The Palestine Chronology

30 Palestinians wounded by IDF during clashes in Hebron, Ramallah.  Both cities placed under curfew.  In Gaza, Islamic University students, Netzarim settlers throw rocks at each other until dispersed by joint Israeli-Palestinian patrol.  (Qol Yisra'el 6/4 in FBIS 6/6; NYT 6/5)

International Labor Organization reports that economic survival of o.t. depends on access of 100,000 Palestinians to jobs in Israel.  (MM 6/6)

King Hussein criticizes lack of coordination in peace talks by other Arab parties, says Jordan will pursue a settlement with Israel at talks to resume 6/6 in Washington.  (WT 6/5)

3 Hizballah guerrillas killed by SLA during clashes in "security zone," southern Lebanon.  (NYT, WP, WT 6/5)

Pres. Mubarak, FM 'Amr Musa, presidential advisor Usamah al-Baz meet with Pres. Asad in Damascus to discuss continued fighting between Islamic Resistance, combined SLA-IDF forces in S. Lebanon. At a press conference, Mubarak and Asad call for 8 signatories to 1991 "Damascus Declaration" to meet. (MM 6/3, 4)

Iranian FM Velayati meets with Hizballah officials in Damascus. (MM 6/3; NYT 6/4)

IDF closes al-Najah University in Nablus for one week, lifts curfew imposed 5/24 on Maghazi refugee camp in Gaza. (Qol Yisra'el 6/2 in FBIS 6/3; MM 6/4)

Israeli housing min. halts work on plans to build 200 Jewish residences in Muslim quarter in East Jerusalem. (MM 6/5)

Guerrillas from Lebanese Resistance, coalition of forces headed by Communist Party, attack SLA position in Qantara. (MM 6/3

Steering committee of multilateral peace talks begins meeting in Lisbon to discuss results of 5 sets of talks held during May. (Qol Yisra'el 5/27 in FBIS 5/28)

France announces it will provide $500 million in loan guarantees to Israel to assist in infrastructural development. (MM 5/28)

Police arrest 150 Jewish rioters in Bat Yam as anti-Arab riots continue. Rioters burn tires in the streets, attack police; 7 persons are injured. Faisal Husseini denounces 5/24 killing of Jewish girl which sparked the riots. (Qol Yisra'el 5/27, 5/28 in FBIS 5/28)

Gazan from Dayr al-Balah stabs and kills settler in Kfar Darom, Gaza. Settlers later rampage in Dayr al-Balah, damaging Palestinian crops and attacking residents. IDF evacuates schoolchildren after settlers besiege an elementary school. More than 100 settlers are arrested. IDF imposes curfew on Dayr al-Balah and extends travel ban imposed 5/24 for another 3days. (WP 5/28)

Bomb attack on IDF convoy near Arnun, S. Lebanon (near Beaufort Castle), kills 1 Israeli soldier. 3 guerrillas killed in subsequent gunbattle. Lebanese National Resistance Front claims associated fighters from PFLP, Syrian Social Nationalist Party-Higher Council (Da'ud Baz faction) carried out attack. IDF continue shelling S. Lebanese villages. (ITV 5/27, Radio Lebanon, AFP 5/27 in FBIS 5/28; WP 5/28)

Fateh, Hamas supporters clash in Qalqiliya, W. Bank. (Qol Yisra'el 5/28 in FBIS 5/28) Israel, Sierra Leone reestablish diplomatic relations. (Qol Yisra'el 5/27 in FBIS 5/27)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli military authorities appoint team to determine how Syrian MiG-23 penetrated air defenses on 10/11 [WP 10/13;JP 10/21]. Britain's Consul-General in O.T. Ivan Callan calls for investigation into reports that Israeli troops shot dead an Arab youth who had surrendered to security forces [MET 10/ 24].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Curfew in Nablus is lifted, soldiers shoot, kill 1 Palestinian, wound another in stone-throwing clash there; body of suspected collaborator is found in Nablus. 4 Palestinians are shot, killed; at least 4 are wounded, and 20 are arrested throughout O.T. [FBIS 10/13]. Army seals 2 Gaza houses [FBIS 10/17]. Arab World: Israeli troopshoot, kill DFLP guerrilla inside South Lebanon's "security zone" [MET 10/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: PLO officials report Saudi Arabia gave the PLO $6 million in August to support the intifada; Riyadh has given $6 million a month since January [LAT 9/18].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli army captures two guerrillas attempting to enter Israel from Jordan [MET 10/3]. At least 11 Nablus residents are beaten by IDF troops. W. Bank is placed under curfew. 3soldiers are injured by rocks thrown in Gaza [FBIS 9/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Rabin doubles, from 6 to 12 months, length of administrative detention [FJ 8/14, MET 8/22].

Arab World: In response to criticism Fateh's congress issues second statement softening call for armed struggle [LAT, NYT 8/12].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian dies in Ansar 3; death is attributed to camp conditions. Near Jenin unidentified exploding object injures 3 Palestinian children. Curfew in Nur Shams enters 11th day [FJ 8/14].

Arab World: SLA, IDF troops shoot, wound, capture Palestinian guerrilla in Israeli "security zone" in south Lebanon [MET 8/22].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In 'Ararah, within Green Line, 800 Israeli Palestinians march in support of uprising [FJ 8/7].

Arab World: King Hussein of Jordan dissolves lower chamber of Jordanian parliament; half of members were W. Bank Palestinians [WP 7/31].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 67-year-old Palestinian-American dies from heart attack after Israeli troops order him to remove graffiti from neighborhood school and refuse to allow him to take heart medicine [WP 8/3]. In Jabalya demonstrations break out as Israelis lift curfew for an hour and a half; 28 Palestinians are injured [FJ 8/7]. In Khan Yunis 8 people are shot, 30 injured by tear gas [FJ 8/7]. Demonstrations also occur in Bayt Sahur, Tulkarm, and Burayj, Beach camps [FJ 8/14].

Other Countries: New York Times reports Reagan administration officials have met with members of Congress and leaders of American-Jewish organizations to work out deal allowing Kuwait to buy U.S. arms [NYT 7/31]. In Peru authorities arrest 3 Palestinians, charge them with trying to make contact with Peruvian guerrillas [WP 7/31].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Army report on 4/6 killing of settler youth in Bayta is released; report concludes Israeli guard accidentally shot girl, places primary blame for incident on villagers. Report confirms 1 of 13 houses demolished after incident was destroyed by mistake; owners will be compensated [WP 4/28]. Palestinian girl dies from gunshot wounds suffered during 4/26 clash in Kafr al-Dik village, near Ramallah [NYT 4/28].

Other Countries: Italy suspends sale of grapefruits after waming they had been poisoned as protest against Israel [NYT 4/28].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops shoot dead 2 Palestine Liberation Front guerrillas who wounded Israeli truck driver after crossing into northern Israel from Lebanon [WP, NYT 4/28]. Village of Salim is placed under curfew following violent clashes between soldiers and residents [FJ 5/1].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Def. Min. Rabin tells Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Com. that 4,912 people are being detained in Israeli jails [WP 4/27]. Israeli govemment suspends official accreditation of 2 American reporters for not submitting stories about assassination of Khalil al-Wazir (Abu Jihad) to military censor [WP 4/27]. Bulldozers uproot olive trees in Qatannah village, north of Jerusalem; village is under 2-day curfew [FJ 5/1]. In E. Jerusalem, shopowners strike to protest 4/25 arrest of 14 merchants [FJ 5/1].

Arab World: PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat leaves Damascus. PLO Pol. Dept. head Faruq al-Qaddumi remains in Syria for further talks with govemment officials [CSM 4/28]. In Damascus, DFLP leader Nayif Hawatmah threatens more attacks on Israel from S. Lebanon [NYT 5/1]. National Resistance Front also claims responsibility for attack on Israel [WP 4/27].

Other Countries: In The Hague, World Court rules U.S. must submit to arbitration over legislation ordering PLO to close its observer mission to UN [WP 4/27].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli patrol kills 3 Palestinian guerrillas who entered Israel across Lebanese border; 2 Israeli soldiers are killed [WP 4/27; NYT 4/28]. In Gaza Strip, student demonstrators stone soldiers in Gaza City and Jabalya, Beach, and Khan Yunis camps. Soldiers respond with tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition. In Sha'jiyyah quarter of Gaza City, authorities seal 6 rooms; 2 houses in Dayr al-Balah camp are also sealed [FJ 5/1].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli military officials confirm more than 1,000 Palestinians have been arrested in connection with recent rioting. Yediot Aharonot poll shows 69% of Israelis favor using tougher measures against violent disturbances in Gaza Strip and W. Bank; 80% support deporting Palestinians responsible for the unrest; 47% say they are in "a tougher mood" as a result of the riots [NYT 12/26]. Balatah and 'Askar refugee camps are ordered under curfew after demonstrations [FJ 12/27]. Demonstrations are reported in Gaza following Friday prayers [FJ 12/27]. Israeli authorities extend closure of Islamic U. in Gaza and Palestine Religious Institute additional week to 1/3 [FJ 12/27].

Arab World: PLO official Khalil al-Wazir (Abu Jihad) leaves Libya following official visit [FJ 1/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 20 Israeli soldiers capture 3 Palestine Liberation Front guerrillas who crossed into Israel from Jordan [NYT 12/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Reports suggest Brig. Gen. Ephraim Sneh, head of W. Bank civil administration, is stepping down from post after repeated differences with Shmuel Goren, Defense Ministry coordinator for occupied territories [LAT 9/17]. In E. Jerusalem, Com. Confronting the Iron Fist holds protest condemning detention of Faysal Husayni [FJ 9/20]. Journalist Mahmud Ramahi receives 5-year prison sentence on charges of leading Fateh military cell [FJ 9/20]. Gaza union leaders are interrogated by Israeli authorities [FJ 9/20].

Arab World: Nabih al-Bizri, Sidon representative to Lebanese parliament who mediated between Amal and Palestinian fighters, survives explosion at his home; 5 others are injured [FJ 9/20].

Other Countries: U.S. State Dept. orders Palestine Information Office, Washington, D.C., to close within 30 days [NYT 9/16].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Numerous clashes between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian youths are reported at Balatah refugee camp; 12-year-old boy is killed, 2 others seriously wounded. Camp is placed under curfew [LAT 9/17; FJ 9/20].

Arab World: In overnight battle on slopes of Mt. Hermon in S. Lebanon, Israeli troops battle Lebanese National Resistance Front guerrillas; 3 IDF soldiers are killed, 4 wounded [NYT 9/17].

Military Action:

IDF and Syrian Army exchange fire in Beqaa; heavy fighting between PLO factions, and between Lebanese Army and Palestinian forces of Col. Said Musa near Army's Baalbek base, Syrians intervene; IDF surrounds, occupies Phalangist barracks at Kfar Falus, east of Sidon, in effort to evict militiamen.

Casualties:

1 IDF officer killed by Syrian fire; 2 killed, 8 wounded in Baalbek fighting; Christian and Druze militias permit convoys of food and medicine to reach Chouf towns of Bhamdoun and Aley, blockaded for past 35 days; bombs explode in 5 shops selling Israeli goods in Ain al-Hilweh camp; IDF releases following statistics on effect of redeployment: it is withdrawing from 600 of 3,400 sq. km. it now holds, 200,000 of the 750,00 civilians in this total area will come under control of Beirut, IDF frontline will be reduced from 118 to 113 km; more than 100 Palestinian and Lebanese women at Prime Minister's office demand intervention to secure release of men presumably kidnapped by Phalangists at time of Sabra and Shatila massacre.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: 2 Birzeit students sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for participating in last week's demonstration over killing of Hebron students; IDF imposes curfew on Tulkarm-Nablus road after settlers wounded by shots near Anabta.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat asks OAU and Nonaligned Movement to intervene against Syrian and Libyan attacks on PLO; McFarlane meets Gemayel, then flies to Israel.

UN: US vetoes, Zaire abstains, 13 states support Security Council resolution that Israeli settlements in occupied lands have no legal validity and constitute major and serious obstruction to peace.

Military Action:

Rockets fired at IDF position near Tyre; bomb explodes as IDF convoy nears Aley.

Casualties:

2 South Lebanon villages remain under curfew as IDF and Haddad militia search for guerrillas responsible for Monday's ambush.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Arens and senior IDF officers visit Chouf to consider redeployment positions; new figures show Israel's foreign trade deficit rose by 40To during first half of 1983 to $1.7 b., Treasury speeds up devaluation of shekel, drops 0.8% in one day.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO political department head Kaddoumi meets Soviet foreign minister in Moscow.

Military Action:

IDF imposes indefinite curfew on 11 towns and villages in South Lebanon, begins house-to-house search for arms and guerrillas, eventually detains 200 civilians on suspicion of involvement in terrorist activities; 2 rockets hit port of Jounieh, north of Beirut; fighting continues in Chouf mountains.

Casualties:

2 IDF soldiers killed, 2 wounded, 4 civilians, 1 policeman wounded by Beirut car bomb; 2 killed in Jounieh; 3 killed, 2 wounded in Chouf mountains; 1 killed, 2 wounded in Aley; protests continue for 4th day at Ansar detention camp, Gemayel reportedly pressing IDF for release of prisoners.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Knesset votes 55 to 47 against Labor Party motion for immediate pull-back of IDF; reports circulate that Begin is in gloomy state of mind, avoiding most public appearances.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat meets Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, receives support for unity in PLO, travels to Qatar.

US and Other Countries: Reagan meets Lebanese Foreign Minister Salem.

Casualties:

Israelis reportedly releasing an average of 11 men a day from Ansar detention camp.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Cabinet votes at Begin's request to retain Sharon on steering committee for Lebanon negotiations and on larger of two ministerial defense panels; new Defense Minister Arens not expected to return from US for another two weeks; Shamir says Israel now prepared to accept lightly-manned observation posts to watch for guerrilla infiltration in South Lebanon; after 10 days of investigation, Israeli police do not have specific line of inquiry into grenade attack on Peace Now demonstration, question and release Rabbi Meir Kahane; Israel reported negotiating to purchase a fusion energy reactor using equipment supplied by France, US technology; Eliahu Lankin, Israeli Ambassador to South Africa and former Irgun commander, likely to be new ambassador to Britain; curfew imposed on old Nablus market to enable installation of metal gates intended to seal the warren-like market during times of unrest; curfew lifted on Dheisheh refugee camp.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Issam Sartawi resigns from PNC after his speech to full council session on Saturday night is blocked by Arafat; PNC spokesman Ahmad Abdel Rahman says Sartawi did not reflect position of Fateh leadership when he advocated recognition of Israel; dozens of Palestinians, visiting relatives in Israel, apparently disappear in Arab villages to avoid returning to Lebanon.

US and Other Countries: Shultz says he is optimistic that one of these fine days the conditions will be right for King Hussein to enter negotiations with Israel.

Military Action:

IDF imposes curfew on several Chouf villages, including Kfar Nabrakh, Navrah and Brih, following artillery duels and Phalange attack on Druze doctor; Aley sealed off after land mine explodes near IDF jeep.

Casualties:

IDF medical teams treat wounded in Chouf villages, many evacuated; IDF arranges exchange of prisoners in Aley; Ain el-Hilweh a sea of mud after third day of heavy rains, only 16 UNRWA tents set up and 100 refugees sign up to purchase Israeli-made prefabricated houses.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Shamir tells visiting US Congressmen that negotiations on IDF withdrawal from Lebanon could last many months, blames Syria; Israel links pull-out talks to Lebanese willingness to normalize relations with Israel (open borders, trade, tourism, unofficial missions in Jerusalem and Beirut); Tourism Minister Sharir reveals plan to promote tourism on West Bank to strengthen Israel's presence there; El Al workers go on strike.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO source in Tunisia says Fateh has approved plans to create Palestinian-Jordanian federation, with Jordan and Palestinian state as separate countries, has decided to reinforce PLO troops in Bekaa and North Lebanon, to resume military training for guerrillas evacuated from Beirut and to resume talks with Lebanese Government on Palestinian presence in Lebanon; PLO reportedly sets 2 conditions for "mutual and simultaneous recognition" with Israel-US pledge to talk to PLO in return and a US guarantee that PLO will be included in any peace negotiations on equal footing with other Arab parties; Lebanese Parliament, in 58-1 vote, gives Gemayel power to rule nation by decree for 6 months, gives vote of confidence to 10-member Cabinet, gives Gemayel full powers to deal with Israelis, Syrians, PLO and to restructure Army, revise tax structure, change criminal law, reschedule debts, control media, but Gemayel fails to win power to amend election laws, citizenship requirements and provincial boundaries without Parliamentary approval, also fails to extend special powers for 2 more months, as 32 legislators abstain or are absent; Gemayel meets with Druze and Phalange leaders, says he will seek US pressure on IDF to withdraw from Chouf area; Walid Jumblatt meets Gemayel at Baabda to discuss deteriorating security in Chouf area, declares Israel is responsible for bloodshed.

US and Other Countries: Assistant Secretary of State Veliotes, in interview, says PLO proposal for "mutual and simultaneous" recognition with Israel was step backward in negotiating process as Israel will never agree; British Foreign Secretary Francis Pym arrives for 2 day stay in Jordan.

Military Action:

Bazooka rocket fired at IDF positions near Yanta in Bekaa; new clashes between Phalange and Jumblatt forces in Chouf; IDF imposes curfew; Phalangists, Muslims, Lebanese Army charge IDF with fomenting trouble to perpetuate its presence in area; State Department and US Marine contingent spokesman announce US infantrymen in four-man jeep patrols to enter East Beirut tomorrow at request of Gemayel, Lebanese Forces indicate they will acquiesce.

Casualties:

One IDF soldier wounded in crossfire and 10 Lebanese killed, 18 wounded in Chouf region; first tents erected for refugees at Ain el-Hilweh camp near Sidon; Lebanese farmers, merchants and members of Parliament complain of Israeli economic warfare charge Israel is "dumping" over $1 million/month of cheap fruits, vegetables, textiles and canned goods on Lebanese market, avoiding customs and possibly isolating Lebanon from traditional Arab markets.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Shamir meets Draper, rejects participation in peacekeeping forces by Morocco and other countries that do not have relations with Israel, but would welcome Egyptian soldiers; West Bank Palestinians protest 65th anniversary of Balfour Declaration with rock throwing, tire burning, waving Palestinian flag; Israeli troops fire tear gas in Nablus, erect barricades in Rafah; two refugee camps under curfew suffer water and food shortages; Israeli envoy, speaking at Houston B'nai Brith meeting, claims 7,000 PLO guerrillas who were evacuated from Beirut have returned to Lebanon; public opinion poll indicates Likud gains, Labor loses popularity.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: President Gemayel returns from Morocco; Prime Minister Wazzan asks Parliament for emergency powers for 8 months to revise tax laws, increase treasury resources, reform civil service, citizenship and parliamentary election laws and links requested vote of confidence to approval of emergency powers; Wazzan again criticizes Israel for continued occupation of South Lebanon.

Arab Governments: Mubarak says he is willing to meet Begin anywhere to discuss disputes between their two countries, indicates Egypt has offered to buy disputed Taba hotel.

US and Other Countries: US announces military training teams, including 60 officers, will serve in Lebanon on temporary basis, and a small "security assistance office," staffed out of US European Command, will oversee upgrading of Lebanese forces; Pentagon officials estimate $135 million is available to Lebanon in cash and credits, and aid package includes 24 APCs and 12 155-mm artillery guns; State Department says no Moroccan troops would be added to peace-keeping force at least until after agreement on withdrawal of foreign forces.