The Palestine Chronology

Violent disturbances continue throughout O.T., spread into Israel [NYT, WP, WIT 5/22]; IDF sends reinforcements to Gaza to quell disturbances; at least 4 Gazans are killed in clashes [JDS 5/21, 5/22 in FBIS 5/22; NYT 5/22]; marches and clashes take place in Nazareth, Lod, Bayt Hanina [JDS, IDF 5/21 in FBIS 5/22]; Arab sources report 151 injuries in Gaza, 15 in W.Bank [HAA 5/22 in FBIS 5/22]; Israeli Arabs hold one-day strike to protest killings [FJ 5/ 28]. UNLU issues special pamphlet in response to 5/20 killings; calls for 3-day strike beginning today, one-week boycott of work in Israel UDS 5/21 in FBIS 5/ 21].

UN Sec. General Javier Perez de Cuellar issues statement condemning 5/20 killings, urges that "appropriate steps be taken to enable the Palestinians to feel secure" [MEM 5/22].

In Amman, 2 Arabs armed with revolver, knife, attack bus of French tourists; 10 wounded [PDS 5/21 in FBIS 5/ 21; MEM 5/21; WP, NYT 5/22; FJ 5/28]; one attacker is arrested [RMC, ADS 5/21 in FBIS 5/21]; thousands of demonstrators march through Amman condemning 5/20 killings [RMC 5/21 in FBIS 5/22].

Arafat announces his intention to speak before special UN Sec. Council session requested by PLO, denounces Amman attack [WAKH 5/21 in FBIS 5/ 22; AVP 5/22 in FBIS 5/23; NYT 5/22].

Greece and Israel sign agreement establishing diplomatic relations [WAKH, JDS 5/21 in FBIS 5/22; MEM 5/22]; Greece simultaneously upgrades relations with PLO, says it does not recognize Israeli annexation and occupation of Palestinian territory after 1967 war [NYT 5/ 22].

Knesset approves more than $17 million requested by Shamir for new roads and settlements in O.T. [NYT 5/22; MET 5/29].

Israeli Communist Party begins 21st Congress, strongly criticizes Israeli policies toward peace process and Soviet Jewish immigration to Israel [FJ 6/4].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Police announce detention of 2 Israelis on charges of stockpiling weapons allegedly for anti-Arab attacks [WP 3/19]. IDF Chief of Staff Dan Shomron calls on Israeli leaders to reach accord with Arab leaders and end uprising [WP 3/19]. Israel arrests Muhammad Abu Sha'ban, deputy chairman of Gaza Bar Association, and 4 Palestinian joumalists [FBIS 3/18; WP 3/19]. In Nazareth, large numbers of Palestinians participate in Rakah-organized demonstration [FJ 3/27]. Close to 700 prisoners from Gaza are moved to Ansar 3, newly opened detention camp in Negev desert [FJ 3/27].

Other Countries: U.S. announces it will send special envoy Philip Habib to Middle East in continuing effort to revive peace process [WP 3/19]. UN General Assembly opens emergency session to consider means to keep PLO observer mission open [NYT 3/19]. Former Atty. Gen. Ramsey Clark says he will represent PLO in U.S. court efforts to prevent closure of its observer mission to UN [NYT 3/19].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF helicopters drop tear gas cannisters while soldiers use rubber bullets and live ammunition in violent clash with worshipers leaving mosque in Gaza's Beach refugee camp; 2 Palestinians are killed and at least 21 are injured [WP, NYT 3/19]. In Ramallah, troops pour gravel from helicopters on protesters; 2 Palestinians are wounded by army gunfire [NYT, WP 3/19]. Army bars foreign joumalists from W. Bank and Gaza Strip [WP 3/19]. In Nablus, soldiers shoot, kill Palestinian youth from 'Ayn Bayt al-Ma' camp [NYT, FJ 3/20]. Elderly Palestinian dies from effects of tear gas in Jabalya camp [FJ 3/20]. Jalazun is ordered under military curfew. Mass detentions are reported in Nablus, Hebron, Ramallah [FJ 3/18].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Asst. Sec. of State Richard Murphy meets in Jerusalem with 9 leading Palestinians from the occupied territories in what is described as "routine" discussion of peace prospects. The 9 include Zafir al-Masri, Rashad al-Shawa, lliyas Furayj, and Hanna Siniora [JP, JTA 12/5; FJ 12/6]. Israeli authorities issue deportation order against Yunis Jabir Rajub from Dura village, near Hebron, stating he has been working for Abu Musa faction of Fateh since his release in 5/20 prisoner exchange [JP 12/5]. Avi Tzur and Claude Malka, former aides to former Agriculture Min. Michael Dekel, are arrested in connection with investigation into fraudulent West Bank land sales [JP 12/5]. Pres. Chaim Herzog addresses Israeli Communist party convention in Haifa, the first Israeli president to do so [LT 12/5].

Arab World: Boston Globe reports PLO leadership decided in last week's meeting that fighting units must now seek approval from PLO military council before conducting any operations; attacks will only be carried out in Israel and occupied territories [BG 12/4].

Other Countries: World Jewish Congress launches global campaign to persuade Vatican to give formal diplomatic recognition to Israel [JTA 12/5; WP 12/7]

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Foreign Min. official David Kimche summons diplomats from UNIFIL, UN Sec. Council nations for explanation of recent anti-resistance campaign in S. Lebanon; accuses Pres. Gemayel of provoking violence [PI 3/6]. MK's Meir Cohen-Avidov, Yuval Ne'eman return from US with pledges of $70,000 for Keren Hebron fund, a taxdeductible US charity for families of Jewish underground defendants [JP 3/5]. Palestinian prisoners at Jnaid, Nafha prisons initiate hunger strike in solidarity with striking inmates at Ashkelon prison (begun 2/22) [FJ 3/8]. Clash between nationalists and Islamic fundamentalist factions injures 8 at Islamic U., Gaza; 20 arrested; studies suspended for one day [FJ 3/8]. Jewish underground defendant Dan Be'eri plea bargains with Jerusalem District Court to reduce number of charges against him in connection with plot to blow up al-Haram al-Sharif [JP 3/6]. Strike called by 52 Palestinian town councils ends after Interior Min. promises to cover their municipal debts totalling IS 1.4 billion [FJ 3/8].

Arab World: Thousands of Shi'ites march in Beirut protesting 3/4, IDF raid on Ma'rakah [WP 3/6].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Grenade thrown at IDF patrol in Sa'ir; IDF detain over 150, destroy property; 24-hr. curfew imposed. [MG, FJ, JP 3/7].