The Palestine Chronology

PA pres. Mahmud Abbas confirms that the bid for non-member observer state at the UN will be presented on 11/29. (BBC 11/12)

The EU, the Netherlands, and Sweden donate $24 mi. to the PA to help pay 10/2011 salaries and pensions. (MNA 11/12)

Hamas and Islamic Jihad declare a cease-fire in Gaza, after reported mediation by Egyptian intelligence officials. Despite the cease-fire, Palestinian fighters fire 6 rockets from Gaza into Israel, causing no injuries—but this marks a huge reduction from the estimated 100 projectiles the previous day. The attacks are claimed by the PFLP, the DFLP, and the PRCs. Israel does not acknowledge the statement by the Palestinian factions. The IDF makes air strikes on 3 targets in Gaza, causing no injuries. (JP, REU 11/12; Daily Star [Beirut], REU 11/13)

The Israeli newspaper Ha’Aretz reports that Israeli DM Barak has approved a plan to expand the Itamar settlement to 5 times its size by adding 538 homes. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities demolish a home in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of the Mount of Olives, making 8 people homeless. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Hebron, 1 village nr. Tulkarm, and 1 village nr. Jenin at night. (HA 11/12; AIC 11/13; PCHR 11/14)

The IDF fires tank shells into Syria and hits a Syrian military mobile artillery unit, in response to a Syrian mortar shell that struck the occupied Golan Heights earlier in the day. (REU 11/12)

The Israeli cabinet releases a statement saying that "in the absence of agreed-upon changes, the countdown for implementation of the [Wye] agreement will begin on September 1." Arafat welcomes Israel's plan to resume implementation in 9/99, but still does not approve of Barak's plan to draw out the Wye schedule. (CSM, MM, WT 8/9; CSM 8/10)

At the request of Israeli PM Barak and after consulting with Arafat and Asad, Secy. of State Albright postpones her trip to the Middle East, which was to start next wk. (IDF Radio 8/8 in WNC 8/9; MM, WP, WT 8/9; MM, NYT, WP 8/10; WJW 8/12; JP 8/13) (see 8/6)

Shaykh Hamad Bin-Khalifa al-Thani, emir of Qatar, meets with Arafat in Gaza, making him the 1st Gulf leader to visit the occupied territories since the PA was established. The emir is on a regional tour, which will also take him to Lebanon (8/8-9), Algeria (8/9-10), Morocco (8/11). (RL 8/8 in WNC 8/9; al-Quds 8/9, MAP [Rabat], TT 8/11 in WNC 8/13)

In Damascus, the PFLP briefs 8 Syrian-based opposition groups on its reconciliation talks with Arafat in Cairo 8/1-2; some groups recommend halting contacts with the PFLP if it holds further mtgs. Fatah, the PA. DFLP is not invited to the briefing; it has been banned fr. opposition mtgs. since Nayif Hawatimah shook hands with Israeli pres. Weizman at King Hussein's funeral in 2/99. (AFP, MBC, 8/9 in WNC 8/10) (see 8/6)

IDF lifts curfew on Palestinians in the Israeli-controlled sector of Hebron. (LAW 8/8) (see 8/4)

PA announces that it has arrested 3 Hamas leaders in Gaza. Israel has pressured the PA to crack down on Hamas since the Qassam Brigades claimed responsibility for shooting 2 Jewish settlers in Hebron on 8/3. (WP 8/9) (see 8/7)

U.S. Asst. Secy. Indyk briefs ambs. of Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, the UAE on the Wye agmt. (al-Akhbar, al-Ba'th, al-Jumhuriyya, MENA, RL 10/26, AFP 10/27 in WNC 10/28; MM, NYT, WP 10/27; MM 10/28; al-Ba'th 10/28 in WNC 11/2; al-Quds 10/28, SA 10/30, al-Ahram 11/2 in WNC 11/6; MM 10/29, 10/30; MM 11/2; WP 11/6)

In the Knesset, PM Netanyahu survives no-confidence motion, but Knesset Law Comm. agrees (9-7) to hear 1st reading of bill calling for the dissolution of parliament, new elections in 100 days. MKs criticize Netanyahu for linking Pollard with the peace process. (CSM, WP, WT 10/27)

In Gaza, the Arab Liberation Front, the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), Hamas, Islamic Jihad, the Islamic National Salvation Party, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) issue statement denouncing the Wye agmt. (MENA 10/26 in WNC 10/27; PR 10/30)

200 Jewish settlers hold rally outside PM Netanyahu's office in Jerusalem, protesting the Wye agmt. At least 24 are detained by Israeli police. (ITV 10/26 in WNC 10/27; WP 10/27; YA 10/27 in WNC 10/28; MM 10/28)

Jordan, Israel begin long-delayed $1.65-m. joint project to build the `Adasiyya diversion wall to diver Yarmuk River water. (JT, RJ 10/27 in WNC 10/28; JP 211/9)

An Israeli settler is killed in Israeli-controlled Hebron in an apparent attack by Palestinians. IDF places curfew on Palestinians in Hebron's Israeli-controlled zone. Later, the body of a Palestinian is found outside Itamar settlement nr. Nablus. An anonymous caller claims Palestinian was killed to avenge the settler's death. (IDF Radio, ITV 10/26 in WNC 10/27; ITV 10/26 in WNC 10/28; CSM, LAW, MM, NYT, WP 10/27; MM 10/28; WJW 10/29; PR 10/30)

In Ramallah, Palestinians observe general strike, 100s of Fatah mbrs. march to protest 10/25 events, call on Arafat to punish security services. (NYT, WP 10/27; PR 10/30)

International experts submit final report Iraqi missile fragments to the UNSC, say results are inconclusive. Tests by Switzerland show no traces of VX; 1 sample in the 3d test by France shows traces of nerve agent that could be VX. French, Swiss, U.S. tests all show traces of unknown compound that could mask biological agents. (NYT, WP 10/27; MEI 10/30) (6/22)

U.S. says that a UN proposal to try the Pan Am bombing suspects in the Hague under Scottish law, tentatively agreed to by all parties, is in jeopardy because of Libyan demands that the 2 suspects not be imprisoned in Scotland if found guilty. (WP 10/27; WT 10/28) (see 9/29)

The PA rejects Israel's 9% redeployment plan as insufficient, unacceptable. Israel says it will redeploy unilaterally. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/10; NYT, WP, WT 3/11; WP 3/12; PR 3/21; JP 3/22; PR 3/14)

Jordan's King Hussein sends accusatory letter to Israeli PM Netanyahu. (YA 3/11 in WNC 3/14; MM 3/12; NYT, WP, WT 3/12; MM, NYT, WJW, WT 3/13; CSM 3/14) (see Doc. B1)

Arafat meets with senior DFLP, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) political leaders to discuss concerns regarding Israeli violations of Oslo agmts. (WT 3/24; MM, WT 3/25; MA 3/25 in WNC 3/27; NYT 3/26; MM 3/27)

Iranian FM `Ali Akbar Velayati arrives in Syria on the 1st leg of a 10-nation tour, meets with FM Faruq al-Shara`. (Kayahan International [Tehran] 3/10 in WNC 3/15)

IDF, Hizballah clash in s. Lebanon, leaving 1 IDF soldier wounded. (WP 3/10)

Arafat arrives in Amman for talks Palestinian-Jordanian relations with King Hussein. (JTV, RJ 1/25 in FBIS 1/26)

PM Rabin's new settlement construction review comm. approves plan to build more than 3,000 units, sell around 1,000 for 20,000 new settlers in 3 settlements surrounding Jerusalem. Housing M Ben-Eliezer says decision strengthens Israel's claim to Jerusalem. PA warns Rabin is jeopardizing talks. (QY 1/25 in FBIS 1/25; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 1/26; QY 1/26 in FBIS 1/26; JP 1/28; WP 1/31; MEI 2/3)

Settlers complain Rabin, his comm. did not approve construction of 2,700 of the units submitted for review. Finance M Avaraham Shohat, a comm. mbr., defends Rabin, saying current government has far outpaced the Likud's rate settlement expansion fr. 1979-92. (NYT, WP, WT 1/26)

Syrian VP Khaddam meets with delegation fr. 7 Jordanian opposition parties to discuss formation of united Arab front. (SARR 1/25, 1/26, SATV 1/26, SARR 1/27 in FBIS 1/31)

Arafat, PM Rabin each welcome Clinton's freeze on assets to prevent terrorism. (QY 1/25 in FBIS 1/25; IDF Radio 1/25 in FBIS 1/26)

Islamic Jihad, DFLP, PFLP, Hizballah each issue statement criticizing Clinton's freeze on U.S. assets, saying freeze is meaningless since they have no U.S. holdings. (MM 1/25; VOL 1/25 in FBIS 1/31; WP 1/26) (see 1/24)

UNRWA announces it has received $20 m. donation fr. Saudi Arabia for infrastructure, job creation in Gaza, plus $7.5 m. for Palestinian policemen's salaries (to be paid through UNRWA). (UNRWA News 1/25)

U.S. says it is unhappy with Egypt's threat to withdraw fr. NPT; says it will not pressure Israel to sign NPT; reprimands Egypt for signing "anti-Israeli" communiqué that followed fr. mtg. with King Fahd, Pres. al-Asad 12/29. (WP 1/26)

Palestinian police say they have arrested 20 mbrs. of Islamic Jihad, incl. the group's chief idealogue, Abdallah al-Shami; IDF says it has arrested over 100 Palestinians in West Bank on charges of inciting anti-Israel fervor since bombing 1/22. (NYT 1/26)

IDF, SLA air and ground forces attack Hizballah north of self-declared security zone. Hizballah unit ambushes IDF patrol, killing 1, wounding 1. IDF kills 3 attackers, strafes Hizballah positions. Hizballah shells IDF, SLA positions in return. IDF puts forces in northern Israel on high alert. (RL 1/25 in FBIS 1/25; VOL 1/25 in FBIS 1/27; MM, WP 1/26; MEI 2/17)

IDF undercover unit kills 2 Hamas activists, including 1 sought for killing Shin Bet officer, in raid on al-Ram, nr. Jerusalem.  Palestinian witnesses say the 2 were put up against a wall and shot in the back.  (Qol Yisra'el 5/31 in FBIS 6/1; MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/1; JP 6/11)

Israel makes last salary payment to 7,600 Palestinian Civil Admin. employees in Gaza Strip.  Palestinian National Authority to assume paying salaries, as well as those of 9,000 Palestinian police officers.  (CSM 6/2; JP 6/11)

"Freedom and Independence Party," affiliated with Fateh, PPP wins 6 of 9 seats in elections to admin. board of Bethlehem University students' council.  "Democratic Coalition" of PFLP and DFLP supporters wins 2 seats, while Islamic Movement wins 1.  (MM 6/1; TJT 6/3)

PM Rabin complains to Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Comm. that Syria is "playing for time" and not "serious" about peace.  Rabin also says U.S. mediation effort has "exhausted itself," Washington talks "an exercise in treading water."  Secy of State Christopher calls Israel-Syria talks "difficult" and "at an early stage."  (WP 6/1)

UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) releases report during annual ministerial mtg. in Amman charging Israel of diverting 7.6 b. cubic feet a year of water fr. Litani, Wazzani rivers in Lebanon.  (MM, WT 6/1)

U.S. reportedly seeks to question Lebanese Shi`ite leader Mustafa al-Dirani, kidnapped 5/21 by Israel, in connection with 1988 kidnapping, 1989 murder of USMC Col. William Higgins, according to Beirut daily al-Diyar.  (WP 6/2)

Central Gaza Prison closed down, 500 of its inmates transferred to other prisons and 200 released. IDF dismantles Gaza army bases but does not withdraw. (CSM, NYT, WT 5/6)

PLO Chmn. Arafat visits Amman to brief King Hussein on Gaza-Jericho agreement after Cairo mtg. with top aides to discuss appointment of 24 mbrs. of Palestinian National Authority. (MM 5/5; WP, WT 5/6)

Japanese FM Koji Kakizawa visits Jericho, pledges $200 m. to Palestinian National Authority. Settlers attempt for 2d day to occupy Shalom Al Yisrael synagogue in Jericho. (CSM, WT 5/6)

Norwegian Middle East mediator Terje Rod Larsen says Palestinian police force has received $20 m. in international donations, less than 1/2 of estimated $47 m. budget for 1st 6 months. Larsen says U.S. has pledged additional $5 m. PLO negotiator Nabil Shaath says there will be overlap btwn. IDF presence and police. (NYT, WP 5/6)

PFLP, DFLP announce attacks on Israel will continue but that forces will avoid clashes with Palestinian police, according to statement by PFLP SG Dr. George Habash. Syrian media, including party paper al-Ba'th, join Palestinian factions in condemning Gaza-Jericho agreement. (MM 5/5; CSM, WP 5/6)

Al-Hayat reports Russia has agreed to write off 90% of Syria's $10 b. debt to Moscow. Syria will purchase $500 m. in Russian weapons in deal reached during Russian Dep. PM Oleg Soskovets's visit to Damascus previous week. (MM 5/5; WT 5/11)

Norwegian FM Johan Jorgen Holst, 56, who brokered Israel-PLO agreement, dies in Oslo after suffering 2d stroke in 2 mos. (WP, WT 1/14)

Edward P. Djerejian, frmr. U.S. amb. to Syria and asst. secy. of state, begins term as U.S. amb. to Israel. (MM 1/13; CSM 1/14)

PLO Econ. Dept. DG Ahmad Qurai' announces in Tunis creation of Palestinian Development Bank, with initial capital of $250 m., to channel aid to autonomous areas. (MM 1/13)

50 anti-DoP Palestinian inmates at Qetziot ("Ansar 3") prison camp launch hunger strike organized by PFLP, DFLP. (MM 1/14)

PLO Chmn. Arafat announces Hamas has agreed to not obstruct PLO efforts to implement PLO-Israel agreement, refrain fr. violence among Palestinians. Agreement allegedly signed 9/15 in Gaza by Fateh and Hamas reps. Arafat says pact paves way for 10/93 meeting in Yemen between PLO and opposition factions. Arafat travels to Alexandria to reassure Egyptian Pres. Mubarak of Palestinian gratitude for support in peace process. (MM 9/16; NYT 9/17; WT 9/18)

Syrian radio reports VP Khaddam met with DFLP leader Nayif Hawatmah, PFLP head George Habash. (MM, NYT 9/17)

Jordan begins police registration of illegal Palestinian residents. Estimated 60,000 residents of o.t. have overstayed temporary Jordanian visas this year. (Sawt al-Sha'b 9/16 in FBIS 9/17; MM 9/17)

Opinion surveys show that 60% of Israeli Jews support Israel-PLO agreement signed 9/13. (WP 9/17)

EC pledges $1 b. for Middle East programs. Funds are earmarked for hospital, 50,000 housing units in Gaza and building of Palestinian "administrative backbone." EC also considering funding large-scale regional programs, including highway system to link Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. EC commissioner for development aid Manuel Marin meets in Brussels with PLO official Nabil Shaath to discuss distribution of assistance. (WP 9/17)

Nayif Hawatmah of DFLP, George Habash of PFLP meet in Tripoli with Libyan leader Mu'ammar al-Qadhafi. Libya and Iraq are only Arab states to explicitly oppose PLO-Israel agreement. (NYT 9/16, 9/17)

U.S. Pres. Clinton, in telephone conversation with Jordan's King Hussein, discloses U.S. will release $30 m. in aid to Amman frozen due to Jordan's position in 1990-91 Gulf crisis. Release is due to signing of Jordan-Israel common agenda. Clinton also calls Syrian Pres. al-Asad, urges him to rein in Damascus-based Palestinian factions opposed to PLO-Israel agreement. (NYT 9/16; CSM, NYT 9/17; NYT 9/18)

U.S. joins with Russia, Egypt, and Israel to eliminate, revise, or defer 32 UNGA resolutions critical of Israel. Resolutions to be changed or discarded include those establishing Comm. on Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, criticizing Israeli human rights practices, examining Israeli-South African relations, and calling on Israel to renounce nuclear weapons. (NYT 9/16)

GCC states vote to support PLO-Israel agreement, calling it 1st step toward "just, lasting and comprehensive peace." (MM 9/6; WP 9/6, 9/9; NYT 9/7)

U.S. Pres. Clinton sends letters to leaders of Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, and Yemen urging Arab support for DoP. (NYT 9/6)

Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood calls DoP "humiliating," warns it could spark a "Palestinian civil war." (MM 9/6)

PLO Chmn. Arafat meets Syrian Pres. al-Asad in Damascus to explain the "contents of the agreement and the circumstances that surrounded it," according to al-Asad's spokesman. DFLP's Hawatmah, PFLP's Habash refuse to meet Arafat, Habash calling DoP a "sellout," (MM, WP 9/6; WP, WT 9/7)

Fateh delegation led by 'Abbas Zaki meets with 7 Palestinian factions opposed to peace process in Damascus. Organizations represented are PPSF, PLF, PFLP, DFLP, PFLPGC, al-Sa'iqah, and Islamic Jihad. Delegation is to proceed to Amman for meeting with Hamas. (Algiers VOP, al-Rayv 7/14 in FBIS 7/15)

FM Peres proposes opening negotiations on final status based on Palestinian-Jordanian confederation in meeting with U.S. envoy Ross. (Ha Aretz 7/15 in FBIS 7/15)

U.S. delegation holds 2d meeting with Israeli leadership. Official statements are terse, but it is speculated discussions included tensions between Israel and Syria following escalation of violence in southern Lebanon. (MM 7/13)

2d U.S.-Palestinian meeting held at U.S. consulate in Jerusalem. (Qol Yisra'el 7/13 in FBIS 7/14)

Israeli rights group B'Tselem says 232 Palestinians under 17 killed by IDF since start of intifada, 38 in last 6 months. IDF calls such deaths "unavoidable," claims intifada casualties have declined, saying 166 Israelis, 1,859 Palestinians killed since outbreak of uprising. Report also states 100,000 Palestinians detained, 60,000 incarcerated over same period. (MM 7/13; Qol Yisra'el 7/13 in FBIS 7/15; WT 7/14)

Israeli police arrest 4 teenage members of "Kahane Lives" for the 11/92 grenade murder of a Palestinian in Jerusalem. (NYT 7/14)

Palestinian motorist shot dead by Border Police, second wounded in Hebron. (ITV 7/14 in FBIS 7/15)

PLO reconciliation meeting held in Damascus grouping representatives of Fateh, PFLP, and DFLP (Hawatmah faction). (al-Dustur 7/13 in FBIS 7/13)

PLO joins with Bangladesh, Iran, Malaysia, Pakistan, Tunisia, and Turkey in offer to send peacekeepers to Bosnia. (WP 7/14)

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)

PM Rabin implies Israel is willing to return part of the Golan Heights to Syria, expresses tacit acceptance of "land-for-peace" regarding Golan in speech to Knesset. (NYT 9/10)

PFLP, PLF, DFLP (Nayif Hawatima wing), and Palestinian Popular Struggle Front reiterate 9/5 rejection of Palestinian autonomy plan in Damascus. (RMC 9/10 in FBIS 9/10)

Israeli undercover forces open fire on group of Palestinians near Janin, kill masked youth reading nationalist statement over a loudspeaker. (MM 9/9)

Gulf Cooperation Council ends 2-day meeting in Jidda, issues final statement strongly condemning Iranian claim of sovereignty over island of Abu Musa, which is UAE property. Statement also criticizes Iraq, offering tacit support of Western imposed "no-fly zone." The 6 GCC members then meet in Doha, Qatar, with FMs from Egypt and Syria to discuss their March 1991 Damascus Declaration. Egypt is taking the lead in calling for an Arab joint military command and rapid deployment force for the Gulf war coalition members. (MM 9/9; SPA 9/9 in FBIS 9/10)

PM Rabin, apparently giving increased priority to Syrian-Israeli negotiations, names Tel Aviv University professor Itamar Rabinovich as chief negotiator with Syria. (WP 8/4)

Fateh Cent. Comm. meets in Tunis (AlFajr 8/5 in FBIS 8/6)

One of 3 IDF soldiers wounded in 8/1 Khan Yunis clash dies. (Qol Yisra'el 8/3 in FBIS 8/5)

Hamas, PFLP, and DFLP reject o.t. elections if ceiling of authority is administrative self-rule, and not 1-year transition to independence. (Al-Ray 8/4 in FBIS 8/6)

Israeli air force raids Jabal Safi region, S. Lebanon (6th air raid in 2 weeks), shells Kafr Rumman, Nabatiyya, Iqlim al-Tuffah areas. (Qol Yisra'el, VOL 8/3 in FBIS 8/3)

State Dept. announces Secy. of State Baker has sent letters to Israel, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and the Palestinians inviting them to resume fifth round of peace talks 4/27 in Washington and to make a commitment to moving the negotiations to a venue closer to Middle East. (WP 3/31)

Israel's Palestinian citizens mark annual commemoration of Land Day with a "national holiday" instead of the traditional protests and strikes. Rally is staged in Ramiya, a village which the government does not officially recognize and whose inhabitants face eviction [see 3/22]. Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) organizes Land Day strikes in Gaza, but security forces curfew most areas. (MM 3/30)

EC "troika" arrives in Amman for discussions with Jordanian, PLO officials on peace talks, upcoming multilateral economic talks. (Radio Jordan 3/31 in FBIS 4/1)

PFLP, DFLP-Hawatima faction, Palestine Liberation Front, and Palestinian Popular Struggle Front issue statement in Damascus confirming their support for 1988 Palestine National Council decision calling for confederation between Jordan and an independent Palestinian state. (Radio Monte Carlo 3/30 in FBIS 3/31)

Israeli peace activist Abie Nathan is released from prison [see 3/291. (MM 3/31)

In Damascus, Arab foreign ministers agree to coordinate stands during peace conference, not to strike separate deals with Israel. Syria failed to garner support for proposal that none of the delegations would attend the third-stage talks on regional issues until Israel returned occupied Arab territories. (MEM 10/24; NYT 10/25)

In another move toward Saudi-PLO reconciliation, PLO Pol. Dept. Head Faruq al-Qaddumi meets with Saudi FM Prince Sa'ud al-Faysal while both attend Damascus foreign ministers meeting. The meeting, brokered by Egyptian pres. Husni Mubarak, was their first since the Gulf war, and reportedly led to Sa'ud pledging to restore Saudi ties with PLO. (MEM 10/25)

Palestinian delegate Sa'ib 'Urayqat creates an uproar in Israel by declaring to the press that "we are the PLO delegation." Palestinian negotiator Faisal Husseini later states that 'Urayqat was speaking for himself. (NYT 10/2)

Faisal Husseini announces seven Palestinians will form an advisory committee to work with the steering committee attached to the Palestinian delegation to the peace conference. They are: Radwan Abu 'Ayyash, Ziyad Abu Zayyad, Ahmad al-Yazji, Jamil Tarifi, Radi Jara'i, Salih Abu Laban, 'Abd al-Hadi Abu Khawsh. (MEM 10/25; Voice of Palestine 10/26 in FBIS 10/28)

Some 300 Palestinian fighters opposed participation in the peace talks occupy the offices of Fateh in the 'Ayn al-Hilwa refugee camp near Sidon, S. Lebanon, and overrun much of the rest of the camp. Action was reportedly led by Maj. Munir Makda, commander of Force 17, Fateh's security force. (NYT 10/25)

Ten Palestinian groups which had been attending Tehran-based conference on Palestine sign 13-point statement denouncing Madrid peace conference, calling for escalation of intifada. Among signatories were PFLP, DFLP [Hawatma faction], Palestinian Popular Struggle Front, al-Sa'iqa. (Radio Monte Carlo 10/24 in FBIS 10/25)

Israel re-opens its embassy in Moscow, closed since the USSR broke diplomatic relations with Israel in 1967. (NYT 10/25)

Lebanese Pres. al-Hirawi states Ta'if accord calls for "redeployment-not a withdrawal-of Syrian forces," but suggests that if Israel withdrew from S. Lebanon, Syria would withdraw its forces from Lebanon. (MEM 10/24)

U.S. troops begin leaving Gulf; Def. Sec. Cheney says U.S. will return average of 5,000 troops per day over next few weeks [LAT, WP, CSM 3/8; MET 3/19].

En route to Saudi Arabia as part of 11-day Middle East tour, Sec. Baker says he will propose series of "confidence-building measures" between Israel and Arab states to open path to broader peace talks [LAT, NYT, WP, WT 3/8].

In Kuwait, at least 2 Palestinians have been shot dead and 5 others hospitalized from beatings and shootings, as Palestinians raise concerns about reprisals against their community in Kuwait [LAT, NYT, WP 3/8].

Israeli gov't. rejects Pres. Bush's call for solution to Arab-Israeli conflict that includes trading land for peace; F.M. David Levy says attempts to pressure Israel are not welcome [LAT, WT 3/8; JDS, IDF, PDS 3/7, MAA 3/8 in FBIS 3/8]; in separate statements, PLO and Egypt welcome what they call "positive elements" in Pres. Bush's 3/6 speech [AVP, MENA 3/7 in FBIS 3/8; MEM 3/7].

Palestinian journalist Taher Shriteh, jailed without charge on 1/28/91, is freed on bail after international campaign to gain his release (cf. 3/11) [NYT, MEM 3/8; AFP 3/8 in FBIS 3/11; MET 3/19].

House of Representatives votes to authorize $15.8 billion to pay for Gulf war, and also $650 million for Israel, and warns other nations that Congress "may consider appropriate action" if promised payments are not made [NYT, WP, WT 3/8].

Sec.-Gen. Perez de Cuellar selects Switzerland's ambassador to Washington, Edouard Brunner, asspecial Middle East envoy to begin new high-priority search for solution to Arab-Israeli conflict [WP 3/8].

Palestinian leaders representing Fateh, PFLP, and DFLP, but not Hamas, meet in Jerusalem with visiting EC "troika" representatives including Italian F.M. Gianni de Michelis; EC ministers also meet with Israeli P.M. Shamir and D.M. Arens, then depart for Jordan [JDS 3/7 in FBIS 3/8; FJ 3/11; MET 3/19].

Border policeman in Nablus is stabbed, wounded; attacker escapes and army imposes curfew on Nablus and adjacent refugee camps [JDS 3/7 in FBIS 3/8]; 30 Palestinians are detained in Jerusalem after IDF opens fire on demonstrators [JDS 3/7 in FBIS 3/11].

Syria and Saudi Arabia sign wide-ranging cooperation agreement which both nations say was sign of desire to foster closer relations [MEM 3/8].

Italian F.M. de Michelis is quoted as calling for "internal revolt in the Palestinian [resistance] movement" now that PLO has "ruled itself out" of peace negotiations [MEM 3/7].

UN Sec.-Gen. Perez de Cuellar leaves Amman for Paris after 2 days of talks with Iraqi F.M. Aziz that left Perez de Cuellar "dis-appointed" [RMC 9/2 in FBIS 9/4; LAT, NYT, WP 9/3; CSM 9/4; MET 9/11].

PFLP leader George Habash meets with Saddam in Baghdad for first time in 14 years (en route, visited Amman for first time since September 1970) [LAT, NYT, WP, MEM 9/3; JTE 9/3 in FBIS 9/6; BADS 9/2 in FBIS 9/7; CSM 9/4].

Conflicting media reports surround rumors that Habash will move his base from Damascus to Baghdad, and Hawatmeh from Damascus to Amman [LAT, MEM 9/3; JTE, AFP 9/3 in FBIS 9/6; MET 9/1 1].

Sources say DFLP leader Nayef Hawatmeh is struggling to keep control of his group after making known his support for Syria [LAT, NYT, WP 9/3].

Greek frigate leaves naval base to join multinational force in Mediterranean [LAT 9/3].

3 Palestinians were killed by Israelis during August, equaling July's total as the lowest monthly death toll since the intifada began [LAT 9/3].

Iraqi authorities in Baghdad have begun to issue ration cards for the purchase of basic commodities [AFP 9/2 in FBIS 9/4].

Israel extends for 3 months closure orders for West Bank universities of Birzeit, Hebron, and al-Najah [JDS 9/3 in FBIS 9/7; FJ 9/10].

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: P.M. Peres states Israel has engaged in "quiet diplomacy" with Jordan since King Hussein's break with the PLO in February [BG, WP 4/29]. Syrian army deserter captured by Israeli army in S. Lebanon says on Israel TV that he and 2 other Syrian deserters were recruited and paid by Fateh to infiltrate Israel, take hostages at Kibbutz Manara, take the French ambassador to Israel hostage, and demand safe passage out of the country to Jordan, Egypt, or Tunisia; he states Fateh has many Syrian, Pakistani, and Iraqi recruits for similar missions [JP 4/29].

Arab World: Spokespersons for Yasir Arafat's Fateh, the DFLP, and the PFLP denounce Jordanian regime for secret contacts with Israeli government officials [FJ 5/2]. Abu Nidal's Fateh Revolutionary Council claims responsibility for 4/27 shooting of British tourist in East Jerusalem, states it was in reprisal for U.S. air raid on Libyand British "collusion" in the attack, states Briton shot was an intelligence agent [WP, PI 4/29]. Egypt, which supplies Israel with one quarter of its oil, has reduced prices by approximately 25%, saving Israeli Treasury over $50 million a year [JTA 4/29].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jewish underground defendant Menachem Neuberger pleads guilty to charges of plotting to blow up al-Haram al-Sharif [WP, PI 5/24]. PM Peres asks Attorney Gen. Yitzhak Zamir for legal opinion concerning release of Jewish underground defendants; opposes executive branch interference in legal process [JTA 5/24].

Arab World: Officials from Amal, Palestine National Salvation Front meet in Mukhtara, Lebanon to seek resolution of Shi'ite-Palestinian fighting in Beirut [NYT 5/24]. PFLP, DFLP, Chmn. Arafat accuse Shi'ite fighters of massacres against Palestinian civilians in Beirut camps; Arafat also accuses Nabih Berri of making secret agreement with Israel to hinder anti-Israeli resistance in S. Lebanon [WP 5/24, LM 5/25]. Syrian FM Faruq al-Shara accuses Chmn. Arafat of provoking recent Amal-Palestinian fighting in Beirut [MG 5/24].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Settlers attack homes of Talib Gheith in Hebron, Muhammad Abu Kishik in Askar camp (both former prisoners releasd 5/20) [NYT 5/25].

Arab World: Action in Lebanon: fighting continues between Amal, Lebanese Army's 6th Brigade and Palestinian fighters in Beirut camps; Palestinians launch Katyushas against Shi'ite areas of city; 33 killed, 193 wounded [NYT, MG 5/24]. Amal stages searches for Palestinians throughout Beirut; at least 200 arrested [PI 5/25].

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Israeli reservist convicted of stealing money from West Bank residents returning from Jordan. Chrmn. of US Joint Chiefs of Staff arrives from mtg. with Pres. Gemayel for 3-day visit with IDF officials. Zionist General Council convenes in Jerusalem to discuss settlement, immigration, Jewish education, as well as crisis in the Zionist movement. Muhammed Amireh, journalist with al-Quds, placed under town arrest for 6 mos. Palestinian journalist, Raymonda Tawil prevented from leaving West Bank to participate in political debate for West German television. Meir Kahane, after stating to press he would turn himself in only if later released on bail, reports to Jerusalem police station; released on IS25,000 bail and ordered to turn over US passport to authorities.

Arab World: 3 PLO Executive Committee members, Abdul Mohsen Abu Maizar (Ind.), Ahmed al-Yamani (PFLP) and Yasser Abed Rabbo (PDFLP), leave talks in Tunis, return to Damascus. Syrian and Lebanese FMs meet in Riyadh with Saudi counterparts for talks on Lebanon security plan; talks focus on Syrian call for repudiation of May 17 agreement. 

Military Action:

Grenade thrown at IDF convoy near Sidon; IDF reports 4 other attacks on its positions over weekend; Syrian forces maintain encirclement of loyalist PLO positions.

Casualties:

2 IDF soldiers wounded in grenade attack.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Grand Mufti of Jerusalem issues statement urging PLO rebels to support Arafat, promises martyr status to any Muslim who assassinates Assad; 700 West Bank representatives of student, professional, political and trade union organizations meet at Al-Aqsa mosque, criticize Syrian and Libyan intervention in Palestinian affairs, call on rebels to support present PLO leadership; Habib arrives in Israel for talks with Begin, Shamir, Arens, reportedly will seek to delay IDF redeployment until Begin-Reagan meeting on July 27.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat returns to Tunis; PFLP official calls Arafat expulsion from Syria an insult to the entire PLO; PFLP and DFLP, split since 1969, announce merger to enhance unity of PLO.

Arab Governments: Syria describes Arafat as a defeatist who has chosen the path of the wilderness.

Military Action:

IDF building new roads in South and East Lebanon, bypassing villages; IDF constructing new fortifications in Bekaa.

Casualties:

IDF arrests Lebanese suspected of participation in guerrilla attacks.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Military statistics for year ending March 31 show increase in West Bank incidents of 69% over previous year, rise in use of molotov cocktails and grenades, 4417 street disturbances (increase of 79%), 35 schools closed, 66 towns, villages and camps subjected to curfews, 2 Israelis killed, 174 injured, 11 Palestinians killed, 90 injured; policeman to stand trial on torture charges after investigation of complaints by Arraba resident; Attorney General refuses to make public the Karp report on Jewish vigilantism in West Bank; Cabinet economic decisions will raise cost of imports by 7.5%, levy .3% tax on cash withdrawals from banks as partial means of financing Lebanon occupation; 8 Jewish religious students arrested in Jerusalem on suspicion of vandalizing Arab home near their yeshiva; 2 Gaza Strip Arabs sentenced to life imprisonment for grenade attack on Israeli bus in which 8 passengers were injured.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Christian and Druze leaders meeting this week to ratify truce agreement covering Chouf region, terms include entry of Lebanese Army assisted by MNF as peacekeeping force, removal of roadblocks and exchange of prisoners, temporary amnesry, reconstruction assistance for damaged villages; PFLP and DFLP seek to mediate rebellion within Fateh.

Arab Governments: Syrian President Assad forms government committee to mediate Fateh rebellion, Syrian troops reinforce guard around main PLO offices and institutions in Damascus.

US and Other Countries: US defense sources say both Israel and Syria have received US aerial reconnaissance photos since 1976; former Israeli Defense Minister Sharon, accompanied by numerous bodyguards, arrives at Montreal airport under massive security precautions.