The Palestine Chronology

Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the Gaza coast nr. al-Waha for the 3d consecutive day, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, Jewish settlers nr. Hebron attack farmers working nr. a settlement and drive them from the land. Palestinian and Israeli protesters demonstrate against settlement expansion and the occupation in separate protests in 2 villages nr. Hebron. In both cases, the IDF attacks the protesters, causing no injuries. The IDF patrols in 1 village each nr. Jericho, Ramallah, and Tulkarm in the morning, in 1 village each nr. Jericho and Ramallah in the afternoon, and in 1 village nr. Ramallah at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron and 1 village nr. Jenin at night. (PCHR 1/3)

Egyptian amb. to Lebanon Ashraf Hamdy tells Lebanese media that Cairo intends to forge close relations with Hizballah, due to its significance within Lebanese society and the political arena. (JP 12/29)

Palestinian pres. Abbas says that if Israel continues with its settlement plans, then the Palestinian side will consider taking the Jewish state to the ICC. Abbas makes his remarks at a news conference in Ankara with Turkish pres. Abdullah Gul, who says that Israel is ‘‘playing with fire’’ in its latest move to construct settlement units in Jerusalem and the West Bank. Israeli FM Avigdor Lieberman responds by saying that ‘‘If the Palestinians want peace—they’ll get peace. If they want war—they’ll get war.’’ Lieberman also says that any future rocket fire from the Gaza Strip would prompt a full-scale invasion of the territory and that tax revenues will be withheld from the PA until at least 3/2013 in response to the UN decision to upgrade Palestine’s observer status. Israeli media reports that Lieberman has instructed the Foreign Ministry to pursue an international diplomatic campaign portraying Abbas and Hamas leader Mishal as fellow rejectionists. (AFP, JP, YA 12/11; REU 12/12)

Israel issues tenders for the construction of 92 homes in Ma’ale Adumim settlement in the West Bank nr. Jerusalem. In occupied East Jerusalem, Israeli police demolish a Palestinian home in al-Tur neighborhood on the grounds it was built without a permit. The house was home to 11 residents and had been inhabited for over 4 yrs. In the West Bank, the IDF opens fire on protesters in Ni‘lin village nr. Ramallah, wounding 1 civilian in the leg. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Jericho and 1 area nr. Jenin in the morning, and in al-Fawar r.c. and 1 village each nr. Hebron, Jericho, and Tulkarm at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Hebron and al-‘Arub r.c., also nr. Hebron, at night. (AFP, WAFA 12/11; PCHR 12/13)

The Pentagon notifies Congress that it wants to sell Israel around 6,900 tail kits used to convert free-fall bombs into satellite-guided ordnance, a resupply deal worth around $647 m. (Bloomberg 12/11)

Israel announces that it will build 3,000 new settlement housing units as a response to the successful Palestinian UN vote, as well as advance plans for thousands more units in occupied East Jerusalem and the area known as E1, between Jerusalem and Ma’ale Adumim settlement. White House spokesperson Tommy Vietor says the Israeli decision is ‘‘counterproductive’’ and makes ‘‘it harder to resume direct negotiations or achieve a two-state solution.’’ Palestinian pres. Abbas says he has no immediate plans to take Israel before the ICC in The Hague, but suggests it could be a future option. (AFP, YA, HA, JP 11/30)

U.S. secy. of state Hillary Clinton praises the PA in a speech at Brookings Institutions’ Saban Forum 2012 in Washington, D.C., for ‘‘building a security force that works every single day with the IDF’’ and being ‘‘nationalistic—but largely secular.’’ (HA 12/1)

The Palestinian Ministry of Public Works in the Gaza Strip announces that the Hamas government will sign an agreement with Egypt next week to enable construction materials to enter the territory via the Rafah crossing. (MNA 12/1)

In the Gaza Strip, the IDF fires on Palestinian civilians and farmers close to the border fence in separate incidents nr. Jabalya, Khan Yunis, al-Bureij r.c., and Bayt Hanun; a total of 10 Palestinian civilians are injured. The IDF also mortally wounds 1 Palestinian civilian nr. Rafah when Israeli forces open fire on dozens of Palestinians nr. the border fence; he dies on 12/1. In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, 1 village each nr. Jericho and Hebron in the afternoon, and in Hebron and 1 village each nr. Hebron, Jericho, Ramallah, and Tulkarm at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Ramallah at night. Israeli soldiers violently disperse weekly nonviolent demonstrations held by Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, al-Nabi Salih) and 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara). There are no serious injuries, except in Bil‘in, where 1 Palestinian is shot in the hand with a rubber-coated metal bullet, and another Palestinian is wounded in the leg by a tear-gas canister. (PCHR 12/6)

Abbas convenes a special PC session to mark the 40th anniversary of the 1967 war and Israeli occupation, warning Palestinians that internal fighting undermines their national aspirations. While Israel does not officially mark the day, some 300 Israeli peace activists in Hebron protest the occupation, exchanging words with 30 Jewish settlers holding a counterdemonstration. In Gaza, the IDF bulldozes Palestinian land nr. al-Maghazi to improve lines of sight. The Israeli navy fires on Palestinian fishermen off the coast of Rafah, forcing them back to shore. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts arrest raids, house searches in Qabatya (firing rubber-coated steel bullets, tear gas at schoolchildren, prompting stone throwing; more IDF gunfire that leaves 8 Palestinians, including 6 children, wounded). In Gaza, Hamas, Fatah mbrs. exchange fire nr. Qarni crossing, leaving several wounded. Unidentified gunmen raid the Gaza City offices of the Palmedia press agency, stealing a computer, TV editing equipment; no group claims responsibility. (OCHA 6/6; NYT, WP, WT 6/6; PCHR 6/7)

In Gaza, IDF troops occupy the Dahaniyya airport, seal the Rafah crossing (reopened on 8/10), raze large areas of agricultural land, destroy several greenhouses and sites used by the PA security forces, blow up what it says is a smuggler’s tunnel. In the West Bank, the IDF raids 2 hospitals in Hebron, conducts random ID checks on the streets in search of wanted Palestinians, but makes no arrests; patrols in, fires on residential areas of Azun, Jenin; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Balata r.c., nr. Bethlehem. Jewish settlers fr. Kiryat Arba attack Palestinian homes in Hebron. Unidentified gunmen shoot, wound a PA General Intelligence officer in Gaza City. (OCHA 8/16; PCHR 8/17)

Hizballah, the Lebanese government endorse UN Res. 1701, Hizballah says it will maintain its “natural right to resist” in keeping with international law as long as IDF troops “are practicing an occupation and acts of aggression” inside Lebanon. Meanwhile, the IDF continues heavy air and artillery strikes across Lebanon, mostly targeting infrastructure and roads, including destroying electricity plants nr. Sidon, a Lebanese army base in the Biqa‘ Valley, 2 homes nr. Bint Jubayl (killing at least 15 Lebanese civilians); air strikes are concentrated around Sidon and Tyre (cutting electricity to Tyre), in the north btwn. Akkar and Arida, and in central s. Lebanon nr. Bint Jubayl. The IDF also rapidly expands ground offensives in the south, sending in additional troops and artillery, with heavy clashes reported in the Bint Jubayl area, in Ghanduriyya and Dayr Sirin s. and w. of Marja’uyun, and s. of Tyre. Hizballah continues to fire rockets into n. Israel (hitting targets in Kiryat Shimona, Ma’alot, Safad and nearby Amirim) and downs an IDF helicopter, killing 5 IDF soldiers (including Israel’s 1st female combat fatality). The casualty toll during the day includes 24 IDF soldiers dead (2 when an IDF tank rolls over them) and 70 wounded, and at least 26 Lebanese civilians, 1 Lebanese soldier killed; the IDF claims to have killed 50 Hizballah mbrs. in the previous 24 hrs. (al-Manar TV 8/12; NYT, WP, WT 8/13)

Palestinians fire 2 rockets fr. Gaza towards Ashkelon, damaging a building; in response, IDF artillery shells n. Gaza, hitting an apartment building, causing damage but no injuries; the IDF closes the Sufa commercial crossing into Gaza for the day. The IDF demolishes 2 Palestinian homes in and just southeast of Jerusalem; conducts arrest raids nr. Bethlehem, Qalqilya and in Askar r.c., Bayt Jala, Qabatya (occupying 2 homes as observation posts), Tulkarm. Nr. al-Arub r.c., IDF soldiers stop and search a Palestinian school bus; when a student on the bus allegedly opens a window without permission, a soldier shoots him in the face, seriously wounding him. Jewish settlers fr. Elon Moreh nr. Nablus vandalize Palestinian homes in nearby Bayt Furik; the IDF intervenes, removes the settlers. AMB Nablus cmdr. Nasir Abu Aziz says the Nablus faction will take steps to foil the success of the Hamas-led government, saying “we would continue opening fire until they [Hamas] fail in their cabinet as they foiled Fatah.” (IMEMC, XIN 2/14; HA, PCHR 2/16)

The IDF raids Yatta, detains several candidates in the 1/25 elections after they conclude a rally; bars Fatah candidates fr. crossing a checkpoint nr. Qalqilya to attend a campaign rally in Azun Itma village; raids a Fatah campaign rally in East Jerusalem, detaining Fatah candidate Uthman Abu Gharbiyya; conducts arrest raids, house searches nr. Dura (occupying 3 Palestinian homes as observation posts), Jenin and in Bethlehem, Hebron, Yatta. IDF troops stationed on the central Gaza border detain 7 Palestinian teenagers (ages 13–15) fr. Nussayrat r.c. attempting to sneak into Israel to find work. Some 3,000 Palestinian, Israeli, and international protesters led by several Palestinian candidates to the 1/25 elections take part in the weekly nonviolent march against the separation wall in Bil‘in; the IDF fires tear gas to disperse the crowd. A Jewish settler moderately injures a Palestinian in a hit-and-run nr. Nablus. (IMEMC 1/20; Gush Shalom press release, JAZ 1/21; PLO Negotiation Affairs Dept. press release 1/23; PCHR 1/26)

The IDF conducts arrest raids, house searches nr. Hebron (occupying 2 houses as observation posts); occupies a house in Nablus as an observation post. Jewish settlers beat 2 Palestinians nr. Tulkarm. In Qalqilya, 10s of armed AMB mbrs. storm, seal a government building, demanding jobs; PA security forces do not intervene. (HA, IMEMC 8/13; OCHA 8/17; PCHR 8/18)

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) passes a resolution (668– 269) that condemns Israeli operations in the occupied territories, calls for dismantling of the separation wall, urges members to use financial means to “advocate for peace with justice,” but denies it is calling for divestment and rejects the idea of a boycott. An ELCA spokesman says the intention is to encourage “positive investment” to encourage the peace process, not to pull out funds. Jewish organizations say the move is “a camouflaged call to divest.” (REU 8/13; JAZ, YA 8/14; HA 8/15)

The IDF fatally shoots a Palestinian nr. the Gaza border; sends troops into Silat al-Harithiyya, fires on houses, then fires on stone-throwing youths who confront the troops, wounding 1; fires on a car crossing the Abu Huli checkpoint in Gaza, wounding 3 Palestinians; begins leveling a 180-d. stretch of land s. of Hebron for construction of the separation wall; bars Palestinian shepherds fr. grazing their flocks in an area immediately n. of Ma’on settlement nr. Hebron; conducts arrest raids, house searches nr. Jenin, in Silwad and Ramallah. Nr. Ramallah, 2 Palestinian boys (ages 11, 13) are injured when they accidentally detonate a piece of unexploded IDF ordnance. A Palestinian dies of injuries received in Hebron on 12/27/04. (JTA 1/25; VOP 1/25 in WNC 1/25; OCHA 1/26; PCHR 1/27; OCHA 2/2)

The IDF revives its psychological warfare unit after 5 yrs. of suspended activity, allotting 70 positions for officers, soldiers to conduct propaganda, psychological warfare, disinformation in the occupied territories. (HA 1/25; JAZ 1/26)

Palestinians across the West Bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem observe a general strike. IDF soldiers seriously beat mbrs. of an Egyptian TV crew filming the strikes nr. Qalqilya; fatally shoot 1 Palestinian wanted for killing a Jewish settler on 7/24. The IDF also bars a pregnant Palestinian fr. crossing a checkpoint to reach a hospital to deliver her baby; directs shells/heavy machine gun fire residential areas of Gaza City, Rafah; shuts the Rafah crossing; reinforces the closures on Jinin, Khan Yunis, Tulkarm. Jewish settlers attack Palestinian residents of Hebron. Israeli police arrest 10 protesters outside Orient House. (AP, HA, HP, REU 8/13; AYM 8/13 in WNC 8/14; CNN, NYT, WP, WT 8/14; MENA 8/14 in WNC 8/15; NYT 8/15)

     Late this evening, the IDF sends tanks and bulldozers, escorted by helicopters, into Jinin to surround PA offices, demolish the local PSF headquarters and a PSF checkpoint; soldiers also occupy the local governor's office. The PSF, which evacuated the sites hrs. earlier, does not engage the IDF troops; the incursion sparks only isolated exchanges of gunfire, which leave 3 Palestinians wounded. Israel says the move--marking the IDF's 1st sustained foray into a major PA-controlled city--is to punish the PA for not halting a number of recent suicide bombers who have come fr. Jinin; says it has no intention of permanently reoccupying the area. (AP, HA, HP 8/13; CNN, NYT, WP, WT 8/14; ITAR-TASS 8/14 in WNC 8/15; MEZ, NYT, WT 8/15; SA 8/16 in WNC 8/17)

Egypt dispatches a high-level delegation, led by Mubarak adviser Baz, to Washington for 4-days of talks with U.S. officials to urge the U.S. to focus on restarting Israeli-Palestinian negotiations as well as resuming security contacts. (MENA, SA 8/13 in WNC 8/14; WP 8/14; MENA, SA 8/14 in WNC 8/15; NYT 8/16)

A Hamas suicide bomber detonates a device at a crowded West Jerusalem pizzeria, killing 13 Israelis, 1 American, 1 Brazilian and wounding at least 90. Afterward, angry Israelis in Jerusalem, Jewish settlers in Hebron attack Palestinians in the streets, with little intervention fr. Israeli police, soldiers. Fearing a massive Israeli strike, Palestinians throughout the occupied territories close offices and stores, take refuge in their homes. Meanwhile, Palestinian gunmen fire on a vehicle nr. Jinin, killing 1 Jewish settler, wounding 3. The IDF directs heavy machine gun fire at residential areas of Bayt Lahia, Jericho, Khan Yunis, Nablus, Rafah; bulldoze a Palestinian home in Gaza. (AP, BBC, HA 8/9; ITAR-TASS, MENA 8/9 in WNC 8/10; NYT, PMC, WP, WT 8/10; JT 8/10 in WNC 8/13; WP 8/11)

Immediately after the bombing, the IDF senior command, Israeli cabinet convene separately to discuss response scenarios. The cabinet agrees to a new strategy of hitting PA targets only with the aim of forcing Arafat to choose btwn. a full cease-fire, destruction of the PA. This evening, Sharon meets with his security cabinet, which also decides to set up new police stations in East Jerusalem. (HA 8/9; CNN, HA, JP [Internet], LAW, NYT, REU, WP, WT 8/10; MENA 8/10 in WNC 8/13; WT 8/11; Times [London] 8/13; WT 8/15)

Late tonight (2:00 a.m. local time), Israel sends F-16s to destroy a PSF post in Ramallah; sends more tanks into Gaza, bulldozing 1 PSF post. Israeli security forces occupy 10 unofficial PLO offices in East Jerusalem, including Orient House (the symbolic PLO FMin.); also detain 8 Orient House employees for questioning, confiscate files, remove the Palestinian flag, raise an Israeli flag. The IDF takes over the Abu Dis mayor's residence, several surrounding homes Israel claims are used as PA security command centers, marking the 1st reoccupation of sites in area B. Sharon declares that "Orient House will not open again. Ever. We will not leave Abu Dis." The State Dept. says the actions mark a "political escalation." Russia warns Israel has crossed a "dangerous line." In response, Israel removes the Israeli flag fr. Orient House. (HA 8/9; CNN, HA, JP [Internet], LAW, NYT, REU, WP, WT 8/10; MENA 8/10 in WNC 8/13; WT 8/11; JT, al-Quds 8/12 in WNC 8/14; Times [London] 8/13; AYM 8/13, SA 8/14 in WNC 8/15; ATL 8/15 in WNC 8/16)

A PA security court in Nablus sentences another Palestinian to death for collaborating with Israel in the 2/19 assassination of Hamas mbr. Mahmud Madani. (Independent [Internet] 8/10)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue. 1 Jewish settler is fatally shot nr. Itamar settlement. 1 Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. IDF bulldozers push 150 yds. into PA-controlled territory nr. Netzarim settlement to demolish Palestinian agricultural land. The IDF also shells residential areas of Tulkarm. (NYT 5/8; WP, WT 5/9; al-Quds 5/9 in WNC 5/10; WJW 5/10; LAW 5/11; MA 5/11 in WNC 5/14)

Dismissing Mitchell Comm.'s conclusion that settlements are a barrier to peace, Sharon vows to continue expanding Jewish settlements; says settlements are not illegal because they are built "not on occupied territory, but disputed territory." The State Dept. says Sharon's plans (announced 5/6) to seek an additional $350 m./yr. for settlement construction "risks further inflaming the already volatile situation . . . and is provocative." (NYT, WP 5/9; WP 5/10; MEI 5/18)

Israel's Public Security Min. says it has drawn up a list of 11 offices operated by the PA in East Jerusalem, which it plans to close in the near future to "thwart any activity by the PA infringing on our sovereignty in Jerusalem." (MA 5/8 in WNC 5/9; WJW 5/10; AYM 5/10 in WNC 5/11)

Palestinians across the occupied territories stage most violent protests in 7 mos. to mark the 11th anniversary of the beginning of the intifada. PM Netanyahu claims PA is deliberately escalating violence ahead of Clinton's visit. IDF responds with percussion grenades, rubber-coated bullets, live ammunition, leaving 1 Palestinian dead, some 200 injured. The worst clashes are in Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah. In Jericho, Palestinians throw rocks through the windows of the new Oasis casino. Settlers threaten to stage their own demonstrations; ask IDF permission to open fire on Palestinians who approach their border fences. Hamas spiritual leader Shaykh Ahmad Yasin joins prisoners' hunger strike (see 12/5). (CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 12/10; YA 12/10 in WNC 12/14)

Israel's High Court unanimously votes to overturn 50-yr.-old statue exempting Ultraorthodox Jews fr. serving in the IDF. (NYT, WP, WT 12/10)

IDF court-martials soldier who was ambushed, beaten by Palestinians in Ramallah 12/3 for not carrying a loaded weapon, leaving his post without permission. Top IDF cmdrs. say that he should have shot his attackers. (WP, WT 12/10; PR 12/11; JP 12/14)

Acting on Israeli complaints, PA police raid a Palestinian factory in Hebron manufacturing counterfeit compact discs of Israeli artists. (YA 12/9 in WNC 12/14)

Over 80% of settlers in Ganim sign draft bill prepared by Labor, saying that they would to evacuate the settlement in exchange for financial compensation. (ITV 12/9 in WNC 12/14) (see 12/8)

Iraq refuses to accommodate UN Special Comm. (UNSCOM) weapons inspectors demanding access to a Ba`th party offices. (CSM, WT 12/10; WP 12/11)

Secy. of State Christopher begins mission to revive Arab-Israeli talks with meeting in Alexandria with Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, stating "the situation in Lebanon, perhaps paradoxically, has given a new burst of energy to the negotiations." (NYT 8/3)

PLO Chm. Arafat meets Egyptian Pres. Mubarak after latter's talks with Secy. of State Christopher. (MENA 8/2 in FBIS 8/3)

Palestinian hijacks UNRWA bus in Gaza Strip, killing Israeli civilian employee of military government. (NYT 8/3)

Poll of Palestinians in o.t. conducted by Jerusalem Media and Communications Centre in conjunction with CNN and Dutch TV finds 51.7% oppose Palestinian-Jordanian confederation, 55.9% oppose continuation of peace talks on the Madrid formula, 50.1% support Palestinian withdrawal from talks, 87.7% believe PLO needs democratic reform, 32.9% support dividing Jerusalem, and 50.9% trust leadership of "national movements," as against 24.1% for "Islamic movements." Poll has margin of error of +3%, confidence level of 95%. (JMCC poll) Responding in part to complaints by Palestinian members of the Orthodox Church that the Patriarchate has been passing land to the Israeli government, Ecumenical Council of Orthodox Churches decides to boycott Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Diodoros I. (al-Fajr 8/16)

Lebanese govt. orders army to prepare for redeployment in south. UN Secy.-Gen. Butrus-Ghalinforms Lebanese PM Rafiq Hariri of UN approval of move. (WP, WT 8/3)

Prime Min. Shamir indicates he will head Israeli delegation to the peace conference, not FM David Levy. Invitations sent to the parties by the U.S., USSR had called for talks at the "ministerial level," a diplomatic phrase usually interpreted to mean participation by officials holding rank of foreign minister or below. (NYT 10/24)

Arab foreign ministers representing Syria, Egypt, Jordan, along with representative of Lebanon's foreign ministry and head of PLO political department meet in Damascus to discuss strategies for peace conference. They were later joined by foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, representing the Gulf states, and Morocco, representing North African states (except Libya). (MEM 10/23)

Strike called for 10/22 by three groups in o.t. partially observed in E. Jerusalem, elsewhere in West Bank, but not in Nablus, Jenin. Residents of Gaza city observe strike, but not those in the refugee camps. (MEM 10/25)

Members of the Jewish Ateret Cohanim seminary move into a house in the Muslim quarter of E. Jerusalem. Group claims the house was owned by Jews driven out by Palestinian rioting in 1929. Settlers occupying a building in Silwan seized 10/9 from Palestinian residents petition Israeli high court of justice to allow them to remain. Group also seeks permission to move into four other buildings from which they had been evicted by police. (MEM 10/24)

European Community official announces EC, Israel have reached agreement over long-standing dispute over status, place of residence of EC official who will be sent to monitor EC economic aid to Palestinians in the o.t. EC had sough to post the official in the territories; Israel objected, seeking to place the representativen Tel Aviv instead. The EC has set aside $100 million in aid for Palestinians in the o.t. (MEM 10/24)

Human rights organization Middle East Watch issues report on condition of 18,000-20,000 stateless Palestinians in Kuwait. The Palestinians, who were either born in Gaza during the British Mandate, during the period of Egyptian administration of Gaza (1948-67), or who are descendants of those born there, have lived in Kuwait for decades but do not hold citizenship in any country. They do not carry Israeli Gaza identity cards but merely hold Egyptian travel documents, and are thus unable to legally live anywhere. According to the report, Kuwait intends to expel these persons to Iraq 11/15. (MEM 20/24)

Hundreds of Jewish settlers invade Silwan, on outskrits of East Jerusalem, and occupy eight Palestinian homes they claim were bought or leased from the government but occupied by Palestinians. Occupation of the homes was planned by Housing Minister Ariel Sharon, and several right-wing Knesset members, including Michael Eytan, Yuval Ne'eman, and Ge'ula Cohen, joined the settlers in a move some openly stated was an attempt to bring down the government of PM Shamir and disrupt U.S. efforts to convene a peace conference [see 10/4]. Police evacuate most of the homes, but PM Shamir tells settlers they can control one of them. Shamir calls settlers' action "unnecessary" and takes no action against Sharon. (MEM 10/9; WP 10/10, 10/14)

Sharon announces he will challenge PM Shamir for the Likud party's nomination for prime minister in 1992. (WP 10/11)

Israeli human rights group B'Tselem states Israel has once again begun deporting family members of West Bank, Gaza residents who do not possess residency permits. Most of those facing deportation are non-resident Palestinian women who married residents of the occupied territories, and their children; non-resident family members are not automatically granted residency permits by Israeli military authorities. Some 200 Palestinians had earlier been deported from territories during second half of 1989 for similar reasons. At B'Tselem's request, Israeli military agreed to suspend deportations pending an investigation. (NYT, WP 8/16) 

Prime Min. Shamir states sovereignty of occupied territories is subject to negotiations, despite past statements ruling out such talks. (WP 6/6)

Pres. al-Asad meets with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo to discuss U.S.-sponsored peace initiative. (NYT 6/6) 

Secy. of State Baker modifies 5/22 statement concerning Israeli settlement-building as an obstacle to peace, notes that "other obstacles" present equal difficulties. Baker was criticized by American Jewish organizations, some U.S. senators, for singling out Israel in his remarks. Pres. Bush backs Baker's criticism of Israeli settlement building. (NYT, WP 5/24)

Israel begins airlifting remaining 16,000 Ethiopian Jews in Ethiopia to Israel in "Operation Solomon" following secret talks with the collapsing government of Ethiopia. 5/22 letter from Pres. Bush to acting Ethiopian Pres. Lt.-Gen. Tesfaye Gebre-Kidan promising U.S. mediation efforts in Ethiopian civil war in return for unrestricted Jewish emigration paved way for airlift. Bush had earlier written Ethiopian Pres. Mengistu Haile Mariam in April urging release of the Jews. Unnamed U.S. official states Bush asked Israeli Prime Min. Yitzhak Shamir not to settle the Ethiopians in the occupied territories. Aide to Shamir confirmed Israel told U.S. it had "no intention" of settling immigrants on what he termed "occupied land." Simha Dinitz, Israel'senior immigration official, confirmed that none would be placed in occupied territories. Western relief workers complained that valuable resources expended on operation could have been used to aid Ethiopian famine victims remaining in Ethiopia. Airlift comes as Israel is struggling to absorb nearly 250,000 Soviet Jewish immigrants who arrived in past 20 months. 12,000 Ethiopian Jews were airlifted to Israel in "Operation Moses" in 1984 before Arab criticism prompted Ethiopian government to halt exodus. 8,000 others came to Israel after emigration resumed on small scale in 1989. By beginning of 1991, more than 20,000 Ethiopian Jews were living in Israel. (NYT, WP 5/25, 5/26; LAT 5/27; NYT 6/6)

U.S. state department issues cautious statement on 5/22 Syrian-Lebanese treaty, noting that it will monitor events to determine if Lebanon's independence is respected. (WP 5/25)

Israeli Def. Min. Spokesman Danny Naveh states that Israel will release all Lebanese prisoners held by Israel, including alleged Hizballah spiritual leader Shaykh 'Abd al-Karim 'Ubayd, in exchange for Israeli prisoners held in Lebanon. Hizballah spokesman added that Israel must release Lebanese and Palestinian prisoners, that Hizballah could only release those Israelis it holds and not those held by other groups. A total of seven Israelis were captured or reported missing in Lebanon since 1982 Israeli invasion, of whom only two are believed to be alive. Hizballah admits to holding two Israelis. Hizballah is seeking release of Shi'ites held both by Israel and Israeli-backed South Lebanon Army. Agreement came in wake of statement earlier in the week by Shaykh 'Abbas al-Musawi, new leader of Hizballah, that Hizballah would release the two Israelis if Israel freed Lebanese and Palestinian prisoners it held. The proposed exchange could lead to release of Western hostages held in Lebanon as well. (WP 5/25; NYT 5/26)

U.S. joins other 14 members of U.N. Security Council in voting to deplore 5/18 deportation of four Palestinians from Gaza. (WP, LAT 5/25; see JPS 80, doc. A5) 

Iraqi gov't says only state-run Iraqi Airways planes may land in Iraq; reaffirms that those people allowed to leave may do so only on these planes [LAT, WP 9/4; MET 9/11].

Iraq refuses landing rights to British, Swiss, and French charter flights that were to have brought women, children out of Iraq and Kuwait [LAT 9/1, 9/2; NYT 9/4].

Iraqi F.M. Aziz urges nations with many citizens in Iraq and Kuwait to supply food to Iraq, saying it could not be responsible for what happened to them as a result of shortages [LAT 9/4].

Chedli Klibi, longtime Sec.-Gen. of Arab League, abruptly resigns, giving no reason, but it was widely reported he was upbraided by Saudi and Syrian officials for not putting sufficient pressure on Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait [AFP 9/3 in FBIS 9/4; WT, MEM 9/4; NYT 9/5; CSM 9/6; MET 9/11].

U.S. official reports American combat aircraft have been deployed in Oman, Qatar, UAE, and Bahrain for first time [NYT, MEM 9/4].

Pres. Mubarak meets with U.S. delegation including 15 senators led by Claiborne Pell (D-RI) and 22 representatives headed by Richard Gephardt (D-MO) [MENA 9/3 in FBIS 9/5].

As part of Gulf tour, British foreign sec. Douglas Hurd arrives in Jeddah for 2-day working visit, meets with Saudi officials, including King Fahd [SPA 9/3 in FBIS 9/6].

In speech marking 1,000th day of intifada, Arafat says Palestinians can only take sides against "Zionism and its imperialist allies," confirms the PLO Gulf peace initiative calling for "withdrawal of occupation forces from Kuwait, Iraq, Iran, Palestine, Lebanon, and the Golan," and that occupation forces should be replaced by UN [MEM 9/3].

Over 10,000 people gather at rally in Amman to celebrate 1,000th day of intifada and show support of Iraq [MEM 9/4]; in W. Bank, stores usually closed remain open in celebration [WT 9/5; LAT 9/6; FJ 9/10].

Sec. of Economic Development Group in E. Jerusalem says lack of funds coming from Gulf states and lost jobs of Palestinians could harm "tens of thousands of families" in O.T.; adds drying up of funds could hurt "the future of a Palestinian state" [LAT 9/4]; other officials agree [CSM 9/6].

Jerusalem Post reports 18,800 immigrants arrived in Israel in August, including 17,500 from USSR-more than in any one month since 1951 [MEM 9/3].

Israel's gov't-run television and radio ban the use of Arabic names for Palestinian villages and towns, ordering journalists and broadcasters to use the biblical Hebrew names [NYT 9/5; FJ 9/10].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli pres. Chaim Herzog calls upon Likud leader Shamir to form new government; Shamir invites Labor into coalition [WP 11/15].

Other Countries: Washington Post publishes report, documents alleging that American Israel Public Affairs Committee endorses candidates and is connected to other pro-Israel PACs that distribute campaign funds [WP 11/14]. Pres. Reagan says that PLO is making "some progress" at the PNC meeting in Algiers [WP 11/15].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus troops shoot, wound 18-year-old Palestinian. In Gaza 3 Palestinians are shot, wounded by Israelis. Military authorities destroy or seal 9 Palestinian homes in the occupied territories. Troops arrest 54 Palestinians during sweep of the W. Bank [WP 11/15].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: The West Bank Data Base Project releases 2 reports: One charges there is a double standard in the justice system of the occupied territories; the other argues the population of the occupied territoriess 1.7 million instead of the official Israeli figure of 1.4 million and that Palestinians in the occupied territories are worse off in terms of economic and social development than they were at the beginning of the occupation [WP, CSM 10/19]. Israel's Supreme Court rules that Kach cannot compete in upcoming Israeli elections, that the Progressive List for Peace can run. Kach leader Meir Kahane calls for Kach supporters to boycott the upcoming election [WP, NYT 10/19]. Report in Christian Science Monitor says that Palestinians living in the occupied territories and earning the equivalent of $16,000 per year are taxed at 55 percent, while Israeli settlers earning about $30,000 per year are taxed at 48 percent [CSM 10/ 19]. Police order Dar al-Tifl school in East Jerusalem closed for 10 days [FJ 10/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: During clashes in Nablus Israeli troops shoot, kill 2 Palestinian boys, wound 5 others including American press correspondent [WP 10/19, FJ 10/ 23]. Demonstrations occur throughout the occupied territories: in Gaza City 18-yearold Palestinian is shot, wounded; in Nusayrat 14-year-old Palestinian is shot, wounded; in Jerusalem 16-year-old Palestinian is shot, wounded [FJ 10/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian with Israeli-supplied Uzi machine-gun shoots a 26-year-old Palestinian [NYT 10/4]. Demonstrations occur throughout the occupied territories; in Nablus one Palestinian is shot, wounded; in Jabalya troops wound one Palestinian while using live ammunition and tear gas to break up demonstrations; in Gaza City one Palestinian is shot, wounded during clashes; in Beach camp 3 Palestinians are shot, wounded [FJ 10/11].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: The Israeli government asks the U.S. to extend diplomaticmmunity to workers at its military purchasing office in New York [WP 9/12].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Kafr Zibad soldiershoot, wound 4 Palestinians. Troops arrest more than 60 Palestinians in raids throughout the occupied territories. In Beach camp 5 Palestinians are injured during protests [FJ 9/18].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: The United States and Israel conclude an agreement that will allow for joint monitoring of human rights practices in the occupied territories [NYT 6/26].

Other Countries: Transtech Corporation halts tear gas sales to Israel in response to Arab-American pressure and reports of misuse [NYT 6/26].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Police use tear gas to break up demonstrations in Jerusalem and near Bethlehem [FJ 7/3]. In Kharabatha, villagers clash with settlers trying to bum crops and trees [FJ 7/3]. The army uses rubber bullets to break up demonstrations in Nablus [FJ 7/3].

SociaL/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: The Washington Post reports Israel's political parties are hoping to raise $13 million in campaign donations from American Jews for the upcoming elections [WP 6/5]. A 3-day strike protesting Shultz' visit to the Middle East enters its 2nd day in the occupied territories [WP 6/5].

Arab World: Sec. of State Shultz and King Hussein meet in Amman to discuss U.S. Middle East peace plan. Hussein wants assurances that settlement will be based on "land for peace" formula [WP 6/5].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nusayrat camp 35 Palestinians are injured during clashes with Israeli troops [FJ 6/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gaza residents begin registering to receive new identity cards; residents must pay taxes in order to receive new cards [WP, NYT 5/11]. General strike is observed in occupied territories [FJ 5/15]. Trials begin for Qabatiyyah residents charged in connection with 2/24 lynching of collaborator [FJ 5/15]. Water supplies restored to village of Bayt Fajjar, near Bethlehem [FJ 5/15]. Resident of Ta'amrah village shot in 3/30 clash dies [FJ 5/15].

Arab World: Speaking in Baghdad, PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat charges U.S. has threatened to assassinate PLO leaders if PLO attacks U.S. targets [WP 5/11].

Other Countries: U.S. vetoes UN Security Council resolution condemning 2-day Israeli sweep in S. Lebanon [WP 5/1 1]. F. M. Peres holds talks with 2 Soviet officials in Madrid [MET 5/19].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: In village of Till near Nablus, 4 Palestinians are wounded by army gunfire when residents protest military raid [FJ 5/15]. Israeli troops use live ammunition to disperse demonstrators in village of Ramin, near Tulkarm. Several army raids of W. Bank villages are reported. Ramallah-area village of Kafr Malik is still sealed. Curfews remain in force in Duhayshah refugee camp, Irtas village, and Balatah refugee camp [FJ 5/15].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Maj. Gen. Amram Mitzna announces intention to release all Palestinians under 16 years of age not convicted of serious offenses. Settlers erect sign in Bayta to commemorate Israeli girl killed there 4/6 [LAT 4/16]. Hebron, Nablus, and other W. Bank population centers are declared off limits to journalists [LAT 4/16]. In Beach and Jabalya camps, soldiers confiscate IDs, order residents to pay taxes and utility bills [FJ 4/17]. Israeli journalist Ya'acov Afrat is arrested for security reasons [FJ 4/24].

Other Countries: U. S. vetoes UN Security Council resolution calling on Israel to end deportation of Palestinians from occupied territories [LAT, NYT 4/16].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Demonstrators clash with Israeli troops after Friday prayers in Nablus, Ramallah, and al-Birah. Youth is shot, wounded by live ammunition in Bayt Hanun [LAT 4/16]. Israeli sources report 10 Palestinians are injured by army gunfire in Jabalya camp. Curfews continue in Bayta village and Jalazun, Am'ari, and Balatah camps [FJ 4/17].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Israeli television interview, Def. Min. Rabin reveals more than 1,000 Palestinian activists have been arrested in past week, bringing total number of Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons to at least 4,400 [WP 3/30; LAT 4/1].

Other Countries: Richard Schifter, U.S. asst. sec. of state for human rights and humanitarian affairs, defends Irael's use of force in occupied territories. Amnesty International cls on Israel to insure Palestinian human rights during 3-day sealing off of territories [WP 3/30].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Army reports violent clash between soldiers and Palestinians in village of Zaytand Tulkarm; about 20 Palestinians are injured by live ammunition, rubber bullets, and tear gas [WP 3/30; FJ 4/3]. Soldiers and protesters clash in Am'ari and Qalandiya camps [FJ 4/3]. Curfews are in force in Jenin camp, nearby Qabatiyyah village, Qalqiliyyah, Zayta, 'Askar camp, and Jalazun camp [FJ 4/3]. Curfew in Gaza Strip is lifted for 1 hour. W. Bank residents are restricted to own communities [WP 3/30]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Dozens of Palestinian activitists are reported arrested [WP 3/21]. In interview with Radio Israel, Yossi Ben Aharon, aide to P.M. Shamir, says "possibility always exists" that Israel might strike Saudi Arabian missile sites [WP 3/23]. Two Palestinians die of wounds sustained in earlier clashes: Silwad village resident injured 3/14 and Nazlat 'Isa resident injured 3/16 [FJ 3/27]. Neteuri Karta movement donates $6,000 to 2 Palestinian hospitals in W. Bank [FJ 3/27].

Arab World: U.S. envoy Philip Habib meets with Egypt's Pres. Mubarak in Cairo before flying to Amman for talks with Jordanian officials [LAT 3/21].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Bethlehem, Israeli soldier guarding govemment office building is gunned down. Assailant escapes [WP 3/21]. Troops close several framers markets in occupied territories [WP 3/21]. In 'Ubaydiyyah, near Bethlehem, Israeli soldiers demolish 2 houses whose owners are suspected of attacking collaborator. Authorities also demolish 3 houses in Silat al-Harthiyyah village whose owners firebombed an Israeli patrol. At least 2 demonstrators are injured during fierce demonstrations in Rafah's Shabura neighborhood. Several protesters are injured in clashes on W. Bank. Bethlehem and 'Azzah camp are under curfew. Yamun and Bani Na'im villages are sealed [FJ 3/27].