The Palestine Chronology

GCC ends 4-day summit in Doha with statement and communique warning Iraq that war is only alternative unless Saddam withdraws from Kuwait; drops usual reference to PLO as "sole legitimate representative of Palestinians" [NYT, LAT, WP 12/26; CSM 12/27].

In annual Christmas message, Pope John Paul II calls for negotiations to end Gulf crisis, but seems to hint Iraq should leave Kuwait, saying "the inalienable rights of people and nations" must be respected. John Paul also calls for solution to Israeli-Palestinian conflict, one that acknowledges "the legitimate expectations" of each side [LAT 12/25, 12/26; NYT, WT, WP 12/26].

USSR's 1st consul in Israel since 1967 presents his credentials in Jerusalem while Israel's 1st consul does likewise in similar ceremony in Moscow [LAT, WP 12/26; JPI 1/5].

Military panel in Jerusalem rejects appeals of 4 Palestinians slated to be deported for membership in Hamas [LAT, WT 12/26; FJ 12/31].

Spokesman says DFLP is ready to launch attack at Israel in event of U.S. aggression against Iraq [INA 12/25 in FBIS 12/26].

Fateh's Central Committee opens meeting in Tunis under Chrmn. Arafat [DUS 12/25 in FBIS 12/27]. 

Iraq is delaying departure of 2,300 Soviet advisers working at oil and military installation, saying Baghdad will impose economic penalties on Moscow for breaching contracts; high-level Soviet delegation arrives in Baghdad to discuss situation [NYT 12/17; CSM 12/18].

Three DFLP fighters are killed, 3 Israeli soldiers are wounded in gunfight in S. Lebanon [IDF 12/16 in FBIS 12/18; NYT, MEM 12/17].

Sec. Baker says he still hopes Washington and Baghdad could agree on dates for direct talks; reiterates he would go to Iraq anytime between 12/20 and 1/3 [NYT, LAT, WP 12/17].

U.S. agrees to sponsor UN Sec. Council resolution condemning Israel's deportation notices to 4 Palestinians, asking for international protection for Palestinians, and giving qualified support for international peace conference to settle Palestine question [NYT 12/18].

Israeli D.M. Moshe Arens pledges to deport more Palestinians from o.t., renewing policy that draws criticism from U.S. [NYT, WT, WP 12/17].

Hamas issues pamphlet claiming responsibility for 12/14 killings in Jaffa; police arrest at least 300 additional Palestinians [NYT 12/17].

Iraqi F.M. Tarik Aziz arrives in Moscow and meets with Pres. Gorbachev and F.M. Shevardnadze; Soviet Union demands that Iraq release more than 3,000 Soviet citizens stranded there, charging for 1st time that Baghdad was preventing them from leaving [FNS, MEM 11/26; TASS 11/26 in FBIS 11/26; PRA 11/27 in FBIS 11/27; NYT, WT, WP 11/27]; Pres. Gorbachev warns Saddam Hussein that "time is running out" and that USSR will agree to tougher UN action if Iraq does not leave Kuwait [LAT 11/27].

Saddam orders release of 3 American hostages; National Assembly votes to free all 58 Swedish hostages [BADS, AFP 11/26 in FBIS 11/27; LAT 11/27; MET 12/4].

U.S. army orders 10,567 more reservists into active duty in Gulf [LAT 11/27].

Israeli police report number and gravity of "terrorist" incidents perpetrated by Negev Bedouin have risen sharply since 10/8 Haram al-Sharif killings [DAV 11/27 in FBIS 11/27].

Police also report the arrest of 3 Meir Kahane followers for attacking Jewish shops that employ Palestinians [WT 11/27; MET 12/4; JPI 12/8].

P.M. Shamir's gov't. survives 2 no-confidence motions in Knesset brought about by Shamir's 11/18 "sea to Jordan" remark [JDS 11/26 in FBIS 11/28; MET 12/4].

22-year-old Egyptian police conscript is arrested in Suez and charged with 11/25 shooting deaths in Israel [MEM 11/27].

Sec. Baker arrives in Moscow for talks with Pres. Gorbachev, F.M. Shevardnadze about possible Soviet backing of UN Sec. Council resolution authorizing use of force against Iraq [WP, NYT 11/8].

After meeting with former W. German chancellor Willy Brandt, Saddam orders release of 100 German hostages and 20 more Europeans and Americans [WP 11/8].

Israeli officials says their gov't feels increasingly sure Israel will be drawn into any armed conflict in Gulf and is disturbed because there is no agreement with U.S. about how the 2 nations will coordinate military operations [WP 11/8].

Japanese P.M. Toshiki Kaifu, yielding to deep anti-military feelings in Japan, gives up his effort to pass legislation authorizing dispatch of Japanese troops to Gulf [WP 11/8].

Pres. Mubarak says international coalition allied against Iraq should wait "at least 2 to 3 more months" to determine whether economic sanctions will force Saddam out of Kuwait, and warns Iraqi leader that if he does not remove his troops, war would be inevitable [NYT 11/8].

GCC ministers end 3d extraordinary meeting held in Jeddah; issue statement condemning Iraq's invasion of Kuwait [SPA 11/7 in FBIS 11/8].

Thousands of Israelis turn out for Meir Kahane's funeral in Jerusalem, hundred seek revenge by rampaging through downtown streets breaking shop windows and beating Palestinian bystanders [JDS 11/7 in FBIS 11/8; WP 11/8]. 

Pres. Bush declares he has 'had it" with Iraq's treatment of U.S. hostages and diplomats; Chief of Staff John Sununu says Bush is still committed to avoiding hostilities [NYT, LAT, WP 11/1].

Saddam Hussein announces through spokesperson that relatives of foreigners it is holding as "guests" may visit their loved ones in Iraq during the holiday season [NYT 11/1].

Returning to Moscow after meeting with Saddam, Soviet envoy Primakov says while his mission had not been a total success, he believes Iraq is becoming more open to political solution to Gulf crisis [NYT, WP 11/1].

Pres. Mubarak rebuffs Soviet suggestion that Arab leaders convene to solve Gulf crisis, saying Arab leaders did meet in August and solved nothing, and that leaders are still working on a solution to the crisis [LAT 11/1].

Foreign ministers of Saudia Arabia, Syria, and Egypt meet in Jeddah to discuss "latest developments in the Gulf" [NYT 11/1].

Algeria decides to send milk and flour to Iraq and Kuwait, specifically for children [AGS 10/31 in FBIS 11/1].

Swedish parliamentary delegation leaves Iraq after several-day visit; Saddam allows at least 6 Swedish nationals to leave Iraq [INA 10/31 in FBIS 11/1].

After year-long trial, 1 of 4 Givati Brigade soldiers receives 2-month prison sentence, and 3 others receive suspended sentences in the beating death of Palestinian back in February 1988 [NYT, MEM 11/1]. 

Israel reacts angrily to effort in UN Sec. Council to seek resolution condemning Israel for Haram al-Sharif shootings and to U.S. role; maintains it is the victim of Arab plot [NYT, LAT, WP 10/13].

Nonetheless, voting late, Sec. Council unanimously condemns Israel for shootings and calls for UN team to investigate incident, but contains no reference to need to protect Palestinians in O.T. (cf. 10/13) [WP 10/13; NYT 10/14; MEM 10/15].

Iraq warns USSR it could delay the departure of some of the 5,000 Soviet citizens still in Iraq if Moscow supplies Washington with information about Iraq's Soviet-supplied weapons and defense capabilities [NYT 10/131.

Morocco's King Hassan asserts there is a "moral linkage" between Iraq's invasion of Kuwait and the Arab-Israeli issues, and urges Iraq to leave Kuwait having made this linkage apparent [NYT 10/14].

Israel uses water cannons, curfews and roadblocks to keep thousands of Palestinians from attending prayer services on Haram al-Sharif [LAT 10/13].

Speaker of Egypt's Parliament and second-ranking official, Rifaat al-Mahgoub, is assassinated (cf. 10/27) [MENA 10/12 in FBIS 10/12; MEM 10/12, 10/13; NYT, LAT, WP 10/13].

UN Sec. Council votes 14-1 to impose embargo on air traffic to and from Iraq and Kuwait. The sole "nay" vote is cast by Cuba [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 9/26; MET 10/9]; in hard-hitting speech at Gen. Assembly, Soviet F.M. Shevardnadze suggests Moscow would support military operation against Iraq if sanctions fail, and warns war may be imminent if Saddam does not leave Kuwait [WP 9/26; NYT 9/26, 9/27; MEM 9/26; CSM 9/27].

In 75-min. speech broadcast in its entirety on CNN (excerpts on major networks), Saddam tells American television audience that Iraq is the victim of conspiracies [INA 9/26 in FBIS 9/26; NYT, WP, WT, MEM 9/26].

U.S. House Appropriations Committee shelves Pres. Bush's request to cancel Egypt's military debt to U.S. after being told it faced certain defeat (cf. 9/30) [MEM 9/26].

After 4 days of talks in Teheran, Pres. Asad and Pres. Rafsanjani declare "full agreement" on opposition to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait [MEM 9/25; NYT 9/26].

Asad is credited with bringing Iran into anti-Iraq camp, persuading Iranian leadership to recast call to jihad against West as measure to be taken only if West stays on after Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait [NYT 10/11].

Saudi Arabia expels 12 more diplomats from Jordanian consulate and embassy; Jordan recalls its ambassador in protest [NYT 9/26].

Israel's Supreme Court rules army can raze Palestinian houses and shops around area where IDF soldier was killed on 9/20. Court says demolitions are urgent military need, and can proceed if homeowners are given compensation [WP, LAT, WT 9/26; FJ 10/6; MET 10/9].

After visit to Bureij refugee camp, UNRWA commissioner general expresses concern about demolition of houses and shops, says there is a disproportion between the 9/20 killing and Israel's response [JDS 9/26 in FBIS 9/27].

Israeli think tank Jafee Center issues annual report "Intemnational Terrorism 1989" attributing to Middle East groups only 8.9% of 406 incidents recorded; report states Fateh helped Western security agencies curb terror and that Palestinian attacks outside Israel declined sharply [MEM 9/26].

Def. Sec. Cheney fires Air Force chief of staff Gen. Dugan for remarks made 9/15. Dismissal is approved by Pres. Bush [NYT, LAT, WT, WP 9/18; CSM 9/19; FJ 9/24].

Saudi Arabia and Soviet Union sign agreement in Moscow restoring diplomatic relations after 52-year hiatus; agreement signed by Saudi F.M. Saud al-Faisal [MEM 9/17; NYT, WP, LAT, WT 9/18; MET 9/25].

Foreign ministers of the 12 EC nations agree to expel military personnel from Iraqi embassies in their capitals and to limit travel of other Iraqi diplomats in Europe [NYT, WP, LAT, WT 9/18; CSM 9/19].

Israeli D.M. Moshe Arens, in Washington for 2d visit in 2 months, meets with U.S. officials, expresses concern about expected $20 billion in U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia and asks for additional $1 billion military aid to Israel [NYT, WP, LAT, WT 9/18].

Conference of Arab Popular Movements in Amman ends; issues statement denouncing military buildup in Gulf, demanding Arab solution for crisis, and calling for linkage with settlement of Arab-Israeli conflict [MEM 9/17; NYT, LAT, WP 9/18; RAY 9/18 in FBIS 9/18].

Israeli gov't decides not to seek injunction against sales of Ostrovsky and Hoy's book By Way of Deception. A Devastating Insider's Portrait of the Mossad [LAT 9/18].

Simcha Dinitz, chrmn. of Jewish Agency, says up to 2 million Soviet immigrants could arrive in Israel by end of 1995, raising current 4.5 million population by nearly 45% [WT 9/18].

Palestinians throughout O.T. observe general strike to mark 8th anniversary of Sabra and Shatila massacre [FJ 9/24; MET 9/25].

On 4-day visit to N. Africa, King Hussein meets Qaddafi in Tripoli to discuss Gulf crisis [ADS, AFP 8/26 in FBIS 8/27; LAT 8/27; MET 9/4].

Iraq permit. 2 women and children from U.S. embassy in Kuwait to leave the country; 3 are turned back at Turkish border; Saddam meets with Austrian Pres. Kurt Waldheim and frees 96 Austrians [WT, LAT 8/27].

Soviet F.M. Shevardnadze demonstrates Moscow's continued reluctance to take military role in Gulf crisis, saying USSR would leave it up to other countries to enforce naval blockade of Iraq [LAT, WT, WP, NYT 8/27].

Israeli military says it will begin blocking exports of Palestinian-produced fruits, vegetables, and other products shipped through Jordan to Iraq [NYT 8/27]. 

Pres. Bush declares 2,000 Americans detained in Iraq and Kuwait "hostages" and holds Iraqi gov't responsible for their safety. Iraq begins moving Americans and other foreigners to military and industrial installations as shields to prevent U.S. attack [LAT, NYT, WP, WT 8/21].

Soviet F.M. Shevardnadze meets with Iraqi deputy P.M. Saddun Hammadi in Moscow to discuss Gulf crisis [NYT 8/22].

Iraq informs accredited diplomatic missions in Kuwait to close by 8/24 [INA 8/20 in FBIS 8/20; WP 8/21].

In Abu Dhabi, Defense Sec. Richard Cheney announces agreement that will allow U.S. forces to operate from UAE military bases; U.S. troops have been in UAE for nearly a week [WP, CSM 8/21].

Senior Saudi official says his gov't plans to spend at least $8-$11 billion to cover expenses arising from Gulf crisis: mostly housing or transportation for refugees, military preparations, and assistance to multinational force in Gulf [WP 8/21]. Israeli moderates are sharply divided over whether to negotiate with Palestinian leaders in peace process; some say it is more important than ever to push dialogue with Palestinians, others oppose because of Palestinian support for Iraq [LAT, WT 8/21].

Israeli police evict 100 homeless people from tent camp in Jerusalem resulting from housing shortage caused by increased immigration [LAT 8/21].

Israeli Supreme Court issues temporary injunction against construction of VOA transmitter in Negev until environmental impact study is concluded [NYT, WP 8/21].

Citing state security, Israel bans foreign travel for Faisal Husayni and trade rep. Zuhira Kamal and for PFLP-supporter Ata Khalil Muhammad Qaimari for 6 months [MEM 8/21; IDF 8/20 in FBIS 8/21; MET 8/28].

Responding to Gorbachev's 6/3 statement, Yitzhak Shamir defends right of Soviet Jews to live in O.T., saying democracy cannot limit where people live [NYT, WP, LAT, WT 6/5]; Palestinians and other Arab officials welcome Gorbachev's statement [KUNA 6/4 in FBIS 6/6; NYT 6/5].

U.S. officials say they would like U.S.-PLO dialogue to remain open, but would suspend it if Arafat does not discipline Abul Abbas or condemn 5/30 attempted attack on Israel, U.S. also threatens to veto Arab calls to move UN Gen.Assembly to Geneva to hear Arafat speak; at the same time, U.S. decides to give Arafat more time to acquiesce [NYT, WP, WT 6/5]. Threat of loss of U.S.-PLO dialogue is causing little distress among Palestinian leaders [CSM 6/5].

Explaining recent PLO shift in diplomatic focus from Egypt to Iraq, PLO Exec. Committee member Abdullah Jourani says "maybe [then] the Americans will try to understand us better. Maybe they will try to understand we are not ready to surrender" [WP 6/5].

PLO receives from Iraq $25 million in urgent aid to support intifada over and above regular monthly aid from Iraq [WAKH 6/3 in FBIS 6/4].

April 1988 survey by Israeli sociologist Sammy Smooha, released today, finds that majority of Jews in Israel "regard the Israeli Arabs as a hostile minority...and their attitudes and behaviors not as a legitimate dissent but rather as subversion"; 57% of respondents favored denying Israeli Arabs right to vote in national elections [FJ 6/11].

Third Soviet-Arab dialogue conference opens in Moscow; discussions involve Soviet Jewish emigration [TASS 6/ 4]. 

Appearing on Israeli television, Shamir says that if UN votes to send observer force to O.T., it should know that "this decision would not be implemented, as many other UN decisions against Israel [have not been]" [WP 5/25]; Yitzhak Rabin believes Israel must oppose idea of UN observers, says "It is inconceivable that we, who observe international law and the Fourth Geneva Convention. . should accept the supervision of an element which. . .has participated in almost no peaceful process" [JDS 5/24 in FBIS 5/25; MET 6/5].

Bush admin., in effort to avoid confrontation with Israel, says it will discuss possibility of UN observer force in O.T., but objects to any permanent UN presence [LAT 5/25].

Members of House Foreign Affairs subcommittee on Europe and the Middle East blast State Dept's. 3/19 report saying PLO has honored its commitment to renounce terrorism, call report a "whitewash and a pack of lies"; ass't.sec. of state John Kelly defends report [WP 5/25J.

PLO Exec. Committee member Mahmud Abbas meets in Moscow with Soviet F.M. Eduard Shevardnadze to discuss past week's violence in O.T. [TASS 5/24; KUNA 5/25 in FBIS 5/25].

Head of Israeli Army's Central Command, Maj. Gen. Yitzhak Mordekhay, meets with 24 W. Bank Palestinians to explain Army curfews and actions following 5/20 killings. Palestinians are top officials in education and commerce [JDS 5/25 in FBIS 5/25].

5-member Soviet delegation arrives in Israel to investigate violence in O.T.; head of group, Mikhail Kapitsa, accuses Israel of acting like "an elephant in a china shop" [MEM 5/25; MET 6/5]; Bernard Kouchner, French minister of state for humanitarian aid, also arrives for fact-finding tour, says he is "deeply depressed" by conditions in Gaza [MEM 5/25; FJ 5/28]. 

Egypt's Pres. Hosni Mubarak meets with U.S. Sec. of State James Baker in Egypt's embassy in Moscow to discuss Middle East events [CDS 5/16 in FBIS 5/ 17; MEM 5/17].

Palestinian leaders from O.T. present Israel with list of 17 demands aimed at creating atmosphere conducive to negotiations [YA 5/17 in FBIS 5/18].

Israeli peace activist Abbie Nathan, returning to Israel after meeting with Yasir Arafat in Tunis, is arrested for violating law prohibiting meeting PLO members. Nathan was released from jail last February after serving 6 months for previous meeting with Arafat (cf. 5/17) [MEM 5/16, 5/18].

Asharq al-Awsat, citing Palestinian sources, reports PLO has begun regrouping its military forces. Last week, 1,600- 1,800 fighters began move from Jordan to Iraq, while some units in Algeria and Sudan will move to Libya and North Yemen [MEM 5/16].

Israel Central Bureau of Statistics reports economic slowdown for 1st quarter of 1990; cites more unemployment, fewer exports, increased imports, and growing consumption as reasons UPD 5/17 in FBIS 5/17].

Rabbi Moshe Levinger is sentenced to 5 months in prison for shooting death of Arab merchant, is lauded as hero by supporters who carry him to prison on their shoulders [WT 5/15].

Israeli authoritiesays they are considering reopening colleges and universities in O.T. that have been closed for over 2 years [NYT 5/15].

Thousands of Jordanians and Palestinians march near Jordan's border with W. Bank to show support for intifada. Police fire tear gas to keep crowd from converging on border; at least 53 are injured [NYT, WP 5/15].

Pres. Mubarak arrives in Moscow for meeting with Mikhail Gorbachev, first visit to USSR by Egyptian leader in 18 years [WT 5/15].

Jerusalem District Court overturns lower court ruling, allows eviction of Jewish nationalists from Hospice of St. John (cf. 4/10) [WP, LAT, WT 4/18; NYT 4/ 19; JDS 4/17 in FBIS 4/18].

In Moscow, Faisal Husayni meets with Soviet F.M. officials to discuss Jewish emigration [YA 4/17 in FBIS 4/18].

Arafat arrives in Amman for official state visit [ADS 4/17 in FBIS 4/17].

Palestinians commemorate 2d anniversary of assassination Abu Jihad [Kahlil al-Wazir]; at least 30 Gazans are injured in marches [jDS 4/17 in FBIS 4/18].

Pres. Saddam Hussein says Iraqi military commanders have standing orders to attack Israel with chemical weapons in event Israel uses nuclear weapons against Iraq [LAT 4/18].

In advance of human rights report to be issued 2/21, U.S. State Dep't. says Israeli soldiers continue to violate Palestinian human rights, causing "avoidable deaths and injuries." State Dep't. also reports "significant increase in violence by Palestinians directed at other Palestinians" (cf. 2/21) [NYT 2/21].

Washington Post article cites recent statements by Israeli gov't. officials to the effect that PLO is continuing terrorism [WP 2/21].

Jordan's P.M. and D.M. Mudar Badran says financial considerations have forced Jordanian fighter pilots to train with Iraqi counterparts; this does not mean joint squadron is being formed. Badran accuses Israel of exploiting the subject [RAY 2/21 in FBIS 2/21].

Egypt's ambassador to Israel, Muhammad Basyuni, says "Egypt does not oppose Jewish immigration to Israel, but does oppose the settling of new immigrants in the territories" [MAA 2/21 in FBIS 2/22].

PLO envoy Hakam Balawi meets with U.S. ambassador to Tunisia Robert Pelletreau to discuss Soviet Jewish emigration to Israel [SVP 2/21 in FBIS 2/23].

Hundreds of Israeli Arabs demonstrate against Interior and Finance ministries, urging them to honor pledge to aid Arab local councils in Israel [FJ 2/26].

Chrmn. of the Supreme Soviet International Affairs Committee, A.S. Dzasokhov, meets in Moscow with PLO Executive Committee members Mahmud Abbas and Sulayman Najjab to discuss strengthening Soviet-Palestinian relations [IZV 2/21].

2 UNIFIL soldiers are killed, at least 6 are wounded by artillery fire directed at S. Lebanon outpost from inside Israel's "security zone"; initial Israeli army statement says bombing occurred during gunfire between SLA and Hizballah [JDS 2/20 in FBIS 2/20; NYT 2/21]; UN protests to Israeli gov't. [WP 2/21].

Israel has told Jordan it objects to any Jordanian-Iraqi military cooperation. Israeli military source expresses concern that "a military alliance . .. is being set up against us" (cf. 2/20) [HAD 2/19 in FBIS 2/20].

5 Knesset members announce reestablishment of Likud faction Liberal Party, which had previously merged with Herut movement [JDS 2/19 in FBIS 2/20].

High-level Palestinian delegation, sent by Yasir Arafat, arrives in Beirut to meet with Gen. Michel Aoun and Samir Geagea [MENA 2/20 in FBIS 2/21].

Under pressure from Arab gov'ts., Soviet Union rejects U.S. appeal to allow direct flights for Soviet Jews from Moscow to Tel Aviv [NYT 2/20].

Soviet ambassador to Cairo, Gennadiy Zhuravlev, has stressed USSR readiness to host Israeli-Palestinian talks; denies this undermines Egypt's role [RYF 2/19 in FBIS 2/28].

Israeli air force bombs DFLP bases near Kfar Jarah, 4 miles east of Sidon in Lebanon; one person reported killed [LAT 2/ 20; IDF 2/19 in FBIS 2/20].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Israeli officials say they are satisfied with Egyptian reaction to 2/4 bus attack, will not shift diplomatic course away from Cairo. [NYT, WP 2/6; MET 2/13].

PLO supporters in the O.T., including Sari Nusaybah, denounce 2/4 bus attack, say such attacks do not serve Palestinian interests and that the PLO is not responsible [FBIS 2/6].

Arab World: Islamic Jihad movement claims responsibility for 2/4 bus attack north of Cairo [LAT, NYT 2/6].

Egyptian officials express shock and embarrassment a2/4 bus attack, pledge to pursue peace efforts with Israel [WP 2/ 6].

Arab League, meeting in Tunis, decides to send 60-member high-level delegation to Washington, Moscow, and Dublin to argue that increased Soviet immigration to Israel will increase tensions and reduce the prospects for peace [NYT 2/8].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF closes boys secondary school in Baytunia [FJ 2/12].

15-year-old Palestinian dies after fall while fleeing IDF troops [FBIS 2/6; FJ 2/ 12].

Palestinians kill 3 people suspected of collaborating with Israeli officials [FBIS 2/7; MET 2/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: Soviet deputy foreign minister Gennadi Tarasov says that the USSR "has no plans to establish direct air links" between Tel Aviv and Moscow, despite commercial agreement of 2 months ago [NYT 2/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: IDF closes 3 schools in the Hebron area for stone throwing at IDF vehicles [FJ 2/12].

IDF arrests at least 100 Palestinians in Ramallah area in 24-hour sweep [FJ 2/12].

Arab World: At least 25 people are killed in intra-Christian fighting in Beirut. [NYT 2/4].

Israeli and Palestine Liberation Front forces clash on S. Lebanon; each side claims to have killed several of the other [FBIS 2/5; MET 2/13].