The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Peres tells 21-member Council of Europe, in Strasbourg, that Israel is willing for Gaza Strip residentso be given Jordanian passports, states that the "only framework" that holds promise for peace between Israel and its neighbors and for solving the Palestinian problem is "direct negotiations between a Jordanian-Palestinian delegation and an Israeli delegation" [JP 4/23]. Israeli army sources state there have been 67 incidents of shooting, planting explosive devices, and throwing hand grenades and gasoline bombsince January of this year, compared with 104 during the period between August to December of 1985 [JP 4/23].

Arab World: PLO officials inAmman state Jordan has deported 7 Fateh officers from the Karameh force who sided with Yasir Arafat in conflict with 'Atallah 'Atallah (Abu Za'im) [BG 4/23; JP 4/24]. Reports from Amman indicate that 40 to 100 more Palestinians may be facing deportation as well [FJ 4/25]. Jordan has increased its restrictions on the entry of prominent pro-Fateh Palestinians from the West Bank and is turning them back at the bridges; Jordanian authorities have begun bureaucratic harassment, confiscation of passports at the border, and lengthy questioning of Fateh supporters [JP 4/23].

Other Countries: Seventeen people, including a retired Israeli general, are indicted in New York on federal charges of conspiring to sell Iran more than $2 billion worth of American weapons, in violation of U.S. arms embargo; Israeli embassy denies Israeli govt. involvement in the matter [WP, WSJ 4/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli bus driver Shlomo Hatuka, injured in 4/12 attack on his bus near Ramallah, dies of gunshot wounds suffered in the incident [WP, JP 4/23].

Arab World: Two members of PLO are wounded during shoot-out at PLO office in Amman; reports say 'Atallah 'Atallah (Abu Za'im) tried to shoot his way into his office after finding it locked [WP, MG 4/23]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Al-Najah U. officials condemn 4/22 seizure of university-owned land by IDF as attempt to expand nearby Jnaid prison [FJ 4/26].

Other Countries: In Athens, former Austrian PM Bruno Kreisky, Western diplomats announce Israel to exchange 1,000 Palestinian prisoners for 3 IDF soldiers captured in 1982 and held by PFLP-GC; ICRC serving as intermediary [LAT 4/24].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian taxi driver shot, killed in Jerusalem with IDF-issue rifle; authorities fear revenge killing in response to 4/19 killing of Israeli taxi driver [JP 4/24]. IDF court in Lydda convicts Ahmad Safuri of 4/16/84 grenade attack on IDF base which injured one soldier [JP 4/24].

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: Lebanese Forces evacuate hills overlooking Sidon [MG 4/24]. IDF kill 2 resistance fighters on Jabal Baruk. RPG fired at IDF post near Saleh. RPG fired at IDF position in Burj al-Shamali. Shots fired at IDF vehicle in Qasmiya region; no IDF casualties in any of the actions [JP 4/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jerusalem court convicts David Ben-Shimol of murder in 10/28/84 rocket attack on Palestinian bus near Jerusalem, 9/22/84 grenade attack on E. Jerusalem coffeehouse; sentenced to life imprisonment [WP 4/18]. US Navy Sec. John Lehman indicates US to build submarines, missiles, patrol boats in coordination with Israel [JP 4/18]. Occupied territories observe Prisoners Day with meetings, visits to families of prisoners [FJ 4/19]. Democratic Front for Peace and Equality calls for closure of al-Fara'a prison in W. Bank [FJ 4/19].

Arab World: Lebanese Cabinet resigns in wake of fighting between Murabitoun, Palestinian fighters and Amal, PSP militias in Beirut [NYT 4/18]. UNRWA closes Beirut office in wake of fighting [MG 4/18].

Other Countries: UN Sec. Council approves (13-0, 2 abst.) extension of UNIFIL mandate in S. Lebanon until 10/19 [BG 4/18].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in Lebanon: Amal, PSP militias engage in heavy fighting with Murabitoun, Palestinian fighters in Beirut; Marabitoun effectively destroyed [NYT 4/19]. IDF planes bomb DFLP base in Bar Elias; no report of casualties [NYT, PI 4/18]. 3 IDF troops injured by roadside bomb near Kafr Kanna [MG 4/18]. Mine blast wounds 3 IDF soldiers in western occupation sector. IDF kill 3 resistance fighters in eastern occupation sector. IDF raid Shabriha, Shuhur; at least 4 arrested [JP 4/18]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Local newspapers carry Agence France Presse report indicating IDF imposed greatest number of harsh sentences on residents of occupied territories in 1984 than any year since 1967; 5,226 convicted in 1984, 64% increase over 1983 [Fl 4/12].

Arab World: Chmn. Arafat meets with delegation of US congressional representatives [LAT 4/12, JP 4/15].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 1 Border Policeman injured by grenade thrown at patrol in Sa'ir; curfew imposed, several arrested [JP 4/14].

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: IDF withdraw from Nabatiya, Jabaa, Habbush, Ansar, Jibsheet, Humin al-Fawqa, Nabatiyah al-Fawqa; retain control of Beaufort Castle [WP, FT, NYT 4/12]. IDF major killed, 2nd soldier wounded, by mine in Hasbaya region [JP 4/14].