The Palestine Chronology

In Gaza, the IDF bulldozes 24 d. of olive groves and a small Gaza police outpost nr. al-Maghazi r.c. Egyptian border police discover, demolish a smuggling tunnel on the Rafah border. In the West Bank, the IDF demolishes a Palestinian home in Anata nr. Jerusalem; occupies a Palestinian home nr. Jenin as a military outpost; conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches nr. Tulkarm and in al-Bireh (raiding and searching the municipal building, rounding up 2 municipal employees fr. their homes and bringing them to the offices to log onto password-protected computers), Ramallah (raiding the chamber of commerce offices), Jericho. The Israeli Housing Min. presents Olmert with a proposal for construction of 1,900 new Jewish settler housing units across the West Bank in 2008: 682 units in Beitar Ilit nr. Bethlehem, 510 units in Givat Ze’ev n. of Jerusalem, 302 units in Ma’ale Adumim e. of Jerusalem, 160 units in Binyamin settlement n. of Jerusalem, 158 units in Efrat nr. Bethlehem, and 48 units each in Ariel nr. Salfit and Kiryat Arba in Hebron. Palestinians throw stones at Jewish settler vehicles nr. Nablus; the settlers respond by shooting, killing 3 Palestinian sheep nearby. Jewish settlers fr. Keddumim nr. Qalqilya stone Palestinian vehicles driving nearby, causing no reported injuries. PA security forces impose a night curfew on Kafr Thuluth nr. Qalqilya to prevent clashes btwn. feuding families (the curfew is still in place as of 4/8). (PCHR 4/3; OCHA, PCHR 4/9)

U.S. envoy Dennis Ross arrives in Jerusalem, talks with PM Peres and FM Rabin, says "real gaps" remain btwn. Israeli, Syrian positions. Later meets with Arafat, discusses aid, elections. (MM 9/21; WT 9/22; VOP 9/22 in FBIS 9/22)

PLO Pol. Dept. head Faruq al-Qaddumi, Jordanian PM al-Majali meet in Jordan, agree to resume PLO-Jordanian contacts at the "ministerial level" before end of the month. (JT 9/24 in FBIS 9/26)

Al-Qaddumi vows to fight new U.S. position in UN, strengthen language of resolutions presented. Egypt, Jordan say they will also oppose U.S. moves. (Reuters 9/21; RJ 9/26 in FBIS 9/26)

Israeli PM Rabin holds consultations on Palestinian elections with FM Peres, MK Shahal, MK Sarid, Chief of Staff Barak, IDF, police officials. Rabin, Barak want negotiations on elections only, talks on extending autonomy later. Peres, others say there is no choice but to discuss all issues simultaneously. (ITV, QY 9/21 in FBIS 9/22)

Jordan's Crown Prince Hasan, Likud head Binyamin Netanyahu meet in London, discuss Jordanian, Likud views on negotiations. Netanyahu suggest Jordan, Israel reach a "strategic consensus" opposing PLO; Hassan gives no reaction. (JTV 9/21 in FBIS 9/22; MM 9/22; JP 10/1)

Arafat meets with Hamas mbrs. inc. spokesmen Mahmud al-Zahhar, Isma'il Haniyah; discusses ways to enhance national unity, safeguard security in autonomous areas; releases 3 Hamas mbrs. detained after shooting 9/17. (VOP 9/22 in FBIS 9/22; AFP 9/22 in FBIS 9/23)

IDF imposes curfew on village of Biddu nr. Ramallah after riot sparked by death 9/18 of Palestinian by IDF at roadblock. (QY 9/21 in FBIS 9/21)

Arafat approves license of pro-Islamist daily newspaper, Al-Istiqlal to be run by `Ala' al-Saftawi, `Adnan `Abu-Hasnah. (VOP 9/21 in FBIS 9/22)

Israeli border police arrests 7 Palestinian policemen for being in Jerusalem area without permits. (ITV 9/21 in FBIS 9/22)

U.S. troops begin leaving Gulf; Def. Sec. Cheney says U.S. will return average of 5,000 troops per day over next few weeks [LAT, WP, CSM 3/8; MET 3/19].

En route to Saudi Arabia as part of 11-day Middle East tour, Sec. Baker says he will propose series of "confidence-building measures" between Israel and Arab states to open path to broader peace talks [LAT, NYT, WP, WT 3/8].

In Kuwait, at least 2 Palestinians have been shot dead and 5 others hospitalized from beatings and shootings, as Palestinians raise concerns about reprisals against their community in Kuwait [LAT, NYT, WP 3/8].

Israeli gov't. rejects Pres. Bush's call for solution to Arab-Israeli conflict that includes trading land for peace; F.M. David Levy says attempts to pressure Israel are not welcome [LAT, WT 3/8; JDS, IDF, PDS 3/7, MAA 3/8 in FBIS 3/8]; in separate statements, PLO and Egypt welcome what they call "positive elements" in Pres. Bush's 3/6 speech [AVP, MENA 3/7 in FBIS 3/8; MEM 3/7].

Palestinian journalist Taher Shriteh, jailed without charge on 1/28/91, is freed on bail after international campaign to gain his release (cf. 3/11) [NYT, MEM 3/8; AFP 3/8 in FBIS 3/11; MET 3/19].

House of Representatives votes to authorize $15.8 billion to pay for Gulf war, and also $650 million for Israel, and warns other nations that Congress "may consider appropriate action" if promised payments are not made [NYT, WP, WT 3/8].

Sec.-Gen. Perez de Cuellar selects Switzerland's ambassador to Washington, Edouard Brunner, asspecial Middle East envoy to begin new high-priority search for solution to Arab-Israeli conflict [WP 3/8].

Palestinian leaders representing Fateh, PFLP, and DFLP, but not Hamas, meet in Jerusalem with visiting EC "troika" representatives including Italian F.M. Gianni de Michelis; EC ministers also meet with Israeli P.M. Shamir and D.M. Arens, then depart for Jordan [JDS 3/7 in FBIS 3/8; FJ 3/11; MET 3/19].

Border policeman in Nablus is stabbed, wounded; attacker escapes and army imposes curfew on Nablus and adjacent refugee camps [JDS 3/7 in FBIS 3/8]; 30 Palestinians are detained in Jerusalem after IDF opens fire on demonstrators [JDS 3/7 in FBIS 3/11].

Syria and Saudi Arabia sign wide-ranging cooperation agreement which both nations say was sign of desire to foster closer relations [MEM 3/8].

Italian F.M. de Michelis is quoted as calling for "internal revolt in the Palestinian [resistance] movement" now that PLO has "ruled itself out" of peace negotiations [MEM 3/7].

At least 19 Palestinians are killed (as reported; cf. 10/15, 10/25), more than 100 are wounded by Israeli border police gunfire at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Israelis and Palestinians disagree on how violence erupted. In addition, 2 demonstrators are shot dead by IDF in Gaza, and areas of W. Bank and Gaza are placed under curfew. [RMC, JDS 10/8 in FBIS 10/9; MEM 10/8; NYT 10/9, 10/15; LAT, WP, WT 10/9; LAT 10/10].

Sec. Baker offers Washington's condolences to families of victims, urges Israeli restraint: "We don't have all the details yet about the violence, but . .. I do think it's fair to say that Israel needs to be better prepared and to exercise restraint in handling disturbances of this nature" [NYT, WP, LAT, WT 10/9].

10 U.S. servicemen are believed killed in crashes of 3 military aircraft in worst day of casualties since U.S. military buildup in Gulf began [LAT, WP, WT 10/9].

Maj. Gen. Muhammad Ali Bilal, commander of Egyptian forces in Gulf region, is quoted as saying the 14,000 Egyptian troops there would only aid in defense of Saudi Arabia, not in attack of Iraq [MEM 10/8; WP 10/9].

Iranian Pres. Rafsanjani has warned Kuwaiti gov't not to accept any peace settlement that concedes islands of Bubiyan and Warba to Iraq [MEM 10/8; WP 10/9].

Pres. Benjedid of Algeria says in television interview that purely Arab solution to Gulf crisis is no longer possible and others have to be involved [MEM 10/9].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Minister of Housing David Levy announces plan to build 3 new settlements in W. Bank [WP 2/7]. Palestinian merchants continue strike in occupied territories [FJ 2/7].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Estimated 500 regular and border police raid Shu'fat district of Jerusalem, arresting dozens of Palestinians. Using new military-delegated emergency powers, police impose curfews on Shu'fat and 'Anata refugee districts of E. Jerusalem [NYT 2/8]. Palestinian is killed by Israeli gunfire during clash with troops in 'Arrub refugee camp near Hebron. In 2 villages east of Hebron, Jabal Jalis and Bani Na'im, 3 Palestinians are shot, wounded by soldiers. Another Palestinian demonstrator is wounded when army patrol fires at legs of protesters in Tubas. Police use tear gas and bulldozers to disperse demonstrators and remove roadblocks in E. Jerusalem [WP 2/7]. At least 15 cities, towns, and refugee camps are under curfew [FJ 2/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Arab merchants in E. Jerusalem continue commercial strike. About 600 police and border police stand guard outside al-Haram al-Sharif; 4 Palestinians are arrested on charges of inciting demonstration. Jerusalem Police Chief Yosef Yehudai asks for, receives emergency security powers; Jerusalem neighborhood of al-Tur is placed under curfew [WP 1/23]. Military closes al-Quds for 45 days [FBIS 1/22]. Israel reports capture of 8-member armed PFLP cell in W. Bank, alleges group was responsible for October 1987 murder of Yigdal Shahaf [FBIS 1/26]. Arsonists set fire to customs department in Hebron [FJ 1/24].

Other Countries: UN Sec. Gen. Javier Perez de Cuellar releases report on Palestinian uprising in occupied territories, condemning Israeli use of harsh methods against demonstrators and endorsing plan for international peace conference on Middle East [WP 1/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Military lifts curfews on Rafah, Khan Yunis, Beach, and Dayr al-Balah refugee camps. Curfews remain in effect in Gaza Strip's Jabalya, Nusayrat, Maghazi, and Burayj camps. Curfews continue in W. Bank's old and new 'Askar camps and villages of Sa'ir and al-Mazra'ah al-Sharqiyyah. Curfews are imposed on Tulkarm refugee camp and Ramallah-area village of Bayt 'Ur al-Tahta after marches and stone throwing [FBIS 1/22; FJ 1/24].

Arab World: Amal releases 3 Palestinians [FBIS 1/22]. Salah Salah, Palestinian command secretary in S. Lebanon, announces his forces will withdraw from Sidon and Iqlim al-Tuffah roads [FBIS 1/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Cabinet approves series of harsh security measures in the occupied territories, capital punishment not among them. Measures include deportation of "persons who constitute a security risk," indefinite "administrative detention" without charges for Palestinians suspected of security offenses, an increase in prison capacity in the West Bank, and closing Palestinian newspapers that violate censorship regulations [LAT 8/5]. Forty-three Palestinian local councils in Israel and their employees hold rally outside Israeli prime minister's office to protest government failure to provide promised funds to alleviate their financial difficulties. They demand budgets equal to those of Israeli local councils. The 43 councils have an accumulated debt of $10 million; some have not been able to pay employees for 3 months [FJ 8/2, 8/9]. Public opinion poll by Pori Research Institute published in Ha'Aretz shows 10.6 percent of those who voted for Likud in last Knesset elections would now vote for Kach. Another poll by the Modi'in Ezrachi Institute shows Kahane would increase his Knesset seats to 5 if elections were held now [JTA 8/5].

Arab World:The Sunday Times reports testimony of British doctor on conditions in the 3 Beirut refugee camps besieged 2 months ago. According to Dr. Swee Chai Ang, over 1,500 Palestinians are missing, feared to have been kidnapped or killed. Palestinians are still being killed, although war of the camps technically ended in June and the camps of Sabra, Shatila, and Burj al-Barajinah are now protected by Lebanese army and internal security forces [LT 8/4]. Libya, which had threatened toboycott Arab summit, sends senior official [WSJ 8/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Petrol bomb hurled at a border police patrol outside 'Ain Beit al-Ma', near Nablus injures 2 policemen. Curfew is imposed [JP 8/5]. Another petrol bomb incident is reported in Azzariya, near Jerusalem; no injuries reported [JP 8/6]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gov't. orders Palestinian money-changers in Jerusalem stop trading in US dollars. Ramallah military court fines Fatmeh Ja'afari IS 20,000 for possessing "illegal literature" [purchased in Jerusalem]. DM Rabin meets with Mayor Freij, approves $700,000 Saudi grant for Bethlehem development projects. FM Shamir calls for creation of new UN including "only democratic countries." Nahal inaugurates 4 settlements: Rotem in Jordan Valley, Heahzut near Gush Etzion, Amitai & Ye'elon in Negev. Morechet Benyamin Co. dumps truckloads of rubble on jib village land, rendering it unusable for farming. FM Shamir expresses alarm to visiting US congressmen at apparent Jordanian-PLO rapprochement.

Arab World: PNC Chrmn. Khalid Fahoum declines to issue invitations to PNC mtg. called by Chrmn. Arafat pending further unity talks. Christians & Muslim unite in general strike through S. Lebanon to protest Israeli kidnapping of Amal Shi'ite leaders; Phalangist Joseph Ghanem sends letter of solidarity with demonstrators in Sidon.

Other Countries: 9th anniversary of UN resolution equating Zionism with racism. Special UN panel publicizes findings on Israeli activity in occupied territories; reports Israel continues to disregard Geneva Convention on civilian rights under occupation. In New York Federal Court, hearings begin for Ariel Sharon's libel suit against Time magazine.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Curfew imposed on Dheisheh camp after Border Policeman hit with thrown rock; boys' school raided by Border Police; area declared closed military zone.

Arab World: 2 Israeli soldiers wounded by light arms fire in Jibsheet; 2 wounded by RPG fire in Ghaziya village, S. Lebanon.

Other Countries: Bomb explodes in El AL office, Vienna; no injuries.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Mtg. of national institutions in Jerusalem to endorse reconciliation agreements reached in Aden.

Arab World: Lebanese Army takes control of Beirut with "march of salvation" through city.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Dheisheh camp under curfew after stone-throwing incidents occasioned by border police shooting at 5 Bethlehem students (7/3).

Arab World: IDF attacked by small arms fire near Tyre and in Adaiseh village.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Hundreds of former residents of Birim, Maronite village on Israel's northern border evacuated in 1948, call on government to allow them to return now that security prevails, government reportedly will not agree to setting precedent since estimated 50,000 Arabs in Israel might also demand return to their original homes; another outbreak of mass sickness on West Bank causes hospitalization of 164 girls from Tulkarm and Anabta, 240 in Yatta; results of International Red Cross investigation of illnesses, released by Israeli Health Ministry, indicate no evidence of poison or toxic material, conclude that epidemic is mass phenomenon devoid of danger; curfew imposed in Yatta, 6 other areas; 2 IDF soldiers, border policeman, and 2 Nablus residents wounded by hand-grenade in Nablus; Israeli bank ransacked during protest demonstrations in Tulkarm; Israeli targets stoned in other West Bank towns; 18 year-old boy shot in arm and stomach by settler driving past al-Arub refugee camp, police question settler and impound his rifle; 2 Israelis injured by stones in Qalqilya; 2 Arab youths injured when Israeli driver swerves his car into group throwing stones; 65 year-old Jerusalem woman hospitalized after being beaten and stabbed, members of Jewish religious school seeking to take over her property are suspected; IDF investigating 2 settler-related shooting incidents in Hebron and Nablus areas; Muslim religious leaders call students to hold protest gathering at Dome of Rock against last year's Easter attack by Israeli soldier; police use teargas to disperse demonstration near Damascus Gate, 8 arrested; police prevent group of 50 Jewish religious nationalists, including Meir Kahane, from entering Temple Mount, group then holds prayers outside gates; teenage nephew of Kahane arrested after firing Uzi at Palestinian demonstrators.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat and Hussein hold third round of talks, Arafat tells news conference he is still committed to Fez summit resolutions, Farouk Kaddoumi says Reagan plan is not a vehicle for negotiation, Abujihad says PLO is not giving a mandate to anyone.

Arab Governments: Mubarak, in Peking, urges PLO and King Hussein to enter talks on Reagan plan soon, before next US election campaign.

US and Other Countries: US diplomats in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem reportedly sceptical of official Israeli explanation of mass illnesses, point to fact that Israelis on West Bank displayed same symptoms.

Military Action:

IDF stops US Marine patrol in Beirut from entering area under its control.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Peace Now demonstration in Haifa in memory of Emil Grunzweig; 3 IDF, 3 Israeli civilians injured by stones in Tulkarm, Ramallah and Dahariya; 1 Palestinian youth shot by border police in Jerusalem; IDF officer hit in head by stone during demonstration in Halhoul, town placed under curfew; Hebron Polytechnic College closed after demonstrations; 2 tourists injured by stones near Dahariya; water cannon and tear gas used to disperse demonstration in Ramallah, two central squares placed under curfew; Ein Beit Alma camp under curfew; stone-throwing at al-Amari and Jalazon camps; US and Israeli flags burned in Gaza.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: President Gemayel sends former Prime Minister Saeb Salam as special personal envoy to US.

US and Other Countries: Shultz, with special envoys Habib and Draper, meets Lebanese Foreign Minister Salem in Washington, says it is time for King Hussein to make a decision about entering peace talks; former President Carter, ending 6-day visit to Israel, says Israel has not lived up to commitments made at Camp David, finds extent of Jewish settlement in West Bank discouraging; final communique of Non-Aligned summit includes condemnation of US support to Israel, calls for international tribunal on Israeli crimes against the Palestinian people; more British Jews reported to have settled in Israel in 1982 than in any year since 1948.