The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Israel imposes curfew on 650,000 Palestinians inGaza in anticipation of demonstrations marking the 24th anniversary of first PLO attack on Israel. The army orders 1,200 W. Bank schools closed for week [WP 1/1].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: In Nablus 4 Israeli soldiers in comandeered car open fire on youths; 1 Palestinian is killed. In Bayt Rima troops open fire, kill 1 Palestinian. In E. Jerusalem 14-year-old boy from Shuwaykah dies from head wounds received 12/7; in Shuwaykah troops wound 10 Palestinians at funeral. Soldiers injure 9 more Palestinians throughout O.T. [WP 1/1, Fl 1/9]. In December troops killed 31 Palestinians, wounded over 400, according to MK Yossi Sarid [WP 1/1]; al-Fajr [1/9] reports that 33 Palestinians were killed in December.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli P.M. Shamir says he hopes to start peace talks with Arab governments, Palestinians in next 2 months; he expects Egypt to broker the talks [NYT 12/30]. While touring northern settlements IDF chief of staff Shomron states that recent wave of attempted border infiltrations are being carried out by groups seeking to undermine Arafat [NYT 12/30]. Shamir says infiltrations are encouraged by U.S. decision to open talks with PLO [LAT 12/30].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Gaza City troops shoot, kill 2 Palestinians during what IDF describes as pre-emptive raid to arrest firebombers [NYT 12/30]. In Nablus at least 5 Palestinians are injured during clashes with soldiers. Troops fire tear gas to break up demonstrations in E. Jerusalem. Clashes in Burayj leave several Palestinians injured [FJ 1/2].

Arab World: Israeli helicopter gunships attack Amal positions in S. Lebanon in retaliation for attempted border infiltrations; UN officials state that 8 Arabs are wounded in attack [LAT 12/30].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: PLO Exec. Committee declares that Arafat's statements in Geneva recognizing Israel's right to exist, rejecting terrorism are "in harmony with" recent PNC resolutions [WP 12/28].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Abwayn troops shoot, kill 20-year-old Palestinian [NYT 12/28, FJ 1/2]. In Tulkarm soldiershoot, wound 3 Palestinians. In Balatah 1 Palestinian is shot by Israeli troops. In Nusayrat 8 Palestinians are shot by army. In Khan Yunis 3 Palestinians are wounded in clashes with troops. In Beach camp 2 Palestinians are shot, wounded [FJ 1/2]. Israeli troops shoot, kill 3 Palestinians trying to infiltrate Israel through Negev [LAT 12/29, NYT 12/30].

Arab World: Israeli troops in S. Lebanon shoot, kill 3 Palestinians trying to cross border into Israel [LAT 12/29].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Shamir aide says prime minister may ask U.S., U.S.S.R. to sponsor M.E. peace talks [NYT 12/27].

Arab World: Mubarak makes Israel's acceptance of PLO as Palestinians' representative key to visit to Israel; Israeli F.M. Arens states Israel will "never under any circumstances" deal with PLO [LAT 12/27].

Other Countries: U.S. proposes that Israel and Egypt meet to discuss how to limit spread of ballistic missiles in M.E. [NYT 12/27, WP 12/28].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Gaza Strip 16 Palestinians are injured during clashes with Israeli troops. At least 5 Palestinians are shot, injured in W. Bank. In Shuwaykah troops uproot scores of olive trees [FJ 1/2]

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Labor, Likud agree to form new government. Shamir will retain premiership; Peres will become finance minister; Rabin will remain D. M.; Arens will become F.M. [NYT 12/22].

Arab World: Saudi Arabia pledges $6 million a month to support PLO [FJ 12/26].

Other Countries: UN designates O.T. as underdeveloped, qualifying them for economic, social support from number of UN agencies [FJ 12/26].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 26-year-old Palestinian dies from wounds received in Nablus 12/16 [NYT 12/22, FJ 12/26]. In Tubas 4 Palestinians are shot, wounded. In Qabatiyyah Israeli troops injure 4 Palestinians. In Salfit 2 Palestinians are shot during protests. In Tulkarm troops shoot, wound 1 Palestinian. In Silwad 1 Palestinian is shot, wounded; 100 trees are uprooted, brick factory is demolished. In Nusayrat 1 Palestinian is shot, wounded [FJ 12/26].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike protesting deaths in Nablus enters 3rd day [FJ 12/26]. Israeli television reports that the "civil administration" has decreased amount of money that Palestinians may bring into O.T. from JD400 to JD200 [FJ 12/26].

Arab World: PLO exec. committee member Yassir Abed-Rabbo states PLO will appoint government for State of Palestine in next 2-3 months [CSM 12/20]. King Hussein shakes up Jordanian government; F.M. Taher Masri is ousted, P.M. Zayd Rifa'i increases power [WP 12/20].

Other Countries: E.C. decides to hold talks with Israel, U.S., PLO to press for international peace conference [NYT 12/20]. Arafat meets with Austrian chancellor Vrantisky, F.M. Mock; Austria upgrades PLO representative inVienna to "ambassador" [CSM 12/20].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 13-year-old Palestinian from Nablus dies from injuries received 12/10. In Khan Yunis troops shoot, wound 4 Palestinians; 20 other Palestinians are injured. In Nusayrat 2Palestinians are injured [FJ 12/26].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel condemns U.S. move to begin talks with PLO; Shamir aide states Israel will never meet with PLO [LAT 12/16].

Other Countries: UN votes in favor of calling for M.E. peace conference; call is opposed by U.S., Israel [LAT 12/16]. UN upgrades the status of PLO; PLO will be referred to as Palestine [WP 12/16]. W. Germany, France, United Kingdom, Netherlands praise U.S. decision to talk with PLO [NYT 12/16].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus soldiers shoot, wound 3 Palestinians. In Maythalun 1 Palestinian is injured. In Gaza Strip 9 Palestinians are injured during clashes with Israeli troops. Troops arrest 4 Palestinians in Bir Zeit. Troops demolish 3 Palestinians houses in Dhahriyyah [FJ 12/19].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: After Arafat clarifies UN speech, U.S. announces it will begin talks with the PLO [NYT 12/15]. U.S. vetoes Security Council resolution condemning Israel's 12/9 raid into Lebanon [NYT 12/ 15].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Khan Yunis soldiers shoot, wound 14-year-old boy. In 'Anabtah youth is shot, injured by troops during clash. Palestinians are injured in clashes in Nablus and in Tulkarm, 'Askar camps. In Bil'in IDF destroys building housing town's only medical clinic [FJ 12/ 19]. Israel deports 3 Palestinians from Gaza to southern Lebanon [NYT 12/15].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel dismisses Arafat's offer to talk peace [NYT 12/14].

Other Countries: Arafat addresses UN in Geneva in effort to clarify recent Algiers PNC statement, invites Israel to talk peace. U.S. says Arafat does not meet conditions needed for U.S. -PLO talks [NYT 12/14].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Burin Palestinian is killed after killing settler, soldier [FJ 12/19, WP 12/14]; the Palestinian's house is demolished. Troops shoot, wound at least 3 Palestinians in O.T. [FJ 12/19]. Settler shoots, wounds Palestinian after his car is stoned [WP 12/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jerusalem Post reports Peace Now has launched "Talk peace with the PLO now" campaign UP 12/10].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Gaza City Israeli troops shoot, kill 15-year-old Palestinian. At Ansar II prison Palestinian detainee is shot, killed after stabbing guard. In W. Bank at least 9 Palestinians are shot. In Gaza troops shoot 3 Palestinians [LAT 12/12, FJ 12/19].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: After meeting with U.S. Jews in Sweden, Arafat states, "We accept two states, the Palestinian state and the Jewish state of Israel"; Shultz states PLO has still not fulfilled conditions needed to begin U.S. -PLO dialogue [NYT 12/8].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus soldiers shoot, wound 3 Palestinians. In al-Zawiya at least 12 people are arrested. In Tamun all cars are seized. At least 13 Palestinians are injured in Gaza [FJ 12/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: U.S. refuses to issue Yasir Arafat visa to enter U.S. to address UN on grounds that he abets terrorism; PLO responds that denial violates U.S. obligations to UN [WP 11/27].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nusayrat camp troops shoot, kill 15-year-old Palestinian boy. At least 8 others are wounded in Gaza [FJ 12/5].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Curfew confining 1,000,000 Palestinians to their homes enters 6th straight day [CSM 11/17].

Other Countries: State Dept. and Bush transition team announce that political statement from 19th PNC, which implicitly recognizes Israel, does not meet U.S. requirements for PLO-U.S. talks [NYT 11/ 17]. British P.M. Margaret Thatcher urges Pres. Reagan and Pres. -elect Bush to take a constructive approach to new PLO positions [WP 11/17].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 25-year-old Palestinian from Rafah dies from wounds received during earlier demonstrations. Soldiers wound 2 Gazans with live ammunition. In Ramallah troops arrest 2 Palestinians during demonstrations. In 'Azzun soldiers arrest 15 Palestinians, demolish 3 houses [FJ 11/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli pres. Chaim Herzog calls upon Likud leader Shamir to form new government; Shamir invites Labor into coalition [WP 11/15].

Other Countries: Washington Post publishes report, documents alleging that American Israel Public Affairs Committee endorses candidates and is connected to other pro-Israel PACs that distribute campaign funds [WP 11/14]. Pres. Reagan says that PLO is making "some progress" at the PNC meeting in Algiers [WP 11/15].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus troops shoot, wound 18-year-old Palestinian. In Gaza 3 Palestinians are shot, wounded by Israelis. Military authorities destroy or seal 9 Palestinian homes in the occupied territories. Troops arrest 54 Palestinians during sweep of the W. Bank [WP 11/15].

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

Arab World: Egyptian FM 'Ismat 'Abd al-Majid announces that the PLO and Jordan have agreed in principle to the formation of a confederation after the PLO has come to terms with Israel and the United States [WP 10/28].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nusayrat camp soldiershoot, kill 16-year-old Palestinian. In Khan Yunis 6 Palestinians are injured by gunfire. Gaza hospitals report 73 people treated for beatings, exposure to tear gas, and rubber bullet wounds. In Nablus 8 Palestinians are shot. Near Hebron 3 Palestinians are injured [FJ 10/30].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: The director of the U.S. SDI program announces that Israel has been awarded over $165 million in SDI contracts, more than any foreign country [WP 10/25].

Arab World: The PLO reiterates statements by Chairman Arafat that Israeli Arabs and Jews should vote for "forces that represent the real peace choice" [NYT 10/ 25].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Reuters reports the existence of Israeli undercover "death squads" on W. Bank and Gaza Strip; military spokesman denies that Israel assassinates wanted men [WT 10/24]. In Far'ah refugee camp soldiers shoot, kill 17-yearold Palestinian [NYT 10/25, FJ 10/30]. In Nablus 3 Palestinians are shot, injured by Israeli soldiers. In Nusayrat camp 4 Palestinians are injured during clashes with troops. At Beach camp soldiers shoot, injure 2 Palestinians [FJ 10/30].

Arab World: Israeli warplanes strike Syrian Social Nationalist Party base in south Lebanon. One person is wounded [NYT, WP 10/25]. In south Lebanon Israeli troops capture 7 Palestinian guerrillas trying to cross the Lebanese-Israeli border [WP 10/ 25]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli military authorities order the W. Bank offices of the Arab Bank to close [FJ 10/30].

Arab World: King Hussein of Jordan announces willingness to attend a Middle East peace conference as part of a Palestinian-Jordanian delegation if asked by the PLO [LAT 10/21]. PLO announces that the PNC will meet 12-14 November in Algiers [WP 10/20]

Other Countries: The Committee to Protect Journalists and Article 19, a British group combating censorship, release report denouncing Israel's treatment of Palestinian press [WT 10/20].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Jabalya troops fire to break up demonstrations; 2 Palestinians are injured. At Beach camp 2 Palestinians are injured during clashes with Israeli troops. In Silwad troops injure 3 Palestinians during clashes. In Salim 2 Palestinians are injured during clashes. In Bayt Furik troops destroy 4homes [Fl 10/ 23].

Arab World: Israeli artillery strikes 3 Lebanese villages in response to 10/19 attack on Israeli forces [WP 10/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: After 10 days Israeli authorities lift curfew on the village of Burqa; villagers are forbidden to harvest olive crop [FJ 10/23].

Arab World: Christian Science Monitor reports that Israel's Labor party asked PLO through the Soviets to calm the uprising in order to help with the election [CSM 10/ 17].

Other Countries: Leaders of the American Jewish Congress, the American Jewish Committee, and the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith declare that the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee is out of step with the feelings of the American Jewish community; the three groups have agreed to form a joint political committee to work on behalf of Israel [NYT 10/17]. UNRWA releases its annual report at UN headquarters. In 1987 it spent $207 million to help 2.3 million Palestinian refugees. UNRWA reports that 47 workers are being detained by Israeli authorities [NYT 10/18].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Demonstrations erupt throughout the Gaza Strip: in Rafah 5 Palestinians are shot, injured; in Khan Yunis troops injure 4 people with plastic bullets; in Beach camp 3 Palestinians are injured by Israeli troops. In Salfit 4 Palestinians are wounded by soldiers. In Nablus troops wound 4 Palestinians. In Kufr Thulth troops arrest 15 Palestinians [FJ 10/ 23]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike is observed marking the 35th anniversary of Israel's raid on Qibya [LAT 10/15]. A poll of 1,200 Israelis reveals that 60% are willing to trade some land for peace; 46% favor trading all of the occupied territories for peace; 57% oppose talks with the PLO even if the PLO recognizes Israel and pledges to end terrorism; 71% believe that the PLO does not want peace [LAT 10/ 15]. The military lifts aweek-long curfew on Nablus [LAT 10/15].

Arab World: Hani al-Hasan, senior Fateh official, states the PLO is willing to join Jordan in political confederation in order to satisfy American and Israeli demands [WP 10/16]. Al-Hasan says he is going to Mecca to ask Islamic authorities to issue a fatwa (religious edict) telling Arabs in Israel to vote for the candidate most likely to make peace with the Palestinians [WP 10/16, CSM 10/17].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Kafr Malik troops kill Palestinian, wound another. In Ramallah 19-year-old Palestinian dies from wounds received 10/8. In Bidiya the army demolishes 5 houses and seals another. Throughout the occupied territories 9 other Palestinians are shot, wounded [LAT 10/15].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike is observed in the occupied territories marking the end of the 10th month of the intifadah.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldiers kill 3 Palestinian, 2 in the W. Bank, one near the Egyptian border [WP 10/10]. During demonstrations 20 Palestinians are injured [LAT 10/10]. Troops sweep through 35 villages arresting residents and seizing subversive material [LAT 10/10, Fl 10/16]. The Washington Post states that 302 Palestinians have been killed during the course of the uprising [\WP 10/10].

Arab World: According to Egypt's Middle East News Agency, PLO leaders approved a proposal to renounce terrorism and proclaim an independent Palestinian state in the occupied territories; the proposal will be debated at an upcoming meeting of the Palestine National Council in Algiers [WP 10/10].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Hamas, the Muslim fundamentalist leadership in the occupied territories, and the PLO-backed Unified National Command of the Uprising agree to coordinate activities in the occupied territories [LAT 10/7]. The Progressive List for Peace withstands attempt by Likud and Tehiya to exclude it from upcoming Knesset elections; elections commission rules that the Progressive List for Peace does not oppose the Jewish nature of Israel [WP, LAT 10/7]. A general strike is called in Gaza in remembrance of the first anniversary of the killing of 4 Gazans [FJ 10/11]. Elementary and secondary schools open in East Jerusalem for the first time in over a month [FJ 10/11].

Other Countries: U.S. gives consular immunity to 50 members of Israel's military purchasing and trade mission in New York [WP 10/7]. British Labor party recognizes the PLO as the sole representative of the Palestinian people and the right of Palestinians to a homeland [FJ 10/11].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus 27- year-old Palestinian is killed as troops fire on stone throwers [NYT 10/8], 3 Palestinians are shot [FJ 10/11]. Two Palestinians suspected of collaborating with the Israelis are shot, killed [WJP, LAT 10/7]. At least 19 Palestinians are injured in riots throughout Gaza [FJ 10/11].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli-imposed curfews continue in Balatah, Qalandiya, al-Am'ari, and Tulkarm camps and Qalqiliyyah, 'Azzun, and Dannabah [FJ 9/25].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Gaza 8 Palestinians are injured during clashes. Near Tulkarm one Palestinian is shot; in Bayt Furik one Palestinian is injured; in Hebron one Palestinian is injured [FJ 9/25].

Arab World: Israeli warplanes attack PLO targets near Sidon wounding 5, the 14th such raid this year; 65 people have been killed, 108 injured [LAT 8/24]

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Salah Khalaf (Abu lyad) says the PLO is ready to recognize Israel if Israel simultaneously recognizes the PLO and Palestinian rights to self-determination [LAT 9/13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Turmus 'Aya 2 Palestinians are shot with live ammunition; several others are shot with rubber bullets. In Nablus one Palestinian is shot. Throughout occupied territories at least 75 Palestinians are arrested [FJ 9/18].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: A general strike is observed in the occupied territories [NYT 9/9]. PM Shamir dismisses as without "special value" prospective peace talks between President Reagan, Israeli FM Peres, and Egyptian FM 'Abd al-Majid; Likud members of cabinet are trying to prevent Peres from taking part [LAT 9/9].

Other Countries: Faruq al-Qaddumi, head of PLO Political Department, calls on UN to take temporary control of the W. Bank and Gaza Strip [NYT 9/9].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops shoot, kill 36-year-old Palestinian and wound 10 others [WP 9/9]. In Sa'ir 14-dayold boy dies after being exposed to tear gas [FJ 9/11]. The military announces that 2 soldiers and a reserve army doctor will be tried for causing the death of a 17-year-old Palestinian [WP, NYT 9/9].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: PM Shamir calls for the removal of Avraham Tamir, dir.-gen. of the For. Min., for stating that Palestiniansee the PLO as their leadership [NYT 9/4]. The Israeli airline El Al announces that it will expand the number of flights to South Africa; South African Airways will also increase flights to Tel Aviv [JP 9/3]. In Tal, Israeli troops confiscate donkeys used to take Palestinian goods to market [FJ 9/11].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Jabalya 2 Palestinians are shot during clashes with troops; in Rafah 2 Palestinians are seriously injured during demonstrations [FJ 9/11].

Arab World: PFLP guerrillas clash with fighters from Fateh-Uprising (Abu Musa) in the suburbs of Beirut; 3 Palestinians are killed [NYT 9/4].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: While in Washington the dir.-gen. of the Israeli For. Min., Maj.-Gen. Avraham Tamir, states that the PLO is the "national organization" of the Palestinians [NYT 9/2].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Beach camp 2 Palestinians are shot during demonstrations [FJ 9/4].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel closes the Welfare Federation Association and an East Jerusalem press office, Maktabat al-Hiya, saying the organizations were working on behalf of the PLO [NYT 8/29]. Los Angeles Times poll shows that one-third of Israelis expect and want another National Unity government [LAT 8/29].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Qalqiliyyah an Israeli settler shoots, wounds 2 Palestinians [FJ 9/4]. Soldiers arrest at least 25 during protests. A Gaza hospital reports treating 12 Palestinians for beatings [FJ 9/4].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: According to a poll published in the Jerusalem Post 49% of Israeli Jews believe that Israel should "cause Arabs to leave" in order to preserve the democratic character of the state [JP 8/ 20].

Arab World: Former U.S. pres. Jimmy Carter meets with PLO representatives Cairo [FJ 8/28].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 22-year-old Palestinian shot 18 August in Tammun dies [FJ 8/28]. Hospital officials state that 25 Palestinians are treated for beatings [FJ 8/28]

Social/Economical/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Gaza Strip 650,000 Palestinians are confined to their homes for the 2nd straight day [WP 8/171. Qalqiliyyah, Qabatiyyah, 'Azzun, Tulkarm, and Dannabah are also placed under curfew [FJ 8/21].

Arab World: In Egypt PLO leaders meet with Pres. Husni Mubarak and agree to draft aprogram for a government-in-exile [WP 8/17].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Troops open fire on hundreds of rioting Palestinians at Ketziot (Ansar III) Prison in the Negev; 2 Palestinians die, 1 is wounded [WP 8/17, FJ 8/21]. Another Palestinian prisoner is found hanged in his cell at police headquarters in Jerusalem [FJ 8/21]. At Beach camp, 65-year-old Palestinian dies after being exposed to tear gas [FJ 8/21]. According to officials at al-Shifa Hospital 60 people from Gaza City are treated for beatings [FJ 8/21].