The Palestine Chronology

Israel offers to allow back 10 Palestinians mistakenly deported. The 10 say they would like to return immediately, but that the only crossing point has been mined by Israel. Israel offers to allow an intl. org. to escort them back through 1 of 3 Lebanese-controlled crossing points. (NYT 1/1; Qol Yisra'el 12/31 in FBIS 12/31, 1/4)

Lebanon rejects 12/30 French proposal to place the deported Palestinians under the provisional care of UNIFIL in Lebanese-controlled territory. PM Rafiq al-Hariri meets with Russian then U.S. amb. to Lebanon. (NYT 12/31; VOL 12/31 in FBIS 1/4)

Al-Quds reports that the Palestinian delegation to peace talks has unanimously rejected PM Rabin's 12/27 invitation to an informal meeting. (al-Quds 12/31 in FBIS 1/5)

Four Palestinian factions (PFLP, DFLP-Hawatima faction, PPSF, PLF) issue statement criticizing Palestinian leadership's 12/27 statement for its lack of a plan of political action to counter the 12/17 deportations. (QPAR 1/2 in FBIS 1/4)

PLO advisor and Palestinian delegation steering comm. head Nabil Shaath says the deportations and the peace process are "two battles which have to be led separately," and the Palestinians may have to "bring it [the deportations] to the table of negotiations." (AFP 12/31 in FBIS 1/4)

Ha'Aretz reports that the o.t. security service Shin Bet initially gave PM Rabin a list of 6 Hamas leaders to be deported, and came up with 1 more name when asked to expand the list. Shin Bet was later surprised at the scope of expulsions the IDF was then ordered to carry out. (WP 1/1; Ha'Aretz 12/31 in FBIS 1/4)

Israel announces that 10 of the 415 Palestinians were mistakenly expelled and may return to Israel for possible trial. (Qol Yisra'el 12/29 in FBIS 12/30; WP 12/29)

UN special envoy James Jonah meets with Palestinian delegation mbrs., rejection front and Hamas reps. in East Jerusalem. (IDF Radio 12/28 in FBIS 12/29)

Lebanon bars UN special envoy James Jonah from passing through its territory to visit the Palestinian deportees. (WP 12/29)

Survey finds 46 MKs favor direct talks with PLO, 67 are against, with 2 abstaining. (Yedi'ot Aharonot 12/28 in FBIS 12/29)

Palestinian leadership concludes meetings in Tunis, issues final statement calling for repatriation of deportees and escalation of intifada. The 2 other major issues on Hamas' and the rejectionists' agenda-withdrawal from the peace talks and restructuring the PLO-were not resolved, though continued dialogue unanimously supported. (RMC 12/27 in FBIS 12/28; Jordan Times 12/29 in FBIS 12/29)

PM Rabin meets with UN special envoy James Jonah (undersecy.-gen. for political affairs), refuses to allow humanitarian aid to reach the 415 Palestinian deportees. (WP 12/28)

U.S. jets shoot down Iraqi fighter that entered the southern "no-fly zone." (WP, NYT 12/28)

Lebanon asks U.S. to pressure Israel to allow aid to reach 415 Palestinian deportees, and refuses deportees' request to admit their sick and wounded to Lebanese hospitals. PLO reiterates support of Lebanese stance. (NYT 12/27)

Hamas spokesman Ibrahim Ghawshah strongly denounces Chmn. Arafat's 12/24 statement implying Israel should have executed the killer of the border policeman (Sawt al-Sha'b 12/27 in FBIS 12/28)

Israeli radio announces that 30 out of 44 Labor MKs support negotiations with the PLO. (Qol Yisra'el 12/26 in FBIS 12/28)

IDF shoots dead 15-year-old Palestinian during clashes in Shati' camp, Gaza Strip. (Qol Yisra'el 12/26 in FBIS 12/28)

SIA patrol clashes with Palestinian gunmen in the "security zone," southern Lebanon, killing 1. (Radio Lebanon 12/27, VOL 12/26 in FBIS 12/29)

FMs of Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, PLO, conclude meeting in Cairo, issue statement urging UN to give Israel a deadline to repatriate 12/17 Palestinian deportees, imply peace talks in jeopardy. (NYT 12/25)

Chmn. Arafat says "I would have caught the murderer of the soldier [kidnapped 10/13 by Hamas and found dead 10/15] and killed him!" in interview on deportations, peace talks. (Davar 12/27 in FBIS 12/28)

Palestinian-Israeli delegation including MKs and local council heads, makes deportees-solidarity visit to Red Cross HQ in Gaza, which turns into large demonstration. (ITV 12/24 in FBIS 12/30)

Israel rejects U.S. appeal to allow Palestinian deportees to settle in "security zone," agrees to allow UN and Red Cross to provide food to the deportees. (Davar 12/24 in FBIS 12/28)

Four-mbr. Hamas delegation (pol. bureau head Musa Abu Marzuq, Amman spokesman Ibrahim Ghawshah, Amman rep. Muhammad Nazzal, and Tehran rep. 'Imad al-Qalami) begins talks with PLO in Tunis. (MENA 12/23, al-Dustur, al-Hayat 12/24 in FBIS 12/28)

FM Shimon Peres says "Israel must enter a dialogue with any Palestinian or Palestinian organization that expresses awillingness to reach a peace agreement." (Yedi'ot Aharonot 12/23 in FBIS 12/23)

Two Palestinian brothers killed, up to 80 wounded in clashes with IDF in Gaza Strip. (NYT 12/24)

Hamas accepts Chmn. Arafat's 12/19 invitation to attend Palestinian leadership meetings in Tunis beginning today, is prepared to "transcend all previous disagreements" to close Palestinian ranks over the deportations issue. (RMC 12/20 in FBIS 12/21; al-Sharq al-Awsat 12/21 in FBIS 12/23)

PLO begins meetings with Palestinian peace talks delegation in Tunis. PLO issues statement criticizing Israel, the U.S. in the wake of 7 Palestinian deaths. (MM 12/21)

Hamas and pro-PLO UNLU issue firstever joint statement in o.t. canceling their independently called strike days, urging cooperation in "comprehensive escalation" against Israel to ensure return of the 12/17 deportees. Hamas and PLO activists hold joint rally in East Jerusalem. (MM 12/21; AFP 12/20 in FBIS 12/21; WP 12/21; Qol Yisra'el 12/20 in FBIS 12/22)

Ten Palestinian factions and Islamic Jihad issue separate statements condemning the deportations, as well as current peace talks. (QPAR, Voice of the Oppressed 12/20 in FBIS 12/21)

Meretz faction ministers meet with PM Rabin, urge him to open dialogue with the PLO, ease restrictions in the o.t. (WP 12/21)

U.S. Secy. of State Eagleburger terms the deportations "a terrible mistake." (MM 12/21

UN Security Council "strongly condemns" the 12/17 deportations and demands the deportees' "safe and immediate return" in res. 799. Arab League and Islamic Conference Organization issue similar condemnations. (NYT 12/19; MENA 12/18 in FBIS 12/18; SPA 12/19 in FBIS 12/23)

UNIFIL announces its support of Lebanon's decision not to allow the 415 deportees into Lebanese-controlled territory; will prevent them from entering UNIFIL areas. (VOL 12/18 in FBIS 12/21)

PLO Exec. Comm. issues statement condemning the deportations. Chmn. Arafat calls on Lebanon not to admit the deportees. Hamas spokesman in Amman Ibrahim Ghawshah says the PLO's response to the expulsions "fell far short of what the Palestinian people expected." (MM 12/18; Algiers VOP 12/18 in FBIS 12/21)

Meretz Knesset faction backtracks from 12/17 approval of deportations as a "necessary evil," passes res. stating deportations are a "gross violation of human rights and intl. law." (Qol Yisra'el 12/18 in FBIS 12/18)

Israeli Dahaf poll shows 91% of Israeli Jews support deportations. 55% felt deportations would "reduce the scope of terror attacks," 26% felt they would increase such attacks. (Yedi'ot Aharonot 12/18 in FBIS 12/18; MM 12/18)

IDF shoots Palestinian man dead in al-Arrub camp, W. Bank. (MM 12/21)

Israel expels 415 suspected Muslim activists, 251 from the West Bank, 164 from the Gaza Strip to Lebanon. High Court of Justice temporarily blocks the expulsions, then votes 5 to 2 to permit them. UNIFIL forces try to block buses carrying deportees from traveling through their territory. Lebanese army blocks the deportees from entering govt.- controlled territory, leaving them stranded between Israeli and Lebanese checkpoints. (WP 12/17, 12/18; Qol Yisra'el, Radio Lebanon, VOL 12/17, 12/18 in FBIS 12/18; NYT 12/18)

Eighth round of Arab-Israeli peace talks ends. Arab parties boycott 12/17 meetings to protest deportations. PLO announces talks suspended until deportees allowed back. (Tunisian Republic Radio 12/17 in FBIS 12/18; NYT, WP 12/18)

Pres. Bush meets separately with all delegations involved in peace talks for 20-25 minutes each; he meets with Palestinians and Jordanians together, then with Jordanians alone for 15 minutes. (Radio Jordan 12/17 in FBIS 12/18)

Hamas denounces the expulsions as "total war"; their legitimate targets, previously limited to soldiers, now include "every Zionist in Palestine." Arab MKs condemn deportation ruling, threaten to withdraw support of governing coalition. UNLU issues supplement to call no. 90 condemning the deportations. (IDF Radio 12/17 in FBIS 12/18; AFP 12/17, Sanaa VOP 12/18 in FBIS 12/21)

U.S. State Department "strongly condemns the action of deportation". Pres.-elect Bill Clinton is critical, though not condemnatory of the expulsion. UN Secy.-Gen. Butrus-Ghali asks Israel to "rescind the expulsion order." (NYT 12/18

Israeli govt. submits proposed amendment to Knesset that would permit contacts with the PLO. (Qol Yisra'el 11/30 in FBIS 12/1)

Ramallah-based Palestinian Public Opinion Research Center releases poll of 1,000 o.t. residents on peace process. 68% said the negotiations have "a chance" for achieving peace; 25% see no hope in negotiations, whatever the terms. 76% accept autonomy if it leads to Palestinian sovereignty, 61% say rejectionists have no reliable agenda to confront the peace process. (al-Fajr 12/1 in FBIS 12/3)

Peace Now releases o.t. demographic survey, concluding that settlement movement in o.t. has failed, with inflated govt. investment over the years resulting in a small number of settlers who only provoke violence. Yesha Council (of Jewish Communities in Judea, Samaria and Gaza) charges Peace Now with tailoring facts to fit their political orientation. (IDF Radio 11/30 in FBIS 12/1; MM 12/1)

Al-Quds al-Arabi publishes interview with Chmn. Arafat criticizing Syria for "adopting" the ten rejectionist factions, Iran and the Gulf states for supporting Hamas. (MM 12/1)

Katyusha rocket fired at IDF post in "security zone" (first such firing since 11/12), followed by bombardment of SLA positions north of zone. Israel, SLA shells Iqlim al-Tuffah region. (Radio Lebanon, VOL 12/1 in FBIS 12/1)

After speech commemorating 1947 UN partition res., PM Rabin says Chmn. Arafat is blocking peace talks for personal, not ideological reasons, because the PLO, like the World Zionist Organization after the founding of Israel, will become marginalized when a political settlement is reached. (Qol Yisra'el 11/29 in FBIS 11/30; MM 11/30)

On this UN-sponsored Day of Solidarity with the Palestinians, general strike observed in the o.t., King Hussein, Chmn. Arafat call for expanded UN role in peace negotiations. (Qol Yisra'el 11/29 in FBIS 11/30; MM, WT 11/30)

Russian amb. to Tunisia meets with Chmn. Arafat in Tunis, delivers message from Russian Pres. Yeltsin. (Algiers VOP 12/28 in FBIS 12/30)

IDF shoots Palestinian youth dead in Hebron. (Qol Yisra'el 11/29 in FBIS 11/30)

French Pres. Mitterrand concludes 2-day visit to Israel, after meeting with PM Rabin, FM Peres, Faisal Husseini. At news conference, Mitterrand says the PLO is "the only valid partner" in peace talks, and without its participation the talks cannot move forward. (MM 11/26, 11/27; ITV, Qol Yisra'el 11/26, 11/27 in FBIS 11/27; NYT 11/27)

Israeli appeals court rules that Palestinian Israeli poet Shafiq Habib is not guilty of fomenting violence in poems praising the intifada; overturns $3,100 fine, 3-year suspended jail sentence. (NYT, WP 11/27)

Israeli org. of Jews who left Arab countries in 1948 calls for precise accounting of property and assets left behind to use when issue of refugee compensation comes up at peace negotiations. (MM 11/26)

Hamas-PLO reconciliation meeting in Khartoum collapses as Hamas fails to show up (see 10/11); Chmn. Arafat meets with Sudanese Islamic leader Hasan al-Turabi, who had offered to serve as mediator. Hamas releases statement in Amman demanding apology from Arafat for threatening their group, tying it to Iran (see 11/7). (MM 11/17; Jordan Times 11/17 in FBIS 11/17)

Jewish settlers toss grenade into crowded market of Jerusalem's Old City Muslim quarter, killing 71-year-old Palestinian man, wounding 11 others. Radical groups Kach and Kahane Hay both claim responsibility for the attack, 2 years after the assassination of Rabbi Meir Kahane in New York. (MM 11/16; MM, NYT, WT 11/17)

In Tel Aviv, some 100,000 demonstrate against territorial compromise on the Golan Heights. (WT 11/17; Qol Yisra'el 11/17 in FBIS 11/17)

Commission investigating Palestinian prisoner conditions issues 20 main recommendations that have been approved by the police min. (MM 11/16)

Israeli delegation rejoins refugee talks in Ottawa, after receiving written U.S. assurances that Palestinian delegation head Muhammad Hallaj is no longer a member of the PNC. Palestinians begin talks with demand for discussion of right of return for all refugees, including those from 1948. (Qol Yisra'el 11/12 in FBIS 11/13; WP 11/13)

Bir Zeit University (near Ramallah, W. Bank) holds student council elections. Pro-Fateh faction "shelved their differences" over the peace talks with a pro-PFLP faction and a pro-DFLP (Hawatima wing) faction, to form a united pro-PLO front, which defeated the pro-Hamas candidates by 66% to 33% of the vote. In winner-take-all election, 5 seats go to Fateh, 3 to PFLP, 1 to DFLP. (WP 11/12)

Hizballah lose 1 gunman, kill 1, wound 3 IDF soldiers, kill 1 UN soldier, in rocket and machine-gun attacks in "security zone." Israel attacks from the air and heavily shells Hizballah target villages north of "security zone." (Qol Yisra'el 11/12 in FBIS 11/12; Radio Lebanon 11/12 in FBIS 11/13; WT, WP 11/13)

U.S. Amb. to Israel William Harrop delivers message to PM Rabin urging "continue[d] restraint" vis-a-vis Hizballah, as long U.S. diplomatic efforts to quell the violence continue in Beirut and Damascus. (MM 11/13)

IDF fatally shoots Palestinian youth in Hebron, W. Bank. IDF opens fire on Khan Yunis demonstrators, injuring 19; 2 suspected collaborators are killed in Gaza Strip, under curfew since 11/11 (MM 11/13)

King Hussein announces amnesty in honor of his 58th birthday (11/14) that will free 140 political prisoners, including those sentenced 11/10. (WP 11/13)

Israeli delegation walks out of multilateral talks on refugees in Ottawa, because Palestinian delegation head Muhammad Hallaj is a PNC mbr. Elie Sanbar, head of delegation at earlieround, had already been barred as a member of the PLO Cent. Council (see 10/8). (MM, WP, WT 11/12)

Palestinian delegation presents report on o.t. human rights conditions to Israeli delegation, which has now agreed to discuss the issue. (MM 11/13; Qol Yisra'el 11/13 in FBIS 11/13) 

PM Rabin tells cabinet he must first consult U.S. Pres.-elect Bill Clinton on implications of amending 1986 law to legalize meetings with the PLO. (Qol Yisra'el 11/11 in FBIS 11/13)

Chmn. Arafat meets with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo. (MENA 11/11 in FBIS 11/12)

IDF fatally shoots 1 Palestinian in W. Bank, 3 in Gaza Strip, where demonstrations, clashes and a general strike following 11/10 gunbattle caused over 20 injuries. (MM 11/11; Qol Yisra'el 11/11 in FBIS 11/13; NYT, WP 11/12)

Israel builds up armored presence in "security zone" to the highest levels since 1985, and attacks Hizballah targets near Tyre, Lebanon. (NYT, WP 11/12)

PLO officials led by Faruq al-Qaddumi and Syrian officials led by Faruq al-Shara' meet in Damascus, discuss U.S. election, Israeli-Jordanian draft agenda, upcoming round of negotiations. (RMC 11/7, SARA 11/8 in FBIS 11/9)

PFLP and DFLP (Hawatima wing) issue joint statement rejecting Israeli-Jordanian agenda. (MM 11/9)

Chmn. Arafat issues "strict instructions" forbidding the killing, kidnapping, or threatening of any person in o.t., for whatever reason. (al-Sha'b 11/9 in FBIS 11/10; NYT 11/10)

Knesset subcomm. dealing with o.t. Civil Admin. matters tours Gaza Strip, meets with PLO officials and settlers. Opposition MKs boycott the tour because of its emphasis on meetings with Palestinian inhabitants. (Qol Yisra'el 11/8 in FBIS 11/9)

Israeli warplanes attack Hizballah base in Lebanon, killing 7, prompting Islamic Resistance to fire rockets into "security zone" and northern Israel. (Qol Yisra'el 11/9 in FBIS 11/9; NYT 11/11)

In interview with al-Hayat, Chmn. Arafat urges Pres.-elect Bill Clinton to resume dialogue with the PLO. He also strongly criticizes Hamas, warning of "retaliation" if acts of violence continue in the o.t. (AFP 11/7 in FBIS 11/9; NYT 11/10)

PLO Exec. Comm. mbrs., as well as Palestinian delegation head Faisal Husseini, meet with Jordanian FM Kamil Abu Jaber to discuss draft Israeli-Jordanian agenda for negotiations (see 11/1). Palestinians seek definite reference in the agenda to UNGA 194 (the right of return), and clarifications on wording of references to Palestinian o.t. (Jordan Times 11/8 in FBIS 11/9; MM 11/9)

PFLP Red Eagle gunmen shoot, kill suspected collaborator in Shabura camp, Gaza Strip. (Qol Yisra'el 11/7 in FBIS 11/10)

Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood parliamentary bloc issues statement rejecting draft Israeli-Jordanian agenda as a retreat from declared peace principles, calling on govt. to not ratify it. Hamas issues similar statement. (Jordan Times 11/8 in FBIS 11/9)

King Hussein says it is time for Iraqis to end the rule of Saddam Hussein, install govt. of "pluralism, democracy." (NYT 11/8)

Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics releases latest figures showing that the Jewish birthrate has dropped to its lowest rate since 1948-2.6 children per woman. The Muslim rate is 4.7, slightly higher than last year, but much lower than the 1948 figure. Influx of immigrants kept the Jewish majority steady at 81.9%. (NYT 11/8)

Israel and Jordan agree on draft agenda for negotiations with a formal peace treaty as the eventual goal, within the framework of a comprehensive Arab-Israeli settlement. This first mutual written agreement between Israel and the Arab side includes discussion of the Jordanian territorial demand, and construction of the "Red-Dead canal" between the two seas (see 10/22). (Jordan Times 10/29 in FBIS 10/29; WT 10/30; Educational TV [Israel], ITV 11/1 in FBIS 11/2; NYT 10/29, 11/2)

SHAS withdraws demand for Ed. Min. Shulamit Aloni's ouster, calling instead for her apology and pledge to abstain from religious exhortation, as well as expanded powers for its own dep. ed. min. MAPAM demands 4th cabinet portfolio for Meretz coalition, of which it is a part, calls for no capitulation to SHAS demands. (IDF Radio, Qol Yisra'el 10/28 in FBIS 10/29)

Israeli district court orders govt. to pay $62,000 in damages to family of unarmed Palestinian killed in 1988 by undercover IDF unit, $20,000 to family of Palestinian wounded in same incident. Precedent-setting ruling "basically" rejected Shin Bet claim that soldiers were on a military operation, an act of state with no liability. (WT 11/6; al-Fajr 11/9)

Knesset comm. decides not to revoke the parliamentary immunity ofMKs Naomi Chazan (Meretz), 'Abd al-Wahhab Darawsha and Taleb al-Sana (Arab Democratic Party), and Hashem Mahamid (HADASH) for meeting with top PLO officials recently, by vote of 8 to 6. (IDF Radio 10/28 in FBIS 10/29; WP 10/29)

"Tens of thousands" of Palestinians in Syria and Jordan demonstrate against the peace talks (see 10/26). (QPAR 10/28 in FBIS 10/29, 10/30)

King Hassan of Morocco meets with King Hussein in Amman. (MM 10/29)

Lebanese UN rep. lodges complain to UNSC over recent Israeli attacks, calls for implementation of UNSC Res. 425. (Radio Lebanon 10/29 in FBIS 10/29)

Seventh round of Arab-Israeli negotiations begins in Washington, D.C., to continue until 11/20, with a 1-week break around the U.S. elections. Israeli chief negotiator with the Palestinians Elyakim Rubinstein gives letter to Palestinian delegation head Haydar 'Abd al-Shafi focusing on recent wave of violence in o.t. 'Abd al-Shafi responds with comments about Israel's handling of the Palestinian prisoner hunger strike. U.S. tells Palestinian negotiators they should drop insistence on full Israeli withdrawal from the W. Bank and Gaza Strip. (MM 10/21, 10/22; Qol Yisra'el 10/22 in FBIS 10/22; NYT 10/22)

Israel presents Syria with "fresh paperwork" to frame discussions of Golan Heights that reflects not new proposals, but more forthcoming language-talk of "territorial dimension" is replaced by explicit use of the word "withdrawal." Syrian delegation head Muwaffaq al-'Allaf says the Israeli ideas are "old and unsatisfactory." (MM 10/21, 10/22; Qol Yisra'el 10/22 in FBIS 10/22; NYT 10/22)

PLO pol. dept. head Faruq al-Qaddumi meets with French FM Roland Dumas in Paris. Chmn. Arafat meets with Spanish FM in Tunis. (Algiers VOP 10/22 in FBIS 10/23)

Israel accepts Tunis' offer to host next round (beginning 1/93) of multilateral talks on refugees. Israel rejects a proposal to include the issue of family reunification at upcoming refugee talks in Ottawa, saying it is an attempt to introduce the Palestinian right of return through the back door. (Ha'Aretz 10/22 in FBIS 10/22)

Tsomet party joins Likud and National Religious Party in submitting motion of no-confidence to be debated when the Knesset winter session opens 11/2. (Qol Yisra'el 10/21 in FBIS 10/22)

Palestinian gunmen attack IDF vehicle, wounding 2 soldiers, in drive-by shooting near Hebron. (MM 10/22

Arab FMs from Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and the PLO conclude coordination meeting in Amman, issue statement reiterating commitment to comprehensive peace. (VOL, Radio Jordan 10/18 in FBIS 10/19; MM 10/19)

Palestinians kill 2 suspected collaborators in Gaza Strip. (Qol Yisra'el 10/19 in FBIS 10/20)

Two FRC mbrs. are assassinated on the seashore in Sidon, Lebanon. (VOL 10/18 in FBIS 10/19)

PLO Central Council meeting ends in Tunis, issues statement giving "green light" to peace delegates. Unity prevailed as opposition figures either did not attend, or did not voice proposals made earlier in public. Only the DFLP (Hawatima wing) rejected the majority recommendations, and withdrew from the final sessions. The PFLP voiced reservations but signed the final statement. (MM 10/19; Sawt al-Sha'b 10/20 in FBIS 10/20)

Four Palestinian factions participating in PLO Cent. Council meeting-DFLP (Hawatima wing), PFLP, PLF, PPSF-submit memorandum to Cent. Council rejecting all self-rule proposals and urging a pullout from peace talks. (QPAR 10/17 in FBIS 10/19)

Chmn. Arafat conveys condolences to Pres. Mubarak over recent earthquake in Cairo, then meets with Egyptian FM 'Amr Musa and PLO officials. Musa tells them he has received an Israeli "promise" to work toward finding an interpretation of UNSC 242 "satisfactory to all parties." (MENA 10/17 in FBIS 10/19; Sawt al-Sha'b 10/19 in FBIS 10/19)

One Israelis killed and 9 injured in roadside bomb attack outside a settlement near Ramallah, W. Bank. (Qol Yisra'el 10/18 in FBIS 10/19; WP 10/18; MM 10/19)

Three suspected collaborators shot dead in Nablus, W. Bank, reportedly by the Black Panthers. (NYT 10/18)

Funeral in E. Jerusalem for Palestinian prisoner who died after hunger strike, and a cousin shot at a protest supporting the hunger strike turns into multi-factional nationalist demonstration. (NYT 10/18)

Settlers stone Arab cars during second day of demonstrations iouthern Galilee after death of Israeli farmer 10/15. (MM 10/17)

Israeli Police Min. Moshe Shahal meets with Palestinian lawyers, agrees to minor concessions on prisoner demands (see 10/11), rejects the prisoners' major demands, including closure of some solitary confinement wards. Israel reports 240 prisoners are still on strike at Nafha jail; Palestinians claim figure is higher and that strike is still on at other jails. (Qol Yisra'el 10/13 in FBIS 10/14)

Dozens of settlers from Kiryat Arba try to break into structures at "Giv'at Haharsina," a settlement they tried to establish 8/9 in defiance of IDF orders. IDF and Border Police seal roads to the site, declare "Judea district" a closed military zone, detain about 20 settlers. Hebron rabbis call on settlers to disobey army orders. (ITV 10/13 in FBIS 10/14)

Palestinian gunman is killed, IDF soldier wounded in shootout in Khan Yunis. 13- year-old boy wounded in 10/10 clashes dies in Tel Hashomer hospital. Curfew remaining in force in most of Gaza Strip since 10/11 brings some quiet. (Qol Yisra'el 10/13 in FBIS 10/14; MM 10/15)

"Heavily armed" 3-man DFLP (Hawatima wing) squad is captured by IDF forces as they approach the Israeli border at the far eastern end of the "security zone" in southern Lebanon. (MM 10/14; Qol Yisra'el 10/14 in FBIS 10/16)

Rockets are fired into the air to celebrate arrival of PLO official Ahmad Mansur 'Azzam in 'Ayn al-Hilwa camp, Sidon, Lebanon, who is on a mission to quell FRC-Fateh violence in the camps. Bombs explode outside the homes of 2 Palestinians in Sidon, 1 of whom is an FRC official. (VOL, Radio Lebanon 10/13 in FBIS 10/14)

Palestinian prisoners suspend hunger strike for one week after Israeli official promise to begin investigation of their demands 10/12. (ITV 10/11 in FBIS 10/13; MM, WP 10/12)

Palestinian delegation head Faisal Husseini "rejects" conditions Israel is trying to place on Palestinians participating in multilateral negotiations (see 10/8). (al-Quds 10/12 in FBIS 10/14)

Hamas announces it will meet with PLO Chmn. Arafat in Khartoum 11/10 in attempt to curtail intra-Palestinian violence. (al-Sharq al-Awsat 10/12 in FBIS 10/19)

Israeli visiting a Gaza settlement is killed by unidentified assailant; IDF troops kills 2, wound 40 in clash with stonethrowers in Nusayrat camp, Gaza. Curfew clamped on Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Rafah, and 3 camps in the Strip. (MM, WP 10/12; ITV 10/11 in FBIS 10/13)

IDF shoots, kills 2 infiltrators from Jordan, armed with knives, north of Jericho. Jordanian sourcesay the 2 were 17-year-old Palestinians from Hebron living in Amman. (MM 10/12; Qol Yisra'el, RMC 10/12 in FBIS 10/13)

U.S. officials elaborate on acting Secy. of State Eagleburger's 10/1 letter to American Jewish leaders announcing new efforts to end Arab boycott against Israel, saying U.S. ambs. in the Middle East (mostly in the Gulf ) have-been instructed to encourage Arab govts. to make gestures that could boost the peace process (see 9/24, 10/1). (WP 10/12)

Over 80 PNC mbrs. living in Amman sign memo to PLO Central Council supporting the intifada, the delegation and negotiation process, and resolutions of the 19th PNC, and calling for Palestinian and Arab unity in the peace process. (Sawt al-Sha'b 10/12 in FBIS 10/13)

Several thousand Palestinians demonstrate in Rafah and Mughazi, Gaza Strip, in solidarity with 11-day-old prisoners' hunger strike. IDF shoot and wound at least 90 in trying to disperse crowds. Nearly 500 students at Bir Zeit University embark on indefinite hunger strike until detainees' demands are met. (MM 10/7, 10/8; NYT, WP 10/8)

In Amman, Chmn. Arafat meets with PNC mbrs., then with PFLP head George Habash, the leading PLO opposition figure, to discuss the peace process. (Radio Jordan, RMC 10/7, 10/8 in FBIS 10/8; al-Hayat in MM 10/9)

French FM Roland Dumas meets with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo, then meets separately with PM Rabin and FM Peres in Jerusalem. The U.S. has reportedly sent word to Israel that the Dumas initiatives, centered on arranging a Rabin-Asad summit, do not advance the peace process. Palestinian and Jordanian sources are "suspicious" of Dumas' efforts, as he has made no effort to meet with the PLO, and appears to be working toward only a partial settlement. (Ha'Aretz al-Quds, al-Dustur 10/5 in MM 10/5)

Al-Sharq al-Awsat reports that Chmn. Arafat has solicited the help of Pres. Mubarak in curbing Syrian support of oppositionist Palestinian factions. Ten such orgs. signed a statement attacking the peace process 9/18 in Damascus. Mubarak reportedly promised to speak to Pres. Asad on the matter. (al-Sharq al-Awsat 10/4 in FBIS 10/8)

Hizballah gunmen attack Bayt Yahun crossing point in central "security zone," S. Lebanon, kill SLA security chief Hussein 'Abd al-Nabi, 1 other SLA militiaman. Hizballah loses 2 in the fighting. Israel shells and strafes the area. (Radio Lebanon, AFP 10/4 in FBIS 10/5; al-Nahr 10/5 in MM 10/5

Israeli FM Shimon Peres invites Pres. Asad to meet with PM Rabin in speech to UN General Assembly. Rabin says summit is very desirable, but premature atthis point. (IDF Radio 10/1 in FBIS 10/2; WSJ 10/2)

IDF shoots, kills Palestinian youth near Janin, and wounds 2 trying to disperse demonstration of 1,500 Palestinians at Gaza military HQ. Strikes, protests, marches, and sit-ins throughout the o.t. have been staged and expanded since 9/27 in solidarity with 5,000 prisoners on hunger strike in 10 Israeli jails. Faisal Husseini says PLO discouraged the strike. (Qol Yisra'el 10/1 in FBIS 10/8; MM 10/1, 10/2)

Acting U.S. Secy. of State Eagleburger sends letter to Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations announcing arenewed U.S. campaign to end the Arab boycott againstrade with Israel, to be coordinated with similar European efforts. Letter follows 9/24 meeting between Conference leaders and White House Chief of Staff James Baker (see 10/11). (WP 10/12)

Qatar suspends 1965 border agreement with Saudi Arabia, reports that Saudi forces have seized the disputed border post of al-Khafus. Saudi Arabia denies seizure. (MM 10/1; SPA, AFP, Radio Qatar 10/1 in FBIS 10/2; NYT 10/2)

PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. Mahmud Abbas (Abu Mazin) plays down Palestinian fears of separate Israeli-Syrian peace, responding to recent reaffirmations by Syria of commitment to comprehensive settlement. Abbas says it is not important ifone track moves slightly ahead of another as long as there is a simultaneous final agreement. (al-Hayat in MM 9/30)

Arab FMs hold annual coordination meeting in New York. Egyptian FM 'Amr Musa says Syria requires a clear Israeli statement of willingness to withdraw from Golan Heights before top-level Israeli-Syrian meetings can take place. FMs of Jordan, Syria, Lebanion, Egypt, and the PLO hold separate meeting regarding the peace process. (MENA, Syrian Arab TV 9/29 in FBIS 9/30; WP 10/1)

Hamas supporters attack house near a "Hamas-controlled" mosque in Khan Yunis, Gaza, prompting retaliation by residents and Fateh-affiliated Black Panthers; 70 are wounded in most serious Fateh-Hamas clash since July. (MM 10/2)

Palestinian man attacks Israeli soldier with an axe north of Jerusalem, is shot dead by another soldier. (MM 10/1)

Qatar reports Saudi attack on border post, killing 2; Saudi Arabia reports Qatari attack on Saudi Bedouin in which 1 Saudi, 2 Qataris die. (WP 10/1)

PLO rejects all statements favoring permanent settlement of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, and reaffirms applicability of UNGA Res. 194. (Algiers VOP 9/23 in FBIS 9/25)

Palestinians stage general strike in o.t. to protest autonomy talks. Strike widely honored, in o.t., but response is strongest in Gaza Strip, Syria, and Lebanon; weaker in E. Jerusalem and W. Bank, negligible in Jordan. (MM 9/24; WP 10/14)

FM Shimon Peres and UN Secy. Gen. Butrus Butrus Ghali meet in New York, agree to raise UN from observer to participant status in multilateral negotiations. They also discuss the "extraneous and bizarre resolutions that the UN reaffirms year in and year out"; Butrus Ghali promises to help Israel "strike those... .off the agenda." (ITV 9/24 in FBIS 9/25)

In meeting with acting U.S. Secy. of State Eagleburger, Syrian FM Faruq al-Shara' refers to "total peace" in exchange for total Israel withdrawal from Golan Heights. (IDF Radio 9/23, SARR 9/24. in FBIS 9/24; MM 9/24)

Israeli education min. Shulamit Aloni says PM Rabin is prepared to return the entire Golan Heights in exchange for a peace agreement with Syria. Speaking to Golani settlers, PM Rabin refers to private "red lines" concerning the Golan, rules out leasing Golani territory, as that would concede its sovereignty to Syria. (MM 9/24; NYT 9/26; Yedi'ot Aharonot 9/25 in FBIS 9/25; Hadashot 9/25 in FBIS 9/28)

Test flight of Israeli Arrow antiballistic missile is deemed successful. (IDF Radio 9/23 in FBIS 9/24; MM 9/24)

Fateh mbr. Nimr Dib Shibli (Abu Kayyid) is assassinated in Sidon, Lebanon. (Radio Lebanon 9/23 in FBIS 9/25)

U.S. Amb. to Israel William Harrop says "Israel should not be asked to express readiness to withdraw from the Golan Heights before Syria makes clear its position on the substance of peace." (Ha'Aretz 9/22 in MM 9/22)

UNLU issues addendum to call no. 86 (see 9/1) calling for unity in the Palestinian ranks under the PLO, and criticizing different factions' declarations rejecting the peace process. (Algiers VOP 9/22 in FBIS 9/23)

FM Shimon Peres meets with EC FMs in New York. (Qol Yisra'el 9/22 in FBIS 9/22)

Palestinian gunman disguised as an IDF soldier shoots and kills Israeli policeman in East Jerusalem. Hamas claims responsibility. (MM 9/22; NYT 9/23)

Israeli and Arab delegations agree to adjourn negotiations from 9/4 to 9/14, to reconvene then until 9/24. (MM 9/2; GPO 9/2 in FBIS 9/3)

Israeli delegation presents Palestinian delegation with 6-point discussion agenda, proposes establishment of 2 working groups on human rights, legal issues. (Qol Yisra'el 9/2 in FBIS 9/3)

Palestinian delegation tries to admit East Jerusalem lawyer Raja Shehadeh to the talks as legal advisor, says his inclusion would have no symbolic value vis-a-vis status of Jerusalem. Israel refuses, citing Madrid framework for delegation membership. (MM 9/3; IDF Radio 9/3 in FBIS 9/3)

Acting Secy. of State Eagleburger meets separately with heads of Lebanese, Syrian, and Palestinian delegations. (VOL 9/3 in FBIS 9/4)

Council of Jewish Settlements in Judea, Samaria, and Gaza dispute housing min.'s 6/1 figures, claim 296 units have been sold in the o.t. since 7/20. Official ministry reaction stands by original figure of 2 units sold. (Yedi'ot Aharonot 9/3 in FBIS 9/4)

Jerusalem policy planning unit issues report on potential building in Jerusalem: 39,880 units in Jewish neighborhoods, 15,260 in "non-Jewish" neighborhoods. (Ha'Aretz 9/2 in FBIS 9/3)

PM Rabin says Israel must find a solution to "the problem of the Gaza Strip," because it is not going to "sink into the sea," in remarks to Washington Institute for Near East Policy conference in Jerusalem. Palestinians "can forget about" Israel changing its policy. "We are in control of the territory, and we will not move an inch." (MM 9/3; Ha'Aretz, Davar 9/3 in FBIS 9/3)

Palestinian-Israeli council heads end 11- day protest outside PM Rabin's office, agree to open schools in response to grant of NIS 70 million for development budgets, NIS 10 million for schools. Ethiopian immigrants clash with police in Jerusalem. (MM 9/2; Qol Yisra'el 9/2 in FBIS 9/3)

PM Rabin announces Israel will not actively oppose U.S. sale of F-15s to Saudi Arabia. (WP 9/3)

Senior PLO officer Lieut. Col. Hani Zuhayr al-Dubayky is assassinated in Beirut. (VOL 9/2 in FBIS 9/3; NYT 9/4)