The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Tension between Jews and Muslims over control of the Haram al-Sharif (Temple Mount) flares as Jerusalem police block an attempt by the Waqf (Islamic trust) to seal off a courtyard leading to the area [JP, JTA 4/4].

Arab World: PLO closes another of its offices in Amman; the Office of Popular Organization maintained contact with and files on Palestinians living in Jordan, especially refugee camps; no reason is given for the closure [JP 4/4].

Military Action

Arab World: Fighting continues between Amal and Palestinian fighters in Sabra and Shatila refugee camps in Beirut; nearly 30 people have been killed, 60 wounded in 6 days of fighting [MG 4/4]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Northern District Commissioner Yisrael Koenig resigns "because various ministers had blocked court orders to destroy illegal building by Arabs." (Koenig gained notoriety for document 10 years ago urging drastic measures to restrict Palestinians in Israel, to Judaize the Galilee) [FJ 2/7]. East Jerusalem shuts down in strike protesting Israeli moves againsthe Haram al-Sharif in past weeks; strike coincides with call by Morocco-based Jerusalem Committee for 30-minute work stoppage in all Muslim countries [FJ 2/7].

Other Countries: Morris Draper begins tour of duty as U.S. Consul General in Jerusalem, replacing Wat Cluverius, who has been appointed special advisor on the M.E. peace process to Asst. Sec. of State Richard Murphy [JTA 2/6].

Military Action

Arab World: Bomb explodes in East Beirut, killing 10, wounding 21 [NYT, WP 2/4].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jewish underground defendant Menachem Neuberger pleads guilty to charges of plotting to blow up al-Haram al-Sharif [WP, PI 5/24]. PM Peres asks Attorney Gen. Yitzhak Zamir for legal opinion concerning release of Jewish underground defendants; opposes executive branch interference in legal process [JTA 5/24].

Arab World: Officials from Amal, Palestine National Salvation Front meet in Mukhtara, Lebanon to seek resolution of Shi'ite-Palestinian fighting in Beirut [NYT 5/24]. PFLP, DFLP, Chmn. Arafat accuse Shi'ite fighters of massacres against Palestinian civilians in Beirut camps; Arafat also accuses Nabih Berri of making secret agreement with Israel to hinder anti-Israeli resistance in S. Lebanon [WP 5/24, LM 5/25]. Syrian FM Faruq al-Shara accuses Chmn. Arafat of provoking recent Amal-Palestinian fighting in Beirut [MG 5/24].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Settlers attack homes of Talib Gheith in Hebron, Muhammad Abu Kishik in Askar camp (both former prisoners releasd 5/20) [NYT 5/25].

Arab World: Action in Lebanon: fighting continues between Amal, Lebanese Army's 6th Brigade and Palestinian fighters in Beirut camps; Palestinians launch Katyushas against Shi'ite areas of city; 33 killed, 193 wounded [NYT, MG 5/24]. Amal stages searches for Palestinians throughout Beirut; at least 200 arrested [PI 5/25].