The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 'Awad 'Abd alSalam Hamdan, Palestinian arrested 7/17 on charges of membership in an illegal organization, dies in Jenin Prison [FJ 7/26].

Other Countries: International Defense Review reports Irael test-fired medium-range ballistic missile with nuclear capability over Mediterranean Seaearlier this month [WP 8/1]. UNRWA statement expresses concern over threat to Palestinians living in refugee camps near Tyre posed by battling militias [FJ 7/26].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Defense Minister Rabin orders at least 80 Palestinians, including Arab Research Society head Faysal Husayni and former al-Fajr editor Ma'mun Sayyid, held under administrative detention [NYT 4/14; FT 4/16]. Israeli troops raid Ramallah's UNRWA Teacher Training Institute; 17 students are wounded, almost 150 arrested [FJ 4/19]. Unidentified arsonists, believed to be Jewish extremists, set fire to Episcopal church in Acre (Akka), paint racist slogans on walls [FJ 4/19]. Al-Najah University reopens after 2-week closure [FJ 4/19].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Worshippers at al-Aqsa Mosque join demonstration after noon prayers; in Nablus, troops disperse demonstration, order al-Rawda College closed until 4/24 [FJ 4/12]. Explosion causes extensive damage to new Sultan al-Atrash monument on the Golan Heights. Residents blame Israeli authorities [FJ 4/12].

Other Countries: Turkish police reporthey have foiled plan to kidnap Americans and Israelis living in Turkey and exchange them for 200 members of Islamic Jihad held in Israel [NYT 4/11].

Military Action

Arab World: Syrian military observers escort delegation of Amal officials and pro-Syrian Palestinians to Sidon in S. Lebanon for peace talks. UNRWA delivers 4 truckloads of supplies donated by Australia to Shatila refugee camp [GU 4/11]. Hizballah fighters kill 9 Israelis, wound at least 2, during attack near Qantara, inside S. Lebanon "security zone" [FJ 4/19].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Al-Fajr reports 4,000 Palestinian prisoners have joined hunger strike in Israeli jails; the newspaper also reports OPEC Fund has pledged $250,000 to UNRWA [FJ 4/3]. Police in Nablus use tear gas to disperse over 500 women marching inprotest of prison conditions [FJ 4/12].

Arab World: Abu Nidal organization anounces execution of 2 men charged with spying for Jordan [FJ 4/12].

Military Action

Arab World: Truck attempting to bring food donated by Saudi Arabia to refugees in Shatila camp is destroyed by rocket; 2 children are killed, 7 injured [GU 4/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: P. M. Shamir rejects call for government investigation into Pollard spy case, refers matter to inner cabinet [WP 3/9]. Women in Nazareth and Umm al-Fahm gather to celebrate International Women's Day [FJ 3/13]. UNRWA closes Women's Teachers Institute in Ramallah for 1 week after student demonstrations [FJ 3/13].

Arab World: Amal fires Hasan Hashim and 4 of his companions after their failed attempt to oust Nabih Birri [FJ 3/13]. UNIFIL lodges protest against Israeli mining of 2 S. Lebanon roads normally used by its troops [FJ 3/13]. Al-Ittihad reports Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) is preparing to move its offices out of Damascus as a precaution against Syrian reprisals for participation in PLO unity talks [FJ 3/13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Soldiers use tear gas, clubs, and live ammunition to disperse Golan Heights demonstration commemorating Ba'th party's rise to power in Syria and inauguration of new Syrian water project; 1 woman is killed [FJ 3/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Defense and Foreign Affairs Com. Chairman Abba Eban asks Defense Minister Rabin to appear before the committee and explain promotion of Col. Aviem Sella, indicted in U.S. for his role in Pollard spy case [NYT 3/7].

Arab World: UNRWA states continued fighting around Burj al-Barajinah, Shatila, and Rashidiyyah refugee camps is preventing food and medicine shipments from getting through [FJ 3/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Islamic Jihad for the Liberation of Palestine withdraws offer to trade U.S. hostages for 400 Arab prisoners held in Israel [BS 2/15].

Other Countries: Lebanese Pres. Jumayyil arrives in London after EEC ministers deny his request for financial support [LT 2/15].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli patrols use tear gas, rubber bullets to break up demonstrations in Nablus and Ramallah, arrest 18 students during protest at Hebron University. In Majdal Shams, hundreds of Druze youths gather for rally marking 5th anniversary of imposition of Israeli law on Golan Heights; 13 are arrested following violent clashes with Israeli police, 5 Israeli police injured UP 2/21; SG 2/15].

Arab World: Amal temporarily halts siege of Rashidiyyah refugee camp, south of Tyre, to permit UNRWA food trucks and ambulance to enter camp [CSM 2/17; NYT 2/15].

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/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Following Israeli promises to meet their demands, Palestinian political prisoners suspend hunger strike [FJ 12/20]. Israeli contractor Avraham Gindi is charged in Tel Aviv district court with fraud and theft in West Bank land scandal case, attempts to jump out 6-story window [NYT 12/14].

Other Countries: U.S. customs officials make highly publicized raids on 3 Napco Inc. factories, probing Israel's acquisition of electroplating technology for tank cannon barrels, say Israel had no permit to export the technology; Israel issues denials [WP, NYT 12/14; JP 12/22]. New York Times reports new director of UNRWA, Commissioner General Georgio Giacomelli, has stated agency is $20 million short of $191 million budget, the minimum needed to maintain services at 1985 levels [NYT 12/13]. A Briton and 2 Palestinians are convicted of murdering 3 Israelis aboard a yacht in Lamaca, Cyprus in September; they are sentenced to life imprisonment [NYT, WP 12/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: U.S. gives Israel list of 7 Palestinians being considered for talks with U.S. Israeli P. M. Peres, speaking on Israel TV, rejects list on grounds that no residents of West Bank or Gaza are on it, all but one are members of PNC [NYT, WP 7/18]. Peres rejects idea of prior U.S. negotiations with Palestinian-Jordanian delegation before direct negotiations with Israel. Israel's chief rabbis insist Ethiopian immigrants must go through ritual conversion process [LAT, BG 7/18].

Arab World: Kuwaiti Parliament cancels $194 million in military aid earmarked for Syria, and $146 million for Jordan and the PLO because it is "being misused" [WP 7/18, LM 7/19].

Other Countries: The Daily Telegraph reports U.S. gives $8 million to UNRWA, more than 50 percent of the budget [DT 7/17].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: U.S. Sec. of State Shultz opposes legislation to advance Israel $750 million (half of proposed two-year $1.5 billion economic aid plan) within 30 days of passage of aid bill, on grounds that early payment would harm economic recovery [P 6/20]. UNRWA announces cuts in services to Palestinian refugees because of reduction in its budget from $205 million to $165 million, with further cuts likely [FJ 6/2 1]. U.S. asks Red Cross to ask Israel of its plans for 766, mostly Shi'ite, prisoners held in Israel [NYT 6/19].

Arab World: Six Red Cross ambulances enter Burj al-Barajinah; Shi'ite-Palestinian fighting has left at least 625 dead and 2,500 wounded [FT 6/20].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jerusalem court convicts David Ben-Shimol of murder in 10/28/84 rocket attack on Palestinian bus near Jerusalem, 9/22/84 grenade attack on E. Jerusalem coffeehouse; sentenced to life imprisonment [WP 4/18]. US Navy Sec. John Lehman indicates US to build submarines, missiles, patrol boats in coordination with Israel [JP 4/18]. Occupied territories observe Prisoners Day with meetings, visits to families of prisoners [FJ 4/19]. Democratic Front for Peace and Equality calls for closure of al-Fara'a prison in W. Bank [FJ 4/19].

Arab World: Lebanese Cabinet resigns in wake of fighting between Murabitoun, Palestinian fighters and Amal, PSP militias in Beirut [NYT 4/18]. UNRWA closes Beirut office in wake of fighting [MG 4/18].

Other Countries: UN Sec. Council approves (13-0, 2 abst.) extension of UNIFIL mandate in S. Lebanon until 10/19 [BG 4/18].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in Lebanon: Amal, PSP militias engage in heavy fighting with Murabitoun, Palestinian fighters in Beirut; Marabitoun effectively destroyed [NYT 4/19]. IDF planes bomb DFLP base in Bar Elias; no report of casualties [NYT, PI 4/18]. 3 IDF troops injured by roadside bomb near Kafr Kanna [MG 4/18]. Mine blast wounds 3 IDF soldiers in western occupation sector. IDF kill 3 resistance fighters in eastern occupation sector. IDF raid Shabriha, Shuhur; at least 4 arrested [JP 4/18]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 200 representatives of professions, student groups, other institutions in occupied territories call for PLO unity, criticize 2/11 Arafat-Hussein agreement [FJ 4/19].

Arab World: Jordan removes travel restrictions (imposed 4/30/83) on residents of occupied territories (W. Bank residents were not allowed to remain in Jordan for more than 30 days; were required to fill out questionnaire concerning trip) [FJ 4/19].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: Lebanese Forces continue bombardment of Mieh Mieh, 'Ain al-Hilweh. IDF, SLA attack Yuhmur; 8 reportedly massacred [NYT 4/14, LT 4/15]. UNRWA reports finding 6 beheaded bodies of Palestinian refugees in Sidon area [NYT 4/16]. Katyusha, anti-tank rocket fired at IDF positions in Tyre; no casualties [JP 4/14].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF close UNRWA-run boys preparatory school in Qalandiya for 1 mo. after stones allegedly thrown at IDF from school [FJ 3/22]. Green Patrol seizes large flock of Bedouin goats near Mitzpe Ramon (2nd time since 3/14); goats later sold by Green Patrol officials [JP 3/31].

Arab World: IDF sources indicate intention after final withdrawal to erect "security zone" in S. Lebanon to be patrolled by SLA; also state that "extremists" in zone will be deported [LT 3/19]. IDF raid Abba, S. Lebanon; 1 killed, 1 wounded; 1 home destroyed, undetermined number arrested. IDF close road from Israeli border to Marjayoun [JP 3/20].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Mmorial gathering held in Nazareth on 40th day after Fahd Qawasmeh's assassination without participation of W. Bank notables who received prior warnings from IDF (2/8) not to attend [JP 2/10]. Meron Benvenisti's W. Bank Data Project indicates 42,500 settlers on W. Bank, higher figure than previously thought [NYT 2/10]. Dheisheh women's committees hold sit-in at UNRWA HQ in camp protesting recent IDF, settlers actions [FJ 2/15].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF erect roadblocks throughout W.Bank to prevent W. Bank notables from attending Qawasmeh memorial gathering inNazareth [JP 2/10].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Yuri Heller, leader of radical settler group, declares intent to build Jewish settlement in S. Lebanon; states S. Lebanon part of "Land of Israel" [TS 12/29]. W. Bank & Gaza teachers employed by UNRWA issue statement protesting planned UNRWA budget cuts including halt in salary increases [FJ 1/4].

Arab World: 2 youths reported arrested in Quneitra, Golan Hts., for displaying Palestinian, Syrian flags over public bldgs. on politically significant dates [JP 12/28]. Jordan sentences 15 W. Bank landowners to death in abstentia for land sales to Israelis [NYT 12/29]. Kuwait-based Independent Palestinian Committee for Comprehensive Natl. Talks, comprised of representatives of major PLO groups and independents, issues statement urging unity, rejecting creation of alternative PLO; calls on signatories to July 1984 Aden-Algiers agreement to abide by its articles [FJ 1/4].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli road workers fired upon near 'Aboud; one injured [JP 12/30].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Territories: "Civil administration" orders 6 Dheisheh shop owners to destroy their shops as "illegal" [shops rented from UNRWA].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Journalist Raymonda Tawil's car destroyed by arsonist [Tawil is vocal supporter of Chrmn. Arafat].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 4-day curfew lifted in Dheisheh camp. Dheisheh resident Isa Abed Rabu formally charged with murder of 2 Israelis (10/22); defendant claims act of vengence for Shin Bet killing of his brother 2 yrs. ago. UNRWA closes Tira Teachers Seminary (al-Bireh) after 1-mo.-closure threat from authorities if student disturbances continue. Halhoul Local Council elects Hasan Hijazi as mayor. S. African FM Botha arrives in Tel Aviv for 3-day visit.

Arab World: Chrmn. Arafat speaks before 15th Arab Lawyer's Federation in Tunis.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Petrol bomb hurled at Israeli vehicle near Ramallah market; no damage.

Arab World: IDF soldier wounded by light weapons fire on IDF outpost in S. Lebanon; 4 SLA wounded by light weapons fire near Nabatiya; grenade thrown at SLA patrol in Tyre, no injuries.

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Egypt's Pres. Mubarak arrives in Amman for first Arab state visit by an Egyptian leader since Camp David agreements.

Other Countries: In Washington, US Pres. Reagan promises emergency aid to Israeli PM Peres in case of balance of payments crisis.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Several injured & 16 youths arrested in unprovoked Israeli police attack on Taibeh village during general strike there in expectation of MK Kahane's visit; 8 youths released because of their young age; Village Council issues protest letter to police chief Bar Lev.

Arab World: UNRWA reveals IDF has blocked food & medical supplies to refugees in S. Lebanon for nearly 3 weeks, and now has broken agreemento lift blockade.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Residents of 'Ain Yabroud and Silwad villages regain land from Ofra settlers upon presenting deeds to Ramallah district military authorities. Bank of Israel devalues shekel (by 1%) for second consecutive day.

Arab World: PLO reconciliation talks in Aden produce tentative political agreement between Fateh and the Democratic Alliance (DFLP, PFLP, PLF and the Palestinian CP). 3 UNRWA officials flee Lebanon after receiving death threats.

Other Countries: US Senate approves FY 1985 aid package for Israel: $1.2 billion economic, and $1.4 billion military aid.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian Heritage Week festival exhibit destroyed in Bir Zeit U. fire; arson suspected. Israeli army denies any involvement in Ain al-Hilweh, S. Lebanon incidents (5/17/84).

Arab World: Muslim leaders march through Sabra refugee camp, protesting murder of Ain al-Hilweh refugees by Israeli-backed militia. Lebanon's PM Karami calls for united Lebanese effort to end Israeli occupation of S. Lebanon. Large rally held in Baalbek for Shi'ite soldiers, incuding Irani Revolutionary Guard. Thousands of Druze in Israeli-occupied Golan mark 40th anniversary of death of Nur al-Din Kanj Abu Salah, waving Syrian flags and shouting slogans of allegiance to Syria.

Other Countries: UN Security Council hears PLO complaint of Israeli attacks on S. Lebanon refugee camps in closed-door session. UNRWA spokesman in Vienna reports 1 killed, 20 injured in Israeli military operations in S. Lebanon refugee camp. Washington Post reports CIA director Casey allowed Israel access to sensitive satellite photographs. Pentagon officials confirm US & Israel working toward defense pact. Yeshiva U. Talmudic law prof. Rabbi Tendler decries arrests of Jewish terrorists and calls US Jews to their defense, claiming "a Jew . . . respects human life as no one else does." Fired from his Toronto congregation for denouncing Israeli invasion of Lebanon, Rabbi Slonim addresses Canadian Arab Federation, praying for better understanding between Arabs and Jews.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Taibeh's Palestinian Cultural Institute director Saleh Baransi disappears upon arrival from European visit. Zim Israel Navigation Co. reports loss of $49.2 million in 1983. Central Bureau of Statistics charts jobless rate from 10/83-4/84 at 43%.

Other Countries: U. of Pittsburgh Physics prof. Cohen tells Jerusalem Post Israel could earn $1 billion annually by burying America's nuclear waste in Negev.

Military Action:

Arab World: Israeli-armed "national guards" enter Ain al-Hilweh camp, shooting indiscriminately, 1 woman killed, 3 teen-age boys wounded; funeral procession that day broken up by IDF surrogates, shooting 5 or 6, killing 1 woman; 5 UNRWA personnel establish presence in camp; Arab states call for Security Council mtg. to consider Israeli responsibility.

Other Countries: Fateh delegation meets for 4-day talks with Soviet officials in Moscow. US Marine cpl. Griffin given bad-conduct discharge for conscientious objection to service in Beirut.

Social/Economic/ Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli cabinet refuses to release secret documents for MK Sharon's use in $50 million libel suit against Time magazine. UNRWA closes Ramallah Men's Teacher Training Center indefinitely inresponse to student protests against administrative actions. 4 Kabul residents imprisoned for demonstrating during Shimon Peres' campaign visit to their village.

Arab World: Lebanese PM Wazzan tells Beirut press that US officials "lied to us" in assuring the Lebanese govt. Israeli forces would be out of Lebanon by Jan. or Feb. 1983.

Other Countries: As pres. of non-aligned movement, Indira Ghandi visits Chrmn. Arafat in Tunis.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Firebomb thrown at IDF patrol near Arroub camp, 1 soldier injured.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli-run Hebron municipality serves orders to Palestinian shopowners in building near Sultan's Pool to vacate as city is "repossessing" it. Israeli bulldozers begin work on access road to Elon Moreh site through Palestinian-owned land. Poll by Jewish-Arab center of Haifa U. shows 55% of Israeli Jews support preventing Arabs becoming majority in Palestine again; 49% urge gov't. to encourage Arabs to leave; 64% urge tightened control over Arabs; 65% believe Arabs can't be trusted. In response to reports of Iraq's use of chemical weapons, Min. of Science Neeman asserts "Arabs have always been known to have no scruples about using unconventional weapons."

Arab World: Syria expells UNRWA director in Damascus without explanation.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Unknown assailant reportedly throws bomb at demonstrators in Gaza; 3 IDF soldiers, 7 Palestinians injured; local residents claim Arab victims shot by soldiers.

Arab World: Israeli troops open fire on car at road block near Saksakiyah, S. Lebanon, killing driver.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Representatives from UNRWA and 17 West Bank refugee camps meet in Aqbat Jabr camp near Jericho to discuss youth programs.

Other Countries: Spain's Dep. PM Guerra dispels speculation of possible diplomatic relations with Israel; says conditions for relations include Israel's guaranteed borders, withdrawal from Lebanon and recognition of Palestinian rights to homeland. Britain proposes 50-man UN force to monitor Beirut's "Green Line." Mubarak arrives in Paris for talks with Pres. Miterrand; leaders examine possible resurrection of UN Resolution 242 with amendment calling for mutual and simultaneous Israel-PLO recognition.

MILITARY ACTION:

Arab World: Red Cross 707 with urgent medical supplies for Lebanese hospitals turned back from Beirut airport after Christian militia threatens to shoot it down. 6 Israeli Kfir jets attack Bhamdoun, Mansuriya and Baalchmay in Lebanon; at least 2 killed, several buildings damaged; Israel claims retaliation for Palestinian Katyusha attack on Metulla.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Yesh Gvul holds teach-in on war in Lebanon at Tel Aviv cinema.

MILITARY ACTION:

Arab World: Lebanese Shi'ite spiritual leader, Sheikh Abbas Harb, arrested in his Hallusiyeh home by IDF and whisked off by helicopter to unknown location; his home demolished in 30 mins. by IDF bulldozer. UNRWA Commissioner General Olof Rydbeck denounces increase in arrests, kidnappings, assassinations, injuries and disappearances of Palestinian refugees from S. Lebanon camps over past 2 months. 

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: As students escalate protests against Jordan's imposition of comprehensive exams, UNRWA-operated Ramallah Teachers Training Centers for men and women close for 8 days. Israeli police arrest Yonah Aburushmim in connection with last year's murder of Peace Now activist Emil Gruinzweig. Palestinian home in Ibtin village destroyed by Israeli police bulldozer on pretext that structure was unlicensed.

Other Countries: British PM Thatcher and US envoy Donald Rumsfeld meet in London to discuss alternatives to MNF in Lebanon.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL: Occupied Palestine/Israel: Homes of 13 Palestinian families demolished in Ras al- Amoud near Jerusalem and Israeli court grants the land to Israeli construction company, Tomer. 32 refugee families from Beach Camp (Gaza), whose homes demolished by occupation forces, appeal to UNRWA & other humanitarian agencies for aid in 2nd winter without proper shelter. Israel declares Dheisheh refugee camp closed military zone, forcing Israeli Committee for Solidarity with BZU volunteers to stop helping pave road; 2 Israelis & TV crew detained. EL AL forbids flights over "Temple Mount" on advice of former Chief Rabbi Shlomo Goren that the holiness of the site extends to the air above it; "therefore, there is fear that religiously unclean people will defile that airspace by flying through it."

Arab World: 97 wounded Palestinian loyalist fighters evacuated by Italian hospital ship to Tunis and PDRY. Senior Egyptian official, Shafi Abdel Hamid, declines invitation to visit Israel.

Other Countries: US Asst. Sec. of Health signs 5-year agreement with Israel providing for exchange of information on social services and human development.

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.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 2 Palestinian students arrested in Beer Sheba (Bir Sab'a) on charges of possessing banned printed material. Al-Fajr poll finds 94% of Palestinians in Israel support Arafat leadership. 200 residents of Dheisheh refugee camp near Bethlehem attend mtg. at UNRWA office to protest Israeli threat of camp school closure. Galilee priest, Fowzi Khouri, released on IS100,000 bail after 1 month detention on charges of contact with PLO. 

Arab World: Gemayel ends talks with Reagan admin. with no further commitments of US assistance. Second-ranking Druze official murdered in Beirut; Christian Phalange blamed.

Other Countries: 2 Israeli firms sign deals for 1st Israeli factory in Ciskei tribal homeland, S. Africa; Israeli trade there includes sale of American-made Mooney light planes for fledgeling Ciskei airforce plus military training. [Israel and Taiwan lead investment in S. African "Bantustans."] British High Court decides to refer Israel's protest at UK's refusal to sell it North Sea oil to European Court of Justice. UN Security Council considers Arafat's request for assistance in evacuating Tripoli.

MILITARY ACTION:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 3 Palestinian workers shot for not stopping at Gaza checkpoint while driving to work in Israel. About 30 Birkat Avraham yeshiva students go on rampage armed with iron rods, smashing windows, injuring 2 Arab men; 3 Arabs and 2 Jews arrested and released. IDF uproots five dunums of fruit trees belonging to Palestinian farmers along Kfar Saba-Qalqilya road where IDF believes petrol bomb attacks on Israeli traffic launched; farmers not to be compensated and ordered not to replant.

Arab World: Heavy artillery exchanges in Tripoli between rival Palestinian forces as talks on evacuation of loyalists stall. Bazooka attack on Israeli army vehicle kills 1 IDF soldier in Lebanon.