The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with a military escort shot and killed a Palestinian man during a raid in Dura al-Qara’. Israeli settlers also shot and injured a Palestinian in Shufa. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers threw stones at Palestinians traveling near Burqa, injuring a Palestinian woman. Israeli settlers also opened fire at a Palestinian vehicle near Bizarya, causing damage. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers vandalized olive trees near Tell. Israeli forces shot and killed 3 Palestinians, including 2 minors, during raids in Shuqba and Jamma’in. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Huwwara, Tarqumiyah, and Dar Salah, injuring 3 with live ammunition and others with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian home in Bayt Hanina. 65 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Bethlehem, and Nablus. Around 750 Palestinians have been arrested by Israeli forces since 10/7. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes killed around 100 Palestinians, including several people sheltering at an UNRWA school in Khan Yunis. Rockets were fired at Israel, causing damage. In Haifa, Israeli police violently dispersed anti-war protesters, arresting 4 and injuring others with batons. In Lebanon, Hezbollah fired an anti-tank missile at Israeli soldiers in Shtula, injuring 5. Israel fired artillery shells and conducted drone strikes in Lebanon. Hezbollah said 2 of its members were killed. Protesters demonstrated outside of the German and U.S. embassies in Beirut. In Syria, Israel conducted airstrikes in the Quneitra province. In Turkey, 60 people, mostly police officers, were injured after protesters in Istanbul attempted to storm the Israeli consulate. There were also demonstrations in Jordan, Yemen, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Libya, Iran, and the West Bank. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, AP, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, REU, UNOCHA WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/18; AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/19)

The Gaza Ministry of Health said as of 5 p.m. at least 3,500 Palestinians had been killed, including at least 853 children, and 12,500 had been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7, including 47 entire families consisting of 500 people. In addition, Israeli media reported that 1,500 Palestinian militants have been killed near Gaza. 65 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 15 children. More than 1,284 have been injured, including at least 300 with live ammunition. Israeli officials recorded no new fatalities, leaving the Israeli death toll at around 1,300 Israelis and foreign nationals; 4,562 have been injured since 10/7. The UN reported that over 1 million Palestinians have been displaced since 10/7 and that since 11 p.m. on 10/12 there has been a complete electricity blackout due to the Israeli blockade. At least 11,887 housing units have been destroyed in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. The number is likely much higher as the latest data is from 10/14. The Palestinian civil defense team said that more than 1,000 Palestinians were under the rubble of buildings in Gaza. (AJ, AJ, HA, UNOCHA 10/18)

Palestinians in the West Bank observed a general strike in protest against the Israeli airstrike that killed 471 people at al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City on 10/17. (WAFA, WAFA 10/18)

The Israeli military again called on Palestinians in northern Gaza to evacuate south to the al-Mawasi area. (AJ 10/17; HA, UNOCHA 10/18)

The PA leadership held an emergency meeting chaired by President Mahmoud Abbas, confirming a July 2023 decision to end security coordination with Israel and reaffirming the Palestinian people’s right to self-defense. (WAFA 10/18)

The Knesset approved temporary legislation to allow Israeli prisons to admit new inmates beyond their legal capacity, allowing worsening conditions for Palestinian prisoners, including reducing living spaces and forcing prisoners to sleep on mattresses on the floor. The bill will be in effect for 3 months. Israel prisons have received 500 new Palestinian prisoners since 10/7, including 118 who crossed from Gaza to Israel in relation to Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. The Israeli High Court of Justice ruled in 2017 that prisoners must be given at least 37.7 square feet of space. The Knesset ethics panel also voted to suspend Jewish Hadash MK Ofer Cassif from the Knesset for 45 days and revoked his salary for 14 days over his anti-war stance. (AJ, HA 10/18; HA 10/19)

U.S. president Joe Biden landed in Israel for meetings with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and the war cabinet. Biden was supposed to travel to Amman for meetings with President Abbas, Jordanian king Abdullah II, and Egyptian president Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi, but the meetings were cancelled by the 3 leaders after Israel bombed al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza, killing 471 people. Biden told Netanyahu during a meeting that “it appears as though it was done by the other team, not you” in reference to the hospital bombing. Biden cautioned Israel not to be consumed by rage, saying the U.S. made mistakes after 9/11. Biden also announced $100 million in humanitarian aid to Palestinians as the Senate was working on passing a bill providing $10 billion in extra military aid to Israel. Biden said aid to Gaza could start arriving on 10/20, as Egypt needs to “patch the road” to the crossing. Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) blocked an attempt by Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) to prevent the Biden administration from dispersing the $100 million in aid to Palestinians. 33 Democratic senators urged Secretary of State Antony Blinken to lead efforts to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza. Around 300 Jewish Americans were arrested at the U.S. Capitol while protesting Israel’s war in Gaza. The protest was arranged by Jewish Voice for Peace. (HA 10/17; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, NYT, NYT, NYT, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU 10/18; AJ, AP, HA, HA, REU, WAFA 10/19; AJ 10/20)

After President Biden’s meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Netanyahu’s office released a statement saying that Israel will not allow aid from its territory to enter Gaza until the captives are returned. The statement also said Israel demands that the Red Cross be able to visit the captives and that Israel will not “thwart” humanitarian aid from Egypt as long as it only consists of food, water, and medicine. (AJ 10/17; AJ, HA 10/18)

President el-Sisi said during a press conference with German chancellor Olaf Schulz that Israel could allow Palestinians in Gaza to stay in the Naqab desert until Israel can “do what they wish to do with the militant operatives in the Gaza Strip.” El-Sisi also spoke with President Biden about aid coming through the Rafah crossing. Saudi foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan met with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in the sidelines of an OIC meeting in Jeddah, discussing the situation in Gaza. Amir-Abdollahian called on the OIC members to sanction Israel and expel Israeli ambassadors. The OIC called for an immediate ceasefire and for Israel to lift the siege of Gaza. (AP 10/16; AJ 10/17; AJ, HA, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA 10/18; WAFA 10/19)

The U.S. blocked a UN Security Council resolution calling for humanitarian access to Gaza, protection of civilians, and condemning Hamas’ operation in Israel. The resolution, introduced by Brazil, was approved by 12 members of the Security Council, while Russia and the UK abstained. UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres called “for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Middle East.” (AJ 10/17; AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, HA, NYT, REU 10/18)

U.S. State Department director of the office of public and congressional affairs Josh Paul resigned in protest over the Biden administration’s policy toward the Israeli assault on Gaza and its “impulsive reaction built on confirmation bias, political convenience, intellectual bankruptcy, and bureaucratic inertia.” (AJ, HA 10/18; AJ, NYT 10/19)

Jewish Currents reported that the Palestinian academics and analysts Noura Erakat, Yousef Munayyer, and Omar Baddar had their interviews cut from segments on CBS and CNN. MSNBC last week temporarily removed 3 Muslim hosts, Mehdi Hasan, Ali Velshi, and Ayman Mohyeldin, who is Palestinian, from their programming. (JC 10/18)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces fired tear gas near a school in ‘Anata, injuring students and staff. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers led by former MK Yehuda Glick toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. Israeli forces assaulted 1 Palestinian at the Damascus Gate Plaza, injuring and arresting him. Israeli authorities demolished 1 commercial structure in Jabel Mukaber. In Gaza, 5 Palestinians were killed and 25 others injured in an explosion during a protest near the Gaza fence. Palestinian officials said the 5 were killed when an explosive device accidentally exploded. 1 other Palestinian succumbed to wounds from the explosion on 9/17. Israeli forces also violently dispersed protesters east of Gaza City, injuring 9, including 3 minors. Palestinians marked the anniversary of the 2005 Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. (AJ, HA, QDS, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/13; PCHR, REU 9/14; QDS 9/17; UNOCHA 9/26)

6 Palestinians were killed, including 3 members of Fatah, and 15 were wounded during fighting in Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp. The fighting reignited despite a ceasefire agreement from 9/11. 16 people have been killed since 9/7 when fighting broke out again after a month of relative quiet. Hamas and Islamic Jihad called for an immediate ceasefire after a meeting between Hamas Political Bureau deputy chairperson Moussa Abu Marzouk and Islamic Jihad secretary general Ziyad al-Nakhalah in Beirut. (AJ, AP 9/13; QDS 9/14)

PA prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh met with the new EU envoy to Palestine Alexandre Stutzmann. (WAFA 9/13)

In Syria, Israeli forces conducted air strikes in Tartus on 2 separate occasions, killing 2 Syrian soldiers and wounding 6 others. Israeli forces also attacked the Shuairat military airport in the Homs province and several places in the Hama province, causing damage. Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant appeared to brag about the attacks on 9/14 at an event with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when he said, “[e]ven last night, we saw proof that in the State of Israel the thunder of planes is louder than all the background noise.” (AJ, AP, HA 9/13; ALM, HA 9/14)

In an interview with the podcast Pod Save the World, U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken said that “what we hear from the Saudis that if this process [normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia] is to move forward, the Palestinian piece is going to be very important,” further stating that “in our judgement, of course, that must – needs to involve a 2-state solution.” (HA 9/13)

The U.S. signed a security agreement called the “Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement” with Bahrain, pledging to defend the country from attacks. (NYT 9/13)

UK foreign secretary James Cleverly said the UK will support UNRWA with $12.5 million during a visit to Jalazun refugee camp where he met with UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini. (QDS, WAFA 9/13)

In the West Bank, IDF troops clash with residents in a village nr. Qalqilya during a raid, with 1 Palestinian wounded by a tear gas canister striking him on the hand. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning, and in 1 village and al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron at night; patrols in Tulkarm and 1 village each nr. Jenin and Ramallah in the morning, in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Jenin in the afternoon, and in 2 villages each nr. Hebron and Jenin, and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. IDF troops also demolish water wells and tents in 3 locations across the n. Jordan Valley. (MNA 12/3; PCHR 12/5)

A group of French experts rules out polonium poisoning as the cause of death for the late Palestinian leader Yasir Arafat, differing from the conclusions reached by Swiss scientists last mo. (See document A2 in JPS 170 for extended excerpts of the Swiss team’s report.) (AFP 12/3)

Andreas Reinicke, EU special rep. for the Middle East peace process, tells journalists at the European External Action Service in Brussels that at least half the EU’s mbr. states currently support labelling products manufactured in Israeli settlements. (ToI 12/3)

Palestinian UNRWA workers in the West Bank go on strike, protesting low salaries and the agency’s decision to not renew the contracts of 55 workers. (MEMO 12/3)

In a televised interview, Hizballah leader Shaykh Hasan Nasrallah accuses Saudi Arabia of being behind the suicide bombing attacks that targeted the Iranian Embassy in Beirut on 11/19. He dismisses claims that differences between Saudi Arabia and Iran are sectarian, saying that they are based on Riyadh’s desire to be the dominant regional influence. (AP, DS, REU 12/3)

Israel officially acknowledges for the 1st time that it is providing humanitarian aid along the border fence for victims of Syria’s civil war, an announcement made by DM Ya’alon during a visit to the occupied Golan Heights. (AP 12/3)

In the Gaza Strip, Israeli forces launch air strikes targeting 2 chicken farms, a border fence tunnel, and an Islamic Jihad training site nr. Khan Yunis. There are no injuries reported in any of the attacks. IDF troops also conduct a limited incursion in s. Gaza to level land nr. the border fence. The IDF also shells agricultural land nr. Gaza City, with no damage or casualties. Separately, a Palestinian fighter is killed in an accidental explosion in Gaza City. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in Hebron and 3 nearby villages and al-‘Arub r.c., and 1 village each nr. Bethlehem, Jenin, Nablus, and Ramallah at night. Meanwhile, a Palestinian man shot by Israeli forces in 2006 dies of his wounds. Jewish settlers vandalize 2 cars and leave racist graffiti in a village nr. Nablus. (MNA 11/19; PCHR 11/21)

Following the 11/16 decision by Hamas officials, Ma’an News Agency’s office in Gaza City reopens, following 4 mos. of closure, with the authorities also announcing that Al-Arabiya TV’s offices would also reopen. Hamas closed the 2 news organizations on 7/25 after they reported that Muslim Brotherhood officials who had fled Egypt were being sheltered in the Gaza Strip. (MNA 11/19)

UNRWA Under Secy.-Gen. Jeffrey Feltman tells the UN Security Council (UNSC) that the agency will be unable to pay salaries to roughly 30,000 employees in 12/2013, including teachers and medical personnel, due to a $36 m. deficit. Meanwhile, hundreds of teachers gathered outside the High Court of Justice in Ramallah after the PA appealed to the court with the claim that the limited strike launched on 11/17 was in contravention of labor laws. (AFP, MNA 11/19)

A double suicide bombing kills 23 outside the Iranian embassy in Beirut, including an Iranian diplomat. The attack was claimed by al-Qa‘ida linked group Abdullah Azzam Brigades that, in a statement, said their demands were the withdrawal of Hizballah forces from Syria and the release of Salafist jihadists from Lebanese jails. Following the bombings, Hizballah’s dep. leader Naim Kassem says that the group will not be swayed from its course of support for the Syrian govt. Saudi Arabia condemns the attack as “cowardly.” (AFP 11/19; AP, REU 11/20)

Egyptian security forces storm Tahrir Square in Cairo, clashing with protesters who had gathered to mark the anniversary of deadly 2011 demonstrations. One person is killed in the confrontation. (AFP 11/19)

In Gaza, the IDF sends troops back into s. Gaza to search for a reported tunnel on the Gaza-Egypt border, cuts power to Rafah, makes an air strike on a building in Gaza City that allegedly holds a weapons cache; makes air strikes destroying 2 Palestinian homes in n. Gaza after phoning residents (at least 1 of them an AMB mbr.) to warn them to evacuate, also destroying 1 home nearby; shells residential areas of n. Gaza without warning (hitting 4 Palestinian homes, injuring 3 Palestinians), al-Shuka (wounding 2 Palestinians); temporarily occupies the Erez industrial zone, withdrawing after nightfall; sends bulldozers into southeastern Khan Yunis to raze 100 d. of agricultural land. UNRWA reports that it is housing in its schools some 1,200 Palestinians who have fled n. Gaza to escape IDF shelling. In the West Bank, the IDF sends undercover units into Nablus to assassinate local Islamic Jihad military cmdr. Hani Uwayjan, a Palestinian civilian with him; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Hebron, Qalqilya; patrols in, fires on residential areas of Jenin, wounding 1 Palestinian. A Palestinian civilian wounded by IDF fire in Gaza City on 7/27 dies. (NYT, PCHR, WP, WT 7/30; PCHR 8/3)

The IDF keeps up intensive air and artillery strikes across Lebanon, targeting the Beirut–Damascus highway (closing the Syrian border crossing for the 1st time since 7/12; though the road is used primarily by civilians trying to flee the country and aid workers bringing in humanitarian assistance, Israel claims it targeted the road to prevent arms smuggling), killing at least 6 Lebanese civilians, wounding 2 UNIFIL monitors. During the day, the IDF withdraws troops fr. Bint Jubayl, claiming to have destroyed Hizballah’s elaborate network of tunnels and storage areas, but continues air and artillery strikes and keeps troops in the area, saying they could be sent back in at any time. Hizballah fires at least 90 rockets into Israel. Israel allows military planes delivering aid fr. Egypt, Jordan, the UAE to land at Beirut airport; a warship fr. Turkey brings medical supplies into Beirut port; a U.S. naval catamaran brings blankets, tarps, medical kits; aid workers in Lebanon complain that it is still too dangerous to transport aid supplies, that the IDF still requires convoy-by-convoy approval to move the aid to hard-hit areas. (NYT, WP, WT 7/30)

1st official Syrian-Israeli talks since suspension of negotiations 2/94 begin in Washington; are expanded to include military advisors fr. both sides in hopes of giving momentum to negotiations on the Golan. Israel sends military secy. Maj. Gen. Dani Yatom, IDF Chief of Staff Baraq; Syria sends Lt. Gen Hikmat al-Shishabi. (Ma'ariv 12/21, QY 12/22 in FBIS 12/22; QY 12/22, Ma'ariv 12/23 in FBIS 12/23; WP 12/23; NYT 12/24; WT 12/25; SARR 12/25 in FBIS 12/27; WT 12/26; NYT 12/31; MEI 1/6) (see 12/19)

Arafat cancels Fateh Central Comm. mtg. in Tunis at last minute, reportedly after learning he might be presented with a demand by the comm.'s majority to waive some of his powers, incorporate opposition into PA. (ITV 12/22 in FBIS 12/23; PR 12/24; MEI 1/20)

Arne Christianson, AIPAC legislative director and top Congressional lobbyist, announces he will leave AIPAC to become senior policy adviser to incoming House speaker Newt Gingrich. He will deal with budget, appropriations issues. Brad Gordon, current director of the House subcommittee on international operations, will replace Christianson at AIPAC. (WT 12/23: WJW 12/29)

2 IDF soldiers killed, 7 wounded when Hizballah attacks IDF post in southern Lebanon in retaliation for car bombing 12/21. (NYT, WP, WT 12/24; JP 12/31)

Palestinians, Israeli Peace Now activists begin sit-in to protest construction of 500 apartments in Efrat settlement in West Bank, nr. Jerusalem. (QY 12/22 in FBIS 12/22; PR 12/24; WT 12/31)

Hamas mbr. dies in West Bank, sparking Palestinian protests, clashes with IDF. IDF says man died when bomb he was making exploded; family says IDF killed him. (QY, VOP 12/22 in FBIS 12/22)

PM Rabin denies Israel is responsible for car bomb detonated in Beirut 12/21. (ITV 12/22 in FBIS 12/23)

UNRWA announces frmr. U.S. Amb. to Iraq April Glaspie will become agency's head of operations in o.t. (JP 12/23 in FBIS 12/23)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel's Supreme Court rules that authorities cannot legally discriminate against converts to Judaism [BG 12/2; LAT 12/3]. P.M. Shamir denies Israel knowingly helped channel funds to Nicaraguan rebels [NYT 12/3].

Other Countries: W. German reports indicate 2 Arabs found guilty of bombing at W. Berlin club in March may have been double agents working for Israel [WP 12/1].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops, attempting to control demonstration at UNRWA Teachers Training Center in Ramallah, shoot and wound a student in the head. At least 15 others are arrested in protests in the W. Bank 11/30 and 12/1 marking anniversary of the 1947 Palestine partition plan. Four colleges are ordered closed for a week [FJ 12/5].

Arab World: Amal, Sixth Lebanese Army Brigade, and Syrian commandos unite to launch major offensive against Shatila refugee camp. Palestinian forces hold off attackers [FJ 12/5]. Forty-six are killed, 111 wounded in heavy fighting between PLO and Amal forces in Beirut and S. Lebanon. One-day general strike in Sidon protests the on-going battle in that city [BG 12/2]. The Amal and the PNSF are reported to reach agreement on cease-fire in S. Lebanon [JP 12/2]. 

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: High Court delays order to demolish 2 al-Thowri homes belonging to families of persons suspected of indirect involvement in killing of Israeli settler in Hebron. 3 Dura teenagers sentenced by Ramallah military court to 15-30 years for membership in "illegal organizations." 2 Gaza Red Crescent Society officials, Dr. Haidar Abd al-Shafi & Abd al-Karim Tululi, tried for possession of banned books. Town arrest of Hamdi Faraj, executive member of Arab Journalists Assoc., renewed for 6 months. Israel Central Bureau of Statistics announces inflation to reach 190% by end 1983 (compared with 130% in 1982).

Other Countries: Israel's 1985 American aid request presented simultaneously in Washington and Jerusalem; no final sum, but declares need for $3.3 billion to fill foreign currency gap. Reagan appoints Orthodox Jew, Marshall Jordan Berger to post as White House liaison to US Jewish community. UNRWA disavows any connection with Israeli gov't.'s proposed refugee resettlement scheme. US praises Israel-assisted rescue of Phalangist militiamen from Deir al-Qamar as "model for further progress in the reconciliation process in Lebanon." European Parliament to send delegation to Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Israel and Egypt to examine possibilities of solutions to Middle East and Lebanon conflict.

MILITARY ACTION:

Arab World: USS New Jersey's 16-inch guns, in action for first time since Vietnam war, fire at Syrian anti-aircraft batteries east of Beirut.

Military Action:

Israeli jets break sound barrier in flights over Beirut.

Casualties:

UNRWA official says about 30 Palestinian civilians have been killed in South Lebanon by unidentified gunmen since January, hundreds more have fled their homes for refugee camps, UNRWA unable to obtain guarantees for safety and assistance of Palestinian camp population from IDF or Lebanese government.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Settlers in Western Negev demonstrate in Gaza against murder of 2 men in Gaza market in past 2 months; High Court increases from 4 months to 1 year prison sentence of Kiryat Arba resident convicted of wounding 5 year-old girl by shooting into house in Hebron; Israeli Civil Rights Movement gives Justice Ministry list of 70 instances during 1982-83 in which Jewish settlers or IDF and border police allegedly acted illegally against Arab residents; West Bank Civil Administration fires Arab director of public health services over his March 31 statement that symptoms of illness in Arraba pointed to something more than mass hysteria; Birzeit University student council head arrested in Jenin, hand is broken by security guard.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Gemayel and other officials meet special envoy Habib; commander of PLO artillery in Bekaa says he and his men place themselves under command of Abu Musa, support corrective movement within Fateh.

Arab Governments: Syria says it will never allow the liberated areas of Tripoli and Bekaa to fall into hands of Israel and Phalange; Libya calls for expulsion of Lebanon from Arab League.

US and Other Countries: Habib travels from Beirut via Cairo to Riyadh; Shultz tells House Foreign Affairs Committee Reagan has decided to permit sale of F-1 6s to Israel, cites Soviet military supplies and advisers in Syria as major factors.

Military Action:

Bomb explodes as IDF vehicle passes in Beirut suburb of Baabda; IDF vehicle detonates mine near Ein Zahlata; IDF tank hits mine in Bekaa region.

Casualties:

6 IDF soldiers wounded in Baabda attack, 3 in Ein Zahlata; Lebanese police report 3 Palestinians killed in two attacks on IDF positions in South Lebanon; stray machine gun fire by IDF penetrates US Marine base after Baabda attack, no injuries; UNRWA officials report escalation in attacks on Palestinians in Sidon, said to coincide with arrival there of Phalange officer Elie Hobeika, armed and masked men of Guardians of Cedars threatening Palestinians, 4 killed, 2 wounded since April 28.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Shultz returns to Jerusalem, meets with Begin, Shamir, Arens; Begin says he will call Cabinet meeting to decide on draft troop withdrawal agreement; Ministry of Absorption reports that only 11 of the 114 Jews leaving the Soviet Union last month came to Israel; Elon Moreh settlers fire on Nablus youths when stones are thrown at their car, 13 students arrested, school closed; window of Israeli truck broken by stones near Kalandia camp; 400 students hold sit-in demonstration at Tireh UNRWA Training Center.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: President Gemayel says the danger of signing an agreement with Israel without obtaining the withdrawal of Syria, the PLO and some Iranians is that Israel will not withdraw and the agreement will have no value; PLO seeks guarantees for security of Palestinians in Lebanon as precondition for withdrawal of PLO forces, Saudi information minister to intervene with Lebanese officials this week on issues of murders of Palestinians, threats to refugees, bombings of shops, expulsions, detention, attacks by Lebanese Army on Palestinian women crossing into East Lebanon to visit husbands and fathers with PLO forces.

Arab Governments: Jordan considering limitations on export of West Bank produce to East Bank, restrictions on entry of West Bank students to University of Jordan, holding of elections on East Bank only.

US and Other Countries: Shultz continues talks in Beirut, then returns to Jerusalem; Reagan says PLO council was never elected by the Palestinian people, referendum on alternative leadership might not be practical; French foreign minister meets PLO official, asks PLO to cancel UN conference on Palestine scheduled for UNESCO's Paris headquarters in August.

Military Action:

Syria reported to have East German and Cuban military advisers assisting with newly acquired Soviet equipment and upgrading military command and control structure; Haddad declares he has taken control of 25-mile zone of South Lebanon, establishes garrison post in Sidon, says purpose is to help legitimate authorities to restore sovereignty throughout the country; 150 French soldiers added to French MNF contingent, now numbers 2,200; Lebanese Cabinet decree places police at disposal of military commander, gives army right to arrest and try people threatening national security; IDF says it will increase patrols in Sidon in response to requests from Wazzan.

Casualties:

45 thefts of autos from Palestinians in South Lebanon reported by police.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Begin tells visiting members of European Parliament that their support for Reagan plan is destructive; Begin announces appointment of Moshe Arens to replace Sharon as Defense Minister; Parliament votes 61 to 56, with 1 abstention, to approve Sharon remaining in Cabinet without portfolio; Sharon receives ceremonial farewell with full military honors at Tel Aviv Defense Ministry; Israel reportedly plans to increase air force strength from 19 to 24 combat squadrons, deploying 600 high performance aircraft, by mid-1990s; Kalandia refugee camp and its UNRWA school, al-Amari camp, and the old Nablus market are placed under curfews; bus window smashed near Dheisheh camp, windows of Israeli cars broken in Ramallah; tires burned near Ramallah; one IDF soldier, one civil administrator injured by stones in Ramallah; Bethlehem Mayor Freij says Palestinians have only two months to prevent Israeli takeover of West Bank and Gaza from becoming an established fact.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: 16th session of Palestine National Council opens in Algiers, 360 members from 90 countries present, 180 from West Bank and Gaza absent; PLO Executive Committee reportedly will make following recommendations: Reagan plan is insufficient but not rejected, closer ties with progressive and democratic elements in Egypt, special link with King Hussein, confederation between independent Palestinian state and Jordan, PLO members to participate with Jordanians in any negotiations, endorsement of Arab League resolution at Fez, PNC to decide on question of contacts between PLO leaders and Israelis; Lebanese-Israeli-US negotiators at Khalde end 15th round of talks, announce they are putting into writing points of agreement reached so far.

US and Other Countries: Austrian Chancellor Kreisky says Reagan plan represents a change of attitude but as for solving the concrete questions, he is doubtful; US aerospace companies such as Northrop oppose use of Foreign Military Sales credits by Israel for development of the Lavie fighter, expected to compete in export market with such aircraft as General Dynamics F-16 and Northrop F-20; Defense Secretary Weinberger has talks with outgoing Israeli Ambassador Arens; Habib travels to Israel from Beirut; State Dept. expresses concern over murders of Palestinians in Sidon area.

Military Action:

Syria reportedly receiving up to 1,000 Soviet military personnel to help operate new SA-5 missiles.

Casualties:

Preliminary Lebanese government study records 9,888 Beirut housing units damaged or destroyed, total losses estimated at $700 million; UNRWA reports 15 bodies found near Ain el-Hilweh in past two weeks; WAFA reports that the bodies were found in a mass grave and that the victims had recently been held at Ansar camp; Lebanese police say at least 8 Palestinian men have been abducted from their homes and murdered in Sidon, and a further four kidnapped and wounded PFLP General Command invites relatives of two IDF prisoners it holds to visit them; Prime Minister Wazzan asks Habib for US/Israeli intervention on behalf of Palestinians subjected to intimidation by Lebanese militiamen; 21 children injured during war are to be flown to US for treatment this month.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Labor Party leader Shimon Peres says he is willing to meet with Begin to discuss how to keep the peace between opposing political and social factions; President Navon says Israel is on the brink of an abyss; thousands march in Tel Aviv in support of Commission of Inquiry recommendations, negotiations with Palestinians.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO Executive Committee continues meetings in Algiers to draft resolutions for PNC meeting; relations between Israel and Phalangists deteriorating.

US and Other Countries: US officials reportedly consider replacement of Sharon by Ambassador to US Moshe Arens will have positive effect on negotiations for IDF withdrawal from Lebanon.

Military Action:

Phalange militia ambushed in Aley's main square, rocket and artillery barrages exchanged, as Druze militia accuses Phalange of bringing in reinforcements; fighting continues in Baal Mohsen and Bab el-Tabbaneh areas of Tripoli as both sides fire on police officers trying to arrange cease-fire; UNIFIL troops involved in firefight.

Casualties:

3 Phalange killed, one IDF soldier wounded in Aley; 7 dead, 12 wounded in Tripoli, where all businesses close during fighting; UNIFIL kills 1, wounded 3 militiamen; mothers and children of Phalange forces in Chouf hold protest march in Beirut demanding state intervention to end fighting; UNRWA says homes found for Palestinian refugees.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Begin aide David Levi confirms plans to expand settlements in West Bank; IDF officer links Sharon to brutality toward West Bank Palestinians.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat flies unexpectedly to Damascus, reportedly to heal rift between himself and PLO groups based in Syria, make friendly overture to Syrian government.

Arab Governments: Egyptian Foreign Minister Hassan Ali says Israel and PLO are delaying peace process, calls on PLO to recognize Israel.

US and Other Countries: US proposes shuttle diplomacy instead of direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon.

Military Action:

Druze militia barricade roads, fight Phalange in aftermath of yesterday's attempted assassination of Druze leader Walid Jumblatt; Gemayel meets Jumblatt seeking to end new fighting; Israeli sources report new Soviet jets and tanks pouring into Syria; IDF patrol attacked with grenades near Shuweifat.

Casualties:

Shops close in West Beirut as Jumblatt and Druze allies bury bodyguard killed in yesterday's carbombing (3 others reported killed, 28 wounded); UNRWA says 11 employees seized by Lebanese Army in past few weeks, another 1 12 Palestinian employees detained by IDF in South Lebanon; IDF release 240 from Ansar camp (number of detainees at camp now put at 15,000); 2 detainees killed, 4 wounded at Ansar when security officer's gun "discharges accidentally."

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israel charges Israeli Army reservist Yitzhak Shor with flying secretly to Damascus, passing information on IDF troops positions and own service to Syrians; Israeli journalists report Israel to sell $18 m. in arms to Zaire to double Mobutu's palace guard.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: President Gemayel makes "urgent appeal" to the US through Draper to pressure Israel to withdraw from Chouf, seeks to deploy units of Lebanese Army in area.

Arab Governments: King Hussein and foreign ministers of 5 Arab governments meet with Soviet leader Andropov (is first known visit by Saudi envoy to USSR); Mubarak says Habib seeks simultaneous withdrawal of all armies by end of month.

US and Other Countries: Habib discusses Lebanon's request to expand multinational peacekeeping force with Italian foreign minister Emilio Colombo in Rome; NATO communique says US, on consultation with allies, should take action outside north Atlantic region to protect vital Western interests, including Mideast.

UN: US withholds regular $20.5 m. contribution to UNRWA pending report on use of schools as PLO training bases.

Military Action:

IDF reportedly spent lS215 m. in past 4 months building new roads linking military installations to Lebanese roads in South Lebanon; US Sixth Fleet soldiers on shore leave in Haifa for first time since June.

Casualties:

Israel reportedly seeking alternative homes for 640 non-Arab detainees it wants to free from Ansar, but whose home countries refuse to admit them.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Begin, in first public appearance since his wife's death, meets Haig in Tel Aviv; Sharon confers in Israel with US General Starry, urges US to provide arms, IDF training for Lebanese Army; Economics Minister Meridor tells Knesset committee South Lebanon, refugee camps will be back to preinvasion conditions in one month, says UNRWA will give each displaced refugee family $450; Tehiya MK protests resettlement of refugees so near border; Haaretz publishes poll showing Likud support down to 30 percent from 41.5 percent before Beirut massacre, but Labor Party support rises only marginally; Jaffa Arabs protest new housing plan and relocation; Sulha (peace-making meeting) held between Nablus Chamber of Commerce and Elon Moreh settlers; Colonel Yigal Karmon meets with heads of three West Bank universities to clarify wording of new work permit for foreign lecturers (several West Bank lecturers dismiss change as "cosmetic"; Israeli official indicates those deported may return to teaching after signing new work permits); Karmon directive to pressure "extremist mayors" and neutralize pro-Jordanian West Bank Palestinians published in greater detail (dated October 29, it contains notes from October 24 conference and is signed by Ravi Avisar).

Palestinians/ Lebanese: West Bank Mayors Mohammed Milhem and Fahd Qawasme meet with Shultz in Washington, reportedly float two proposals for negotiations-one would have joint Jordanian-Palestinian delegation with Palestinians not directly identified with PLO but authorized by them to negotiate, other would have same forces within broader Arab delegation; Lebanese foreign ministry asserts Iranian revolutionary guards involved in yesterday's attack on Baalbek city hall, as Foreign Minister Elie Salem meets Iranian ambassador to protest.

Arab Governments: Syria criticizes US role as Habib arrives for talks on troop withdrawals from Lebanon; Egyptian Foreign Minister Hassan Ali and Israeli Ambassador Sasson meet on bilateral issues, including Taba; on eve of Mitterrand's visit Mubarak says France and Egypt will give Reagan plan precedence over their own initiatives; reports that Egypt extradited 5 Palestinian students to Israel in early November after alleging their involvement in Sadat's assassination.

US and Other Countries: US official says Shultz needs more information on new work permit requirements to ensure that his concerns have been resolved; over 400 academics from 20 colleges and universities nation-wide sign petition to Congress to suspend military and economic aid to Israel; French President Mitterrand, in interview, says Palestinians should have their own state; EEC sends Danish envoy to Israel to seek halt to settlements.

UN: Arab governments fail to unseat Israel at special UNESCO session in Paris.

Military Action:

Car bomb explodes in Druze town of Aramoun; Phalange militia occupies Lebanese Army barracks in Beit Eddin and Deir al-Qamar; IDF vehicle fired on near Nabatiyeh.

Casualties:

One killed, 4 wounded in Aramoun, brings to over 50 total killed in Chouf incidents in past two weeks; Tyre curfew lifted and road to Israeli border reopened; PLO protests to ICRC over treatment of prisoners in South Lebanon detention camps.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Begin's 62-year old wife dies and Begin leaves US for Israel to begin 30-day mourning period, postponing indefinitely meeting with Reagan; 47 Israeli victims of Tyre explosion buried; General Meir Zorea, head of military inquiry, reports to Cabinet that explosion not caused by a bomb, and Energy Minister Modai says it was probably caused by leaking cooking gas; Deputy Prime Minister Ehrlich chairs Cabinet meeting devoted to mourning Aliza Begin and Tyre victims; Shamir reports on meetings with Draper and lack of Lebanese response to Israeli proposals on format/ content of proposed talks; Modai proposes IDF unilaterally withdraw from parts of Lebanon to get talks going and to test Syrian/Lebanese intentions; al-Hamishmar demands withdrawal of IDF from Lebanon and resignation of Sharon in wake of Tyre disaster; IDF source indicates Defense Ministry postponed plans to raze abandoned Ein Sultan refugee camp north of Jericho on night following Beirut massacres (razing reportedly related to efforts to build more Jewish settlements in area); three Nahal settlements of Elisha, Beit Arava, Tzurif currently being "civilianized"; at Commission of Inquiry, senior IDF officer and Eitan aide Ze'ev Zecharin contradicts Sharon and Begin, says Sharon spoke of Phalange entry into camps September 14 (not September 15 as Sharon asserted), says Eitan told him Saturday morning, September 18, that Begin had requested information on Gaza Hospital in Sabra camp (denied by Begin), says Eitan instructed IDF to restrict artillery support to minimize civilian casualties, to impose a curfew on all areas of Lebanon under IDF control, to ask Phalange to mobilize forces to take camps regardless of timing of IDF advance into West Beirut, says Eitan flew to Beirut Wednesday, September 17, to detail IDF plans to Phalange but Phalange asked for 24-hour delay to get organized, and agreed that Mossad officer not IDF would act as liaison with Phalange, says Sharon ordered Phalange to enter camps after Wednesday morning arrival at IDF Beirut divisional command post, says no Phalange irregularities raised and no questions asked in Eitan's meeting with Phalange commanders Friday afternoon, says Phalange, during Sunday morning meeting with Eitan, admitted killing civilians but said "We won't go with this to the media, that we did it, because it will hurt us in the Presidential elections"; Zecharin's testimony curtailed at IDF request after contradiction with Dudai testimony highlighted; Foreign Ministry official Ariel Kenet testifies that two inquiries from ministry's Beirut representative Friday afternoon noted US envoy Draper's concern at seeing Phalange inside camps and Lebanese Prime Minister Wazzan's report of patients being killed at Gaza Hospital, asserts he alerted David Kimche, who instructed him to notify Defense Ministry.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO Executive Committee member Hanna Nassir says Palestine National Council meeting may not occur before January; Arafat attends Brezhnev funeral in Moscow; Amin Gemayel and Wazzan arrive in Riyadh for 2 days of talks with King Fahd, seeking Saudi help in rebuilding Lebanon, support for withdrawal of PLO and Syrian forces; Wazzan, before departing, says Lebanon wants Israel out of Lebanon, is uninterested in direct negotiations.

US and Other Countries: Reagan phones condolences to Begin; State Department indicates it hopes Israel will not retaliate for Tyre explosion; fears raised that Begin's return to Israel is setback for Reagan peace plan.

UN: UNRWA says by next June, $43.4 million will have been spent on emergency aid to Lebanon but only $31 million has been raised to date.

Military Action:

IDF imposes curfew on several Chouf villages, including Kfar Nabrakh, Navrah and Brih, following artillery duels and Phalange attack on Druze doctor; Aley sealed off after land mine explodes near IDF jeep.

Casualties:

IDF medical teams treat wounded in Chouf villages, many evacuated; IDF arranges exchange of prisoners in Aley; Ain el-Hilweh a sea of mud after third day of heavy rains, only 16 UNRWA tents set up and 100 refugees sign up to purchase Israeli-made prefabricated houses.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Shamir tells visiting US Congressmen that negotiations on IDF withdrawal from Lebanon could last many months, blames Syria; Israel links pull-out talks to Lebanese willingness to normalize relations with Israel (open borders, trade, tourism, unofficial missions in Jerusalem and Beirut); Tourism Minister Sharir reveals plan to promote tourism on West Bank to strengthen Israel's presence there; El Al workers go on strike.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO source in Tunisia says Fateh has approved plans to create Palestinian-Jordanian federation, with Jordan and Palestinian state as separate countries, has decided to reinforce PLO troops in Bekaa and North Lebanon, to resume military training for guerrillas evacuated from Beirut and to resume talks with Lebanese Government on Palestinian presence in Lebanon; PLO reportedly sets 2 conditions for "mutual and simultaneous recognition" with Israel-US pledge to talk to PLO in return and a US guarantee that PLO will be included in any peace negotiations on equal footing with other Arab parties; Lebanese Parliament, in 58-1 vote, gives Gemayel power to rule nation by decree for 6 months, gives vote of confidence to 10-member Cabinet, gives Gemayel full powers to deal with Israelis, Syrians, PLO and to restructure Army, revise tax structure, change criminal law, reschedule debts, control media, but Gemayel fails to win power to amend election laws, citizenship requirements and provincial boundaries without Parliamentary approval, also fails to extend special powers for 2 more months, as 32 legislators abstain or are absent; Gemayel meets with Druze and Phalange leaders, says he will seek US pressure on IDF to withdraw from Chouf area; Walid Jumblatt meets Gemayel at Baabda to discuss deteriorating security in Chouf area, declares Israel is responsible for bloodshed.

US and Other Countries: Assistant Secretary of State Veliotes, in interview, says PLO proposal for "mutual and simultaneous" recognition with Israel was step backward in negotiating process as Israel will never agree; British Foreign Secretary Francis Pym arrives for 2 day stay in Jordan.

Military Action:

Lebanese Army, aided by French troops, seals off downtown West Beirut, paralyzing commercial area, as troops check identification papers door-to-door; cease-fire in Tripoli after 36 hours of street-fighting between rival factions.

Casualties:

450 detained by Lebanese Army, some driven away blindfolded (total arrested in past 2 weeks now estimated at 2,000, prompting urgent talks between Italian and US Ambassadors); bulldozers clear rubble from South Lebanon camps to make tent sites (clearing delayed by unexploded bombs); IDF estimates 5,000 refugees remain in camps, UNRWA estimates 13,000; Israeli Minister Meridor visits Ein al-Hilweh.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Begin tells Draper all PLO forces must leave before Israeli and Syrian simultaneous withdrawal; Begin will allow senior IDF officers to review Cabinet meeting minutes concerning decision to enter West Beirut before testifying at Board of Inquiry; Reserve Brigade puts ad in Tel Aviv paper asking Sharon to apologize for saying their unit does not fight; Eitan says IDF likely to leave Lebanon before winter.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese radio asserts all foreign forces will leave by Nov. 22 (39th anniversary of Lebanese independence from France); PLO to open information office in Hague (had hoped for diplomatic status); Wazzan says Lebanon will not sign peace treaty with Israel; PLO's Shafik al-Hout sends condolences to Amin Gemayel over death of Bashir.

Arab Governments: Saudi Ambassador meets with Gemayel.

US and Other Countries: Habib en route to Washington to brief Reagan; Reagan asks State Department to accelerate plans for withdrawal of foreign forces from Lebanon; Pentagon sources say they received first indications of massacre on Friday, day before Phalangists are pulled out of camps.

UN: Anti-Israeli resolution submitted to UNESCO Executive Board.

Military Action:

IDF seals off Ein al-Hilweh camp near Sidon, detaining 70 Palestinians, after informer working for IDF ambushed; US Marines land M-60 tanks on beaches near airport after mine clearing activities completed.

Casualties:

1 US Marine killed, 3 wounded by US-made cluster bomb near airport; Beirut airport opens for first commercial flight since June 6; Israeli Minister of Economic Cooperation Dan Meridor says Israel may prepare Palestinian refugee camps in South Lebanon for winter if UNRWA doesn't act soon; although raw sewage and garbage remains in streets in some areas, roads are being repaved.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: "There is a Limit" group of anti-war reservists and soldiers call for IDF withdrawal from Lebanon and present a petition with 1,000 signatures which states "there is no military solution to the Palestinian problem"; Village League associate in Hebron attacked; heads of Israeli Druze community demand that IDF prevent Phalange assault on Lebanese Druze (claim 3 Druze abducted, new Phalange roadblocks in Druze villages set up since Gemayel assassination); Shamir addresses UN (will meet US Jewish leaders this week, travel to Chicago and Los Angeles before October 14 meeting with Shultz).

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Amin Gemayel declares end to Green Line, in ceremony celebrating Beirut as reunified capital (traffic surges across line following ceremony); Lebanese police deny receiving complaints of IDF soldiers looting Lebanese houses; 100,000 Palestinians led by Arafat mourn Abu Walid.

Arab Governments: Habib meets with Egyptian Foreign Minister Hassin Ali, assures him agreement on Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon will be concluded within a couple weeks; Syrian Foreign Minister Khaddam meets with Shultz in New York, explains Syrian withdrawal conditions.

US and Other Countries: Senator Percy says Marines need to be out of Lebanon within 90 days unless Congress approves an extension; White House denies US knew of massacre one day before Begin says he knew; Shultz, at UN, affirms heart of Reagan plan is Israeli return of occupied territories; British Labor Party says PLO represents Palestinian people; meeting of British, Israeli foreign ministers in New York ends with "basic disagreements"; West Germany, at UN, stresses its support for participation by all parties, including the PLO, in peace settlement; Simon Weisenthal, in Vienna, says those responsible for massacre were "las guilty as the Nazis" and should bear same punishment.

Military Action:

ICRC plans to evacuate 56 wounded PLO guerrillas by sea to Greece tomorrow, two days after official end of evacuation; IDF officer wounded by light fire from passing car north of Tyre.

Casualties:

Lebanese police assumed control of West Beirut for first itme since 1975-76 civil war (Wazzan opens Green Line; only light army/police presence noted in East Beirut; Lebanese Army limited to barracks, defense of public buildings, can only act by order of Wazzan); Israeli planes continue to use Beirut airport, but Lebanese government resists Israeli demands that Israelis remain in control tower and check aircraft manifests, that El Al be allowed to open airport, and that Israeli military facilities be maintained there; Israelis advised to stay out of Beirut.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Cabinet meets in extraordinary session, angrily and unanimously rejects Reagan initiative as "worse than Rogers Plan"; Begin meets Weinberger, says Reagan initiative outside Camp David agreement; West Bank, Gaza reactions slightly positive after Kaddoumi response; Peres welcomes initiative; Nahum Goldmann buried on Mt. Herzl; West Bank Village League leaders invited to meet Weinberger at reception; residents of five refugee camps hold sit-in at Jerusalem UNRWA operations to protest cutoff of supplies; Jerusalem Post poll indicates over 50 percent of Israelis favor territorial compromise on occupied territories.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO studies Reagan proposals (Kaddoumi says proposals supplement Camp David; PLO Executive Committee plans meeting within 48 hours); Bourguiba receives Arafat on arrival in Tunisia; PLO, Syria warn Gemayel against signing treaty with Israel; Habib leaves Lebanon on vacation; Sarkis urges Reagan to allow Habib to negotiate withdrawal of Syrian, Israeli troops; Cabinet announces Lebanon will attend Fez Arab summit meeting, votes $1 m. to clean, repair Beirut streets.

Arab Governments: Most Arab governments withhold immediate comments on Reagan proposals, await Fez meeting; Jordan's Foreign Ministry says they have some positive aspects.

US and Other Countries: Weinberger, in Israel, visits Israeli weapons factories; Shultz expresses regret at Israeli rejection, says Hussein seriously studying proposals; proposals welcomed by Britain; former President Carter endorses intiative

Military Action:

Syrian MIG-25 shot down over Beirut; last Syrian forces leave West Beirut as 415 PLO guerrillas leave for North Yemen, 325 to Tartus (estimate that 7,728 PLO guerrillas, 2,651 PLA fighters and 3,598 Syrians have been evacuated); Murabitun still refuses to relinguish positions near Barbir Hospital to French or Lebanese; firing between PLO/ Syrian and IDF positions near Rashaya (Syrians position 1000 tanks in Bekaa in past few days, IDF strengthening positions).

Casualties:

IDF releases 70 al-Ansar detainees to ICRC.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: West Bank Village Leagues sponsored by Israeli government set up new federation; leaders of refugee camps near Nablus hold sit-in strike to protest UNRWA decision to cut back supplies; Israeli authorities circulate list of banned books among West Bank educational departments; Sharon returns from US visit.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Gemayel ally Etienne Sakr meets with Shamir; Habash vows to continue armed attacks inside Israel; Habib, Wazzan discuss Israeli refusal to surrender control of Beirut airport.

Arab Governments: Assad promises PLO weapons, full freedom.

US and Other Countries: Weinberger, on eve of visit to Lebanon, says US plans to offer economic and military aid to rebuild Lebanon (Pentagon survey teams to be sent to Lebanon to assess training, equipment needs of Lebanese Army, US State Department official suggests Israel might train Lebanese Army); Romanian President Ceausescu calls for Palestinian state at mass rally.

Military Action:

Lebanese left militias clash with Lebanese Army (IDF head Eitan demands Murabitun be evacuated from West Beirut); Syrian forces scheduled to leave West Beirut today; 1,230 evacuated by road to Damascus as 500 PLO members arrive at Tartus by boat (an estimated 8,500 PLO members have been evacuated); PLO evacuees warmly welcomed in South Yemen.

Casualties:

People freely leaving West Beirut; IDF soldier dies of wounds from bus hit by land mine.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Temritories: Cabinet approves IS Sb. in budget cuts for use by Defense Ministry in paying for Lebanese invasion; Nahum Goldmann dies at 87; Begin takes vacation in Nahariya; government spokes-persons, following Cabinet meeting, say any attempt to alter Camp David will provoke Israel to apply Israeli law to West Bank, Gaza; students from Gaza and Jerusalem who seek to study at West Bank universities now required to obtain permission from West Bank military administration; UNRWA decides to reduce its supply to Gaza refugees starting September 1 because of financial crisis and diversion of supplies to Lebanon (protests follow in Gaza, West Bank); former Israeli Chief of Staff Mordechai Gur says Beirut battle is "black spot" in Israeli history and that the invasion is "unjust"; Bethlehem Mayor Freij says PLO remains sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, blames US for Israeli military intervention in Lebanon in NBC interview; Dr. Mordechai Avitzur (coordinator of international relief organizations working in southern Lebanon out of Israel) killed in car crash; draft treaty with Lebanon already circulating within Defense, Foreign ministries.

Palestinians/Lebanese: Abu lyad claims PLO knew of planned Israeli invasion since February, that several Arab countries also knew in advance; PLO denies Arafat has left Beirut (Arafat decides to evacuate to Greece initially); Lebanese Shiite leaders pass resolution opposing peace treaty with Israel.

Arab Govemnments: Arab foreign ministers continue to meet; Omani Sultan congratulates Gemayel on election; King Hussein stresses Jordan is not Palestine.

US and Other Countries: Greece prepares warm welcome for German hospital ship "Flora" carrying PLO wounded; anti-Israeli demonstration takes place in Washington, DC.

Military Action:

Arafat checks front lines of PLO in Beirut, visits refugee camps, offices; PLO delegation arrives in Tunisia to prepare for PLO guerrilla arrivals; IDF position in Bekaa fortified; 177 wounded PLO fighters leave by ship for Greece; Syrian forces begin withdrawal from Beirut; 697 PLO guerrillas leave for North Yemen; second group of PLO guerrillas evacuated to Tartus; Italian troops and French reinforcements joined US Marines in overseeing evacuation.

Casualties:

1 IDF soldier dies of wounds from attack north of Tyre; 1 IDF solider killed by Phalangists when he and two other soldiers tried to break into jewelry shop in Aley; UNRWA says tents needed to house 30,000 Palestinian refugees through winter (Lebanese government reportedly opposes more permanent housing, relocation further northward); thousands of Lebanese jam crossings into West Beirut as services slowly restored.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Sharon warns Syria, calls on Lebanese cabinet to cooperate with US (later at New York meeting with Jewish groups, he defends invasion as step toward Middle East peace; 100 demonstrators protest outside); Sharon meets Shultz, says Israel opposed to Palestinian state as it already exists in Jordan; Deputy Minister of Communications Dov Shilansky, in radio debate, says Israeli media encouraged the enemy during the war; IDF lifts 10-day ban on travel from Nablus area to Jordan; Begin says inquiry commission should probe opposition, not war; Jerusalem Post poll finds Likud Party surges in popularity.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Farouk Kaddoumi to lead PLO delegation to Arab Foreign Ministers meeting tomorrow; Habib meets Gemayel, asks Salaam to cooperate with Gemayel, assures Wazzan, Sarkis no Phalangists will be near overland evacuation.

Arab Govemments: Assad writes Reagan; Egypt sets three conditions for resuming autonomy talks in meeting with Israeli Ambassador (total IDF withdrawal from Lebanon; freeze on all further settlements in the occupied territories).

US and Other Countries: US Jewish leaders tell Shultz not to "rehabilitate" PLO.

Military Action:

Cease-fire holds; IDF withdraws units around parliament building to facilitate presidential polling.

Casualties: 100,000 Palestinians may have lost their homes (60,000 in southern Lebanon; UNRWA orders 1 1,000 tents); 5 truckloads of fresh produce allowed to enter W. Beirut.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israel says it will hold Syria responsible for any attacks by PLO from Syrian-held territory, will regard infiltration of Syrian forces by PLO fighters now in Beirut as violation of evacuation agreement; Sharon meets Habib, says progress on agreement good; Israeli-backed Village Leagues in West Bank reportedly plan to form a political union.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Wazzan expects final agreement to be announced tomorrow (implementation will follow Lebanese cabinet meeting); concerns rise over presidential election scheduled for Thursday; Salam indicates two issues remain; Sharon meets Habib, demands Syrian guarantee to withdraw its troops.

Military Action:

Beirut truce holds as Habib works intensively to break deadlock (only a few PLO mortar rounds fired near airport, in response to IDF attempted advances); IDF reports "terrorists" infiltrated lines near Hamia in eastern Lebanon.

Casualties:

Lebanese Red Cross appeals to UNICEF to get water, electricity restored; PLO blocks UNRWA from taking food warehoused in Beirut for distribution in IDF-occupied southern Lebanon; heavy damage from IDF raids, including increasing numbers of phosphorus victims.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Ben-Elissar says IDF responses to PLO/Syrian cease-fire violations won't necessarily be "proportionate"; Labor Party condemns continued bombing, shelling of Beirut; Health Minister Shostak charges ICRC with inflating casualty figures; Israeli Ambassador Soffer, in Geneva, attacks World Council of Churches resolution condemning Israeli invasion as "libelous"; Israel will seek to boost tourism by encouraging tours of Israel by Lebanese and Lebanese-Americans; Colonel Eli Geva, 14- year veteran who resigned his command, is dismissed from the IDF.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat outlines withdrawal plan to Wazzan; Arafat, Salam meet; Habib reportedly tells Sarkis he has secured agreements to meet PLO conditions.

Arab Governments: Arab League endorses PLO withdrawal once PLO is guaranteed safe passage out of Beirut and once future security of Palestinians remaining in Lebanon is assured.

US and Other Countries: US Administration says major hurdles remain, stepped-up IDF actions counterproductive to negotiations; Canada protests harassment of its Beirut Ambassador by IDF; ultra-orthodox rabbis in Britain protest several Israeli government actions, including invasion.

UN: Security Council debate opens on Egyptian/ French draft resolution (which links Beirut crisis to overall settlement of Palestinian problem); SC passes, 14-0, Spanish resolution demanding that IDF lift the blockade of Beirut (is first time in history that US does not participate in Security Council vote; Kirkpatrick claims insufficient time to consult with Washington, says resolution lacks balance).

Militrary Action:

IDF warplanes buzz Beirut in a mock air raid, first Air Force activity over Beirut in 2 weeks as Lebanese Cabinet calls for withdrawal of all foreign forces from Lebanese territory; although shooting broke out between IDF and PLO soldiers manning checkpoints at the port about 300 yards from each other, cease-fire generally holds.

Casualties:

Hundreds of W. Beirut residents flee, fearing new outbreak of fighting; UN officials say IDF units daily patrol villages regarded as hostile; all mention of interrogation or detention of Palestinians censored from dispatches from Israel; electricity restored to many parts of Tyre for first time since war broke out; Canadian surgeon tells Congressional committee he saw Palestinian prisoners beaten to death; mayor of Sidon claims most arrests "arbitrary," involving innocent people.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Mayor Hijazi of Dir Dibwan on the West Bank is dismissed from his post making eighth such dismissal since March for staging a municipal work slowdown; officials indicate IDF goal is to eliminate all Palestinian refugee camps within 25-mile buffer zone along Israeli border; top aide to Meridor, Gravinsky, says Israeli government opposed to providing even temporary housing for Palestinians who lost their homes in the fighting, fearing they will become the nuclei of new camps; leaders of Nablus refugee camps write UNRWA of willingness to adopt orphans from Lebanese war; faction of Gush Emunim Amnah sets up new settlement near Hebron; Sharon extends state of alert in Israel for another week; Tehiya Party votes to join Likud coalition (strengthening proinvasion forces in Likud).

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese Cabinet calls for withdrawal of all foreign troops and assistance of a multinational force to oversee the evacuation of the PLO guerrillas, also asks Israel to comply with UN resolution and withdraw its invasion force; Hani al-Hassan praises Shultz statement referring to legitimate needs of the Palestinian people; Arafat reportedly tells Syria the PLO would like to move to Syria if an evacuation agreement can be reached.

Arab Governments: King Hussein calls for urgent meeting of Arab leaders to discuss Lebanon, Iran/Iraq wars.

US and Other Countries: Shultz, in second day of Senate nomination hearings, refers to legitimate needs and problems of the Palestinian people; Reagan, in meeting with Congres-sional leaders, says key condition for sending US troops is official request by Lebanon to do so; 4 British MPs visit W. Beirut; Reagan letter to King Fahd urges Saudis to help find haven for PLO.

Military Action:

Phalange forces, backed by IDF, have artillery duels with Syrian-supported Lebanese leftist militia; Phalange-Druze conflicts reported (nephew of Gemayel reportedly killed); Muslim/Christian conflicts around Tripoli; 2 Israeli generals visit Jumblatt's center, demand that his forces surrender artillery and mortars; Phalange moves into Chouf and Sidon, replacing Lebanese gendarmerie; Israeli jets hold mock battles over Beirut, dropping flares over Palestinian refugee camps; PLO bolsters positions inside W. Beirut; Phalange shoot from behind IDF lines.

Casualties:

Israeli government developing plans for security of southern Lebanon not involving international help (arms and uniforms given to villagers); observers report more physical damage in Tyre than Sidon (where casualties higher); Lebanese bankers protest IDF attempt to violate bank secrecy in Sidon; IDF asks Druze/Phalange leaders to stop fighting between followers (Phalange reportedly using arms against Druze; IDF caught in cross-fire); villages of Jumblatt refuse to be disarmed (Druze Likud Knesset member asks Sharon to restrain Phalangists "who draw their strength from the Defense Minister").

UNRWA reports that 50 percent of houses in 6 Palestinian refugee camps near Sidon/Tyre are destroyed, 40 percent of refugees have fled, UNRWA convoy scheduled to leave Jerusalem for Tyre today (draws on stocks in Gaza and West Bank); two-thirds of two camps near Tyre destroyed (no clear report on third camp); Ain el-Hilweh reportedly "virtually wiped out," Rashidiyeh suffers less damage; 200,000 tons of aid from France, West Germany, Denmark waiting in Cyprus for IDF permission to ship; Canadian physician who worked in Sidon says 50 percent of 10,000 killed by IDF invasion were children under 13 (his hospital was bombed 4 times, he saw pellet bombs dropped on refugee camps, and saw Palestinian prisoners beaten with clubs and metal-tipped whips).

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Begin disagrees with message from Haig that PLO should be allowed token political presence in Lebanon if Lebanon agrees (says that despite his statement in the US that Israel had no intention of entering Beirut, with IDF on Beirut's periphery "it was another matter," and urges Beirut residents to "flee for your lives"); Israeli Cabinet agrees to give negotiations more time, extends "deadline"; officials indicate Saudi plans for airlift might be acceptable; Foreign Ministry condemns EEC call for involvement of PLO in negotiations; Labor Alignment resolution opposing military action in Beirut gets 47 votes (Likud resolution gets 60, reference to multinational policing of 28-mile zone conspicuously absent); cost of war put at $2.5 billion for Israel ($1 b. in direct costs, $1.5 b. in indirect costs from resultant economic slowdown; equals 10-15 percent of GNP); IDF service extension for those essential for war effort being discussed; officials claim PLO takes advantage of peace negotiations; 200 protest Israeli invasion near Prime Minister's office (including 15 reservists back from Lebanon, who say they have signatures of 200 soldiers opposed to the war); trial of 20 Palestinian youths for guerrilla actions begins in Lydda and Ramal-lah; Israeli Druze leader asks Begin to restrain Phalange attacks on Lebanese Druze.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Phalange party plans to nominate Bashir Gemayel for Lebanese President; negotiations stall as no Arab countries indicate willingness to accept all PLO fighters; Lebanese continue to flee Beirut, leaving streets deserted; Wazzan puts civilian deaths at 15,000 (IDF Colonel Kadar says deaths number only a few thousand-in excess of 440 civilian deaths cited by Begin last week); Wazzan, after meeting with Habib, rejects Israeli conditions; PLO forces in Tripoli vow to fight on regardless of any settlement in-volving PLO forces in Beirut; PLO privately reiterates willingness to leave Lebanon (form of evacuation and surrender of arms left un-resolved); PLO meets with Salam.

Arab Govemments: Saudis reported active diplomatically; Arab League representatives meet in Taif to continue discussion of common approach to IDF invasion (includes Syrian, Saudi, Lebanese, PLO, Algerian and Kuwaiti envoys).

US and Other Countries: Reagand enies giving Israel "green light" for invasion, says it resulted from PLO rocket attacks on Israel; Senator Percy says IDF invasion of W. Beirut would be "unacceptable" because of civilian casualties; State Department official warns of risk of renewed fighting if PLO and Lebanon do not come to terms soon; Haig sends message saying PLO should be allowed some political presence in Lebanon if Lebanese authorities agree; French Foreign Minister Cheysson, after meeting with Egyptian envoy Ghali, speaks of PLO as representing Palestinian people; Greek Ministry of Culture supervises huge concert in Athens to aid Palestinian children; Nigerian parliament passes resolution condemning Israel; protests held in cities in USSR; USSR accuses Israelis of using chemical weapons in Lebanon supplied by US.