The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinians order 3-day general strike in W. Bank and Gaza Strip [CSM 1/12]. In E. Jerusalem, police use tear gas and clubs to break up women's demonstration; 9 are arrested. Police arrest 19 following demonstration in Sa'diyyah quarter of Jerusalem's Old City [FJ 1/17]. Palestinian shot 12/16 in Rafah dies in Israeli hospital [LAT 1/11; FJ 1/17]. Def. Min. Rabin tells Israeli cabinet that calm will not be restored soon. Cabinet endorses iron fist policy. West Bank commander, General Amram Mitzna, orders Birzeit U. closed for 1 month [LAT, CSM 1/11]. W. Bank students sit for tawjihi exam [FJ 1/17]. Israeli youth is sentenced to 28 days in prison for refusing to serve in occupied territories [FJ 1/17]. Gaza lawyers decide to continue strike for another week. Reports indicate prisoners at Gaza Central prison have declared hunger strike as sign of support for uprising. School closings in Gaza Strip are extended indefinitely by Israeli authorities [FJ 1/17].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF reinforces its presence in W. Bank and Gaza Strip. Soldiers open fire on stone throwers in numerous clashes in Gaza Strip, killing 1 in Gaza City's Sha'jiyyah quarter. Military conducts house-to-house raids in Sha'jiyyah, imposes curfew. UN officials report at least 2 others wounded in Gaza City. Khan Yunis residents claim pregnant woman was suffocated by tear gas [WP 1/11]. UN sources report at least 30 wounded in Gaza [LAT 1/1 1]. Demonstrations break out in Ramallah, al-Birah, and surrounding villages and camps. Balatah and 'Askar camps are placed under curfew following demonstrations [FJ 1/17].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike in Arab E. Jerusalem, most W. Bank towns continues; Israeli troops force some striking shopowners in Nablus and Ramallah to open [FJ 1/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldiers clash with rock-throwing demonstrators in Nablus and 'Askar refugee camp [FJ 1/3]. Demonstrators in Abu Dis village, near Jerusalem, are attacked with clubs; tear gas is dropped on crowds from helicopters. Violent clashes between soldiers and demonstrators are also reported in Ramallah, al-Birah, Am'ari camp, Balatah camp, and Jenin camp. In Gaza Strip, elderly woman suffocates when troops fire tear gas into Jabalya home; Nusayrat camp is placed under curfew [FJ 1/10].

Arab World: Israeli helicopters and fighter jets attack several Palestinian targets in S. Lebanon, including 'Ayn al-Hilwah refugee camp and PFLP-GC base. At least 19 are killed, 14 wounded [WSJ, WP 1/4].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian youth from Beach camp wounded in 12/11 clash with Israeli troops dies in Gaza hospital [NYT 12/22; FJ 12/27]. Def. Min. Rabin returns from U.S. visit [NYT 12/23]. Al-Fajr Arabic daily resumes publication after 10-day closure [FJ 12/27]. Arab and Israeli Hebrew U. students demonstrate outside Knesset in solidarity with Palestinians in W. Bank and Gaza Strip [FJ 12/27]. Military extends closure of Gaza's Islamic U. and Palestine Religious Institute until 12/27 [FJ 12/27]. Israel releases 60 Gazans arrested during recent demonstrations [FJ 12/27].

Arab World: In Cairo, 'Ayn Shams U. students demonstrate in support of Palestinian uprising in the occupied territories [FBIS 12/29].

Other Countries: UN Security Council meeting on recent violence in the Israeli-occupied Gaza Strip, W. Bank adjourns after PLO and some Arab governments push for more strongly worded resolution against Israel [NYT 12/22]. Midhat Hilali, Arab League official, is shot, wounded by unknown assailant in Athens [FJ 12/27]. Ibrahim Khalid, Palestinian gunman who survived December 1985 attack on Leonardo da Vinci airport, refuses to attend his trial [FJ 12/27].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Inside the green line, hundreds of thousands of Arabs join general strike in solidarity with Palestinians in occupied territories. Israeli police, border guards respond to large demonstrations with tear gas, water cannons. About 200 Palestinians are arrested; 17 Israeli police, border guards injured [WP 12/22; FJ 12/27]. Stone-throwing, tire-burning crowds of demonstrators are reported in Jaffa, Nazareth, Lydda, Ramlah, and Abu Ghawsh. IDF troops fire on West Bank Palestinian crowds throwing Molotov cocktails, killing at least 2 in Jenin-area town of Tubas and 1 in Jenin. At least 22 are wounded by gunfire [NYT, WP 12/22]. Official Israeli death toll of Palestinians killed since 12/9 is now at 19 [CSM 12/22].

Arab World: Israeli and SLA forces raid Hizballah-held villages in S. Lebanon [FJ 12/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: UNRWA Commissioner General Giorgio Giacomelli expresses concern to Israeli defense and foreign ministry officials over Israel's "rather heavy-handed reaction" to protesting Palestinians. Palestinian wounded by gunfire 12/16 after stabbing Israeli soldier in Rafah dies. Gen. Yitzhaq Mordechai, commander of southern military district, orders arrest of Shin Bet officer who fired on protesters 12/16 [LAT 12/18]. Shops in Arab E. Jerusalem remain closed to protest Ariel Sharon's move into a Muslim quarter apartment [NYT 12/18]. Curfew on Jabalya refugee camp is lifted [FJ 12/20]. Israeli settler who shot, killed Gaza student 11/10 is released on bail [FJ 12/20]. Soldiers seal 4 Ramallah stores participating in general strike [FJ 12/20].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Scattered demonstrations are reported in W. Bank and E. Jerusalem [NYT 12/18; FJ 12/20]. Israeli troops use tear gas to disperse large demonstration related to 12/11 clash at Balatah. Balatah and Rafah are ordered under curfew [LAT 12/18].

Arab World: Israeli and SLA troops kill 6 Lebanese National Resistance Front fighters in battle near S. Lebanon security zone [NYT 12/18].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Merchants in Ramallah, al-Birah, and Nablus observe commercial strike [FJ 12/20]. In Golan Heights, 1-day strike protests 6th anniversary of Israeli annexation [FJ 12/20]. Hebron U. administration closes university for 2 days because of recent demonstrations in occupied territories [FJ 12/20]. Palestinian wounded by Israeli gunfire 12/9 dies at Tel Hashomer Hospital [FJ 12/20]. Administration of Gaza's Islamic U. extends university closure for 2 days because of recent violence [FJ 12/20].

Other Countries: U.S., Israel sign new arms agreement that allows Israel to sell its weapons to U.S. Israeli Def. Min. Rabin meets with U.S. State Dept. officials [WP 12/15].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In clash near Khan Yunis refugee camp, Israeli soldiers shoot, kill Palestinian demonstrator; 4 other demonstrators are wounded. Troops later clash with Palestinians protesting earlier shooting death, killing at least 1, wounding 4. Gazan wounded in 12/9 clash with IDF troops dies in Israeli hospital [NYT, LAT 12/15]. Demonstrator is shot, wounded by soldiers in Jalazun refugee camp. Clashes between students and Israeli military are reported in Halhul [FJ 12/20].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Large number of women participate in demonstration in Gaza City's Sha'jayyah quarter, shouting pro-PLO slogans and demanding end to curfew [FJ 10/11]. Arab and Israeli bus passengers fight in Jerusalem; some Israelis are reported injured [FJ 10/11].

Military Action

Arab World: Palestinian forces from 'Ayn al-Hilwah refugee camp in S. Lebanon recapture villages of Baysur, jinsnaya, and Maharbiyyah from Amal. Amal denies Palestinians have captured Kafr Hatta [FBIS 10/9; WP 10/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: A 1-day general strike in support of Jerusalem Electric Company closes most shops in E. Jerusalem [FJ 8/23]. Israeli police announce arrest of 4 Palestinians in connection with 4 murders, including assassination of Nablus Mayor Zafir al-Masri in 1986, and 3 attempted murders in Nablus and Jenin [FJ 8/23]. In Rahat village, 1,500 demonstrators inside mosque prevent court-ordered demolition of mosque by Israeli soldiers and police [FJ 8/23]. Jerusalem planning com. approves project to build 10,000 housing units for Palestinians innorthern Jerusalem [FJ 8/23]. Lina Tubaylah, member of Women's Work Com. in Nablus, receives 6-month town arrest order [FJ 8/23]. Israeli authorities ban 22 books from use in Palestinian schools on W. Bank [FJ 8/23]. Israeli authorities approve building of 4 new settlements in Jordan Valley, Nablus, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem [FJ 8/23]. Israeli authorities inform landowners in Hebron-area villages of Dura and Dhahriyyah of plan to expropriate 2,000 dunams of village land [FJ 8/23]. Members of Village League open fire on Bayt 'Ula residents, injuring 2 [FJ 8/23].

Arab World: Maronite leader Camille Chamoun dies in Lebanon [MEI 8/28]. Arab committee studying terrorism ends session in Damascus; meeting was attended by an official delegation of the PLO [FJ 8/23]. Khalid Yasin, member of DFLP, is released from Israeli prison after 14 years, arrives in al-Baddawi refugee camp in N. Lebanon [FJ 8/23].

Other Countries: Scotland Yard reveals arrest of Isma'il Hasan Suwan, Palestinian researcher, in connection with attempted assassinationf Naji al-'Ali and seizure of large arms and explosive cache believed to be for use by PLO guerrillas in Europe [NYT 8/19; FJ 8/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: More than 50 Israeli soldiers raid al-Najah University in Nablus, confiscate books and files from administrative and student council offices [FJ 8/23]. In Gaza, 2 Israelis are injured in gunfire attack [FJ 8/23].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Large student demonstrations inKafr Qasim village continue [FJ 5/17]. International Labor Organization (ILO) issues report on Arab workers in occupied territories [FJ 5/17]. Trial of 3 Palestinians charged with stabbing death of 3 Israelis and membership in Islamic Jihad opens under strict security [FJ 5/17]. Two members of Nablus municipal council resign [FJ 5/17].

Arab World: Egypt's Pres. Mubarak and Jordan's King Hussein meet in Cairo, discuss PNC reconciliation and international peace conference proposal [BG 5/14].

Other Countries: Reports indicate secret agreement between Jordan and Israel includes provision to restrict role of U.S.S.R. in Middle East peace conference [NYT 5/12]. U.S. government refiles charges against 7 Palestinians and 1 Kenyan; 2 are accused of subversion, 6 of visa violations [LAT 5/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: F. M. Peres says he has no secret agreements with Jordan and has not discussed "any territorial questions" during recent talks; P. M. Shamir calls for direct negotiations with King Hussein without the involvement of "distant lands" [JP 5/8]. Qalqiliyyah is again placed under curfew after 3 firebombs were thrown at Israeli car. Settlers rampage through town, vandalizing cars and shooting at houses [FJ 5/10]. Explosion in Kiryat Gat settlement injures 4 Israelis, 1 seriously [FJ 5/10]. Military authorities impose curfew on al-Qassabah quarter of Nablus after firebomb is thrown at army patrol [FJ 5/10].

Arab World: Reports indicate Jordan has informed U.S. that Syria will participate in peace talks with Israel under auspices of UN-sponsored international conference [WP 5/8].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli army patrol in S. Lebanon kills 2 Palestinian fighters, captures 3 others [WP 5/9; FJ 5/17].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Curfew is imposed on Ramallah after student protesters throw stones, molotov cocktail at troops. Curfew also ordered for Balatah and Tulkarm camps [FJ 4/12].

Arab World: Reports charge Jordanian Minister of Occupied Territories Affairs Marwan Dudin was involved in disappearance of funds [FJ 4/12].

Other Countries: Christian Science Monitor reports American Civil Liberties Union has filed lawsuit challenging use of McCarran-Walter Act in case of 7 Palestinians arrested by INS 1/26 [CSM 4/9]. Israeli F. M. Peres concludes 3 days of talks with Soviet representatives in Rome [NYT 4/10]. King Hussein and members of Jordanian government meet with British P. M. Thatcher to discuss possibility of Middle East peace conference [IN 4/10]. Israeli Pres. Herzog on state visit to W. Germany asks Bonn not to sell submarines to Saudi Arabia [LAT 4/10].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Military authorities impose curfews on 2 towns and 2 refugee camps on W. Bank after demonstrations in support of prison hunger strike [CSM 4/10].

Arab World: Four Israeli helicopters attack PLO positions in 'Ayn al-Hilwah in S. Lebanon, killing 2 and wounding 6 [NYT 4/10]. Syrian troops reinforce their posts around Beirut's Shatila and Burj al-Barajinah refugee camps; 47 wounded Palestinians are evacuated from Burj al-Barajinah [NYT, IN 4/10].

Socia l/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Interior Ministry releases NIS 1.6 million to help Umm al-Fahm pay its debts [FJ 2/27]. Ahmad 'Awdah is convicted on 45 counts of fraud related to sale of Palestinian-owned lands in Nablus, Tulkarm, and Qalqiliyyah areas to Israelis [FJ 3/6].

Arab World: F. M. Peres, against wishes of P. M. Shamir, arrives in Cairo for talks with Pres. Mubarak and other government officials [LAT 2/26].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Military authorities order Gaza's Islamic University closed for 10 days [FJ 2/27].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Grenade explodes during changing of Israeli border guard at Jerusalem's Damascus Gate, wounds 12 soldiers, at least 2 Israeli citizens, 3 Palestinians. PLO claims responsibility [FJ 2/27]. Explosion destroys soldiers' hitchhiking station at entrance to new Jewish settlement town of Efrat, midway between Jerusalem and Hebron [JP 2/27]. At Jalazun refugee camp near Ramallah troops use tear gas to disperse protestors who had blocked roads, thrown stones. Merchants strike in Gaza City to protest continued detention of over 135 university students [FJ 2/27].

Arab World: Syrian troops enter W. Beirut [BG 2/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Dmonstrations and "almost complete" general strike in major W. Bank and Gaza Strip towns protest shootings of Palestinian students. More than 70 demonstrators are arrested. At least 6 Israelis are wounded [NYT 12/7]. Ramallah and al-Birah are placed under curfew; old campus of Birzeit University closed until January while left-wing politicians and press criticize security policies [CSM 12/9].

Arab World: SLA forces fire at Irish UNIFIL post, killing 1 Irish soldier. UNIFIL lodges official complaint with Israeli army [FJ 12/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian-American Prof. Muhammad Shadid announces that Israeli authorities have revoked his work permit, forcing him to leave the country when his visa expires. Israeli action comes after the publication of a poll Shadid conducted showing that most Palestinians in the W. Bank and Gaza consider the PLO their representative [LAT 11/19; NYT 11/21]. General strike in E. Jerusalem protests Jewish anti-Arab violence that has erupted since the stabbing of a Jewish seminary student [FJ 11/21]. Israeli High Court upholds government decision to confiscate land from Sur Bahir, near Bethlehem. Land owners are fined for delaying forestry projects [FJ 11/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli officials say Ivory Coast will open embassy in Jerusalem on 9/15 (MEI 9/12).

Arab World: Negotiations over Taba end with agreemento go to arbitration, permitting 9/11 Peres-Mubarak meeting (CSM 9/12).

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF intercept Palestinian Liberation Front fighters in rubber dinghy as they attempto reach Nahariya, Israeli seaside resort; fighters escape to Lebanon, but are later captured by Amal militiamen (NYT 9/11, 9/14). PLO Chairman Arafat appeals for their release (AFP 9/10). Israeli cabinet meets to set "guidelines" for Peres-Mubarak summit (NYT 9/9).

Arab World: IDF air raid aimed at Palestinian ammunition dump in Sidon devastates civilian industrial district, kills three, wounds 17, ruins at least 20 workshops and factories with little damage to dump. Raid is response to attempted Palestinian attack on Nahariya (WP, NYT 9/11).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: U.S. V.P. Bush in Jerusalem meets 18 West Bank and Gaza Palestinians, most of them known to be pro-Jordanian, who urge U.S. to recognize the PLO [NYT 7/30, FJ 8/1, 8/8]. Israeli Central Planning Committee hears objections by 7 West Bank villages to an Israeli plan to confiscate 3,500 dunums of village land for constructing a highway linking Jerusalem with the village of Kufr Qasim [FJ 8/1].

Military Action

Arab World: Car bomb explodes in Muslim West Beirut, killing 25 and wounding 180, while mass funeral is being held in East Beirut for the victims of 7/28 bombing [NYT, WP 7/30].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jerusalem Mayor Teddy Kollek visits nearby Shu'fat refugee camp and offers financial assistance to persuade residents to move to another location; residents vehemently oppose idea [FJ 6/13].

Other Countries: King Hussein announces foreign ministers of Syria and Iraq will meet 6/13 [WP 6/11]. Italian prosecutors release report on Achille Lauro hijacking, say Muhammad 'Abbas planned it [NYT 6/10]. Israeli Palestinian Knesset member Muhammad Mi'ari meets in Tunis with PLO Chairman Arafat [MG 6/18].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Six Palestinian lawyers from the West Bank petition the High Court for permission to establish a local bar association. (In 1979 a bar association was set up in Gaza for the lawyers working there) [JP 5/6]. Israeli military court in Lod sentences 2 Palestinians from inside the Green Line to 21 years imprisonment for planting bombs in Israeli neighborhoods, finds them guilty of membership in the PFLP [JP 5/6]. Nablus military court sentences another Palestinian to 21 years imprisonment for stabbing an Israeli soldier in the chest on 12/14/85 [JP 5/6]. Presidents of Uruguay and Israel issue joint statement affirming the friendship between their countries and support for the M.E. peace process [JTA 5/6].

Arab World: Syrian Pres. Hafiz al-Asad arrives in Amman for talks with King Hussein, his first visit to Jordan in 6 years [NYT, WP 5/6].

Other Countries: The leaders of the 7 largest industrial democracies, meeting at the Tokyo summit, adopt a joint statement condemning terrorism as an international scourge that "must be fought relentlessly and without compromise"; Libya is specifically mentioned as a source of terrorism [NYT, WP 5/6]. U.S. State Dept. calls on Syria to expel Abu Nidal organization from territory under its control [NYT 5/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Peres states in keynote speech opening Labor party convention that Israel recognizes the Palestinians "as a nation," states Israel is trying to "create interim conditions for an interim arrangement" in the occupied territories until their final status is resolved [DT 4/10]. Egyptian delegation headed by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Butrus-Ghali attends the convention, as well as delegations from 20 other countries [JP 4/9].

Arab World: Former chief of intelligence for the PLO, 'Atallah 'Atallah (Abu Za'im), is reported to have been touring Palestinian refugee camps in Jordan delivering speeches critical of policies of Yasir Arafat and blaming him for the collapse of dialogue with King Hussein; Abu Za'im's statements have been given front-page coverage in Amman [JP 4/8; NYT 4/9]. Chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Abba Eban arrives in Cairo for a visit [JP 4/9].

Other Countries: U.S. Asst. Sec. of State Richard Murphy, originally scheduled to accompany Vice Pres. George Bush on his M.E. tour, stops instead in Cairo and then proceeds to Israel; Bush tells press conference Murphy is investigating a new peace initiative [LAT, BG 4/9].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Firebomb is thrown at bus on northern edge of Jerusalem, injuring 9 Israeli passengers; police detain 17 Palestinians for questioning [LAT, WP 4/9]. A bomb explodes in Afula, injuring a soldier; WAFA, the Palestine News Agency, states the PLO is responsible for placing the bomb [WP, LAT 4/9].

Arab World: Suicide bomber drives car into checkpoint near Hasbayya, at edge of Israeli-declared "security zone," killing himself and injuring 3 SLA militiamen and 3 civilians; the pro-Syrian Lebanese Ba'th party claims responsibility [WP, NYT 4/9]. Car bomb in Christian port city of Juniyah kills 10, injures over 100; no one claims responsibility [WP, NYT 4/9]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli security authorities seal 1 house and 3 rooms belonging to 4 residents of Tulkarm accused of throwing fire bombs at Israeli vehicles [JP 3/7].

Arab World: Israeli journalist Uri Avneri is expelled from Jordan to Egypt after reportedly holding contacts with Jordanian and PLO officials in Amman; Avneri retums to Israel, states he met with senior Jordanian and Palestinian personalities, including at least 1 cabinet minister and PNC members, denies he was expelled. (Avneri's trip was approved by P.M. Peres, Foreign Minister Shamir, and Defense Minister Rabin) [JP 3/7; WP 3/8]. Syrian Foreign Minister Faruq al-Shar' concludes 2 days of apparently unproductive talks in England with senior British officials; he states in press conference that Israel is main obstacle to peace in the M.E., that Syria allows Abu Nidal group to maintain political press office in Damascus but it "has nothing to do with violence" [WP, MG, LT 3/6].

Military Action

Arab World: SLA soldier is killed by roadside bomb; Israelis kill 2 Arab guerrillas in S. Lebanon "security zone"; Lebanese security sources say Israeli troops kill 1 farmer, injure another in raid outside "security zone" [MG 3/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli military court orders journalist Hamdi Farraj, 11 other Dheisheh refugee camp residents held since 2/1/85 without trial released on grounds general prosecutor failed to prove charges against them [FJ 1/10].

Arab World: Christian Science Monitor reports King Hussein and Pres. Asad agree to restore diplomatic relations between their countries at ambassadorial level [CSM 1/2]. Egypt and U.S. sign agreement on $140 million in U.S. aid to Egypt, the second installment of $500 million grant approved by Congress last year [JP 1/2]. SLA releases 20 Shi'ite prisoners from Khiam detention center in S. Lebanon as New Year's gesture. (Red Cross has not been allowed to visithe Khiam center) [JP 1/3].

Other Countries: Austrian Interior Ministry states 3 Palestinians who attacked Vienna airport had instructions to take Israeli hostages, hijack El Al plane to Tel Aviv, blow up plane "in or over Tel Aviv" [DT, FT 1/3]. Peter Goldman, director of Americans for a Safe Israel, and Rabbi Avraham Weiss, coordinator of Americans Against Terrorism, announce start of nationwide campaign to remove PLO offices from U.S. [JTA 1/3]. Nadav Safran, director of Harvard U.'s Center for Middle Eastern Studies, will resign post in wake of discovery he accepted $152,000 from CIA for writing book, sponsoring conference on Islamic fundamentalism [DT, LT 1/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Rocket fired from S. Lebanon damages property in Kiryat Shmona [BG 1/3]. Israeli taxi driver is found shot twice in head near Lod (second such incident in 2 days); 4 Palestinians are detained for questioning [FJ 1/10].

Arab World: Israeli and SLA troops shell targets in S. Lebanon in retaliation for shelling of Kiryat Shmona [TS 1/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops curfew Balata refugee camp, conduct house-to-house searches, arrest dozens of Palestinians [JP 11/24; FJ 11/29]. Army stops group of 50 would-be settlers who attempt to squat in Jericho [JP 11/24].

Arab World: Israeli forces patrolling in S. Lebanon security zone kill 2 armed Palestinian gunmen; 2 Israelis are wounded [JP 11/24]. President Mubarak states Egypt is urging PLO to reconsider position on UN resolutions 242 and 338 to ease way for intl. M. E. peace conference; comments follow 3 hours of talks with U.S. Asst. Sec. of State Richard Murphy [JP 11/24].

Military Action

Arab World: Syria begins placing longer-range SAM-2 anti-aircraft missiles along Syrian border with Lebanon, withdrawing shorter-range SAM-6 and SAM-8 missiles from Lebanese territory [JP 12/18; MEP 12/20; NYT 12/26]. Egyptian airliner carrying nearly 100 passengers is hijacked over the Mediterranean by Arabs identifying themselves as "Egypt's Revolution." After landing in Malta, several bodies are thrown out of the plane [WP, BG, TS 11/24].

Other Countries: Israel and Argentina pledge to increase volume of bilateral trade at conclusion of visit to Argentina by Trade Min. Ariel Sharon [JP 11/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Al-Fajr reports Palestinian political prisoners in Asqalan and Jenin prisons begin open-ended hunger strike this week to protest brutal actions by guards. Mothers and relatives of Asqalan prisoners continue their hunger strike at the Gaza Red Cross office; Israeli army threatens to disband their sit-in strike by force [FJ 10/4]. Al-Fajr daily prints obituary for Lt. Col. Muhammad al-Ghoul, the chief of security for the Tunis headquarters of the PLO killed in the 10/1 raid. Other reports mention death of Abu al-Tayyib, leader of Force 17, Arafat's bodyguard unit [BG 10/5].

Arab World: Tunisian civilians killed in 10/1 Israeli air raid on PLO headquarters in Tunis have been quietly buried to avoid anti-American backlash, Tunis announces; 60 died in the raid, including 12 Tunisian civilians [WP 10/5]. Tunisian police are deployed to prevent opposition parties from marching on the U.S. embassy [FT 10/5].

Other Countries: UN Sec. Council passes, by vote of 14-0 (with the U.S. abstaining), resolution condemning Israeli air raid on PLO headquarters in Tunis, urging member countries to "take measures to dissuade Israel from resorting to such acts," stating Tunisia's right to reparations. PLO rep. to the UN Zuhdi Tarzi accuses U.S. of "collusion" in the raid [LAT 10/5; NYT 10/6]. Two Palestinians and 1 Briton accused of the 9/25 murder of 3 Israelis in Lamaca appear before Cyprus court. Israel says the 3 are members of Fateh's Force 17, but Force 17 officials in Tunis deny they ordered the executions [DT 10/4]. Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev states Russia may reestablish diplomatic ties with Israel if there is movement toward overall settlement to the Arab-Israeli conflict [TS 10/5]. State Dept. announces MK Meir Kahane's U.S. citizenship has been revoked because of his membership in the Israeli Knesset [WP 10/5; JP 10/6].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Body of an Israeli, Haim Falah, who had been shot in the head, is found in the Galilee [MG 10/7]. Anonymous caller phones Western news agency in Jerusalem and claims responsibility on behalf of Fateh's Force 17 for killing 2 other Israelis near Jerusalem; their bodies have not yet been found [MG 10/7].

Arab World: Islamic Jihad organization delivers message and Polaroid photo to 2 Beirut newspapers stating they have executed William Buckley, political officer at the U. S. embassy held hostage since March 1984, in retaliation for Israel's 10/1 air raid on PLO headquarters in Tunis, in which they said the U.S. was involved. Buckley's body has not been found, and the claim is unconfirmed [LAT 10/4; LT 10/5].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli For. Min. statement rejects international conference as forum for peace talks [BG 9/29].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Hand grenade thrown at an Israeli military jeep in downtown Hebron misses its mark, killing Palestinian Marwan Ayid Zaru, 13, and wounding 3 other Palestinians. Israeli authorities announce round-up of alleged members of 2 guerrilla cells in the Gaza Strip; the home of 1 detainee is demolished, and the home of another is sealed [JP 9/29].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Peres criticizes U.S. Asst. Sec. of State Richard Murphy's plan for preliminary meeting with joint Jordanian-Palestinian delegation and vetoes another suggested Palestinian delegate Nabil Sha'th. Peres expresses confidence in King Hussein's desire for peace, says Israel wants to open negotiations with joint Jordanian-Palestinian delegation immediately [JP 9/6]. Negev Bedouin given o.k. to elect 15-member delegation to the soon-to-be-established regional committee on Bedouin affairs [JP 9/6].

Other Countries: Washington Post reports U.S. administration is considering sending Asst. Sec. of State Richard Murphy to meet with Jordanian-Palestinian delegation that would include Nabil Sha'th, a close personal advisor to Arafat. Israel vehemently protestshe proposal [WP 9/3, 9/7]. Jerusalem Post reports Reagan administration iformed Congress in July in classified 17-page report that Israel's "qualitative" military edge over the Arabs is "secure and likely to grow stronger, under present policy, at least through the rest of this decade" [JP 9/6].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli truck driver Moshe Fitusi, 28, is critically stabbed in Gaza City; Israeli settlers torch Palestinian home in the West Bank in retaliation. Gaza City sealed off and 500 residents reportedly detained by army for questioning. Home of Palestinian exprisoner freed in 5/20 prisoner exchange set afire in Dura village by Israeli settlers, home of another painted with threatening slogans and its windows smashed in Balata refugee camp near Nablus. Groups of armed settlers reported roaming streets of Ramallah and Nablus. Israeli authorities briefly detain 9 Tehiya members who squat at Tel Rumeida in Hebron [CSM, PI, NYT, JP 9/6; JTA 9/9].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli military officials state they have uncovered underground political cell in Golan town of Majd al-Shams responsible for attacks against IDF and civilians during the past 6 months [JTA 8/28]. Latest poll by Modi'in Ezrachi shows that if elections were held, Kach would be third largest party in the Knesset, getting 11 seats in the 120-seat parliament. Labor would get 51 seats and Likud 24 [PI, USN 8/28]. Curfews continue in Tulkarm and Jenin while investigations are conducted into 8/24 attacks on Israelis. [JP 8/28]. Chicago Tribune reports more than 70 Israeli-owned West Bank land offices are under investigation in unfolding land fraud scandal. Among those questioned are former senior officials in Agriculture Ministry involved in settlement activity, ex-officials in the West Bank military government, police authorities, and several land brokers, 4 of whom have been arrested [CT 8/27]. P. M. Peres says Chairman Afarat is directly responsible for attacks against Israelis, and Israeli govemment has evidence to prove it. He says 'Amman has been wamed of the consequences of letting the PLO station itself in 'Amman [DT 8/28]. Isramco, U.S. oil company with oil and gas interests in Israel, announces it is launching expanded program for oil and gas production in the Negev. Company plans to spend between $5-6 million by the end of the first quarter of 1986 UC 8/27].

Other Countries: First International Christian Zionist Congress convenes in Basel, Switzerland for three days, gathering 500 Christian lay leaders and theologians, active supporters of Israel. Congress is organized by the Intemational Christian Embassy in Jerusalem [JTA 8/22].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian in Qalqilya is shot as he tries to flee IDF patrol attempting to detain him and 2 others [JP 7/28]. The wounded man was hospitalized and the 2 arrested.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli High Court issues interim injunction ordering defense minister to refrain from deporting Khalil Abu Ziad and to show, within 3 days, why order should not be cancelled [MG 8/12]. The Israeli coordinator of govemment activities in the occupied territories, Shlomo Goren, advises Israelis to be armed and accompanied whenever entering heavily populated Palestinian areas [JP 8/12]. Jerusalem Post reports Israeli Ministry of Labor has asked IDF civil administration in south Lebanon to find Lebanese workers for manual labor in the Galilee for fruit picking and hotel jobs during high tourist season. Few Lebanese have responded. IDF reports estimate 550 Lebanese come into Israel every day to work. Some stay overnight [JP 8/11]. Israeli High Court upholds the right of a Lebanese to appeal to it for redress for the Israeli army's seizure of property during the invasion of Lebanon [JP 8/12]. The Israeli Cabinet officially and "unconditionally" condemns apartheid for the first time, but ministersay the government will make no move to end the commercial and arms trade with South Africa [WP, JP 8/12]. Absorption Minister Ya'acov Tsur presents "Master Plan for Ethiopian Jewish Absorption" to Prime Minister Peres; 84 housing units have been made available to Ethiopian Jews in West Bank; Tsur says no immigrants will be forced to relocate there [JP 8/12].

Other Countries: U.S. Sen Jesse Helms (R-N.C.) says he will initiate adefense agreement between Israel and the U.S. to include air strips, joint research and development, and cooperation in other fields. Helms is on a private visit to Israel, along with Sen. Chick Hecht of Nevada [JP 8/12]. Members of the Hispanic Caucus of the U.S. Congress leave Jerusalem for Madrid to urge government there to establish diplomatic ties with Israel. The thirteen-member caucus was visiting Israel as guests of the Anti-Defamation League UP 8/12].

Military Action

Arab World: Fighting continues in Beirut; 6 are killed, more than 47 wounded. The 7/16 Syrian-backed security plan fails to halt the fighting [NYT 8/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman denies Israel "has directly sold weapons to the Contras or has given any direct assistance" [FT 8/8, JTA 8/9]. British Foreign Office announces it "regrets" Israel's new security measures [JP 8/8]. Israeli authorities detain 3 West Bankers suspected of throwing petrol bombs at border police patrol 8/4. Army spokesman said the 3 confessed to that and other gasoline bomb attacks [JP 8/8]. Local councils of developmentowns decide to co-opt settlements' local councils by giving them full membership in the Union of Local Councils. Move is designed to increase lobbying power of the development towns [JP 8/8]. Israeli religious schools are instructed by religious education division of the Ministry of Educationot to conduct meetings between Israelis and Palestinians because they may lead to intermarriage [JTA 8/8].

Arab World: Arab summit conference in Casablanca dispenses with principle of unanimity. Libya withdraws itrepresentation from the conference [WP, LAT 8/8]. Iraqi President Saddam Hussein decides at the last minute not to attend [LAT 8/8]. Lebanese President Amin Jumayyil says he supports his Muslim opponents' demand for greater power; blames country's 10- year-old civil war on the Palestinians [FT 8/7].

Military Action

Arab World: A grenade thrown at a SLA post in security zone kills one SLA soldier [JTA 8/9]

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli daily Hadashot reports U.S. gave Israel unofficial list of 9 Palestinian candidates for Jordanian-Palestinian delegation to tentative ME peace talks three weeks ago. 9 are: Walid Khalidi, Harvard U. political science professor; Edward Said, Columbia U. English professor; Hisham Sharabi, of Georgetown U.; Rashid Khalidi, visiting fellow at Washington's Wilson Center; Bethlehem Mayor Iliyas Furayj; Hikmat al-Masri, former speaker of Jordanian Parliament; Rashad Shawwa, deposed Gaza mayor; Anwar Nusseibeh, former Jordanian minister and head of East Jerusalem Electric Co.; and Ahmad Sidqi al-Dajani, former senior official in PLO executive committee, now living in Cairo. PLO spokesman says [AP 6/5] PNC speaker 'Abd al-Hamid al-Sayih is also under consideration.

Arab World: IDF and SLA (Israeli-backed South Lebanese Army) raid 2 Shi'ite villages, arrest about 40 men and destroy 5 homes in Majd al-Salim as punishment for hiding weapons or shielding fighters [LAT 6/4].

Other Countries: Foreign Min. Shamir, in England, tells P. M. Thatcher and Foreign Min. Geoffrey Howe that Israel opposes Jordanian scheme for peace talks. Thatcher supports Jordanian plan [LT 6/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF bulldozes ten houses in villages near Hebron; expels residents [AF 6/7]. Security forces announce arrest of 9 in connection with killing of Rafah Mayor 'Abd al-Hamid Kishta, 65, in September; of Isma'il al-Khatib, 38, head of the al-Azhar Islamic College in Gaza in November; and with grenade attack on bus near market in Tel Aviv [JP 6/4]. Arrests of 9 Palestinians and Israelis were made "several months ago" in Gaza. Others were arrested for supplying 9 with weapons stolen from IDF. IDF uproots 1,300 olive trees, illegally planted in army firing area near Bethlehem [JP 6/4].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Law student Aziza Kharaja sentenced to 5 mos. for membership in illegal organization [her 2 sisters held in Neve Tertza on similar charges]. PM Peres announces invitation to Egypt's Pres. Mubarak for talks on bilateral relations. After 2-yr. silence, crewman of M. S. Moran reveals to Hadashot that ship's Capt. Gilad set Tanzanian stowaway adrift on high seas (3/82).

Arab World: Israel proposes cease-fire to Amal forces in S. Lebanon, but refuse release of detained Amal leaders (arrested 11/9) in exchange for resumed talks with Lebanon.

Other Countries: Greek PM Papandreou ends visit to Syria & Jordan and agrees to promote their interests among fellow EEC members.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli authorities demolish 33 homes of farmers in jiftlik (Ghor al-Fari'a). [Jiftlik produces 15% of West Bank GNP. Israelis demolished adjacent al-'Ajajreh, Sattariya & al-Mahrouq villages in 1967.] Haifa U. student Saour Saour attacked by Kach students while posting notice offering to help Palestinians enroll. Stone-throwing incidents reported in Jabal al-Muqabber (Jerusalem), Bethlehem & Ramallah; police respond with tear gas.

Arab World: IDF convoy ambushed near Sarafand; 1 Israeli seriously wounded, later dies.