The Palestine Chronology

The EU missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah release a statement expressing deep concern over the number of Palestinians killed recently in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and also the ongoing incursions by the IDF into West Bank Area A (under full PA control). UN humanitarian coordinator in the occupied Palestinian territories James W. Rawley says he is ‘‘seriously concerned’’ about Palestinian civilian casualties resulting from live fire by IDF soldiers. (EU Press Office, UNNC 1/30)

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 3 villages nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Jenin in the morning and in Bethlehem at night. (PCHR 1/31)

Saudi newspaper al-Sharq reports that in discussions with King Abdallah of Jordan, Hamas chief Khalid Mishal accepted the idea of a two-state solution, which would mark a significant change in official Hamas policy if reiterated publicly (claims subsequently denied (1/31) by Hamas officials. Previously, Hamas had expressed willingness to observe longterm truce with Israel, but not to recognize Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state. (HA 1/30)

Anonymous U.S. officials say that Israeli warplanes conducted an air strike inside Syria targeting a convoy believed to be transporting anti-aircraft weaponry to Hizballah in Lebanon. The Syrian government claims that the planes struck a military research center. The Lebanese military say that Israeli warplanes have increased their activity over s. Lebanon in the past week, including at least 12 sorties in the previous 24 hours. (AP, NYT, REU 1/30)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinians observe general strike in O.T. [FJ 4/17].

Military Action Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Hebron soldier shoots, kills Palestinian. In Jabalya troops open fire, killing 13-year-old Palestinian, wounding 3others [FBIS 4/10, FJ 4/17]. In Gaza, at least 11 Palestinians are injured [FJ 4/17].

Arab World: Israeli gunboat, helicopters kill 4 Palestinian guerrillas attempting to cross into Israel via Mediterranean; Amal anti-aircraft batteries, artillery join battle firing on Israeli forces [FBIS 4/10].

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:

Israel launches all-day air strikes against Syrian, PLO and LNM artillery and anti-aircraft positions in Central and East Bekaa; units of PLA led by Syrian officers take over some Syrian positions in Bekaa and North Lebanon; IDF forces truck in cold-weather gear, conduct lessons on driving in snow, preparing for winter in Lebanon.

Casualties:

Lebanese radio reports 40 people killed, wounded in IDF air raids on Bwarej, Saad Nayel, Chtaura, Taalabaya, Mureijat, Hazarta, Tarshish in Bekaa.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Shamir says security arrangement with Lebanon independent of departure of IDF troops; Sheli calls on Sharon to dissolve West Bank Civil Administration, return deposed mayors to their elected posts; West Bank delegation visits Vatican's Jerusalem office to express gratitude for Pope's willingness to meet Arafat; 30,000 dunums of land near Hebron declared "state lands" by military authorities.

Arab Governments: Saudi Arabia gives Syria over $500 m. in recent days; Assad resists withdrawing troops from Lebanon in face of PLO opposition; Hussein praises Reagan peace proposals, says Palestinian-Jordanian federation possible.

US and Other Countries: US expresses concern at renewed fighting, stresses need for early pullout of foreign forces from Lebanon.

UN: Morris Draper consults with UN in New York about expanding scope of UNIFIL in South Lebanon.