The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Petition signed by 161 Israeli reserve soldiers and officers protests "brutal suppression" of Palestinian uprisings; signers say they will not serve in occupied territories [WP 1/1]. Closures of Gaza's Islamic U. and Palestine Religious Institute are extended until 1/10. Nablus' al-Rawda College is ordered closed for 1 week [FJ 1/3].

Other Countries: In U.S., Fu'ad Rafidi of Cleveland, OH, a naturalized American, is ordered deported because of alleged PFLP connections [FJ 1/31].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Demonstrators clash with Israeli troops in Dhahriyyah and Am'ari refugee camp. Scattered minor demonstrations are reported throughout W. Bank. Army reports 1,200 Palestinians have been arrested in connection with the recent uprisings [WP, NYT 1/1]. Am'ari camp is placed under curfew [FBIS 12/31].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF leaders promise to investigate military mistakes which allowed Palestinian fighter to enter Israel and attack army base in northern Israel. P.M. Yitzhaq Shamir blames Syria for permitting attack to be launched from Biqa' Valley [WP 11/27]. Israeli military authorities place 6 W. Bank Palestinians under administrative dtention [FJ 11/29]. Israeli prosecutor in Gaza Strip drops case against 3 Jewish settlers charged with April 1987 kidnapping of Palestinian boy [FJ 11/29]. Israeli High Court orders that 'Abd al-'Aziz 'Awdah of Gaza not be deported until his case is reviewed [FJ 11/29].

Arab World: Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command claims responsibility for hang glider attack on northern Israel 11/25 [NYT 11/27].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli troops shoot, kill Palestinian hang glider pilot in S. Lebanon [NYT 11/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gaza City shops observe 1-day strike [WP 10/11]. Yigdal Shahaf is shot in head, seriously wounded by unknown assailant near Damascus Gate [WP 10/11; MET 10/24]. Caller allegedly from Force 17 later claims responsibility, charges Shahaf was Mossad agent [FJ 10/18]. Arab World: In speech to Jordanian Parliament, King Hussein blames Likud for dimmed prospects for peace conference, announces postponement of elections for lower house of Parliament for at least 2 years [WP 10/11]. PLO Executive Com. Chairman Yasir Arafat holds talks with Arab League Sec. Gen. Chedli Klibi in Tunis [FBIS 10/13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In 3d consecutive day of violence in Gaza Strip, Israeli troops use live ammunition to disperse stonethrowing demonstrators at Gaza's Islamic University, injuring at least 3 students. In separate Gaza City incident, at least 8 Palestinians are wounded by Israeli troops firing live ammunition and tear gas at stone-throwing demonstrators [WP 10/11; FBIS 10/13].

Arab World: Hospitals near Sidon report 7 are killed, 10 wounded in daylong battles between Amal and Palestinian forces around 'Ayn al-Hilwah [WP 10/12]. IDF fighter planes strike PFLP target in Biqa' Valley [NYT 10/11; FBIS 10/13]. Lebanese fighters claim to down IDF helicopter during Biqa' raid; IDF denies allegation [FBIS 10/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: PFLP Political Bureau denounces recently formed Jordanian-Palestinian confederation party [FBIS 10/2].

Other Countries: Israeli F. M. Shimon Peres holds meetings with U.S. Sec. of State George Shultz and China's F. M. Wu Xueqian [WP 10/1; FBIS 10/2]. U.S.S.R. Ministry of Foreign Affairs official Vladimir Polyakov stresses need for strengthened Syrian-PLO alliance and for peace in Lebanon during meeting with DFLP Sec. Gen. Nayif Hawatimah [FBIS 10/2].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: F. M. Peres announces Israel and U.S.S.R. have agreed to establish normal political contacts [LAT 8/20]. Rafael Eitan, former Defense Ministry official involved in Pollard spy case, says he acted with approval from his superiors [CSM, NYT 8/20]. Doctors at Gaza Strip hospitals strike to protest dismissal of Dr. al-Agha from Nasir Hospital on political grounds [FJ 8/23]. Nazareth's weekly political newspaper al-jamahir is ordered closed on charges that it is supported by the PFLP [FJ 8/23]. Two Arabs are injured by Jewish youths in Baqa al-Gharbiyyah [FJ8/23].

Arab World: Hashim 'Ashayir, head of waqf in Jerusalem, travels to Amman for meetings with Jordanian officials [FJ 8/23].

Other Countries: U.S. officials confirm Ambassador William Eagleton will return to Damascus 9/1 [WP 8/20].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Curfew at Jabaliyyah refugee camp is relaxed, allowing residentso go to work [FJ 8/23].

Arab World: Near Marja'uyun inside Israel's S. Lebanon security zone, 4 SLA members are injured by land mine explosion [FJ 8/23]

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Minister of Agriculture Arik Nehemkin gives Bayt Jann villagers permission to farm their land [FJ 8/2]. Military officials serve 3 unionists from Abu Dis with 6-month town arrest orders [FJ 8/2].

Arab World: After emergency meeting in Damascus, PFLP politburo announces dismissal of spokesman Bassam Abu Sharif, who participated in 7/27 meeting between PLO Chairman Arafat and Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, saying the meeting violated the resolutions passed at the 18th PNC [FJ 8/2].

Other Countries: U.S. officials confirm U.S. and Jordan conducted their largest joint military exercises last week [CSM 7/31].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: U.S. immigration judge in Los Angeles orders hearing to determine whether there was obstruction of justice when government refused to produce witness in case of 7 Palestinians and 1 Kenyan charged with membership in PFLP [LAT 6/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: The Jerusalem Post reports IDF lieutenant and 5 military policemen and soldiers of Givati Brigade are being charged with abusing prisoners at Ansar II detention camp [JP 6/21]. Two cars owned by Hanna Siniora are burned while parked in front of his Jerusalem home; PFLP claims responsibility [FJ 6/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli military commander of W. Bank announces arrest of PFLP cell members in connection with series of W. Bank attacks, including assassination of Nablus Mayor Zafir al-Masri; refuses to specify number of suspects being held [BG 6/20; FJ 6/28]. Israel announces new ID policy regarding children born outside of occupied territories whose parents are residents of the territories [FJ 6/28]. Israeli authorities inform International Com. of the Red Cross that it plans to deport Zakariya al-Nahhas, charged with infiltration and recruitment, upon the completion of his jail term [FJ 7/19].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Israeli cabinet ministers follow party lines during 4 1/2- hour debate on international peace conference proposal presented by F. M. Peres; cabinet adjourns without voting on plan [LAT 5/12]. Belgian F. M. Leo Tindemans, visiting Israel and the occupied territories as representative of European Community, reiterates EC support for international peace conference [FJ 5/17]. In Kafr Qasim village, inside green line, 3,100 elementary and secondary school students protest arrest of 16-year-old student on charges of throwing stones at settlers [FJ 5/17].

Other Countries: U.S. immigration judge dismisses case against 8 immigrants charged with PFLP membership [LAT 5/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Jordan's P. M. Zayd Rifa'i announces Jordan has agreed to attend international peace conference [WP 5/4].

Military Action

Arab World: Bomb attack on SLA patrol outside Jazin in Israel's "security zone" kills 1 SLA soldier; PFLP claims responsibility for the attack [PI 5/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Inresponse to molotov cocktail attack, Israeli army patrol opens fire in Khan Yunis, wounding 4 Palestinians [FJ 4/26].

Arab World: Palestine National Council (PNC) convenes in Algiers in effort to overcome factional differences. Abu Nidal's Revolutionary Council of Fateh leaves Algiers shortly before the parliament opens. Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command and al-Sa'iqah also boycott the meetings. Abu al-'Abbas, wanted in Italy and the U.S. in connection with the Achille Lauro hijacking, attends. Fateh, PFLP, Palestinian Communist party, and DFLP representatives are among the 300 delegates [FT 4/21, LAT 4/22].

Other Countries: Unknown group, the Suicide Team of the Eagles to Liberate Palestine, issues statement threatening retaliation if Italy deports 'Colonel Ghandora," aide to PLO Chairman Arafat, to a hostile country [FJ 4/26].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: JEC workers, vowing to protect the company from government take-over, strike for 2 hours [FJ 4/3]. Spokesman for Jerusalem municipality denies Arab bakeries have been ordered not to bake or sell bread during Passover; says bakeries have been asked not to display bread outside their shops [FJ 4/3].

Arab World: Statement signed by "rank-and-file" members of PFLP denounces reconciliation with PLO Chairman Arafat, demands PFLP boycott PNC session scheduled for 4/20; George Habash, leader of PFLP, is in Algiers for consultations with Arafat aides in preparation for the upcoming session [NYT 4/4].

Other Countries: Reports indicate U.S. investigators believe Harold Katz, an attorney who holds U. S. and Israeli citizenship, was involved in the Pollard spy affair, but the investigation of his role is being seriously hampered by Israeli government's decision to bar Katz from leaving Israel [WP 4/2]. Katz denies he participated in the espionage ring, says his Washington, D.C. apartment may have been used without his knowledge [WP, NYT 4/3]. Soviet spokesman denies reports U.S.S.R. and Israel have agreed to exchange official delegations, confirms Soviet "consular workers" will go to Tel Aviv [WP 4/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Committee for the Defense of the Land issues statement condemning "escalation of national discrimination" against Arabs in Israel, increased land confiscation [FJ 3/27].

Arab World: Islamic Jihad for the Liberation of Palestine claims U.S. hostage is ill and may die soon; offers to release him in exchange for 100 Israeli-held Arab prisoners; Israeli official states opposition to proposal [WT 3/24].

Other Countries: Los Angeles Times cites FBI report alleging PFLP is working to build support base in U.S. [LAT 3/23]. U.S. attorneys request court to overturn 2/17 decision that released 8 charged with active PFLP membership on bond [LAT 3/25].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli bombers destroy Fateh office, cause heavy damage, during second raid near Sidon in 4 days [FJ 3/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Nablus schools, businesses, and city government close for day; 2 peaceful marches commemorate late mayor Zafir al-Masri [FJ 3/6].

Arab World: The Times (London) cites reports of torture of Lebanese Shi'i prisoners held at SLA-controlled al-Khiyam prison inside Israel's security zone [LT 3/2].

Other Countries: Los Angeles Times reports evidence gathered by U.S. government in case against 7 Palestinians and 1 Kenyan includes photos of defendants picking up cartons of pro-PFLP magazines at L.A. airport [LAT 3/2].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops shoot and kill Palestinian, wound another in Nablus [FJ 3/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Poice raid W. Jerusalem Alternative Information Center, confiscate material, arrest director, and order center closed for 6 months on charges center has been "rendering services" to PFLP [NYT 2/18; FJ 2/20]. Trial of John Demjanjuk, accused of being Treblinka concentration camp prison guard known as "Ivan the Terrible," opens in Jerusalem [GU 2/17].

Arab World: Washington Post describes Saudi Arabian arms build-up asresponse to Israeli military threat [WP 2/16]. Syria asks Amal to ease its siege of Burj al-Barajinah and Shatila refugee camps in Beirut and Rashidiyyah camp near Tyre [OB 2/17]. Kuwait announces plan to contribute $5 million to joint PLO-Jordanian fund [NYT 2/18].

Other Countries: Reports confirm U.S. has upgraded Israel's status to non-NATO ally [PI 2/16].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Soldiers shoot and wound 9 youths during 2 demonstrations in Gaza City. As punishment for campus demonstrations, military authorities order Islamic University of Gaza closed for 3 days. Demonstrations are also held in Khan Yunis and Rafah. Commercial strike closes most shops and students block roads in Jerusalem. Roger Heacock, American Birzeit University professor, isarrested on charges of incitement. Military attempto storm Ramallah's Teachers Training College and break up demonstration fails [FJ 2/20].

Arab World: At least 25 killed, 100 wounded in fierce street fighting between Amal, communist, Druze, Palestinian, and Murabitun forces in W. Beirut [BS 2/17].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: U.S. federal agents in Los Angeles arrest Jordanian student on immigration violations, charge youth is affiliated with PFLP [LAT 2/14].

Military Action

Arab World: Amal leader Nabih Berri reaches agreement with UN whereby Beirut's Palestinians and Shi'a will receive equal amounts of food. Shooting around Burj al-Barajinah prevents Iranian ambulances, UN food trucks from entering camp, kills Iranian embassy bodyguard. Amal and Palestinian fighters blame each other for starting today's fighting. Syrian military observers arrive in S. Lebanon in attempto arrange a cease-fire, relieve crisis in camps [NYT 2/13; WP 2/14]. Unidentified gunmen capture advisor to Lebanese Pres. Jumayyil [LAT 2/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P. M. Shamir reiterates his opposition to international Middle East peace conference [NYT 2/12]. Shamir also states U.S. should continue effortso reestablish contact with Iran, indicates disapproval of Israel's role in shipping U.S. arms to Iran [WP 2/12].

Other Countries: Two of the 6 Arabs arrested in Los Angeles 1/26 on charges of membership in PFLP claim prison officials are denying them basic rights [LAT 2/12].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops use tear gas and rubber bullets to break up group of approximately 120 women marching to Nablus. The women are relatives of Balatta camp youths arrested 1/20. Students at Nablus' al-Rawda College blockade campus-area roads, pelt Israeli soldiers with stones and empty bottles. Troops respond with tear gas and live ammunition; district military commander orders college closed for 2 weeks. Israeli troops arrest 30 Hebron University students after violent campus confrontation [FJ 2/13].

Arab World: Amal forces refuse to allow trucks of food to enter Burj al-Barajinah refugee camp in Beirut [IN 2/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Hundreds of W. Bank Jews and W. Bank Palestinians gather in Sur Bahir to protest Israeli government's plan to uproot Arab olive trees on government expropriated land [NYT 2/11; FJ 2/13]. Abba Eban, chair of Knesset panel investigating U.S.-Israel-Iran arms deals, acknowledges Israel first put U.S. in touch with Iranian radicals [WP 2/11]. Amal militia indicate negotiations with Israel are underway; P. M. Shamir says Israel would deal with terrorists in some cases if demands were made through official channels, not the media. Defense Minister Rabin indicates Israel may require the release of 6 Israeli servicemen missing in Lebanon [WP 2/11].

Other Countries: Christian Science Monitor reports W. Germany is likely to try Muhammad 'Ali Hamadi on explosives charges before formally deciding whether to extradite him to the U.S. [CSM 2/10]. Kenyan woman arrested in Los Angeles 15 days ago on charges of overstaying her visa is accused of subversive activities linked to PFLP [LAT 2/11].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Al-Najah U. students defy closure order, hold small demonstration on campus. Balatta curfew is lifted; residents gather to demonstrate but disperse peacefully when confronted by Israeli troops armed with tear gas and machine guns. Ramallah secondary school students march through city in support of those injured during 1/9 al-Najah and Balatta protests. Pres. of Hebron University receives official warning following student march outside campus. Secondary school students in Gaza City boycott classes, stone Israeli troops. Estimated 100 youths are taken into detention after late night raid by Israeli troops; military spokesman says youths are suspected of inciting demonstrations and threatening army collaborators [FJ 2/13]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Muhammad Shakir Dahlan is expelled to Jordan, setting off protests throughout the Gaza Strip [FJ 1/30].

Arab World: Fifth Islamic Summit opens in Kuwait. PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat meets with Jordan's King Hussein [LAT 1/27; FJ 1/30]. Kuwait officials say they would deny any request to release 17 convicted hostages in exchange for hostages held in Lebanon [LAT 1/27]. Anglican Church officials say Terry Waite's negotiations are continuing [WP 1/27].

Other Countries: U.S. FBI agents in Los Angeles arrest 8 Jordanians and one Kenyan, charging them with membership in PFLP [NYT 1/29; FJ 1/30]. U.S. Pres. Reagan testifies before Tower Commission that he has no memory of giving prior approval for Israeli sale of arms to Iran in 1985 [WP 1/27]. W. German officials in Frankfurt arrest 'Abbas 'Ali Hamadi, brother of Muhammad Hamadi who has been held since 1/13 [NYT 1/28].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli army recruits, firing at Balatta refugee camp youths to "scare away" stone throwers, wound a Palestinian inside the camp [F 1/30].