13 / 15150 Results
  • January 7, 2013

    IDF general and head of Central Command Nitzan Alon approves 2 settlement outposts nr. Nablus by combining them into 1 settlement named Rechalim. (PCHR 1/10)

    In the West Bank, IDF troops...

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  • April 23, 2001

    A car bomb explodes in Or Yehuda, outside Tel Aviv, lightly injuring 4 Israelis. The PFLP claims responsibility (see 4/2). In the West Bank and Gaza, Israeli-Palestinian clashes...

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  • March 17, 2000

    The U.S. announces a "major gesture" to Iran, acknowledging (but not apologizing for) past meddling in Iran, including the 1953 CIA-backed coup that restored the monarchy; promising...

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  • December 7, 1998

    In Washington, Israeli FM Sharon informs Pres. Clinton, Secy. Albright that Israel will not carry out the 2d stage of the FRD by 2/18, claiming PA has violated "every paragraph" of Wye; warns...

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  • March 10, 1998

    Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan, Israeli PM Netanyahu meet in Tel Aviv, hail "new beginning" to Jordan-Israel relations, announce full restoration of security cooperation. (MM 3/10; ITV...

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  • January 22, 1998

    In Washington, Clinton meets with Arafat, encourages him to accept U.S. FRD proposal (see 1/20). Arafat refuses, saying that he expects Israel to hand over 91% of the est Bank before the final...

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  • September 12, 1997

    Secy. of State Albright leaves Israel for Syria, saying that she has not made progress toward resuming Israeli-PA talks, she will not return until Israel, the PA "have made hard decisions." After...

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  • July 31, 1997

    In Ramallah, the PC votes (56-1) to urge Arafat to dissolve the EA within 1 mo., appoint a new cabinet. After the session, Israel prevents 18 PC mbrs. fr. returning to their homes in Gaza. (CSM,...

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  • July 31, 1996

    Fmr. Israeli negotiator and Peres aide Yossi Beilin confirms Hirschfeld's 7/14 report. PA confirms Beilin's statement. (MM 7/31; QY 7/31 in FBIS 7/31; CSM, NYT, WT 8/1; QY 7/31, JP 8/1 in FBIS 8/1...

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  • June 14, 1994

    Israeli PM Rabin, during tour of Jericho area, accuses PLO of violating 5/4 agreement by arresting Gaza Strip collaborators.  Rabin says arrests could affect timetable for releasing Palestinian...

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  • January 17, 1991

    After day of multinational force bombing successes against Iraq, Baghdad fires as many as 8 SCUD missiles at Israel, hitting Tel Aviv, Haifa, and less populated areas [NYT, LAT, WT, WP, MEM 1/18...

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  • June 24, 1987

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: Over 400,000 Arabs from within the green line join in general strike to demand equal rights and end to discriminatory practices [JP 6/25...

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  • December 5, 1986

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli reports contend that Israel became involved in the arms deal with Iran after the U.S. requested help in freeing William F....

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IDF general and head of Central Command Nitzan Alon approves 2 settlement outposts nr. Nablus by combining them into 1 settlement named Rechalim. (PCHR 1/10)

In the West Bank, IDF troops patrol in Bayt Umar village nr. Hebron, then fire rubber-coated steel bullets at stonethrowing Palestinians who confront them, wounding 1 child. The IDF also patrols in ‘Aqabat Jabir r.c. nr. Jericho at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in and around Bethlehem and in 1 village nr. Hebron at night. (PCHR 1/10)

Israel’s Shin Bet security service reports that 12/2012 saw a 400% increase in what the organization classifies as ‘‘terrorist attacks’’ in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Israeli media promote the statistics as reinforcing recent remarks by IDF col. Yaniv Alaluf that a 3d intifada is already underway. Shin Bet also says that Palestinians fired 1 mortar from the Gaza Strip during the whole of 12/2012. (ToI 1/7)

U.S. pres. Barack Obama nominates Republican Chuck Hagel as his next defense secretary and counterterrorism adviser and John Brennan as head of the CIA. Hagel is expected to meet opposition over his record on Israel and Iran, while Brennan has faced criticism by human rights groups over his views on mistreatment of prisoners during interrogations. (REU 1/7)

The Lebanese army says that the U.S. has given 200 armored vehicles to Lebanon in order to support the armed forces’ ability to respond to crises. (REU 1/7)

Israel’s fin. min. Yuval Steinitz visits Washington, D.C., to press U.S. officials to tighten sanctions on Iran further and give Tehran a clear ultimatum, backed with a credible military threat, to halt its nuclear program. (AP 1/7; JP 1/8)

A car bomb explodes in Or Yehuda, outside Tel Aviv, lightly injuring 4 Israelis. The PFLP claims responsibility (see 4/2). In the West Bank and Gaza, Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, leaving 1 Palestinian dead; a 2d Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. The PSF claims to fire antitank weapons at 7 IDF tanks, 2 bulldozers, foiling their attempt to reenter Rafah to demolish more homes (see 4/14). A roadside bomb explodes outside Ariel settlement, causing no damage. At a funeral for a PSF officer in Gaza, a 12-yr.-old Palestinian boy is shot dead, 14 Palestinians are wounded when settlers, IDF soldiers at a nearby settlement open fire thinking the PA's 21-gun salute is gunfire aimed at them. The IDF also directs heavy machine gun fire at Gaza airport. (AP 4/23; Interfax 4/23, MENA, al-Quds 4/24 in WNC 4/25; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/24)

PA and Israeli security officials hold a round of "constructive" talks at the U.S. amb.'s residence in Israel, with CIA participation (see 4/4). Arafat makes a public statement in Arabic that he does not "agree to any form of attack on Israeli or Palestinian civilians." (AP 4/23; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/24; AP, NYT 4/25; SA 4/25 in WNC 4/26; DUS 4/27 in WNC 4/30; WJW 5/3)

Iran sponsors an NGO conference in support of Palestinians' human rights in Tehran. Attendees call on states to take actions in support of the Palestinians (such as providing aid, boycotting Israel) instead of making statements of support. (IRNA 4/23 in WNC 4/25)

The U.S. announces a "major gesture" to Iran, acknowledging (but not apologizing for) past meddling in Iran, including the 1953 CIA-backed coup that restored the monarchy; promising steps toward the return of assets frozen since the 1979 revolution; lifting a ban on imports of Iranian luxury goods; easing restrictions on Iranian academics and athletes visiting the U.S. Secy. of State Albright adds that the U.S. will also consider the upcoming trial 13 Iranian Jews as a "barometer of U.S.-Iran relations." (NYT, WP, WT 3/17; NYT, WP 3/18; IRNA 3/18, 3/19 in WNC 3/21; NYT 3/19; MM 3/20; AYM 3/21 in WNC 3/23; CSM, MM 3/24; NY 4/27) (see 2/2)

Lebanon grants asylum to 1 of 5 Japanese Red Army mbrs. who just completed prison terms for passport forgery. The other 4 mbrs. are deported to Jordan, which hands them over to Japanese officials for extradition to Tokyo, where they will stand trial for bombings they carried out there in the 1970s. When they hear the news, angry demonstrators rally outside Lebanese PM Salim al-Huss's home. Huss claims Lebanon did not have an agmt. with Jordan, Japan to send the 4 back to Tokyo. (NYT, WP 3/18; al-Safir 3/18 in WNC 3/21; NYT 3/19; MM 3/21; WP, WT 3/22; MEI 5/5) (see 7/31/97)

In Washington, Israeli FM Sharon informs Pres. Clinton, Secy. Albright that Israel will not carry out the 2d stage of the FRD by 2/18, claiming PA has violated "every paragraph" of Wye; warns Clinton not to raise Palestinian expectations during his upcoming visit. Sharon asks CIA Dir. George Tenet to reconsider his opposition to spy for Israel Jonathan Pollard's release. (MM 12/8; WJW 12/10)

Knesset postpones no-confidence vote on Netanyahu to 12/21 in light of Pres. Clinton's trip to the region this weekend. (MM 12/7; MM, NYT, WT 12/8; MA 12/8, IDF Radio 12/9 in WNC 12/11; WJW 12/10; MEI 12/11)

In Nablus, PA police clash with 100s of Palestinians demonstrating against Israel's refusal to release political prisoners, injuring 19. Demonstrators set fire to 2 police cars, a bus. 50 Palestinians are injured, 1 is killed in other West Bank clashes with the IDF. 4 Israeli border policemen, 2 settlers are also injured. (NYT, WP, WT 12/8; MM 12/9; PR 12/11)

U.S. Health Secy. Donna Shalala arrives in Lebanon on an official visit. Shalala, the highest ranking Arab American in the U.S. government, is also the highest ranking U.S. official to visit Lebanon in yrs. (MM 12/9)

The U.S. drops Iran fr. list of major drug-producing countries, saying it has largely eliminated the illegal opium trade. (WT 12/8)

3-day Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) mtg. opens in Abu Dhabi. FMs fr. Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE discuss recent mtgs. with U.S. Secy. of State Albright in Washington, where Albright asked them to come up with new ideas on how to deal with the Iraqi government, how the Iraqi opposition could be used. (MM 12/7, 12/8, 12/10, 12/16) (see 11/24)

Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan, Israeli PM Netanyahu meet in Tel Aviv, hail "new beginning" to Jordan-Israel relations, announce full restoration of security cooperation. (MM 3/10; ITV, QY, RJ, RMC 3/10 in WNC 3/11; JTV 3/10 in WNC 3/12; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/11; SA 3/14, JT 3/16 in WNC 3/17; JTV 3/15 in WNC 3/17; JP 3/21) (see 3/8)

Jordan, Iran hold talks on allowing academic, collegiate exchanges btwn. their countries. (IRNA 3/10)

Nr. Hebron, IDF soldiers open fire on van of Palestinian laborers, killing 3, wounding 5. Israel arrests 2 soldiers, then releases them, claiming that they "followed regulations" when van tried to "crash through the roadblock," run them over. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/11; IDF Radio 3/11 in WNC 3/12; PR 3/13; al-Ayyam, al-Quds al-Arabi 3/13 in WNC 3/16; CSM 3/18; PR 3/20; JP 3/21; MEI 3/27)

Based on classified testimony fr. the FBI that cannot be viewed by lawyers, U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service orders 6 Iraqis who aided the CIA in failed attempts against Saddam Hussein be deported because they pose "a danger to the national security." (NYT 3/11)

In Washington, Clinton meets with Arafat, encourages him to accept U.S. FRD proposal (see 1/20). Arafat refuses, saying that he expects Israel to hand over 91% of the est Bank before the final stages of the permanent status talks. Arafat agrees to renegotiate the 12/17 MOU on security, gives Clinton 2 letters: one, requested by the U.S., formalizing Palestinian recognition of Israel's right to exist, spelling out for the 1st time which of the 33 articles of the 1968 PLO charter were annulled in 1996; the other saying that a "time-out" on Israeli settlement construction should extend to every place on the West Bank that is not within 50 meters of an existing settlement structure. After mtg., Clinton says that he hopes that land for peace will prevail in the Middle East that "the Palestinians can realize their aspirations to live as a free people." (NYT, WP, WT 1/23; ITV, MENA 1/23, JT, RE 1/24 in WNC 1/27; MM, WT 1/26; MEI 1/30; MA 2/3 in WNC 2/4)

CIA Dir. George Tenet meets with Arafat at his hotel to discuss security issues, 12/17 MOU on security. (NYT, WP 1/23)

Israeli Interior Min. approves 2 building plans for the Palestinian neighborhood of Ras al-Amud in Jerusalem: "Arab sector" plan includes the construction of "additional public space," 1,020 housing units; "Jewish sector" plan includes 132 housing units. Construction permits are not issued automatically; Jewish, Arab landowners must apply to the local authority for permits. (IGPO 2/4; MM, NYT 2/5) (see 9/14/97)

U.S. orders deportation of Hani al-Sayigh, a Saudi Arabian suspected of involvement in the 6/96 bombing of the U.S. barracks at al-Khobar. Sayigh fled Saudi Arabia for Canada (3/97), which then extradited him to the U.S. (6/97) at Washington's request to provide testimony linking Iran with the bombing. Sayigh failed to provide such information, and the U.S. was forced to drop charges of collusion against him for lacked evidence. He faces possible execution if he is sent back to Saudi Arabia. (NYT, WP) (see 9/9)

IDF opens fire with rubber bullets, live ammunition, teargas, percussion grenades on Palestinians protesting bulldozing of land nr. Neve Dalim settlement, injuring 4. (PCHR 1/24) (see 1/21)

Israel launches Ofek-4 satellite to spy on Iran, Iraq, Syria, but it disintegrates before entering orbit. (ITV 1/23 in WNC 1/27; WT 1/24; MM 1/26; JP 2/7)

Secy. of State Albright leaves Israel for Syria, saying that she has not made progress toward resuming Israeli-PA talks, she will not return until Israel, the PA "have made hard decisions." After arriving in Damascus, she holds a 4-hr. talk with Pres. Hafiz al-Asad to assess possibility of resuming Israeli-Syrian negotiations. (MM 9/12; SATN 9/12 in WNC 9/16; NYT, WP, WT 9/13; MM 9/15; CSM 9/17; SA 9/17 in WNC 9/19; MEI 9/26)

PA presents a plan to break the infrastructure of Islamist groups to U.S.-PA-Israeli tripartite security panel. CIA, Israeli officials say they are pleased with PA initiative. (WP 9/16; CSM 9/17)

Israel suspends all joint economic projects with Russia following reports that Russia is aiding Iran's missile development. U.S. State Dept. says that Pres. Clinton will soon send a special envoy to Moscow to discuss the issue. (MM 9/12 in WNC 9/15; WT 9/13) (see 9/11)

Heavy IDF-Hizballah clashes take place along the n. border of Israel's self-declared security zone in s. Lebanon, leaving 4 IDF soldiers wounded, 2 Hizballah mbrs.--including the son of Hizballah Secy. Gen. Hassan Nasrallah--dead; IDF troops seize the bodies of the Hizballah mbrs. Soon after, the IAF hits Lebanese army positions n. of the self-declared security zone, killing 6 Lebanese soldiers and 1 civilian, wounding 5 soldiers. (WP, WT 9/13; ITV, RMC 9/13 in WNC 9/16; NYT, WP, WT 9/14; JP 9/20)

In Ramallah, the PC votes (56-1) to urge Arafat to dissolve the EA within 1 mo., appoint a new cabinet. After the session, Israel prevents 18 PC mbrs. fr. returning to their homes in Gaza. (CSM, WP, WT 8/1; LAW 8/7; PR 8/8)

With less than 24-hrs. notice, Syrian Pres. Asad travels to Iran as head of a delegation comprising his VP, FM, several senior military cmdrs.; discusses Syrian-Iranian relations with outgoing Pres. Rafsanjani. (MM 7/31; RMC 7/31 in WNC 8/1; MM 8/1; SATN 7/31, IRIB Television [Tehran] 8/1 in WNC 8/4; MA 8/3 in WNC 8/5; MEI 8/8)

Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan, FM Tarawnah meet with EU special envoy Moratinos. (RJ 7/31 in WNC 8/1)

Following a mtg. with his inner cabinet, PM Netanyahu threatens to send commandos into PA areas to preempt any new anti-Israeli attacks, to halt transfer of all tax revenues to the PA, to jam all Palestinian radio and television broadcasts; calls on the U.S., international donors to halt aid to the PA. (MM 7/31; RMC 7/31 in WNC 8/1; CSM, WP, WT 8/1)

IDF detains 2 Palestinian families fr. the West Bank town of Dahariyya whose sons have been missing for over a yr., but they are unable to identify the 7/30 bombers' bodies. Israeli cabinet orders the arrest of PA's Gaza police cmdr. Brig. Gen. Jabali for encouraging attacks on Israeli settlements (see 7/23). PA police arrest 28 Hamas mbrs., including Rantisi. PA, Israeli security forces hold 2 mtgs. during the day. (MM 7/31; IDF Radio, QY, RMC 7/31 in WNC 8/1; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 8/1)

New York City police seize 5 pipe bombs, arrest 1 Egyptian, 2 Jordanians in a raid on a Brooklyn apartment. Police were tipped to the bombs by a Pakistani, Muhammad Shindli, who believed that his friends, Ghazi Ibrahim Abu Mayzar and Lafi Khalil (who both identify themselves as Palestinian), were planning to bomb the New York subway. Abu Mayzar had stated in his application for asylum in the U.S. that he had been arrested in Israel on charges of "being a mbr. of a terrorist organization." The 3d man, Egyptian `Abd al-Rahman Musabah, is detained as a witness. Hamas denies any connection to the men. (NYT, WP, WT 8/1; RJ 8/1 in WNC 8/4; NYT, WP 8/2; AFP 8/2 in WNC 8/5; NYT, WT 8/3; al-Hadath [Amman] 8/4 in WNC 8/5; NYT 8/5; WJW 8/7; MEI 8/8)

Unnamed Gulf diplomats reveal that Sidi al-Madani al-Ghazi Mustafa al-Tayyib, financial director for Saudi dissident and alleged "terrorist financier" Osama bin Laden, has been in custody in Saudi Arabia since 5/97. Saudi authorities have passed some of Tayyib's revealed information to the CIA, FBI to track militant groups in Detroit, New York. (WT 8/1)

Lebanese court sentences 5 Japanese Red Army mbrs. to 3 yrs. in jail on charges of forging official stamps, illegal entry into Lebanon, forging passports. (VOL 7/31 in WNC 8/1; CSM, WP 8/1) (see 7/29)

Fmr. Israeli negotiator and Peres aide Yossi Beilin confirms Hirschfeld's 7/14 report. PA confirms Beilin's statement. (MM 7/31; QY 7/31 in FBIS 7/31; CSM, NYT, WT 8/1; QY 7/31, JP 8/1 in FBIS 8/1; CSM 8/2; WT 8/7; PR 8/9; JP 8/10)

Arafat says PA has reached agmt. with Israel for release of Hamas spiritual leader Shaykh Ahmad Yasin, is awaiting implementation. (QY 7/31 in FBIS 8/1)

Palestinian prisoner Mahmud Jumayil dies, becoming the 7th to die in PA custody. In Bethlehem at its weekly session, PC sets up comm. to investigate the death; Arafat says 3 officers already have been detained. (VOP 8/1 in FBIS 8/1; VOP 8/1 in FBIS 8/2; MM, NYT, WT 8/2; Houston Chronicle 8/5; PR 8/9; MEI 8/16; WP 8/20) (see 7/30)

CIA tells Congress's Select Comm. on Intelligence that 6 countries (China, Cuba, France, Iran, Israel, Russia) are involved in industrial espionage against the U.S. Israel denies the charge. (ITV 7/31 in FBIS 8/1; WP 8/16)

Hizballah attacks IDF, SLA position in s. Lebanon. IDF, SLA return fire, killing 1 Hizballah mbr. (JP 8/1 in FBIS 8/1; VOL 8/1 in FBIS 8/2)

Israeli PM Rabin, during tour of Jericho area, accuses PLO of violating 5/4 agreement by arresting Gaza Strip collaborators.  Rabin says arrests could affect timetable for releasing Palestinian prisoners.  (WSJ, WT 6/15)

PLO official Nabil Shaath arrives in Gaza "to stay."  (MM 6/15)

Palestinian police officer in Gaza shot late 6/13 dies, 1st such casualty since start of self-rule.  Officer allegedly shot accidentally by another officer, but circumstances unclear.  (MM 6/14; WT 6/15; TJT 6/17)

Ha'Aretz reports Jerusalem municipality is contemplating placing liens on Orient House, unofficial PLO HQ in Jerusalem, for unpaid local taxes.  (MM 6/14)

Human Rights Watch-Middle East issues report accusing Israel of systematic torture of Palestinian prisoners and detainees.  Report says torture and ill-treatment persist despite peace agreements with PLO.  (MM, WT 6/15; CSM 6/17)

Syrian Pres. al-Asad, Lebanese Pres. Hirawi hold summit in Damascus, agree to step up coordination of positions in negotiations with Israel.  (MM 6/15)

Mohammed al-Khilewi, frmr. 1st secy of Saudi UN mission, applies for political asylum in U.S.  Al-Khilewi accuses Saudis of supporting Hamas, spying on U.S. Jewish organizations.  (WSJ 6/15)

WP reports U.S. concern with North Korean nuclear-weapons program motivated in part by CIA assessment of potential danger to Israel from missile exports to Iran, Libya, and Syria, possible sales of nuclear arms to terrorist groups.  (WP 6/14)

After day of multinational force bombing successes against Iraq, Baghdad fires as many as 8 SCUD missiles at Israel, hitting Tel Aviv, Haifa, and less populated areas [NYT, LAT, WT, WP, MEM 1/18].

Saddam Hussein defies 2d day of bombing in Baghdad by touring Iraq's capital; vows to defeat multinational force and liberate Palestine; calls on all Arabs to help resist U.S. [NYT, LAT, WP, MEM 1/18].

Anti-U.S. demonstrations erupt in Algeria, smaller protests in European cities but European gov'ts. give full backing to war effort; Iran condemns U.S.-led invasion; Pres. Gorbachev blames Iraqi intransigence for war, but only after trying to get Pres. Bush to postpone attack long enough for Soviet diplomats to try to speak to Saddam Hussein; Japan pledges additional aid for allied effort [MEM 1/17; NYT 1/18].

Turkey's parliament authorizes U.S. fighters and bombers to launch attacks on Iraq from Incirlik Air Base near Adama on the Mediterranean [NYT, LAT, MEM 1/18].

New York Times reports of CIA's psychological warfare against Iraq: broadcasting anti-Saddam propaganda into Iraq, circulat- ing audio and video cassettes depicting Saddam's regime as corrupt, and smuggling radios into Iraq to receive American broadcasts [NYT 1/19].

Curfew in Gaza continues; Israel places West Bank under curfew [JDS, IDF 1/17 in FBIS 1/17].

PLO Executive Committee issues statement decrying U.S. for beginning Gulf war and calling for worldwide resistance [AVP, MAP, AFP 1/17 in FBIS 1/18; MEM 1/17; WP 1/18].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Over 400,000 Arabs from within the green line join in general strike to demand equal rights and end to discriminatory practices [JP 6/25; FJ 6/28]. Palestinian woman is shot and wounded by Israeli soldiers who open fire after stone-throwing incident [FJ 6/24]. Meir Kahane and followers attack 2 Jerusalem residents at Damascus Gate [FJ 6/28]. Israeli military court convicts officer and 5 soldiers of torturing Palestinian prisoners at Ansar II detention center [FJ 6/28]. Nablus military court imposes 4 and one-half-year prison sentence on landbroker 'Abdullah 'Awdah on charges of land fraud in W. Bank [FJ 6/28].

Arab World: 'Ali 'Usayran, son of Lebanese defense minister, and his driver are released by their kidnappers; American Charles Glass is still being held [WP 6/25].

Other Countries: Congressional panel investigating Iran-contraffair details CIA role in Israel's November 1985 shipment of American arms to Iran [WP 6/25]. Amnesty International adopts Faysal Husayni, director of Arab Studies Society who was arrested 4/13, as a prisoner of conscience [FJ 6/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli reports contend that Israel became involved in the arms deal with Iran after the U.S. requested help in freeing William F. Buckley, CIA agent held hostage in Lebanon [LAT 12/6; BS 12/7]. F. M. Peres calls for international ban on sale of chemical weapon materials to Iraq and Syria UP 12/7].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Israeli soldiers fire at stone throwers in Balatta refugee camp, killing 14-year-old Palestinian boy [WP, GU 12/6]. Reports indicate the boy was not among those throwing stones. Shops and businesses in Ramallah and Jerusalem close in a 3-day mourning for the victims of the Birzeit University clash [FJ 12/12].

Arab World: Cease-fire talks in Damascus collapse. Reports say as many as 20 are killed, 59 wounded in Palestinian-Amal clashes around Shatila and in hills near Sidon [NYT 12/6; PI 12/7].