The Palestine Chronology

PM Netanyahu finalizes creation of infrastructure portfolio for Sharon. Among Sharon's new responsibilities are development in the s. Negev, n. Galilee; construction of homes outside cities; bypass roads; water; sewage; railroads. (MM, WP 7/4; QY 7/4 in FBIS 7/5; CSM, WP, WT 7/5) (see 7/3)

PSF arrests 4 Islamic Jihad mbrs. for Tahayna murder, blames Islamic Jihad infighting for his death. (QY 7/5 in FBIS 7/5) (see 7/3)

Shin Bet announces that, after 2 mos. of questioning, Hamas's Salameh recently "broke down" and admitted being trained in Iran (see 5/17); sees this as "further proof" Iran is behind terrorist activity; says it has been "unsuccessful" in extracting a similar confession fr. Husayn Maqdad, wounded 3-mos. ago in an East Jerusalem explosion (see 5/16). (YA 7/4 in FBIS 7/5)

Central Cmdr. Maj. Gen. Biran refuses to approve releases for 2 Palestinian female prisoners on security grounds. (MM 10/10)

PA cabinet approves new budget for the authority in the West Bank. (VOP 10/7 in FBIS 10/10)

In Khartoum, Hamas delegation fr. the o.t. presents exiled Hamas mbrs with drafts for PA-Hamas reconciliation agmt. Hamas spokesman Ibrahim Ghawshah says the mbrs abroad feel the agmt. is too concessionary, are threatening to secede fr. Hamas if it is signed. (VOP 10/7, Al-Dustur, JP 10/8 in FBIS 10/10; Al-Sharq Al-Awsat 10/8 in FBIS 10/11; MM 10/11; AFP, Al-Hayat 10/11 in FBIS 11/12; MM 10/12) (see 10/6)

On the Egyptian-Libyan border, 200-300 Palestinians block road outside customs depot in protest over their planned expulsion. (WT 10/8) (see 10/6)

At Israel's Qetziot prison (Ansar 3) in the Negev, Palestinian administrative detainee Muhammad `Abd al-Raziq Abu Shaqra is found dead. Officials say he might have been beaten to death, will investigate. (AFP 10/9, JP 10/10 in FBIS 10/10) (see 9/10)

Israeli security extends Ayshah Ayyash's detention to 10/13. (QY 10/7 in FBIS 10/10) (see 9/16)

Israeli-Palestinian talks on expanding self-rule resume in Cairo. Israeli delegation head Yo'el Singer says target date for Palestinian elections is 6/15, Israel will not object to any party's participation. (MENA 3/13, MENA, VOP 3/14, VOP 3/15 in FBIS 3/15; CSM 3/15; AFP 3/14, MENA, QY 3/15, VOP 3/16 in FBIS 3/16)

Secy. of State Christopher stops in Damascus briefly on his return to Washington, meets with FM Faruq al-Shara`, announces talks btwn. Israel, Syria will resume in Washington soon. (WP 3/14; SARR 3/14 in FBIS 3/14; SARR, SATN 3/14 in FBIS 3/15; MM, NYT, WP 3/15; AN, CSM 3/16; MEI 3/17)

British PM Major meets with Arafat in Gaza, discusses developments in peace process, economic issues. Arafat expresses urgent need for aid. Major then meets with Arafat advisor Faisal Husseini at British consulate in Jerusalem, while Asst. British FM Andrew Green meets with a Palestinian delegation at Orient House. Major then meets with PM Rabin, discusses bilateral relations, leaves for mtg. with King Hussein. (IDF Radio, VOP 3/14 in FBIS 3/14; JTV, QY, VOP 3/14, RJ, VOP 3/15 in FBIS 3/15) (see 3/6)

Arab League issues statement at close of seminar on Jerusalem, says Jerusalem issue is key to peace process, calls on nations to uphold 1980 UNSC Res. 478 asking nations not to move diplomatic offices to the city. (MENA 3/14 in FBIS 3/17)

U.S., Israeli forces begin 3 wks of war games in Negev desert. (MM 3/14; WT 3/15; JP 4/1)

PA releases Shaykh al-Safadi, arrested 4/12. (QY 4/14 in FBIS 4/15)

Palestinian National Authority holds 1st cabinet mtg. in Gaza City.  Weekly sessions are to alternate btwn. Gaza and Jericho.  (WT 6/29)

Israeli Commission of Inquiry into 2/25 Hebron massacre issues report, concludes settler Baruch Goldstein acted alone in killing 29 Palestinian Muslim worshippers at Haram al-Ibrahimi.  Report clears govt., IDF of any responsibility for attack but notes lapses in security at site, previous provocations by Goldstein.  Commission recommends Jewish worshippers be barred fr. carrying weapons, separation of Jews and Muslims.  Panel also urges IDF to clarify open-fire regulations.  Palestinians including Hebron Mayor Mustafa al-Natsha, Meretz MK Dedi Zucker criticize report, saying massacre took place because of "climate of threats and violence," double standard applied to settlers.  (MM, NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 6/27; WJW 6/30; JP 7/9)

Israeli Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) denies broadcast allegations that radiation escaped during 1966 accident at Negev Nuclear Research Centre in Dimona, site of Israeli nuclear-weapons program, but admits accident, death of 1 employee.  Frmr. Dimona technician, 1 of 20 suing AEC for contracting cancer after incident, alleged radiation release in 6/24 Israel TV interview.  (WT 6/27)

Land Day, commemorating deaths of 6 Israeli Arabs in 1976 demonstrations against land confiscation, observed throughout Palestinian areas of Israel and in o.t. Israel's 800,000 Palestinian citizens observe general strike; observances dedicated to victims of Hebron massacre, 6 Fateh Hawks killed 3/28. Curfew imposed on Nablus, Tulkarm, Ramallah, Hebron, and 9 r.c.s. including Jabaliya. Largest demonstration held in Rahat in the Negev, where 22-yr.-old Bedouin killed by police 2/27. (MM 3/30, 3/31; NYT 3/31)

Jordan's King Hussein receives PLO envoy Hakam Bal'awi, bearing message fr. PLO Chmn. Arafat on coordinating policy on Jerusalem. (MM 3/31)

Jordanian delegate to multilateral talks on water sharing Munther Haddadin rejects Israeli proposals for "new Jordan River," saying "It is purely a unilateral project proposed by a group of academics financed by a German company. Jordan has nothing to do with it." (MM 3/31)(see 3/28)

IAF planes and IDF helicopters attack Hizballah targets in Iqlim al-Tuffah, Lebanon. (MM 3/30)

Israeli cabinet orders some settlers disarmed, 1,000 Palestinian prisoners released in response to Hebron massacre, establishes commission of inquiry to investigate massacre. Govt. orders administrative detention of 5 Kach mbrs., but apprehends only 1 as well as 2 low-level activists. PLO Chmn. Arafat calls Israeli moves "hollow and superficial," reiterates demand for international protection of Palestinians ino.t. Settlers' council "rejects out of hand the proposals ... to confiscatehe weapons of Jews." (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 2/28)

Rioting against Hebron massacre continues in o.t., Israel, spreading to Negev. 3 Palestinians killed in demonstrations, including 1 Israeli Arab, bringing casualty totals to 65 dead, 360 wounded since 2/25. (WP, WT 2/28; CSM, NYT 3/1)

PLO Chmn. Arafat charges that "some elements of the Israeli army" assisted Baruch Goldstein in Hebron massacre. IDF Central Command chief Maj. Gen. Dani Yatom counters that soldiers fired into air, all 111 cartridge cases recovered at crime scene fired fr. Goldstein's rifle. (NYT, WP, WT 2/28)

Funeral of Hebron attacker Baruch Gold.. stein draws 300 mourners for procession fr. Jerusalem to Qiryat Arba. Mourners denounce journalists covering event as "Nazis"; Rabbi Yaacov Perrin, giving eulogy, proclaims "1 m. Arabs are not worth a Jewish fingernail." (NYT, WP, WT 2/28)

Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria withdraw negotiators fr. Washington talks with Israel in solidarity with PLO. (RMC 2/28 in FBIS 2/28; NYT, WP, WT 2/28)

UN Sec. Gen. Butrus Butrus-Ghali suggests sending international monitors to protect Palestinians in o.t. U.S. mission to UN calls offer not "particularly helpful or useful." Statement notes DoP provides for "temporary" international presence, but says UN should not "prejudge" Israel-PLO discussions. Russia supports Butrus-Ghali's position. (NYT 2/28)

Bomb made of 2 82mm mortar shells explodes in Sayyidal-Naja Maronite Church in Zuq Mika'il, nr. Juniya, Lebanon, killing 9 and wounding 60. PM Hariri calls bombing "a plot ordered fr. abroad." Info M Michel Samaha, Damascus Radio, and Maronite Bishop Bishara Rai blame Israel. (RL 2/27 in FBIS 2/28; SARR 2/27 in FBIS 3/1; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/28)

Wreckage of Arafat's plane is located in the Libyan desert by a PLO patrol some 12 hours after it crashed. Arafat is flown to a hospital in Misrata, Libya for treatment. Spontaneous celebrations break out throughout o.t. as news of Arafat's rescue spreads. Some celebrations turn violent as security forces clash with revelers in Ramallah, al-Bira, and Gaza City. (MM 4/8; NYT, WP 4/9; Radio Monte Carlo 4/9 in FBIS 4/9)

IDF kill "wanted" Hamas activist, capture 3 others in Negev desert near Egyptian border. (Qol Yisra'el 4/10 in FBIS 4/10)

Knesset passes resolution declaring Israeli control of Golan is not negotiable. The resolution was supported by a broad coalition which included members from Likud, Labor parties. Prime Min. Shamir states current borders and ceasefire lines (including 1967 occupied territories) are "an essential minimum of territory." (MEM 11/12)

Syrian vice pres. 'Abd al-Halim Khaddam meets with Fateh delegation which has been in Damascus during the week. (MEM 11/13)

Nayif Hawatma, leader of one wing of the DFLP, meets with King Hussein, Jordanian prime min. Tahir al-Masri in Amman. (MEM 11/12)

Foreign ministers of the "Damascus Declaration" nations (Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman) begin meeting in Cairo, the fifth time the countries have met. Meeting expressed satisfaction atrecent Madrid peace conference. (MENA 11/11 in FBIS 11/12)

Israeli army kills four persons in the western Negev desert who infiltrated into Israeli territory from Egypt. (IDF Radio 11/11 in FBIS 11/12)

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].

Visiting EC ministers meet with P.M. Shamir, say they would like to see progress in peace process; Shamir sharply rejects EC call to include PLO in peace talks, vows to resist any economic pressure [IDF 7/24 in FBIS 7/24; WP 7/25]; EC delegation flies to Tunis, meets with Arab ministerial committee [TDS 7/24 in FBIS 7/25; MAP 7/25 in FBIS 7/26; MEM 7/25].

Reversing earlier decision, Israeli planning board approves construction of $300-million Voice of America radiorelay station in the Negev; opponents will take case to Israel's high court [JDS 7/24 in FBIS 7/26; NYT, WP 7/25; LAT 7/26].

European-Palestinian chamber of commerce is recently organized to accelerate granting bills of lading for goods exported from O.T. to Europe. Palestinian members include Elias Frayj, Hanna Sinoria, and businessmen Mahir al-Masri and Suhayl Jid'an [HAM 7/24 in FBIS 7/24].

Israel's Supreme Court overturns Housing Min. Ariel Sharon's use of emergency powers to speed up construction of housing for Soviet immigrants to Israel, ruling Sharon should have petitioned Knesset for aid UDS 7/17 in FBIS 7/17; NYT, WT, MEM 7/18].

5 Israeli reservists are killed, 10 others injured when stray shell explodes during training exercise in the Negev [WP 7/18].

200 Fateh troops are deployed in S.Lebanon as a buffer between fighting Amal and Hizballah militias [AFP, BVL 7/17 in FBIS 7/17; NYT 7/18].

World Zionist Organization exec. committee drafts resolution opposing settlement of Soviet Jews on occupied Palestinian land. The 165-member general council in Jerusalem is to vote on resolution on 6/20 (cf. 6/20) [WT 6/20].

Labor party's Central Bureau schedules meeting for next week to decide whether to call for party elections; an increasing number of Laborites are calling for Shimon Peres to be replaced as party leader by Yitzhak Rabin [NYT 6/20].

Israeli judge orders Israeli Arab poet Shafik Habib placed under house arrest on charges of incitement. Authorities say Habib's poems, written in Arabic, call for attacks on Israel with stones, firebombs and ammunition. Habib denies charges [WP, LAT 6/20].

Israel's National Planning Board votes not to approve VOA transmitter scheduled to be built in the Negev. Board shelves project until 2-year environmental study can be completed; agreement to build transmitter was signed in 1988 [NYT, WP 6/21].

Labor Party votes to give Shamir and Likud 2 weeks to accept Labor's 4-point compromise formula for starting talks between Israel and Palestinians, or face dissolution of gov't. [NYT, WP, LAT 2/23; IDF 2/22 in FBIS 2/23].

Christian Science Monitor reports growing concern among Sephardic Jews that funding for new immigrants will come at expense of Sephardics [CSM 2/22].

During telephone conversation with Pres. Bush, P.M. Shamir insists Israel is not directing Soviet Jews to live in O.T. [JDS 2/22 in FBIS 2/23].

Security sources report core of Hamas movement has moved from Gaza to Nablus and Tulkarm. Same sources say Hamas leaflets now on high-quality paper and computerized, indicating Israeli Arab involvement [HAA 2/22 in FBIS 2/23].

Pres. Bush and Sec. Baker suggest Israeli gov't. stop delaying implementing of its own peace plan, and make necessary compromises to open negotiations [NYT 2/23].

U.S. House Foreign Affairs internal operations subcommittee holds hearing on proposed VOA transmitter to be built this summer in the Negev; environmentalists testify against what would be the world's largest radio transmitter [WP 2/ 22].

Soviet Union announces it will not permit any commercial air flights between USSR and Israel, concerned that Soviet Jews are being resettled in O.T. [WP 2/ 23].

Israeli troops confine some 250,000 W. Bank Palestinians to their homes to counter call for unrest on DFLP's 21st anniversary [HAA 2/23 in FBIS 2/23; MET 3/6-12].

Israeli warplanes bomb military camps east of Sidon, wounding at least 3 [JDS 2/22 in FBIS 2/23; MET 3/6-12].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Israeli Atty. Gen. Yosef Harish drops criminal investigation of Ezer Weizman for meeting with PLO officials [LAT 2/16].

Other Countries: U.S. government announces it will speed up plans to build radio transmitter in the Negev for broadcasts to USSR and South Asia [NYT 2/ 16].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestine Human Rights Information Center reports that at least 130 Palestinian houses have been partially or totally sealed in the first 2 years of the intifada; also approximately 270 Palestinian homes have been demolished by IDF [NYT 2/7].

Likud Central Committee reschedules meeting postponed because of 2/4 bus attack in Egypt to 2/12 [FBIS 2/6].

Arab World: PLO officially denounces 2/4 bus attack in Egypt, says attack cannot be viewed in isolation from daily Israeli violence against Palestinians in O.T., reaffirms policies prohibiting armed actions outside Israel and the O.T. [NYT 2/7].

PNC in Amman sends Gorbachev a 5-page memorandum asking "in the name of human rights, we appeal to you to take speedy measures to stop the emigration to Soviet Jews" to Israel [LAT 2/7].

Other Countries: Environmentalists call on Pres. Bush to cancel $300 million project to build VOA and Radio free Europe radio transmitter in the Negev [WP 2/7].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Al-Fajr reports 2 Israeli settlers shoot, kill 45-year-old Palestinian in Nablus [FJ 2/12].

At least 20 Gazans are injured in clashes with soldiers; IDF uses light aircraft to track demonstrators after about 400 youths gather near Rafah [FBIS 2/7]. 

Arab World: SLA checkpoint on the border of Israel's "security zone" comes under fire from unidentified fighters [FBIS 2/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: PLO Exec. Committee declares that Arafat's statements in Geneva recognizing Israel's right to exist, rejecting terrorism are "in harmony with" recent PNC resolutions [WP 12/28].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Abwayn troops shoot, kill 20-year-old Palestinian [NYT 12/28, FJ 1/2]. In Tulkarm soldiershoot, wound 3 Palestinians. In Balatah 1 Palestinian is shot by Israeli troops. In Nusayrat 8 Palestinians are shot by army. In Khan Yunis 3 Palestinians are wounded in clashes with troops. In Beach camp 2 Palestinians are shot, wounded [FJ 1/2]. Israeli troops shoot, kill 3 Palestinians trying to infiltrate Israel through Negev [LAT 12/29, NYT 12/30].

Arab World: Israeli troops in S. Lebanon shoot, kill 3 Palestinians trying to cross border into Israel [LAT 12/29].

Social/Economical/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Gaza Strip 650,000 Palestinians are confined to their homes for the 2nd straight day [WP 8/171. Qalqiliyyah, Qabatiyyah, 'Azzun, Tulkarm, and Dannabah are also placed under curfew [FJ 8/21].

Arab World: In Egypt PLO leaders meet with Pres. Husni Mubarak and agree to draft aprogram for a government-in-exile [WP 8/17].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Troops open fire on hundreds of rioting Palestinians at Ketziot (Ansar III) Prison in the Negev; 2 Palestinians die, 1 is wounded [WP 8/17, FJ 8/21]. Another Palestinian prisoner is found hanged in his cell at police headquarters in Jerusalem [FJ 8/21]. At Beach camp, 65-year-old Palestinian dies after being exposed to tear gas [FJ 8/21]. According to officials at al-Shifa Hospital 60 people from Gaza City are treated for beatings [FJ 8/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian general strike marking Day of the Land is nearly total inside the green line and in occupied territories [CSM 3/31]. Thousands of Palestinians inside the green line attend large rallies in northern Israel: estimated 40,000 Palestinians march in northern Israel town of Sakhnin. In Kafr Kanna, close to 6,000 chant slogans, march in streets. In Rahat, in Negev, several hundred rally. More than 5,000 carry signs, chant nationalist slogans in Taybah, in the Triangle [WP 3/31; FJ 4/3]. Israel closes Palestine Press Service for 6 months [WP 3/31]. Israeli High Court upholds army order banning media from occupied territories [CSM 3/31].

Other Countries: Benjamin Netanyahu resigns as Israeli ambassador to UN [WP 4/1].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Dayr Abu Mash'al, near Ramallah, villagers use rocks, bottles, iron bars, and axes to attack soldiers searching for alleged attackers; soldiers open fire, wounding 4, 1 of whom bleeds to death. In Hebron-area village of Shuyukh, troops open fire on Palestinian protesters blocking roads, throwing stones; at least 5 Palestinians are wounded by gunfire. Israel reports 2 other Palestinians killed in W. Bank, 1 in Yamun village and 1 in Burqa, village near Nablus; army also says 45 W. Bank Palestinians are injured (30 from live ammunition and 15 by tear gas or beatings) and 15 Gaza Strip refugees are injured by tear gas or beatings [WP 3/31]. Violent clashes are reported in Ramallah [CSM 3/31]. Palestinian sources report protester is killed by army gunfire in Dayr Ubzay', near Ramallah; 1 is shot, killed in Jenin clash [FJ 4/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Army prevents attempt by Palestinian parents and teachers to reopen 6 schools in Ramallah [WP 3/25]. Mordechai Vanunu is found guilty of 1 count of treason and 2 counts of espionage for selling information about Israel's nuclear facility in Negev desert to Sunday Times (London) [CSM 3/25].

Arab World: Pres. Husni Mubarak sends message to Pres. Reagan protesting Israeli threat to attack Saudi Arabian missile sites [WP 3/25].

Other Countries: U.S. def. sec. Frank Carlucci and Egyptian def. min. 'Abd al-Halim Abu Ghazalah sign agreement allowing Egypt to bid on U.S. weapons contracts [WP 3/25]. U.S. officials report Israel has been conducting unusually intensive low-level bombing practice runs [WP 3/25].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: At Balatah refugee camp in Nablus, Israeli soldiers open fire after demonstrators attack military vehicles with stones and iron bars; 2 Palestinians are killed and 3 soldiers are injured. Curfew is imposed. At least 100 Palestinians have been killed by soldiers since uprising began [NYT 3/25; FJ 3/27]. Protesters set fire to Israeli bus in Hebron-area village of Shuyukh [FJ 3/27].

Arab World: IDF planes attack Palestinian targets near Sidon, S. Lebanon; 5 are killed or wounded [NYT 3/25]

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Shamir returns from U.S. [WP 3/23]. Def. Min. Rabin says 3,000 Palestinians, including at least 600 arrested in past week, are being detained in Israeli prisons; Rabin announces opening of new prison in Negev desert [NYT, WP 3/23].

Other Countries: U.S. Justice Dept. files suit seeking to force closure of PLO's observer mission to UN and to prohibit PLO from spending funds to promote PLO interests in U.S. [WP 3/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Plestinian is shot dead in clash with Israeli troops in W. Bank village of Tubas [NYT 3/23]. Elderly resident of Qabatiyyah dies from effects of tear gas dropped from army helicopter. Many protesters are arrested during scatteredemonstrations in W. Bank. In Khan Yunis, protester is wounded by army gunfire during violent demonstrations; military imposes curfew [FJ 3/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Police announce detention of 2 Israelis on charges of stockpiling weapons allegedly for anti-Arab attacks [WP 3/19]. IDF Chief of Staff Dan Shomron calls on Israeli leaders to reach accord with Arab leaders and end uprising [WP 3/19]. Israel arrests Muhammad Abu Sha'ban, deputy chairman of Gaza Bar Association, and 4 Palestinian joumalists [FBIS 3/18; WP 3/19]. In Nazareth, large numbers of Palestinians participate in Rakah-organized demonstration [FJ 3/27]. Close to 700 prisoners from Gaza are moved to Ansar 3, newly opened detention camp in Negev desert [FJ 3/27].

Other Countries: U.S. announces it will send special envoy Philip Habib to Middle East in continuing effort to revive peace process [WP 3/19]. UN General Assembly opens emergency session to consider means to keep PLO observer mission open [NYT 3/19]. Former Atty. Gen. Ramsey Clark says he will represent PLO in U.S. court efforts to prevent closure of its observer mission to UN [NYT 3/19].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF helicopters drop tear gas cannisters while soldiers use rubber bullets and live ammunition in violent clash with worshipers leaving mosque in Gaza's Beach refugee camp; 2 Palestinians are killed and at least 21 are injured [WP, NYT 3/19]. In Ramallah, troops pour gravel from helicopters on protesters; 2 Palestinians are wounded by army gunfire [NYT, WP 3/19]. Army bars foreign joumalists from W. Bank and Gaza Strip [WP 3/19]. In Nablus, soldiers shoot, kill Palestinian youth from 'Ayn Bayt al-Ma' camp [NYT, FJ 3/20]. Elderly Palestinian dies from effects of tear gas in Jabalya camp [FJ 3/20]. Jalazun is ordered under military curfew. Mass detentions are reported in Nablus, Hebron, Ramallah [FJ 3/18].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Estimated 200,000-250,000 Israelis demonstrate in support of P.M. Shamir's rejection of U.S. peace proposals during rally organized by Gush Emunim [NYT 3/14; WJW 3/17]. Palestinian wounded by army gunfire in 3/11 clash in Biddu, near Ramallah, dies [NYT 3/14; FJ 3/20]. Israel responds to buming of 2 fuel trucks and stoning of others by cutting of gasoline supplies to Palestinian-owned service stations in occupied W. Bank. Police spokesman confirmed that more than half of the estimated 850 Palestinian policemen in the occupied territories have resigned. Military court indicts soldier from Givati brigade for manslaughter; soldier allegedly shot Palestinian who cursed him [WP 3/14]. In al-Birah, Israeli bus is destroyed in firebomb attack [FJ 3/20]. Sa'd Saftawi, head of a Gaza UNRWA school, is taken into administrative dtention [FJ 3/20]. Claiming land belongs to state, members of "Green Patrol" destroy 3,000 dunums of wheat and barley on Arab-owned land in Negev [FJ 3/20].

Arab World: Reports indicate UNRWA has decided to resume some activities in northem Lebanon and Biqa' Valley [FJ 3/13].

Other Countries: Washington Post reports 1985 memo reveals Atty. Gen. Edwin Meese and E. Robert Wallach briefed then-P. M. Peres on plans for pipeline from Iraq to Jordan [WP 3/13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Violent clashes are reported in Jenin; authorities close entrances to refugee camp and erect cement barrier at city's eastem entrance. At least 86 are injured in Gaza Strip demonstrations [FJ 3/20].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Negev desert, 3 Palestinian gunmen hijack Israeli commuter bus. Israeli troops storm bus, killing hijackers; 3 passengers are killed, 8 injured [WP 3/8]. Jewish settler whose van is halted by road block in W. Bank village of Mazra'ah al-Sharqiyyah opens fire, killing Palestinian bystander [WP 3/28].

Arab World: Fateh claims responsibility for Negev desert hijacking [WP 3/8]. PLO officials Khalil al-Wazir (Abu Jihad) and 'Abd al-Rahim Ahmad arrive in Amman for meetings of Palestinian-Jordanian Joint Com. [FJ 3/13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Paestinian attacks IDF patrol with gunfire and hand grenades, slightly wounding 1 soldier. Soldiers respond with live ammunition, wounding 7 [WP, LAT 3/8]. Palestinian is killed after being hit in face by tear gas canister. Soldiers impose curfew in Idna village after violent clashes in which at least 7 were injured. IDF uses half-tracks, live ammunition to disperse large demonstration in Nablus [FJ 3/13]. In Hebron-region village of Dura, protesters set fire to municipal building and car belonging to Israeli-appointed mayor. Army demolishes 2 houses in Biddu village near Ramallah [FJ 3/13]. Soldiers prevent faculty members and students from entering Bethlehem U. campus [FJ 3/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestine Press Service Senior Editor Radwan Abu 'Ayyash is arrested, placed under administrative detention [WP 12/10]. In Negev town of Rahat, 200 Israeli border guards and "green patrol" members remove tent used as mosque, confiscate Qur'ans and other religious books [Fl 12/13]. MK 'Abd al-Wahab Darawshah presents defense minister with petition signed by 22 MKs protesting planned deportation of Palestinian activist Mubarak 'Awad [FJ 12/13]. Israeli police and border guards force E. Jerusalem merchants, striking insupport of JEC, to open shops [Fl 12/13]. Israeli authorities demolish Bidya store on charges it was built without permit [Fl 12/13]. Military officials announce arrest of armed Palestinian cell in Qalqiliyyah [Fl 12/13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Gaza Strip's Jabalya refugee camp, IDF soldiers shoot at crowd of students throwing stones and Molotov cocktails, killing 1 and wounding at least 10 [WP, NYT 12/10]. Israeli troops clash with protesters near Gaza's Shifa Hospital, wounding 2 [NYT 12/10]; 12 others are reported shot, wounded in Gaza Strip [LAT 12/12]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jewish settlers open fire on demonstrating secondary school students in Gaza Strip; 1 schoolgirl is killed [WP 11/11]. Police arrest 2 Galilee Arabs on suspicion of murdering Israeli soldier [FJ 11/15].

Arab World: PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat meets with King Hussein of Jordan in Amman [FJ 11/15].

Other Countries: Israeli Pres. Chaim Herzog holds talks with U.S. Pres. Reagan and Sec. of State Shultz, addresses U.S. Congress [WP 11/11].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops use tear gas, live ammunition to disperse Islamic University students protesting murder of schoolgirl; 2 students are reported injured [WP 11/11]. Israeli soldiers and border guards uproot 1,200 olive trees from Negev land owned by al-Nassarah tribe; 3 tribe members are injured [FJ 11/15].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli High Court dismisses petition aimed at halting al-Aqsa Mosque renovations [FJ 11/1].

Other Countries: Israeli Delegate to UN Benjamin Netanyahu attacks Syrian proposal for UN conference on terrorism [NYT 10/29].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF soldiers clash with Bethlehem University students commemorating Kafr Qasim massacre; 2 students are seriously wounded [FJ 11/1]. Israeli troops uproot estimated 2,000 olive trees in Negev, claiming trees are on state-owned land [FJ 11/1].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: U.S. Sec. of State George Shultz flies to Israel for official visit [WP 10/17]. Beersheba court orders 48 bedouin families evicted from disputed land in the Negev and fines each family IS 3,000 [FJ 10/25]. Beersheba magistrate sentences border guard to 6 months imprisonment for beating Palestinian truck driver in 1984 [FJ 10/25]. Israeli officials ban all Arabic daily newspapers in occupied territories [FJ 10/25].

Other Countries: Former U.S. Pres. Jimmy Carter says he met with PLO officials while on visit to Algiers earlier this year [FJ 10/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Violence erupts against Arabs in Jerusalem after stabbing death of Jewish seminary student on 11/15. Three Palestinians have been charged with the murder [BG 11/18; JP 11/29]. Members of International Federation of Journalists meet with P.M. Shamir to request release of Palestinian journalist Akram Haniyyah and revocation of his expulsion order [FJ 11/21].

Arab World; Syrian Pres. al-Asad denies British and U.S. accusations of Syrian involvement in failed attempt to bomb El Al jet [NYT 11/17].

Other Countries: The Sunday Times (London) reports that then-P.M. Peres ordered Mossad in September 1986 to capture Mordechai Vanunu and return him to Israel [LT 11/16]. (Vanunu is a former nuclear technician who sold secrets related to underground atomic bomb factory in the Negev to The Times.) Pres. Herzog's visit to Singapore draws angry protest from Southeast Asian Muslims [LT 11/17].

Military Action

Arab World: Two Israeli bombers attack PLO bases near Sidon. Fateh reports heavy casualties and property damage [NYT 11/17]. Witnesses claim 2 PLO members were killed and 5 others wounded in the raid [PI 11/18].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli officials refuse comment on report on nuclear weapons factory (JP 10/6).

Other Countries: In London, Sunday Times reports Israel secretly manufactures nuclear weapons at Dimona in southern Negev and has stockpiled at least 100 nuclear weapons, making it sixth-ranked nuclear power in the world. Story is based on testimony of Mordechai Vanunu (ST 10/5; NYT 10/7; WP 10/6).

Military Action

Arab World: Amal and Palestinians fight for sixth consecutive day. Later in day, fighting eases as cease-fire is announced. Representatives of Amal and Palestinian National Salvation Front meet with Syrian V.P. Khaddam (NYT 10/6).