmertnykh meets with members of PLO Executive Committee to explore ways to end Gulf war [LAT 1/26].

EC lifts all restrictions on Israel because of its restraint under Iraqi missile attack; restrictions were imposed in January 1990 to protest closure of Palestinian schools [MEM 1/25].

After day of multinational force bombing successes against Iraq, Baghdad fires as many as 8 SCUD missiles at Israel, hitting Tel Aviv, Haifa, and less populated areas [NYT, LAT, WT, WP, MEM 1/18].

Saddam Hussein defies 2d day of bombing in Baghdad by touring Iraq's capital; vows to defeat multinational force and liberate Palestine; calls on all Arabs to help resist U.S. [NYT, LAT, WP, MEM 1/18].

Anti-U.S. demonstrations erupt in Algeria, smaller protests in European cities but European gov'ts. give full backing to war effort; Iran condemns U.S.-led invasion; Pres. Gorbachev blames Iraqi intransigence for war, but only after trying to get Pres. Bush to postpone attack long enough for Soviet diplomats to try to speak to Saddam Hussein; Japan pledges additional aid for allied effort [MEM 1/17; NYT 1/18].

Turkey's parliament authorizes U.S. fighters and bombers to launch attacks on Iraq from Incirlik Air Base near Adama on the Mediterranean [NYT, LAT, MEM 1/18].

New York Times reports of CIA's psychological warfare against Iraq: broadcasting anti-Saddam propaganda into Iraq, circulat- ing audio and video cassettes depicting Saddam's regime as corrupt, and smuggling radios into Iraq to receive American broadcasts [NYT 1/19].

Curfew in Gaza continues; Israel places West Bank under curfew [JDS, IDF 1/17 in FBIS 1/17].

PLO Executive Committee issues statement decrying U.S. for beginning Gulf war and calling for worldwide resistance [AVP, MAP, AFP 1/17 in FBIS 1/18; MEM 1/17; WP 1/18].

New York Times reports interim P.M. Shamir, 10 days into his attempto form new gov't., is facing same problems as did Peres, may not be able to gather majority of votes [NYT 5/6].

PLO Executive Committee opens meeting in Baghdad, chaired by Arafat, to discuss upcoming Arab summit [BVP 5/5 in FBIS 5/5].

In advance of human rights report to be issued 2/21, U.S. State Dep't. says Israeli soldiers continue to violate Palestinian human rights, causing "avoidable deaths and injuries." State Dep't. also reports "significant increase in violence by Palestinians directed at other Palestinians" (cf. 2/21) [NYT 2/21].

Washington Post article cites recent statements by Israeli gov't. officials to the effect that PLO is continuing terrorism [WP 2/21].

Jordan's P.M. and D.M. Mudar Badran says financial considerations have forced Jordanian fighter pilots to train with Iraqi counterparts; this does not mean joint squadron is being formed. Badran accuses Israel of exploiting the subject [RAY 2/21 in FBIS 2/21].

Egypt's ambassador to Israel, Muhammad Basyuni, says "Egypt does not oppose Jewish immigration to Israel, but does oppose the settling of new immigrants in the territories" [MAA 2/21 in FBIS 2/22].

PLO envoy Hakam Balawi meets with U.S. ambassador to Tunisia Robert Pelletreau to discuss Soviet Jewish emigration to Israel [SVP 2/21 in FBIS 2/23].

Hundreds of Israeli Arabs demonstrate against Interior and Finance ministries, urging them to honor pledge to aid Arab local councils in Israel [FJ 2/26].

Chrmn. of the Supreme Soviet International Affairs Committee, A.S. Dzasokhov, meets in Moscow with PLO Executive Committee members Mahmud Abbas and Sulayman Najjab to discuss strengthening Soviet-Palestinian relations [IZV 2/21].

2 UNIFIL soldiers are killed, at least 6 are wounded by artillery fire directed at S. Lebanon outpost from inside Israel's "security zone"; initial Israeli army statement says bombing occurred during gunfire between SLA and Hizballah [JDS 2/20 in FBIS 2/20; NYT 2/21]; UN protests to Israeli gov't. [WP 2/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Mordechai Eliahu, a chief Israeli rabbi, lifts standing ban on air travel on Jewish sabbath days so that Soviet Jews could arrive in Israel at any time [MET 2/13].

Arab World: Two masked men intercept bus travelling north of Cairo, open fire on Israeli tourists, at least 8 killed, 15 wounded [WP, NYT, LAT, FBIS, CSM 2/5].

Pres. Mubarak telephones P.M. Shamir, conveys condolences about bus attack, affirms that incident should not impede peace process [FBIS 2/5].

PLO Executive Committee issues statement reporting on meetings held in Tunis [FBIS 2/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Israeli army says it will charge 3 soldiers accused of beating a 13-year-old Palestinian and burning him with cigarettes [LAT 2/5].

54-year-old Gaza man is shot dead; he was suspected of collaborating with Israel; at least 9 Gazans are wounded in various clashes [FBIS 2/6].

Gaza Civil Administration reports IDF closed 25 schools in January in the Strip because of disturbances [FBIS 2/6].

Arab World: Lebanese troops loyal to Christian leader Aoun battle fellow Christians north of Beirut in fierce fighting [WP, LAT 2/5]; hand-to-hand combat in East Beirut is reported [MET 2/13]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel's Rabbi Baruch Abu-Hatzera, Sephardim Jewish leader, tells tens of thousands of followers that Israel should negotiate with the PLO to bring about peace. Speech angers Shamir [NYT 1/30; JP 2/3].

IDF reports an increase in the number of suicides among soldiers; 25 in the last 6 months, compared with 11 over the same period in 1988-89 [FBIS 1/29].

Arab World: Georges Saadeh, president of Lebanon's Phalangist Party, resigns from the Syrian-backed cabinet of Hrawi [NYT, WP 1/30; MET 2/6].

PLO Executive Committee holds emergency meeting in Baghdad to discuss Soviet Jewish emigration to Israel [FBIS 1/31].

Other Countries: UN Sec.-General Javier Perez de Cuellar asks UN Sec. Council to renew Unifil mandate in S. Lebanon [MET 2/6].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF demolishes 5 Palestinian homes in Hebron-area village of al-Samoa [FJ 2/5].

B'Tselem reports that 38 Palestinian homes have been demolished or sealed for security reasons this month, more than in any previous month, except for June 1989 [FBIS 1/29].

8 Palestinians are wounded in clash with IDF forces in Ramallah; 9 are reported wounded in Gaza clashes; 2 Israelis autos are torched in Jerusalem [FBIS 1/31]

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: PLO Executive Committee meets in Tunis [FBIS 1/29].

In a press interview, Yasir Arafat says that PLO cadres and Palestinian masses are increasingly pressuring PLO leaders to resort to the use of weapons in the O.T., but that orders remain not to use weapons [FBIS 1/26].

Other Countries: European Parliament recommends that the 12-nation EC suspend scientific cooperation with Israel until it opens Palestinian universities in the O.T; recommendation remains unbinding until accepted by EC's ministerial committee UP 1/27; FJ 1/29].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: General strike, called by Hamas, is observed in O.T. to protest the flow of Soviet Jews to Israel [NYT 1/28; FJ 2/5; MET 2/6].

IDF exchanges fire with unidentified person across Jordanian border near Kibbutz Neve Ur [FBIS 1/26; MET 2/6].

Arab World: Israeli fighter jets bomb Fateh Revolutionary Council base in Lebba, Lebanon. 5 people are wounded [FBIS 1/25; NYT 1/26; MET 2/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gaza military officials issue administrative order allowing authorities toconfiscate property of parents who fail to pay their children's fines or bail [FBIS 12/21].

Arab World: PLO Executive Committee, which met 12/15-12/17 in Tunis, issues communique reaffirming itswillingness to initiate dialogue with Israel, and that only PLO may select detegates to negotiating team [FBIS 12/120].

Yasir Arafat arrives in Amman for 2- day meeting with King Husayn [FBIS 12/ 21].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli military closes indefinitely al-Zahra Girls Secondary School and al-Ramleh Girls Elementary School in Gaza for stone-throwing incidents [FJ 12/25].

27-year-old Palestinian dies during Shin Bet interrogation in Gaza Prison [FBIS 12/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: More than 200 Jews and Arabs demonstrate outside Shamir's office demanding reopening of Palestinian universities [FJ 12/25].

The 3 leading religious patriarchs in Jerusalem cancel Christmas celebrations in O.T., except for those religious ceremonies that call for justice and peace [FJ 12/ 18].

Arab World: PLO Executive Committee opens 2-day meeting in Tunis [FBIS 12/ 20].

Other Countries: Soviet Union says it will not support U.S. effort to have UN Gen. Assembly repeal "Zionism equals racism" resolution [NYT 12/16].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: "Black Panther" group takes responsibility for killing of accused collaborator on 12/14. The killing comes less than 2 weeks after Israeli army said they eliminated the group [JP 12/23; MET 12/26].

Israeli military bulldozes Palestinian home in village of Battir [FJ 12/25].

Shots are fired at IDF patrol from Egypt; no injuries [FBIS 12/19].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: PLO Executive Committee member Jamal al-Surani arrives in Cairo carrying PLO response to Baker's 5 point framework [FBIS 11/21].

Other Countries: USSR has encouraged Syria to abandon quest for military parity with Israel, saying Soviet "new realities" stress "reasonable defensive sufficiency" for Syria [WP 11/20].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli military prohibits Gaza Islamic University's board of trustees from traveling to Kuwait for university conference [FJ 11/27].

Israeli Minister of Police Haim Bar Lev says Civil Administration ispreparing to issue magnetic ID cards to W. Bank Palestinians [FJ 11/27].

Petrol bomb thrown at Israeli fuel truck in Nablus, misses truck but causes minor damage. Soldiers shoot, injure 13- year-old girl. Palestinians report 19-year-old is hospitalized from beating injures when soldiers chased suspects [FBIS 11/ 28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Ha'Aretz poll finds 52 percent of Israelis "are prepared to consider the deportation of Palestinians if a way is not found to make peace," compared to 38 percent who supported transfer 6 months ago [FBIS 11/14].

Arab World: PLO Executive Committee meeting in Tunis issues five additional points for Washington toclarify regarding Israeli-Palestinian negotiations [FBIS 11/ 13].

Other Countries: Japanese officials appeal to visiting F.M. Arens to open talks with the PLO; Arens rejects appeal [WP 11/12].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: A settler from Tulkarm area is stabbed, wounded; 13 Palestinians in Gaza are wounded in clashes with soldiers; army imposes curfew on Nablus and surrounding villages [FBIS 11/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike is observed in the O.T. [FBIS 11/16]. Unified National Command of the intifada issues leaflet number 48 [FBIS 11/14].

Arab World: PLO Executive Committee meets in Tunis [FBIS 11/13].

Other Countries: U.S. Roman Catholic bishops unanimously approve policy statement declaring Palestinians have a right to an independent homeland that is balanced against Israel's right to secure borders [NYT, WP 11/10]. White House announces Pres. Bush will meet with P.M. Shamir on 11/15, during Shamir's visit to the U.S. [WP 11/10].

Military Action

Arab World: UNIFIL reports 27 Katyusha rockets are fired from Lebanon into Israel during the past 24 hours [FBIS 11/13]. 2 Israeli soldiers are wounded in the "security zone" in South Lebanon when a roadside charge explodes [FBIS 11/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: PLO Executive Committee issues 7 points for discussion with Washington concerning the Baker plan [FBIS 11/8].

Other Countries: 2 Israeli soldiers are killed and 2 others are wounded when mobile artillery gun shell explodes during test at U.S. army's proving grounds in Yuma, Arizona. Israelis are in U.S. as part of ''strategic cooperation" initiative between U.S. and Israeli forces [WP, NYT 11/8].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian is shot, killed trying to cross border into Jordan; military says he was wanted by police [MET 11/14]. Police close Jerusalem school for 3 days following stonethrowing incident by students; police use tear gas, rubber bullets to disperse students [FBIS 11/8].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli inner cabinet votes 9-3 to accept Baker's 5-point plan with conditions [NYT, WP 11/6; JP 11/11; MET 11/14].

Arab World: Members of Lebanon's parliament meet at northern airbase in Syrian-controlled territory toelect Rene Moawad as the country's new president [NYT, WP 11/6]. PLO Executive Committee ends meetings in Cairo; reaffirms right of PLO to a role in the peace process [FBIS 11/7].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli military breaks up demonstration by some 2,000 Arabs, clergy, and American visitors supporting Bayt Sahur's tax revolt [MET 11/ 14]. 2 Palestinians accused of collaboration are killed. In Bethlehem, soldiers shoot, wound masked Palestinian. Palestinian wounded 11/3 dies. Security forces declare Bayt Sahur a closed military zone to prevent participation in a peace prayer service, prompting demonstrations there. Firebomb is thrown at Israeli vehicle patrolling E. Jerusalem. At least 5 Palestinians are wounded throughout the O.T. [FBIS 11/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: PLO Executive Committee meets in Cairo for first time in twelve years [FBIS 11/6].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli naval patrol arrests 3 Palestinians aboard a ship bound for Sidon [MET 11/14]. Palestinian woman, 35, is killed for collaborating with Israeli officials [FBIS 11/7; MET 11/14]. Security forces seal three houses in Gaza. In Nablus 17-year-old Palestinian is shot, killed in clash with soldiers. At least 5 Palestinians are wounded throughout the O.T. [FBIS 11/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Army inquiry determines that human error allowed defecting Syrian pilot to penetrate Israeli air space [NYT 10/17].

Arab World: PLO Executive Committee, meeting in Baghdad, calls Sec. of State Baker's proposal for talks between Palestinians and Israelis an attempt to promote Shamir plan [WP 10/17; NYT 10/18].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 5 police officers, 15 Arabs are wounded, and at least 40 Palestinian students are arrested in E. Jerusalem clashes [NYT 10/17]. 8-year-old Palestinian dies of wounds received 10/13. Army closes E. Jerusalem school indefinitely due to demonstrations [FBIS 10/18]

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian lawyer Jamil Tarifi admits meeting with Shamir and informing PLO leadership in Tunis of details of meeting [NYT 7/26].

Arab World: PLO Executive Committee member Mahmud Abbas tells Abu Dhabi-based newspaper, al-Bayan, that PLO accepts elections in O.T. as part of comprehensive settlement [FJ 7/31].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Gaza 20- year-old Palestinian from Shabura camp dies from wounds received 7/23. In Ramallah troops shoot 2 Palestinians. In Gaza Strip 7 Palestinians are shot during demonstrations [FJ 7/31]. Israeli court imprisons 4 soldiers for stealing from Palestinians from Gaza while on duty [NYT 7/26].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel bans membership in Islamic Resistance Movement, Islamic Holy War, Hizballah; membership is punishable by up to 10 years in prison [NYT 6/19].

Arab World: Muhammed Milhem, member PLO executive committee in charge of O.T. affairs, states that PLO accepts election proposal as long as elections are conducted with superpower guarantees [FBIS 6/16].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jewish settler is found stabbed to death outside Ariel [FBIS 6/19, NYT 6/20]. Israeli troops shoot, kill 17-year-old Palestinian in Nablus [NYT 6/19, FJ 6/26]. Soldiers shoot, kill 20- year-old Palestinian in Nablus [FJ 6/26]. In Gaza Palestinian shoots at Israeli soldier, kills Palestinian bystander [NYT 6/19].