The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Most Gaza Strip shops remain closed, but many workers from Gaza and W. Bank report to jobs in Israel. Israel rejects U.S. criticism of its handling of disturbances [WP 12/24]. New prison camp is opened outside of Hebron to hold recently arrested Palestinian protesters [NYT 12/24]. Full commercial strike is observed in Jenin; soldiers break commercial strike in Bethlehem. Hundreds of Palestinians are arrested in connection with recent demonstrations [FJ 12/27]. Def. Min. Rabin announces tougher security plan for occupied territories [CSM 12/24].

Other Countries: U.S. again calls on Israeli leaders to cease using live ammunition to control riots in the occupied territories [NYT, WP 12/24]. Pentagon reports U.S. and Israel have agreed on joint funding for new anti-tactical ballistic missile system called the Arrow. U.S. will pay 80% of project's cost. Missile will be built in Israel [LAT 12/24]. Reagan administration officials state they plan to challenge legality of new law requiring closure of PLO's UN observer mission in New York [LAT 12/24]. Yasir 'Abd Rabbuh, head of PLO's information department, announces PLO Executive Com. will discuss establishment of Palestinian government-in-exile [FJ 12/27].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli military rounds up hundreds of alleged rioters in Gaza Strip and W. Bank. Gaza's Jabalya refugee camp is sealed off and curfew imposed. Duhayshah camp, near Bethlehem, is also sealed. Reports indicate Israel has increased its military presence in the territories [WP 12/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Def. Min. Rabin tours Gaza, says more troops are being deployed in occupied territories. According to Palestine Press Service, 2 Palestinians wounded in jenin clash 12/21 die in hospital. Military bans distribution of al-Quds in W. Bank for 1 month [NYT, LAT 12/23]. Israel orders 4 Palestinian teachers colleges closed for 1 month: Abu Dis College of Science and Technology in Bethlehem, al-Tirah Teachers College, al-Shuyukhi College, and Ramallah's al- 'Asriyyah Community College; closure of W. Bank government schools is extended until 12/27 [FBIS 12/22; FJ 12/27]. Full commercial strike shuts down Nablus [FJ 12/27]. Hebron Polytechnic College is ordered closed for 1 month [FJ 12/27].

Other Countries: Reagan administration statement criticizes Israel's "harsh security measures and excessive use of live ammunition" in the occupied territories. U.S. abstains in UN Security Council vote, allowing passage of resolution strongly deploring Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip and W. Bank [LAT, NYT 12/23]. U.S. Jewish leaders express concern over violence in territories [WP 12/23]. U.S. Pres. Ronald Reagan signs State Dept. spending bill, which includes provision requiring closure of PLO observer mission to UN [NYT 12/24]. Jordan's King Hussein arrives in Moscow, meets with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev [CSM, LAT 12/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: At Gaza's Jabalya refugee camp, Palestinian youth is shot dead, at least 3 are wounded by Israeli troops; camp is placed under curfew. At least 3 Palestinians are wounded by Israeli gunfire during clashes in Jenin and Hebron villages of Yatta and Idna [LAT 12/23; WP 12/23, 12/24]. Scattered demonstrations are reported in W. Bank [NYT 12/23]. Israeli troops arrest at least 150 people in night raid on Burayj refugee camp [FJ 12/27]. Curfew is imposed on Qalqiliyyah after demonstrators bum Israeli military govemor's car [FJ 12/27]. Military erects cement barrier at Duhayshah refugee camp's main entrance in effort to prevent rock attacks on Israeli cars [FJ 12/27