The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Poice raid W. Jerusalem Alternative Information Center, confiscate material, arrest director, and order center closed for 6 months on charges center has been "rendering services" to PFLP [NYT 2/18; FJ 2/20]. Trial of John Demjanjuk, accused of being Treblinka concentration camp prison guard known as "Ivan the Terrible," opens in Jerusalem [GU 2/17].

Arab World: Washington Post describes Saudi Arabian arms build-up asresponse to Israeli military threat [WP 2/16]. Syria asks Amal to ease its siege of Burj al-Barajinah and Shatila refugee camps in Beirut and Rashidiyyah camp near Tyre [OB 2/17]. Kuwait announces plan to contribute $5 million to joint PLO-Jordanian fund [NYT 2/18].

Other Countries: Reports confirm U.S. has upgraded Israel's status to non-NATO ally [PI 2/16].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Soldiers shoot and wound 9 youths during 2 demonstrations in Gaza City. As punishment for campus demonstrations, military authorities order Islamic University of Gaza closed for 3 days. Demonstrations are also held in Khan Yunis and Rafah. Commercial strike closes most shops and students block roads in Jerusalem. Roger Heacock, American Birzeit University professor, isarrested on charges of incitement. Military attempto storm Ramallah's Teachers Training College and break up demonstration fails [FJ 2/20].

Arab World: At least 25 killed, 100 wounded in fierce street fighting between Amal, communist, Druze, Palestinian, and Murabitun forces in W. Beirut [BS 2/17].

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].