The Palestine Chronology

22-hr. siege of house in Hebron, including firing of over 100 antitank rockets, ends with deaths of 4 Hamas militants (added to death previous day of pregnant woman). IDF use of roof of neighboring Mohtasseb Children's Hospital as firing position protested by residents, ICRC, human rights orgs. 18 Palestinians wounded by IDF in protests against siege. PLO Chmn. Arafat calls Secy. of State Christopher to demand end of IDF "aggression" against Palestinians. State Dept. expresses "concern" at incident. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/24)

IDF Chief of Staff Ehud Barak testifies to commission of inquiry on Hebron massacre, saying "it is reasonable to assume" that a settler firing a weapon is doing so in self-defense, but adds "In no case is there, nor can there be, an army order that says it is forbidden to shoot at a settler even if he is shooting at others or at you." (MM, NYT, WP 3/24)

Israel-PLO talks on deployment ofinternational force in Hebron resume in Cairo. (MM 3/23; NYT, WP 3/24)

U.S. envoy Dennis Ross meets for 3 hrs. in Damascus with Pres. Hafiz al-Asad, delivers message fr. Pres. Clinton. (MM 3/23)

20 katyushas fired into "security zone," killing 1 Lebanese woman in village of Rihan. (MM 3/23)

"Palestine Development and Investment Inc." launched at Amman ceremony. $200 m. company made up of 141 investors will invest in o.t. housing and industry. (MM 3/24)

Pres. Clinton refuses clemency for convicted Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard. (NYT, WP, WT 3/24)

Lebanese police issue warrants for arrest of 7 men, 2 women-including 4 mbrs. of LF elite assault unit-in 2/27 bombing of Maronite church in Zuq Mika'il. Police detain Fuad Malek, dep. leader of LF. Govt. issues decree dissolving party despite LF chief Samir Ja'ja"s denial of involvement. 5 of the suspects already arrested, including 3 LF security officers. (MM 3/23; NYT, WT 3/24; CSM 4/8)

WP reports that National Security Advisor Anthony Lake and CIA Dir. R. James Woolsey share Secy. of Defense Aspin's opposition to clemency for Jonathan Pollard, while Dep. AG Philip Heymann leads faction supporting commutation. (WP 12/29)

Israeli FM Peres, PLO official Mahmud 'Abbas say "constructive" results reached in Cairo mtg., but negotiations on implementation of Gaza-Jericho accord continue. (MENA 12/29 in FBIS 12/30; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 12/30)

Syrian Jewish sources report that hundreds of exit vias have been issued in recent days to Jews wishing to leave Syria, fulfilling commitment given to Secy. of State Christopher by Syrian Pres. al-Asad. (NYT 12/30)

Versailles talks btwn. Israel and PLO adjourn, with both sides reporting progress but no breakthrough. Negotiations to reconvene 12/27 in Cairo. (NYT, WP 12/24)

AG Janet Reno says no decision reached on recommendationn case of Jonathan Pollard. WT publishes statements by Pollard indicating he has no remorse for his espionage on behalf of Israel. Meanwhile, Secy. of Defense Les Aspin tells the White House Pollard has tried to pass classified information in 14 letters sent fr. prison. (WT 12/24; NYT 12/28)

Aeroflot flight lands at Jerusalem airport, marking start of international service to city. (WT 12/25)

Israeli officials report that Russian politician Vladimir Zhirinovsky, widely regarded as anti-Semitic, was sent an invitation to immigrate to Israel in 1983. (WP 12/24; NYT 12/28)

PLO-Israel talks continue at Versailles, France, with participation of Norwegian officials. Progress on border security reported. (NYT, WP, WT 12/23)

Drive-by shooting in Baytuniya, West Bank, kills 2 Israelis. Hamas claims responsibility. (MM 12/22; NYT, WP, WT 12/23)

Settlers in Hebron reportedly asked to surrender their guns as part of investigation into 12/4 murder of Talal al-Bakri. (WP 12/23)

Pres. Clinton says he will have an announcement on case of convicted spy Jonathan Pollard "soon," as administration sources say Dep. AG Philip Heymann will recommend that Pollard's sentence be reduced. (WP 12/23)

Secy. of State Christopher meets PLO Chmn. Arafat at U.S. embassy in Amman. At press conference after 2-hr. mtg., Arafat appeals for U.S. pressure on Israel to meet 12/13 deadline for withdrawal fr. Jericho, Gaza. Christopher declines to get involved in Israel-PLO talks, but calls for "timely implementation" of DoP schedule and pledges "non-lethal assistance" to Palestinian police. Christopher also meets separately with Jordan's King Hussein. PM Rabin claims there is "a tacit understanding" with PLO that deadline not firm. FM Peres says he will meet Arafat 12/9 at UNESCO conference in Spain. (NYT, WP, WT 12/7)

PM Rabin calls Syrian agreemento allow U.S. investigators to search for missing IDF soldiers in Lebanon "an important step forward" and "a big window of hope for the families" of the Israeli MIAs. (NYT 12/7)

Israeli Finance M. Avraham Shohat and PLO official Ahmad Qurai' resume Paris talks on economic issues. (Qol Yisra'el 12/6 in FBIS 12/7)

Palestinian gunmen attack settler van in Qiryat Arba, Hebron, killing 2 and wounding 3. Hamas claims responsibility for attack. Settlers riot, attacking Palestinian homes and cars. (NYT, WP, WT 12/7)

IDF undercover unit kills Hamas mbr. 'Abd al-Rahman Aruri, 31, on his front porch in Arura, nr. Ramallah. (MM 12/7)

Time magazine reports that convicted spy Jonathan Pollard passed a National Security Agency listing of foreign intelligence frequencies to Israel that later was received by Soviets, ruining several b. dollars' work and compromising lives of U.S. informants. Justice Dept., security officials reportedly advising AG Janet Reno against a pardon for Pollard. (WT 12/6, 12/7; NYT 12/7)

Israel, Laos reestablish diplomatic relations in agreement signed in New York. (Qol Yisra'el 12/7 in FBIS 12/8)

U.S. Pres. Clinton says he is considering request fr. Israeli PM Rabin to commute life sentence of Jonathan Pollard, convicted in 1986 of spying for Israel. Rabin made request in letter sent in late Sept. Clinton awaits Justice Dept. recommendation on issue. (NYT, WT 11/11)

PLO Chmn. Arafat returns to Tunis fr. Brussels, proceeds to Portugal for 3-day visit on peace process, aid to o.t. (MM 11/10)

Labor party Chmn. Yitzhak Rabin forms governing coalition with Meretz and SHAS (Torah Observing Sephardim) parties, for a total of 62 seats in the Knesset (see 6/23). Right wing Tsomet party under Rafael Eytan left out over increasing disagreement with Rabin. (NYT 7/10)

Hamas and Fateh release "joint statement" calling for temporary truce after meeting in Amman. (WP 7/10)

Haydar 'Abd al-Shafi condemns violence in the Gaza Strip, calls on two sides to "immediately and unconditionally" halt attacks, intends to continue mediation in statement on behalf of NRC (see 7/8). (Al-Fajr 7/9 in FBIS 7/9)

EC grants ECU 15 million (about $20 million) for industrial and agricultural development to 4 Palestinian loan institutions in o.t. Agreement was signed in Jerusalem by EC rep. Thomas Dupla and Faisal Husseini, and is part of ECU 60 million package allocated to the o.t. (Al-Fajr 7/10 in FBIS 7/17)

Amnesty International releases report critizing Israel's holding of 2,000 Palestinians in "administrative detention" without charge or trial and its "unjustifiable" killing of 90 Palestinians. Report states about 170 Palestinians, most of them suspected collaborators, were killed by other Palestinians. (WP 7/10)

PLO issues statement rejecting Lebanese plan for refugee resettlement and compensation calling on Lebanon to support Palestinian right to return and settle in their own independent homeland. (VOL 7/9 in FBIS 7/15)

Jersualem Post reports PM Shamir has urged Pres. Bush to free Jonathan Pollard, convicted to life sentence in 1986 for spying for Israel. (WP 7/10)

Bahij Abu al-Hana, head of Biqa' Valley branch of Abu Nidal's Fateh Revolutionary Council, is shot dead near his home in Ta'lbaya, Lebanon. (AFP 7/9 in FBIS 7/9)

Pres. Bush tells U.S. congressional leaders that if they accept his request to postpone discussion of Israel's request for loan guarantees until January, he will not seek any additional delays in responding to the request. Bush also sends six-point pledge to Congress promising to pay for any additional costs incurred by Israel as a result of the four-month delay. However, Bush refuses to give assurances that he will support the request when it is discussed in January. (NYT, WP, MEM 9/11)

PNSF leader Khalid al-Fahum confirms that Chmn. Arafat agreed to hold PLO-PNSF dialogue to discuss participation of PNSF groups in upcoming PNC meeting. (Radio Monte Carlo 9/10 in FBIS 9/11)

Hamas spokesman Ibrahim Grawsha states that PLO-Hamas talks in Khartoum failed [see 9/6], Hamas will not attend upcoming PNC meeting. Notes that, barring elections, Hamas members should constitute 40% of PNC members. (MENA 9/10 in FBIS 9/11)

PLO delegation headed by Nabil Sha'th meets with Jordanian officials in Amman to discuss possibility of joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation to proposed peace conference. (Jordan Times 9/11 in FBIS 9/11)

European Parliament passes resolution calling on the European Commission to investigate "discriminatory" Israeli economic practices directed against Palestinians in the o.t., encourages increased trade between Europe and o.t. (MEM 9/10)

Lawyer for convicted American spy Jonathan Pollard tells U.S. court of appeals that Pollard should be allowed to withdraw his guilty plea, made in 1987, because federal prosecutors allegedly broke their promise not to ask the court for a life sentence. (WP 9/11)

Nayif Hawatma, leader of one of two factions now using the name DFLP, states DFLP, PFLP, Fateh have agreed on common stance concerning Palestinian participation in peace conference, including insistance on PLO's right to present a delegation comprised of Palestinians from within and outside the o.t., including delegates from E. Jerusalem. But the three groups failed to adopt a joint statement to this effect for presentation to the upcoming Palestine National Council (PNC) meeting. (Radio Monte Carlo 8/18 in FBIS 8/19)

Pres. Bush refuses to grant pardon to Jonathan Jay Pollard, convicted of spying for Israel. (JP 8/18 in FBIS 8/21)

Hizbullah leader Shaykh 'Abbas al-Musawi, other Hizbullah officials, arrive in Tehran for discussions with Iranian leaders on comprehensive Middle East prisoner-hostage exchange. (NYT 8/19)

Israeli for. ministry declares Ethiopia will allow remaining 2,600 Jews in Ethiopia to emigrate to Israel. (WP 8/17)

Iranian Oil Minister Gholam Reza Qaqzadeh-Kho'i presents Kuwaiti leader Shaykh Jabir al-Ahmad al-Sabah with letter from Iranian pres. Rafasanjani on protecting the rights of the Palestinian people. Letter follows recent diplomatic activity indicating increased PLO-Iranian ties. (Tehran Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran 8/17 in FBIS 9/1)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: On the W. Bank, hundreds of Palestinian policemen resign [WP 3/12]. In Tel Aviv 70 Knesset members deliver petition to U.S. ambassador Thomas Pickering, asking Pres. Reagan to pardon convicted spy Jonathan Pollard [LAT, WP 3/12]. Israeli bus is firebombed near Tulkarm [FJ 3/13]. In Bidiya village, Israeli authorities demolish 3 houses whose owners are accused of attempting to kill collaborator. House in Hebron is demolished; owner is charged with killing Israeli in Jerusalem in October 1987 [FJ 3/13]. Israel bans exports to Jordan from Qabatiyyah [FJ 3/13]. Police arrest 40 Palestinians from inside green line in connection with demonstrations during which stones and bottles were thrown and Palestinian flags raised [FJ 3/13].

Arab World: Egypt's Pres. Husni Mubarak and Jordan's King Hussein hold talks in Cairo, voice optimism on Shultz plan [WP 3/14].

Other Countries: U.S. Justice Dept. orders PLO to close its observer mission to UN [WP 3/12]. U.S. State Dept. asks PLO support for new U.S. peace proposals [WP 3/12].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF announces demolition of 4 houses of alleged Palestinian activists: 3 houses in village of Bidiya, north of Jerusalem, and 1 in Hebron [WP 3/12]. At least 6 Palestinians are wounded by army gunfire in violent clash in Bayt Ummar, near Hebron [FJ 3/13]. Army restricts press access to W. Bank for several hours [NYT, WP 3/12]. In Ramallah, several are wounded when soldiers fire on demonstrations that erupt after Friday prayers. Palestinian is arrested in Jenin for allegedly trying to stab soldier. Violent demonstrations are reported throughout Gaza Strip; Bayt Lahiyah quarter and Jabalya refugee camp are placed under curfew [FJ 3/13]

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Atty. Gen. Yosef Harish asks Def. Min. Rabin to issue strict guidelines allowing soldiers to use physical force only when dispersing demonstrations and making arrests [WP 2/23]. About 200 Muslims attempt to pray at Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron, clash with Jewish worshipers [WP 2/21]. Police arrest Mutawakil Sa'id Taha, head of writers union in occupied territories [FJ 2/21]. Policemen attack 9 Palestinian workers in their Tel Aviv apartment [FJ 2/28].

Arab World: PLO issues statement forbidding Palestinians to meet with Sec. of State Shultz [NYT 2/22]. In Cairo, 300 worshipers leaving mosque chant antiIsrael slogans in spontaneous demonstration [NYT 2/22].

Other Countries: Washington Post reports U.S. Justice Department officials believe Israel had another spy in the CIA or Defense Department in addition to Jonathan Pollard [WP 2/19].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldiers and Palestinian protesters clash in Nablus and Ramallah. Demonstrations are also reported in Gaza City's Sha'jiyyah quarter and Burayj and Jabalya camps [WP 2/20; FJ 2/21]. Curfews continue in Beach, Jalazun, and Am'ari camps and Bayt Ur al-Tahta [FJ 2/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Defense Minister Rabin denies White House allegations cited in Tower Commission report that Israel offered military advisers to Nicaraguan contras [NYT, WP 2/28].

Arab World: Israeli F. M. Peres ends 2-day visit to Egypt, issues joint statement with Egypt emphasizing support for 1987 international conference on Middle East peace. Reports indicate Egypt agreed during talks to exclude PLO from future peace talks [JP 3/7].

Other Countries: Convicted spy Jonathan Pollard states Israel provided highly detailed requests for documents and therefore doubts he was part of "renegade operation" [NYT 2/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Defense Minister Rabin defends Israel's involvement in Iran arm shipments, states Israel participated with U.S. encouragement and approval [WP 2/16].

Arab World: Representatives of PLO and Jordan meet in Amman to discuss reactivating joint committee for W. Bank and Gaza development [WP 2/16]. Kidnappers release advisor to Lebanese Pres. Jumayyil after 4days as hostage [BG 2/16].

Other Countries: Washington Post reports Jonathan Pollard supplied U.S. reconnaissance data on PLO headquarters in Tunisia, assessments of operations planned by the PLO, and related information to Israel [WP 2/15]. Jerusalem Post cites reports that Israel has doubled forces in Lebanon to nearly 3,000 in effort to support SLA [JP 2/15].

Military Action

Arab World: Police report at least 8 injured, 1 killed in heavy fighting near Beirut's Burj al-Barajinah and Shatila refugee camps. In W. Beirut, 4 are killed, 9 wounded in clash between Amal and Lebanese Communist party [BG 2/16]. Amal allows 30 families to leave Burj al-Barajinah; UN still unable to bring supplies into camp. Amal also allows some refugees to leave Tyre's Rashidiyyah camp and return with food and medicine [WP 2/16].

Social/Economic/Political Other Countries: Convicted Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard says he feels abandoned by Israeli govemment and acted only out of "Zionist commitment to Israel" [JP 11/29].

Military Action

Arab World: The PLO establishes hold on village of Maghdushah near Sidon. Amal militia claim heavy PLO fire in W. Beirut killed 3 civilians, wounded 29. At least 36 people have been reported killed, 269 wounded since a cease-fire was supposed to have gone into effect at 3 p.m., 11/28 [BG, WP 11/30].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF erects roadblocks at al-Najah University at Nablus to prevent entry after 6/3 raid [MG 6/5].

Other Countries: Former U.S. Navy intelligence officer Jonathan Jay Pollard and wife Anne Henderson Pollard plead guilty to spying for Israel in U.S. [NYT 6/5].

Military Action

Arab World: In West Beirut, Amal leader Nabih Birri claims victory over Sunni February 6 militia, allied with the PLO [TS 6/4], fighting eases [NYT 6/5], then Amal resumes attack on Palestinian camps in southern Beirut [WP 6/5].