The Palestine Chronology

Syrian-Israeli talks end with sides agreeing on general needs but, to the U.S.'s chagrin, not discussing specifics. Pres. Clinton briefly meets with Syrian, Israeli generals at the White House. (WT 6/28; QY 6/29 in FBIS 6/29; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/30; AFP, Davar 6/30, SARR 7/1 in FBIS 7/3; SATN 6/29, AFP 6/30 in FBIS 7/5; MEI 7/7; JP 7/8)

In Cairo, Israeli-PA talks on transfer of authority, elections, redeployment close. In transfer talks, sides agree on principle of giving PA control of all civilian spheres before elections, but talks stick on agriculture, electricity. Elections talks stick on size of council, Jerusalem. (MM 6/29; MENA 6/29 in FBIS 7/3)

A 2d briefing paper prepared by the IDF Planning Branch for the Israeli-Syrian talks is leaked to the press. (ITV 6/29, HA, IDF Radio, ITV 6/30 in FBIS 7/3; SARR 7/5 in FBIS 7/5; Davar 6/29 in FBIS 7/7)

Jerusalem City Council passes Mayor Ehud Olmert's decision to give PLO 2 wks. to request rezoning for Orient House or face legal action for violating the building code by running an office in a building zoned for a hotel. (JP 6/30 in FBIS 7/3)

In Hebron, Israeli border police kill wanted Hamas mbr. Taher Kapisha. IDF then orders neighboring Palestinian families to leave their homes, bulldozes their houses, destroys 100s of trees. (MM 6/29; QY 6/29 in FBIS 6/30; MEI 7/7; JP 7/8; PR 7/9)

Arafat holds mtgs. with Fateh, Islamic groups; indirectly accuses Israel of sparking 11/18 violence in attempt to assassinate Hamas leaders; releases 31 Islamic Jihad mbrs. fr. jail to appease opposition. Protests continue, Hamas asks Arafat to fire Justice M Frayh Abu-Midyan, 2 senior police officials. (NYT, WP, WT 11/21; VOP 11/20, 11/21 in FBIS 11/22, MM 11/22; PR 11/27; MEI 12/2)

PM Rabin states some Israelis are acting with "criminal irresponsibility" by "spreading lies" in the U.S. to discourage U.S. government fr. stationing of troops in Golan, asks embassy staff in U.S. to confront them. (IDF Radio, QY 11/21 in FBIS 11/21) (see 9/29)

Israeli FM Shimon Peres suggests Israel ease economic pressure on PA by giving PA $13 m. in tax money collected fr. Palestinians working in Israel. Some MKs oppose suggestion, saying Israel should not fund Palestinian autonomy. (QY 11/20 in FBIS 11/21; WP 11/21)

Sen. Helms calls Syrian efforts at peace a "fraud," says he will oppose U.S. troop presence in Golan as head of Foreign Relations Comm. (QY 11/20, Davar 11/21 in FBIS 11/21; NYT, WP 11/22)

PM Rabin orders more troops to guard settlements in Gaza Strip. (WP, WT 11/21)

7 Fateh Central Comm. mbrs. living outside autonomous areas hold mtg. in Tunis to discuss 11/18 violence. (Al-Sharq Al-Awsat 11/25 in FBIS 11/29)

New weekly newspaper Al-Hayat Al-Jadid is issued in o.t., claiming to be "new opposition," accepting PA while improving its performance fr. within. It is published by frmr. PLO Amb. to Moscow Nabil `Amr, edited by Hafiz Barghouti. (PR 11/20)

Hamas extends deadline for release of 200-300 prisoners by 24 hrs. Within 1 hr., based on information from Arafat, IDF raids West Bank house where IDF soldier is being held. Kidnapped soldier, 1 other soldier killed, 12 wounded by kidnappers; 3 Hamas mbrs. killed, 2 arrested. Location of soldier in Israeli o.t. embarrasses PM Rabin, who swore he was in PNA controlled Gaza. Rabin vows to resume talks with PNA as soon as possible. (ITV, QY 10/14 in FBIS 10/17; NYT, WP, WT 10/15; CSM, MM 10/17; JP 10/22)

U.S. Secy. of State Christopher, Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, PLO Chmn. Arafat hold talks in Cairo; discuss aid transfers, Hamas, other obstacles to peace. (MENA, RE 10/13 in FBIS 10/14, MM 10/14)

Multilateral arms control seminar on threat assessment closes in Paris. Positions presented, no draft document signed, but gaps btwn. parties "narrow significantly." Teams leave for Germany to attend military maneuvers. (Davar 10/14 in FBIS 10/17)

Israel gives PNA power to collect customs tariffs, conduct searches at Allenby Bridge. (VOP 10/14 in FBIS 1021)

PFLP's George Habbash, DFLP's Hawatmeh announce they want to unify the 2 groups into 1, inc. administration, finance, military, intelligence. (Al-Sharq Al-Awsat 10/14 in FBIS 10/18)

Israeli PM Rabin, PLO Chmn. Arafat hold unusually friendly mtg. to discuss elections, redeployment of IDF. Both agree to start negotiations on elections 10/3. Arafat tells Rabin he is trying to convene PNC to amend charter. (QY, VOP 9/25 in FBIS 9/26; MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/26; Davar 9/26 in FBIS 9/27; WJW 9/29; MEI 10/7)

Arab League Asst. Sec. Gen. `Adnan 'Imran says the league rejects Israel's demand to withdraw UN resolutions on the Palestinian question, calls U.S. decision to issue Amb. Albright's memorandum "regrettable." (RE 9/25 in FBIS 9/26) (see 9/20)

Fatah's Supreme Comm. announces formation of preparatory comm. for elections, calls on all political forces to participate in elections, denounces Israel's procrastination on elections process. (VOP 9/25 in FBIS 9/26)

1 settler stabbed, wounded in Gaza by Palestinian carrying leaflet fr. Hamas. Hamas denies responsibility. (WT 9/26)

Special Russian envoy to the Middle East Viktor Posuvalyuk meets with Arafat, Israeli Dep. FM Yossi Beilin, says Russia wants to be active partner in all negotiations on Jerusalem. PM Rabin says Russia is interfering, trying to bring new initiatives to the talks, should coordinate with U.S. (MM 8/26; Al-Hamishmar 8/26 in IL 8/26; VOP 8/26 in FBIS 8/26; WJW 9/1)

Arafat approves new 13-mbr. council (inc. Fateh, Hamas, PFLP) to replace Israeli-appointed mayor of Jericho Jamil Khalaf until elections are held. Hassan Salih al-Husayn, Fateh mbr. and former PLO military cmdr., will be chair. (QY, VOP 8/25 in FBIS 8/26)

Poll released by Center for Palestine Research and Studies shows Palestinians oppose Arafat's restrictions on press, prefer Palestinian over Jordanian control of Islamic trusts. 13.9% of respondents favor Hamas; 39%, Fateh. (MM 8/26; QY 8/25 in FBIS 8/30; CSM 9/21)

Israeli Dep. FM Beilin says Pakistani PM Bhutto must clear visit to Gaza with Israeli FMin., stating Cairo Agmt. leaves Israel in charge of foreign relations, in control of borders. (QY 8/24, 2/25 in FBIS 8/25; Davar 8/26 in IL 8/26)

IDF raids Salah al-Din mosque in Nablus, confiscates alleged Hamas material, seriously injures 6 Palestinian protesters. (QY 8/25 in FBIS 8/25, 8/26; JP 9/3)

U.S. opposes formal UNSC mtg. on recent Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon, saying it would disrupt peace negotiations.  (WT 8/13)

2 Palestinians killed, 1 wounded by Israeli police following a shootout north of Jerusalem; 2 police officers, 1 "volunteer" wounded.  Hamas takes responsibility for the attack.  (WP 8/13)

King Hussein announces he will attend Mulid al-Nabi prayers at al-Aqsa Mosque 8/19 on a personal visit at invitation of Israeli leaders.  PLO Chmn. Arafat objects to Israeli invitations, stating invitations to Jerusalem should be extended by him, and invites the king himself.  (MM 8/12)

Greece and Netherlands announce they will open assistance missions in Jericho. Israeli F Min. stresses missions will lack diplomatic or consular status.  (Davar 8/11 in FBIS 8/11; MM 8/12)

Israeli TV reports Iraq relayed a message to Israel expressing readiness to discuss peace now that the Palestinian situation is being resolved.  (WT 8/13)

PFLP, DFLP announce they are exploring reuniting 2 leftist factions, split since 1969. Fateh Cent. Comm. mbr. Hani al-Hasan, an opponent of DoP, meets in Damascus with PFLP's Habash, DFLP's Hawatmah, and Khalid al-Fahum of PNSF. (AFP, RMC 9/28 in FBIS 9/29)

IDF raids Islamic center-comprising mosque, kindergarten, and public library-in Gaza City. 30 Israeli soldiers search female teachers, frighten schoolchildren, and defile mosque by not removing boots upon entry. (WT 9/29)

Israeli newspapers HaAretz, Ma'a nv, Davar report that Israeli PM Rabin and Jordanian King Hussein met 9/26 in Aqaba to discuss future relations in wake of PLO-Israel accord. Both Rabin's spokesman and Palace officials in Amman deny meeting. Ma'aniv publishes list of 22 meetings Hussein held with Israeli leaders between 1963 and 1991. (MM 9/28; NYT, WP 9/29)

Senate Foreign Relations Comm. approves by voice vote Middle East Peace Facilitation Act. Bill waives ban on U.S. relations with and aid to PLO. Measure passes full Senate next day. (WP, WT 9/29)

American Jewish Comm. poll shows 90% of American Jews believe Israel will gain fr. recognizing PLO; 57% favor establishment of a Palestinian state; 42% believe PLO cannot be trusted to honor commitments on terrorism; 47% oppose continued settlement activity in o.t.; 43% support it. (WP 9/28)

PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. Mahmud Abbas (Abu Mazen) arrives in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to attend acelebration at the Palestinian embassy 1/11, the first official visit to Saudi Arabia by a PLO official since the Gulf crisis. Abbas says he hopes to start restoring ties between the PLO and the Gulf. (al-Hayat 1/10 in MM 1/11)

UN special envoy Chinmaya Gharekhan meets with Palestinian reps., headed by Faisal Husseini, in East Jerusalem. (Qol Yisra'el 1/9 in FBIS 1/11)

Israeli amb. to the U.S. Zalman Shoval says State Dept. assured him that "in no case" will U.S. allow the UNSC to pass a res. leading to sanctions against Israel for theirefusal to implement res. 799. (NYT 1/10; MM 1/11)

Red Cross reps. visit deportees. Two deported Palestinians are evacuated; 1 for health problems, the other, a 16-year-old who was deported by mistake. Lebanon allows the 1-time airlift from UNIFIL-controlled territory, but says 9 deportees allowed to return must go back the way they came (see 12/31, 1/1). (NYT, WP 1/10; Qol Yisra'el 1/9, 1/10 in FBIS 1/11)

Israel has information on Palestinian and Islamic elements in the U.S. that funnel supporto Hamas in Israel and the o.t., and will pass it on to the U.S. if U.S. will "take action againsthese elements." (Davar 1/10, 1/11 in FBIS 1/12)

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)

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)

PM Rabin meets with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo, first meeting of Egyptian and Israeli heads of state in 6 years. Leaders exchange views on the peace process, bilateral relations; Mubarak accepts invitation to visit Israel. (WP 7/22)

Housing Min. Benyamin Ben-Eliezer and Fin. Min. Avraham Shochat expand 7/16 settlements freeze to cancel plans for total of 6,681 settlement units "in blueprint stage," but will proceed with construction of 10,467 units in more advanced stages. Work will definitely continue on the 1,686 of these that are in the "Greater Jerusalem" area, and the other 8,781 will be subject to "further review." Work was also halted on several "political roads"; no mobile homes may be moved into the o.t., nor may they be moved from current sites in the o.t. (Ha'Aretz 7/21 in FBIS 7/21; Davar 7/22 in FBIS 7/22; NYT, WP 7/24)

King Hussein meets with Secy. of State Baker in Amman, denies Jordan is shipping supplies to Iraq in defiance of UN sanctions. Leaders also discuss peace process. Baker says the U.S. opposes all settlements, but that "security installations are something different." (WP 7/22, 23)

Palestinian leadership continues meeting in Tunis, criticizes Rabin's "partial step" settlement halt; leadership sends messages regarding peace process to Pres. Mubarak and Asad, King Hussein. (Tunisian Republic Radio, MENA 7/21 in FBIS 7/22; Algiers VOP 7/22 in FBIS 7/23)

Palestinian man is killed by Border Police near Janin. (Qol Yisra'el 7/22 in FBIS 7/23)

Activists slated for deportation 1/2 appeal to PLO leadership to mobilize int'l condemnation of Israel's "voluntary exile" rulings used against them, as well as against 6 activists in al-Najah University siege compromise. Families of the 11 deportees have sent similar message. Israel's state attorney has asked High Court to delay appeal hearings of 11 deportees untilate August. (MM 7/30)

One IDF soldier is killed, 3 wounded as Islamic Resistance bomb explodes under an Israeli tank near north-central "security zone" border village of Bayt Yahun. Three nearby SLA outposts are mortared as fighting escalates in Bra'shit, Haddathah areas. Israel shells Wadi al-Akhdar, Jabal Safi, Malita areas. (VOL 7/21 in FBIS 7/22; Radio Lebanon 7/21, 22 in FBIS 7/22; IDF Radio 7/21 in FBIS 7/22; NYT 7/24)

As part of effort to disarm all factions in Lebanon, min. of state Nazih al-Bizri states that "time is not right" to collect weapons from the Palestinians. Palestinians in Lebanon possess mostly light weapons. (Radio Lebanon 7/21 in FBIS 7/22)

Addressing Knesset, PM Shamir declares Pres. Bush's stance on loan guarantees constitutes an attack on the "deepest foundations of Jewish and Zionist consciousness." Shamir also insists that Israel approve Palestinian delegates to peace conference and states Israel will not negotiate with any Palestinian who announces affiliation with PLO while at the conference. (WP, MEM 10/8)

Israeli security forces impose a ban on travel to Jerusalem for residents of the o.t. in an attempt to forestall violence on 8 October, first anniversary of the 1990 disturbances on the Haram al-Sharif which left 18 Palestinians dead. (AFP 10/8, in FBIS 10/9)

The new Israeli voluntary society Sikuy ("Chance") issues report indicating that 46% of Palestinian families in Israel live below the poverty line, compared to 8% of Jewish families. Palestinian academics hold only 10 of some 5,000 academic positions in Israel while only 17 of 1,310 senior positions in government are filled by Palestinians. (Davar 10/8, in FBIS 10/9)

Undercover Israeli agents kill Palestinian youth, 'Imad 'Abdullah 'Atiq, in Burkin village near Jenin. (MEM 10/7)

Turkish Pres. Turgut Ozal announces that proposed conference on Middle East water resources scheduled to meet 3-9 November in Turkey will be postponed [see 8/16]. (WP 10/8)

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: PLO member Salah Khalaf tells reporters U.S.-PLO dialogue has reached a"dead end;" says PLO concessions have not brought any results [FBIS 1/22].

Davar reports that Fateh members in Lebanon have exposed anetwork of spies for Israel, according to Palestinian sources in Cairo. The spies worked in S. Lebanon, marking militia bases for the Israeli Air Force [FBIS 1/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Molotov cocktail is thrown at Israeli bus in al-Bireh, 1 person is injured [FJ 1/19].

At least 8 Palestinians are wounded in clashes with IDF troops throughout O.T. [FJ 1/29]; including a 6-year-old shot in the head by a plastic bullet [FBIS 1/23].

Arab World: In Yaroun, Lebanon, in the Israeli "security zone" Arabs barricaded in a house exchange fire with Israeli troops. 4 Arabs and Israeli Colonel, Yitzhak Ramihov, are killed [FBIS 1/22; NYT 1/23; FJ 1/29; JP 2/3].

Egyptian police officers in Asyut open fire on Muslim fundamentalist demonstrators demanding the arrest of Zaki Badr, hard-line Interior Minister dismissed 1/12. One person is killed, police arrest 12 [NYT 1/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Israeli P. M. Yitzhak Shamir meets with 7 pro-Jordanian W. Bank Palestinians; the Palestinians later meet with Shmuel Goren, Israeli coordinator for W. Bank, to discuss economic problems of the territory [FJ 10/11; MET 10/17]. Al-Fajr reports former Hebron Mayor Mustafa Natshah and Gaza attorney Fayiz Abu Rahmah have been denied permission to attend conferences abroad [FJ 10/4]. Abu Dis College of Science employees launch strike to protest ban on establishment of union [FJ 10/11]. Woman charged with attempting to stab Israeli border guard 10/2 is ordered back into custody [FJ 10/11]. Hebron University reopens after 2-week military-ordered closure [FJ 10/11]. Gaza taxi drivers file suit against city police department for excessive ticketing near Eretz crossing [FJ 10/11]. Palestinian youth wounded by IDF bullet dies in hospital [FJ 10/11]. Davar reports Irael and Nigeria have agreed to restore low-level diplomatic relations severed in 1973 [CSM 10/5].

Arab World: PLO accuses Amal of shelling Shatila refugee camp in attempt to undermine Sidon cease-fire agreement [FBIS 10/6].

Military Action

Arab World: SLA patrol attacks UNIFIL position, killing 1 Nepalese soldier [MET 10/17].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Center of Dheisheh refugee camp, near Bethlehem, placed under siege for 3 hours [FJ 9/20]. Establishment of the Voice of America transmitter inIsrael will bring in at least $150 million in revenues, Davar reports [JWP 9/13]. Jewish Press reports secular and religious Jews have formed an international committee to mobilize resistance to construction of an extension of the Mormon Brigham Young University on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem [JWP 9/13].

Other Countries: U.S. vetoes a resolution in the UN Security Council which would have condemned "the repressive measures taken by Israel since 4 August 1985 against the civilian Palestinian population in the Israeli-occupied territories." The vote was 10 in favor, 1 opposed (the U.S.), and 4 abstentions (Australia, Denmark, France, and Britain) [JP 9/15]. New York Assembly man Dov Hikind holds a rally outside PLO offices in New York calling for the removal of the PLO from that city. Rally is sponsored by Americans for a Safe Israel [JWP 9/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Kach-member Yehuda Richter gets 5-yr. prison term for attack on Palestinian bus (3/4/84). Jerusalem Mayor Kollek & police chief Bar Lev attempt compromise with Supreme Muslim Council to avoid strike in protest at presence of unruly border guards at al-Haram al-Sharif. Davar reports Israel negotiating to buy 1st nuclear reactor for energy use. [Israel already has at least 2 reactors; uses are not publicized.] Govt. bars 5 witnesses named by Time magazine from testifying in imminent Sharon libel case.

Arab World: Voice of PLO (Baghdad) condemns US policy, raps Arab-Americans for misguidedness inbelieving they can effect neutral US role in Arab-Zionist conflict.

Other Countries: US federal jury awards Vanessa Redgrave $100,000 in suit against Bostom Symphony canceling her performance on basis of her support for PLO.

Military Action:

IDF begins pulling out troops from West Beirut under mounting world pressure; thousands of Palestinians flee camps in panic, fearing return of Phalange/Haddad militias to camps following IDF withdrawal, before Lebanese Army can restore calm; Phalange and Haddad forces sighted setting up own roadblocks in West Beirut.

Casualties:

Red Cross continues to recover bodies, 130 recovered so far, no mass graves opened yet.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Controversy grows as media report government officials were aware that civilians were being killed in camps 36 hours before they intervened (denied by government officials); Haaretz, Davar, Jerusalem Post, Maariv call for ouster of Sharon and/or Begin, convening of national board of inquiry into Israeli complicity in massacre; Begin's office concedes Cabinet gave advance approval for IDF to allow Phalange/Haddad militias to enter camps last week; Israeli President Navon calls for independent inquiry into the massacre, Begin favors only investigating commission; National Religious Party joins Navon in pressuring Begin to allow a full investigation; Labor, Mapam, Shinui and Peace Now call for mass rally in Tel Aviv on Saturday; Palestinian leaders voice outrage at massacre; Palestinian youth throw stones at Israeli vehicles, set fire to tires in Ramallah and Nablus, police disperse crowds with tear gas and rubber bullets with no casualties; many stores close in protest, are forced open by Israeli soldiers; school openings in occupied territories postponed for two weeks; over 40 representatives of West Bank and Gaza refugees occupy UNRWA Jerusalem office to protest food ration cuts announced Sept. 1, UNRWA Employees' Union joins protest.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Palestine Central Council ends one-day meeting with statement condemning Israeli role in massacre, blaming Lebanese Army, US, France and Italy, and pledges to avenge killings; Camille Chamoun withdraws from race for Lebanese presidency as it becomes clear Amin Gemayel has votes to win.

Arab Governments: Egypt recalls ambassador to Israel but does not break diplomatic relations; Jordan's King Hussein accuses Israel of responsibility for massacre but urges positive Arab response to Reagan proposals, calls on PLO to join him to draw up federation plan along lines of Reagan proposal; emergency Arab League meeting in Tunis called at request of PLO delayed until tomorrow.

US and Other Counties: Reagan agrees to Lebanese request for return of US Marines, asks Israel to pull out of Beirut; Congress gives troubled support to decision, Weinberger doubts presence of Marines would have prevented massacre; several US Jewish leaders call for inquiry, demand that Israel cut all ties with Christian groups involved in massacre; USSR condemns Israel but blames US for "encouraging" Israel's "criminal aggression," proposes joint US-Soviet action to curb Israel; Indian Prime Minister Gandhi condemns massacre; 10-member European Community condemns massacre, demands Israeli withdrawal; Danish Foreign Minister meets with PLO leader Kaddoumi, says PLO must be associated with Middle East peace talks; Italian workers go on hour-long strike and attend rallies protesting massacre; Britain condemns massacre, demands Israeli withdrawal.

Military Action: IDF jets bomb Palestinian areas of Beirut for fifth day, blowing up major PLO ammunition dump in Ramlet el-Baida (raid initiated at 2:42 PM, same number as UN resolution); jets hit Shatila, Sabra, Burj al-Barajneh, Fakhani, Bir Hassan, Spinney's, Corniche Mazraa; IDF naval artillery pound areas, including Ouzai; artillery, rocket duels between IDF and PLO; French media asserts IDF bringing up toxic chemical shells for use in Beirut (reportedly used in battle for Beaufort Castle).

Casualties: Beirut radio reports 15 killed, 47 wounded today; 8 IDF soldiers wounded near Choueifat, south of Beirut; fires burn near stadium; ICRC resumes visits to Ansar detention camp after stoppage due to "IDF interference with ICRC work"; electricity remains cut off to West Beirut.

Political Responses: Israel/ Occupied Territories: Habib, Begin plan meeting today; Foreign Ministry spokesman Avi Pazner rules out direct negotiations with the PLO, even if it does recognize Israel; petrol prices rise 17 percent, cooking gas 24 percent because of invasion of Lebanon; Israel dismisses mayor, town council of Kalkilya (ninth municipality dissolved since March); IDF Army Colonel Eli Geva, commander of tank brigade outside Beirut, resigns, refusing to order his men to enter Beirut; Israeli newspaper Davar reports Israeli delegation is in US seeking mercenaries (especially US veterans) to fight in Lebanese war for Israel.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO claims IDF attacks are designed to "soften up" Beirut before assault on city, exhaust PLO ammunition.

Arab Governments: Egypt welcomes Arafat statement, calls on US to recognize PLO.

US and Other Countries: Rep. McCloskey calls for cut-off of military aid to Israel because of use of cluster bombs; controversy continues around statement signed by Arafat in meeting with Congressional delegation (White House rejects statement as "unclear"); Representative Rahall (D-WV) notes "hellish destruction" in West Beirut; Habib meets Jordan's King Hussein in London, briefs UK Foreign Secretary Pym, flies to Israel; Canada plans to send $1.8 million in humanitarian aid to Lebanon; France hails Arafat statement.