The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Ignoring request from DM Rabin, 5 Tehiya MPs light Hanukka candles in Nablus, IDF bars settlers from participating [JP 12/26]. PM Peres states US Sec. of State Shultz sent him letter seeking greater Israeli spending cuts [NYT 12/26].

Arab World: Chrmn. Arafat cancels meetings with Jordanian officials due to illness [NYT 12/25].

Military Action

Arab World: IDF enters 'Ain al-Hilweh, arrest 12 after explosion outside building used by pro-Israel National Guards militia [JP 12/26].

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Arab World: Lebanese Shi'ite and Druze leaders call for Pres. Gemayel's resignation.

Other Countries: US Senate Finance Committee begins hearings on issue of establishing free trade relations with Israel. US Sec. of State Shultz, in Brazilia, accuses Syria of "trying to dominate Lebanon by force." Pres. Reagan orders use of air and naval forces against anti-gov't. positions around Beirut. Late American journalist Fred Sparks' $25,000 bequest to PLO diverted to Red Cross for work with Palestinians; decision results from protest suit taken up by 3 American Zionist organizations. Speaking in Melbourne, former Pres. Carter calls for US withdrawal from Lebanon. European Parliament Pres. Dankert criticizes Israeli policy in Middle East before Knesset and in mtg. with PM Shamir.

MILITARY ACTION:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Nisreen Ahmed Shrouf, 5 years old, killed, 2 brothers and 2 sisters wounded in Bethlehem when grenade explodes in hand; grenade suspected planted by "TNT."

Arab World: Shi'ite and Druze forces take over most of West Beirut from LAF/Phalange; demand Gemayel's resignation. 2 Israelis wounded when grenades hit IDF patrols south of Zahrani River; grenade attacks on IDF patrols in Sidon and Nabatiya market. US gunships Garcia and JF Kennedy and A-6 Intruder bombers pound mountain positions near Beirut.