The Palestine Chronology

The Arab League closes its 2-day emergency session, issuing a nonbinding resolution calling for a $1 b. Palestinian aid fund, recommending Arab states postpone further normalization with Israel. Tunisia orders Israel to shut its representative offices it Tunis. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/23; MENA 10/23; HJ, IRNA 10/24 in WNC 10/25; HJ 10/24, 1025 HJ, SA 10/26 in WNC 10/30; WJW 10/26; MEI 10/27)

Barak formally suspends the peace process. In response, Arafat states that Palestinians have a right to an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital and "to accept it or not to accept--let [Barak] go to hell." Meanwhile, Israeli-Palestinian clashes escalate further, leaving 4 Palestinians dead, over 100 injured; 2 others die of injuries received earlier. The most violent exchange is nr. Bethlehem, where the IDF orders residents of Aida camp, Bayt Jala, Bayt Sahur to evacuate their homes before ordering machine guns, tanks, and helicopter gunships to fire into the area, targeting buildings fr. which snipers shot into nearby Gilo settlement and destroying 2 Palestinian factories, several houses, a power plant. The gunfire continues overnight. In Gaza, the IDF bulldozes Palestinian agricultural land along roads leading to Morag settlement. Israel also recloses the Gaza airport, reinstates the internal closure on PA areas, shuts crossings into Egypt and Jordan. (ADM 10/22; BDL, LAW, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/23; MM 10/24; MA 10/24 in WNC 10/25; MEI 10/27; AYM 11/12 in WNC 11/13)

In Cairo, 1,000s of Egyptian students protest the failure of the Arab League summit to cut ties with or to call for military action against Israel. There are also reports of at least 1 Palestinian protest in Bethlehem denouncing Arab leaders, especially Mubarak, for the weak Arab League statement. Other rallies in support of the Palestinians are held in Bahrain, London, Ottawa. (WP 10/23; HJ 10/24, SA 10/26 in WNC 10/30; Bahrain Freedom Movement press release 10/25; MM 10/26)

Barak announces an inquiry will be held into the deaths of Israeli Arabs during the recent clashes and a 4-yr. development plan for Israeli Arab areas. Israeli Arabs complain that the inquiry's recommendations will be nonbinding. (NYT 10/23; WJW 10/26; MM 10/30)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes escalate again. In Ramallah, 2 IDF reservists--"at least partially in uniform," driving a private vehicle, most likely armed--stray deep into area A, cross paths with a funeral procession. The crowd, assuming the soldiers are on an undercover operation, attack them and set their car afire. (Some reports say a body burned beyond recognition, possibly a 3d IDF soldier, is found in the vehicle.) PA police intervene and take the 2 reservists into protective custody, removing them to a nearby police station. When news of the incident spreads, 1,000s of Palestinians descend on the station (manned by 21 officers), break in, and kill the soldiers, injuring 15 policemen in the process. Declaring that the PA has "crossed the line," Barak seals borders with Egypt and Jordan, authorizes IDF air strikes against Arafat's headquarters in Ramallah and Gaza, the Palestinian Broadcasting Center in Ramallah, the Gaza port, various PA police stations, including those in Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah. When the strikes occur, Arafat is in his Gaza office waiting for CIA Dir. Tenet to arrive to discuss the possibility of convening the U.S.-Israeli-PA trilateral security comm. (formed in 1998) to explore ways of halting the violence. Neither Arafat nor Tenet is injured, but 43 Palestinians are wounded. In Gaza City, Palestinians pack belongings into cars, prepare to flee. In Jericho, Palestinians set fire to a 6th-century synagogue. Jewish settlers attack, fire on Palestinian cars nr. Bethlehem, Jinin. In retaliation, IDF helicopters fire rockets at the PA police academy in Jericho. During the Israeli air strikes, the PA releases around 60 Hamas, Islamic Jihad prisoners for their safety. (ADM, AP, LAW, MM, NYT 10/12; ATL, AYM, IRNA, LPA, MENA, XIN 10/12 in WNC 10/13; MENA, XIN 10/12, SA 10/13 in WNC 10/16; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/13; WP, WT 10/14; MENA 10/16 in WNC 10/17; WJW 10/19; JP 10/20; MEI 10/27; MA 11/6 in WNC 11/9)

In Yemen's port of Aden, a small, explosive-laden boat rams the USS Cole, an Aegis destroyer in port for refueling, killing 17 U.S. servicemen, injuring 35. (AP, MM 10/12; AFP [Internet], CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/13; NYT, WP, WT 10/14, 10/15, 10/16; MEI 10/27)

In the U.S., the primary concern of the public, government, and media is the attack on the USS Cole, while Israel's attacks on the Palestinian infrastructure, PA offices are viewed as a limited military response to the death of Israeli soldiers in PA custody, if not at the hands of the PA. Clinton, Albright express outrage over the murder, call on both sides to halt the violence. Clinton says he appreciates Palestinian frustration, but "there can be no possible justification for mob violence." 96 senators send Clinton a letter urging him to express solidarity with Israel "at this critical moment." (NYT, WP, WT 10/13; MEI, MM 10/27; MEI 11/10) (see Doc. D4)

Mubarak invites Arafat, Barak, Clinton to Sharm al-Shaykh for a summit. Mubarak also meets with King Abdallah of Jordan on the escalating crisis, upcoming Arab summit. (MENA 10/12 in WNC 10/13; MM, NYT, WP 10/13)

In Biarritz, France, Pres. Chirac convenes an emergency EU mtg. to discuss the escalation of Israeli-Palestinian violence, implores both sides to halt the fighting. (MM 10/13; AFP, EFE [Madrid] 10/13 in WNC 10/16; WP 10/14; SA 10/15 in WNC 10/17)

UN Secy.-Gen. Annan, in Lebanon to discuss the Hizballah kidnapping of 3 IDF soldiers, cuts short his visit, returns to Israel to try to calm the situation. (WP 10/13)

The Arab League denounces the Israel air strikes, warns that "all options" are open to the Arab world if the escalation continues. In Cairo, angry crowds march through the streets demanding Egypt take military action against Israel. In Beirut, demonstrations break out on university campuses. Elsewhere in Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria--including in the Palestinian camps--the streets are quiet; the governments release no official statements on events but heighten visibility of police, military. Anti-Israeli, anti-U.S. demonstrations are noted in Indonesia, South Africa. In the U.S., demonstrations are held in Boston, Dearborn, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, Raleigh, San Diego, Washington. In France, numerous acts of anti-Jewish vandalism, including attacks on synagogues, are noted in Lille, Paris, Rouen. (AP 10/12; AFP [Internet], WP 10/13; JT 10/13 in WNC 10/16; WP 10/14)

At the UN, U.S. Amb. Holbrooke warns Arab, nonaligned diplomats they may "jeopardize" relations with the U.S. if they push for a special session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) to censure Israel, for a UNSC res. calling on Israel to cease hostilities. (TT 10/12 in WNC 10/13; MM 10/13; NYT, WP 10/14)

Despite another attempt to secure a cease-fire, Israeli-Palestinian clashes in Israel and throughout the West Bank and Gaza continue, leaving 10 Palestinians, 7 Israeli Arabs, 1 IDF soldier, 1 Jewish settler dead and some 300 Palestinians injured; 3 Israeli Arabs wounded on 10/1 also die. Israel closes roads in n. Israel, the West Bank, Gaza to civilian traffic. Around 30 exchanges of gunfire btwn. Israeli security forces and armed Palestinian civilians and police are reported. Nr. Tulkarm, Palestinians set afire an industrial plant owned by Jewish settlers. Nr. Hebron, Jewish settlers fatally shoot a Palestinian. The IDF dep. chief of staff Moshe Ya'alon warns that if Palestinians do not stop attacking troops guarding Joseph's Tomb in Nablus, the IDF will move in even though the area is under full PA control; the IDF has taken up positions around areas A but has not crossed into them. Barak authorizes his forces to use "all necessary means" to protect Israeli lives, quell riots. (AP, MM 10/2; AFP, ANSA, EFE [Madrid], Interfax, RL, XIN 10/2 in WNC 10/3; RL, SAPA [Johannesburg] 10/2, JT, HJ, al-Quds, SA 10/3 in WNC 10/6; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/3; HJ, al-Quds, Sabah 10/3, MA 10/6 in WNC 10/10; MM 10/9)

The IDF claims that Muhammad al-Dura, the 12-yr.-old killed at Netzarim Junction on 10/1, had been throwing stones at soldiers before he was shot, contradicting widely broadcast footage of the incident recorded by France 2 TV showing the boy and his father pinned down by gunfire for 45 minutes. The pair were returning from errands and had been dropped off by a taxi, which refused to take them across Netzarim Junction because of heavy IDF fire. (Age [Melbourne], HA [Internet], MM, WP 10/3; MA 10/6 in WNC 10/10)

U.S. secy. of state Albright announces that she will meet with Arafat, Barak in Paris on 10/4 to discuss the clashes, the peace process. All 3 will then meet with Mubarak in Sharm al-Shaykh on 10/5. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/3; Radio France International 10/3 in WNC 10/6)

In Amman, Arafat, King Abdallah discuss the Israeli-Palestinian clashes, call on Israel to pull back forces to restore calm, and urge Arab states to convene an emergency summit. In Cairo, Mubarak, Syrian pres. Asad also call for an Arab summit. Massive rallies protesting Israeli actions are held in Amman, Cairo, Damascus, refugee camps in Lebanon, Yemen. Protests are also held outside Israeli embassies and legations in many European and North American cities, including Ann Arbor, Austin, Brussels, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Montreal, New Haven, New York, Ottawa. (AP, BDL, UPI 10/2; MENA 10/2 in WNC 10/3; MENA 10/2, JT, MENA 10/3, JT 10/4 in WNC 10/6; NYT, WP, WT 10/3; AYM 10/3 in WNC 10/12; MM, WT 10/4; WJW 10/5; HJ 10/5, al-Quds 10/7 in WNC 10/10; JP 10/13)

In Paris, PA Planning M Shaath briefs French pres. Chirac on the ongoing clashes. Chirac calls on both sides to deescalate the violence, calls for an international inquiry into the clashes. (AFP 10/2, 10/3, Le Monde 10/4 in WNC 10/6)

In New York, the UNSC begins closed-door mtgs. on several draft resolutions regarding the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli clashes. Britain, the U.S. lobby against issuing a resolution, saying, at most, a statement should be read. (UPI 10/3; HA [Internet] 10/4; WJW 10/5)

In Damascus, Egyptian pres. Mubarak, Syrian pres. Hafiz al-Asad discuss peace process, U.S.-led attack on Iraq, need for Arab solidarity; call for Arab summit to discuss Iraq's future ties with Arab countries. (MENA, SATN 1/8 in WNC 1/12; WP 1/9)

Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan meets with King Hussein at the royal residence in London, does not designate a regent when he departs Jordan as is customary. (JTV 1/8 in WNC 1/12)

In Turkey's 1st nuclear incident, workers in Istanbul mishandle cement blocks containing discarded cobalt 60 capsules used for cancer treatment, releasing radiation; fail to report it. The incident is gauged a 3 on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) 7-point scale, making it 1 of only 20 incidents to reach that level among 500 accidents on record. (AFP 2/2 in WNC 2/4)

In response to 1/7 incidents, Hizballah fires mortars at n. Israel, causing no damage, injuries. (RL 1/8 in WNC 1/11)

Doha economic summit opens. Only 6 Arab countries (Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Tunisia, Yemen) are among the 66 countries attending. U.S. Secy. of State Madeleine Albright, who originally planned to stay for the whole 3-day conference, attends a few hrs. of the mtg., then leaves for Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia to discuss Iraq's failure to adhere to UN inspections requirements. (WT 11/16; al-Dustur, SATN 11/16, JT, Radio Qatar, SA 11/17 in WNC 11/19; CSM, MM, NYT, WP 11/17; WT 11/18, 11/19; JT 11/19 in WNC 11/21; MEI 11/21; WT 11/23; JP 11/29; Star 12/4 in WNC 12/9)

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu arrives in Indiana to attend mtg. of the General Assembly of Jewish Federations in Indianapolis, then heads to California for function honoring actor Kirk Douglas. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/17; MM 11/18)

In Cairo, PA leader Yasir Arafat briefs Egyptian pres. Husni Mubarak on his talks with U.S. Secy. of State Albright 11/15. (RE 11/16 in WNC 11/19)

Egypt returns its amb. to Qatar. (MENA 11/16 in WNC 11/19) (see 11/7)

Iraq offers to allow American UN Special Commission (UNSCOM) inspectors expelled 11/13 to return, provided UN experts fr. other nations are given equal authority. (NYT, WP, WT 11/17)

150 Palestinians clash with Israel Defense Force (IDF) troops following funeral for boy who was severely injured by IDF 11/11 and died 11/15. (WP 11/17)

Israel's inner cabinet holds 1st discussion of final status talks with PA. (MM 5/28, 5/29; IDF Radio, YA 5/29 in WNC 5/31; MM 5/30; al-Quds 5/30 in WNC 6/3)

In Cairo, Pres. Mubarak, Arafat discuss new Egyptian plan to resume PA-Israeli talks. The proposal reportedly includes a tacit Israeli pause in settlement activity, agmt. to halt attempts to change the status in Jerusalem in exchange for PA security guarantees. (NYT 6/9)

Syrian VP Khaddam leaves Libya after brief visit to encourage a untied Arab stand on the peace process. (Libyan Television Network 5/28 in WNC 5/31) (see 5/26)

Less than 24 hrs. after the Mubarak-Netanyahu mtg., Israeli crews begin tearing down a Palestinian home in East Jerusalem. Israeli court stops the demolition midway, pending a hearing. (WT 5/29) (see 5/25)

UN renews until 11/30/97 the mandate for peacekeeping on the Israeli-Syrian border, which was set to expire 5/31. (UN press release 5/28)

PA-Israeli talks on elections resume in Cairo. Sides discuss updating Palestinian census for voter registration. Israel turns over magnetic tapes of census information, aerial photos of o.t. to help draw up voter districts. (QY, VOP 4/4 in FBIS 4/5; MM 4/5)

Jordan, Israel sign tourism agmt. at Dayr Alla. (JT 4/5 in FBIS 4/5)

Donors' Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) close informal 2-day mtg. in Washington. PA submits FY 1995 budget. Donors agree to cover PA operating costs through April, pending donor plenum 4/27. (HA 3/31 in FBIS 3/31; RE 4/6 in FBIS 4/6; VOP 4/6 in FBIS 4/6; JP 4/8)

Following donor mtg., mbrs. of Palestinian delegation meet with World Bank, IMF, U.S. Dept. of Commerce officials to discuss free Palestinian trade, with U.S. delegations interested in starting joint U.S.-Palestinian development projects in o.t. (VOP 4/6 in FBIS 4/7)

Egypt's Pres. Mubarak visits mbrs. of Congress, lobbies for continuation of aid; holds 2d mtg. with Secy. of State Christopher, discusses NPT, Egypt's economy, methods of expanding peace btwn. Israel, Arab states; receives assurances the administration will push Congress to maintain $2.1 b. aid package. Christopher reportedly blasts Mubarak for Egypt's "lack of support" on NPT issue. (WT, NYT 4/4; MENA 4/4 in FBIS 4/5; MENA 4/4 in FBIS 4/6; WT 4/5; CSM 4/6; MM 4/7; MEI 4/14)

Knesset delays bill that would allow government to transfer tax funds to the PA to ease its financial burden after Tsomet asks to turn vote into no-confidence motion. (JP 4/4 in FBIS 4/4)

Israeli FM Peres, Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, FM Amr Musa meet in Cairo, discuss NPT dispute, fail to reach compromise. Both say disagreement will not harm overall political, economic relations. Rabin turns down Musa's request to tour Dimona. (MM 2/23; IDF Radio, MENA, QY 2/23 in FBIS 2/23; ITV, MENA, QY 2/23 in FBIS 2/24; CSM, MM, NYT, WP 2/24; JP 2/25, 3/4)

PM Rabin, 13 MKs, top military commanders tour Israel's self-declared security zone in s. Lebanon. Rabin says peace deal could be cut with Lebanon in 9 mos. Syria accuses Israel of trying to drag Lebanon into separate peace. Lebanese Pres. Ilyas Hrawi reiterates importance of Syria-Lebanon alliance. (MM 2/24, 3/1)

Reports say Syria, Lebanon held detailed discussions about amending Lebanese constitution to renew Pres. Hrawi term in office or extend it for 3-4 yrs when it runs out 11/95. (MM 2/23)

PA begins using Palestinian postage stamp. Arab states permit its use; other states will follow once 2/3 of Universal Postal Union approve it. Mail fr. self-rule areas to Arab states will go through Egypt. (VOP 2/23 in FBIS 2/24)

Israel extends naval blockade of s. Lebanon fr. Tyre to Sidon, fires warning shots at Lebanese fishermen. Move raises Lebanese fears that Israel may carry out large-scale operation in the area. (VOL 2/23 in FBIS 2/23; MM 2/24; RL 2/25, IDF Radio 2/26 in FBIS 2/27; ITV 2/25 in FBIS 2/28; MM 3/1) (see 2/14)

Joint Jordanian-Israeli water comm. meets in Tiberias, continues discussion of implementation of treaty, dam project. (RJ 1/11 in FBIS 1/12)

Arafat meets with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo, discusses settlements, peace talks; publicly appeals to U.S. to pressure Israel on settlements. FM Musa says Israel is jeopardizing peace by stalling on implementation of DOP, refusing to sign NPT. (MM 1/10; MENA 1/10 in FBIS 1/10; WT 1/11; MENA 1/10, MENA, JP 1/11 in FBIS 1/11)

PM Rabin says government will go on building in East Jerusalem; adds Israel must hold on to parts of West Bank to secure border with Jordan. (MM 1/11; HA 1/11 in FBIS 1/12; MEI 1/20)

Labor, Meretz MKs meet with PA representatives led by Culture M `Abid Rabbu in East Jerusalem to discuss obstacles to peace. (QY 1/10 in FBIS 1/12)

FM Peres leaves on 6-day trip to France, Latin America to boost peace process. Arrives in France for talks with Pres. Mitterrand on economic ties btwn. Israel, EU, Arab states. Reportedly discusses methods of advancing peace process with Syrian business executive (perhaps Nahid Tlass) given mandate by Pres. al-Asad to act as his go-between. (MM 1/10, 1/12, 1/13)

IDF reports Palestinian police prevented confrontation btwn. 6 PSF mbrs. (incl. PSF Gaza head Muhammad Dahlan), IDF soldiers escorting school bus heading to Netzarim settlement. Israel issues formal complaint about PSF to PA. (IDF Radio 1/10, QY 1/11 in FBIS 1/11; QY 1/11 in FBIS 1/12)

Jewish settlers fr. Elkana settlement bulldoze 22 acres, fence off 7 acres to begin expansion of settlement. 100s of Palestinians protest. IDF intervenes to prevent them fr. approaching construction site. (QY 1/10 in FBIS 1/11; WT 1/11; NYT 1/16)

IDF intervenes to prevent 100s of Jewish settlers fr. establishing new settlement on West Bank site where girl was killed 1/6, arrests 14. (MM, WT 1/11)

PA Culture M `Abid Rabbu holds mtg. with Arab Journalists Association (AJA) pres. Na`im Toubassi, tells him PA will begin issuing press cards to qualified journalists. Gaza Journalists' League treasurer Zakariyya Talmas complains only 3 journalist qualify for cards under PA rules "and they are dead." (Jerusalem Times 1/6 in FBIS 1/9)

Mtg. of all Arab FMs in Tunis ends. Parties recommend countries donate funds on bilateral basis, turn down PA request to recognize validity of Palestinian passports, fail to reach agmt. on aid for Palestinian police. PA delegation angered. (MM 1/6)

Jerusalem district director for Israeli Housing Min., Rina Zamir, says construction of 10,000 housing units in and around East Jerusalem will begin this yr. (MM 1/6; JP 1/6 in FBIS 1/6; MM 1/16)

Arafat loyalists, opponents clash in `Ayn Hilwa r.c. in southern Lebanon after Arafat announces 400 Palestinians will be transferred to Gaza shortly. No casualties reported. PLO says Israel approved the transfer of 2,000 post-1948 refugees fr. Lebanon, Libya, Jordan, Sudan, Tunisia; Lebanon's quota is 470. (RL, VOL 1/5 in FBIS 1/6; MM 1/6; VOL 1/6, Voice of the South 1/7 in FBIS 1/9; Al-Hayat 1/7 in FBIS 1/11) (see 12/19)

Syrian FM Faruq al-Shara` visits Tehran to give Pres. Hashemi Rafsanjani message fr. Pres. al-Asad about improving relations. (MM 1/11) (see 12/30)

Israel denies giving any U.S. technological information to China. (WT 1/7) (see 1/4)

U.S. Defense Secy. William Perry arrives in Egypt for 2-day visit, talks with Pres. Mubarak about Egypt's threat to withdraw fr. NPT, promises to defend aid to Egypt in Congress. (MENA 1/6 in FBIS 1/9; WT 1/9; MEI 1/20)

1 settler shot dead, 1 wounded in West Bank nr. Ramallah. PFLP claims responsibility in revenge for killings on 1/4. (MM 1/6; QY 1/6 in FBIS 1/6;  AFP 1/7 in FBIS 1/9; WJW 1/12; JP 1/14)

PM-designate Rabin announces new cabinet to the Labor party Cent. Comm. He named himself DM, Mordechai Gur dep. DM (in charge of "day-to-day" affairs), Avraham Shochat fin. min., Benyamin Ben-Eliezer construction and housing min., Shulamit Aloni education min. Labor has 13 minister portfolios, Meretz 3, and Shas 1-interior. (NYT 7/13)

Labor issues separate letters of commitment on social and political matters to HADASH (Democratic Front) and Arab Democratic Party, two Arab parties supporting but not part of new coalition who have a total of 5 Knesset seats. (ITV 7/12 in FBIS 7/13)

Chmn. Arafat meets with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo. (MM 7/13)

PLO political advisor and delegation advisory comm. mbr. Nabil Shaath says Egypt is "the" Arab state capable of restoring Arab solidarity and boosting Palestinian negotiating strength, aswell as materially aiding the Palestinan people. (MENA 7/12 in FBIS 7/14)

Palestinian delegation spokeswoman Hanan Ashrawi is detained for several hours upon crossing the Allenby bridge from Jordan, regarding the delegation's 6/18 public meeting with PLO Chmn. Arafat. (Qol Yisra'el 7/12 in FBIS 7/13; NYT 7/13)

Israel, SLA heavily shells Iqlim al-Tuffah region in S. Lebanon, reportedly in retaliation for bomb attack on Israeli patrol. (MM 7/13)

UNLU issues addendum to call no. 84 (issued 7/4) commending and supporting efforts to end intra-Palestinian violence in Gaza Strip.

After meetings with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo, Sec. Baker arrives in Jeddah; says he is trying to organize 2-phase peace conference, with Israel and its bordering Arab states negotiating their differences in main talks. In 2d phase, Israel and other Arab nations would discuss regional issues [NYT, MEM 4/22; MENA, RIDS 4/21 in FBIS 4/22].

Saudi Arabia confirms that it will not take part in any Middle East peace conference with Israel, and there are growing signs that Arab gov'ts. want to limit negotiations with Israel to only Palestinian problem [WP, LAT 4/22].

PLO Central Council - the link between PLO Exec. Committee and PNC - opens meetings in Tunis to assess repercussions of Gulf war of PLO's relations with Arab and European states (cf. 4/23) [MEM 4/23; TDS 4/22 in FBIS 4/22; AVP 4/22, TDS 4/23 in FBIS 4/23]

Construction of new settlement, Talmon Bet, outside Ramallah, is completed allowing settlers to begin to move in (cf. 4/23) [HAA 4/23 in FBIS 4/23].

U.S. ambassador to UN Thomas Pickering tells Jewish group in New York that Kuwait has agreed to stop participating in Arab League boycott of U.S. firms that do business with Israel, at least during reconstruction of the emirate [MEM 4/23; CSM 4/24].

Israeli soldiers shoot dead 2 Palestinian fighters who had cut through Lebanon border fence; in Damascus, Fateh Uprising group claims responsibility [MEM 4/22; NYT 4/23; JDS 4/22 in FBIS 4/22].

Allied bombers attack 10-mile column of thousands of Iraqi troops and as many as 1,000 vehicles as they move in southern Kuwait; allied command says it is not apparent whether Iraqis are regrouping or massing for attack [WP, NYT 2/1].

Saudi and Qatari forces, backed by U.S. artillery retake Saudi border town of Khafji, capture 167 Iraqi soldiers [WP, NYT, LAT 2/1].

Envoys from France, Algeria, Yemen, and Iraq arrive in Iran on separate diplomatic missions designed to end Gulf war; Iran tells Iraq it will hold on to Iraqi airplanes until end of war [WP, NYT, LAT 2/1].

Israeli F.M. David Levy outlines possible 5-point post-war plan, linking Israel's discussion of Palestinian issue with simultaneous bilateral peace talks with Arab nations [WP 2/1].

Pres. Mubarak affirms that 45,000 Egyptian soldiers would not be used to attack Iraq [LAT 2/1].

Rocket and artillery clashes between Israel and PLO fighters in S. Lebanon continue; radio stations call it "mini-war"; Israel says PLO is trying to open 2d front in war [NYT, LAT 2/1].

Iraq fires SCUD missile at Israel; it disintegrates in flight, falling debris lands in West Bank [NYT, LAT 2/1].

State Dep't. official says that about 70 acts of terrorism have been committed against U.S. and allied interests outside U.S. since Gulf war began; most are small property damage [NYT, LAT 2/1].

Red Cross convoy carrying 19 tons of emergency medical supplies for Iraqi civilians crosses from Iran into Iraq; 1st such mission since war began [LAT 2/1].

War toll according to allies includes: 30,000 sorties flown; 23 allied planes lost, 18 in combat; 11 Americans killed in action; 161 Iraqi prisoners; 59 Iraqi planes destroyed. Iraq claims to have shot down 180 allied aircraft; captured 20 prisoners; and that 320 civilians and 90 soldiers have been killed [LAT 2/1].

Syrian Pres. Asad returns to Damascus, concluding 3-day visit with Egypt's Pres. Mubarak [WP, NYT 7/17].

Arab League concludes meeting in Tunis, reports Arab states will boycott companies and institutions that help Jews immigrate to Israel [INA 7/16 in FBIS 7/ 17; WT, MEM 7/17].

UN Sec. Gen. Javier Perez de Cuellar asks 5 permanent members of Sec. Council to become involved in Middle East peace process; U.S. indicates readiness to examine de Cuellar's invitation, but has traditionally opposed greater UN involvement [MEM 7/17; NYT 7/18].

Israeli troops shoot, wound 11 Palestinians in Gaza; enter Rafa town and camp for first time in month and order residents to remove graffiti [NYT 7/17].

Israeli foreign ministry turns down compromise solution for expediting $400 million in U.S. loan guarantees; solution offered by ass't. sec. of state Dennis Ross stipulated Israel would receive funding in exchange for guarantee that money would be invested within green line, and that all expenditures would be documented for U.S. review [MAA 7/8 in FBIS 7/9].

After considering 6/28 letter from P.M. Shamir to Pres. Bush, admin. officials conclude that another attempto organize Israeli-Palestinian talks may be justified [NYT 7/8; MEM 7/9].

USSR informs Arab nations that its diplomats in Israel will visit Jewish settdements in O.T. to investigate if Soviet Jews are living there [KUNA 7/7 in FBIS 7/9]; USSR sends message to PLO conveying its anxiety over possible deterioration of Middle East situation [ADS 7/7 in FBIS 7/9].

In Ta'izz, Yemen, Pres. Mubarak, PLO chrmn. Arafat, and Pres. Salih meet to discuss Palestinian developments since suspension of U.S.-PLO dialogue [MENA 7/7 in FBIS 7/9].

Israeli radio reports 60 families of Soviet immigrants totalling about 160 people have settled in town of Qatzrin in Golan Heights in past few weeks, but additional immigration there has been halted due to housing shortage [JDS 7/7 in FBIS 7/9].

In Cairo, Pres. Mubarak meets with Yasir Arafat [MENA 5/20 in FBIS 5/ 21].

Egyptian gov't. reports that in effort to ease regional tension, Israel has told Egypt it will not launch military first strike against any Arab nation. Israel declines to confirm the statement [NYT 5/ 20].

In S. Lebanon, Israeli troops open fire at UNIFIL troops, injure Finnish soldier [IHD 5/19 in FBIS 5/21].

Amal offers to return remains of 2 Israeli soldiers in exchange for release of 300-400 prisoners held by SLA in S.Lebanon at Khiyam prison [NYT 5/20].

Responding to international criticism about secret gov't. funding of Jewish settlement in Jerusalem, Israeli foreign ministry issues statement: "It is the right of Jews to live everywhere, and to purchase or rent property in all parts of the land of Israel, and especially in Jerusalem" [NYT 4/25].

UN spokesperson says Sec. Gen. Javier Perez de Cuellar is deeply concerned over presence of Jewish settlers in Christian quarter of Jerusalem, and disturbed over Israeli officials' financial involvement [WP 4/25].

Through an emissary to interim P.M. Shamir, AIPAC exec. dir. Thomas Dine questions timing of Jewish settlement in Christian quarter of Jerusalem, criticizes Israeli gov't.'s secret financing of move (cf. 4/25) [NYT, WT 4/25].

Gov't of Greece has shelved its plans to establish full diplomatic relations with Israel until all settlers are evacuated from Greek Orthodox St. John's Hospice in Jerusalem [JPD 4/24 in FBIS 4/25].

Peretz Kidron of Yesh Gvul organization says at least 108 IDF reservists have gone to prison for refusing to serve in O.T. [MET 5/8-14].

Group called Islamic Jihad-Jerusalem threatens to kill Americans worldwide unless U.S. Senate repeals 3/22 resolution calling Jerusalem the capital of Israel [NYT 4/25].

U.S. House of Representatives votes 378 to 34 in favor of a nonbinding resolution affirming support for united Jerusalem as capital of Israel. Resolution, identical to one passed by Senate on 3/22, conflicts with official U.S. policy [WP, WT 4/25; FJ 4/30].

Syria's first ambassador to Egypt in 13 years, Isa Darwish, presents his credentials to Pres. Mubarak [MET 5/8-14].

Eight Arab states, including the State of Palestine, have agreed to Arab summit in Baghdad in late May (cf. 5/1) [KUNA 4/24 in FBIS 4/25].

Officials from PLO and Japan meet within framework of agreement reached last October, PLO to ask for assistance in creating jobs in O.T. [AVP 4/24 in FBIS 4/25].

Czechoslovakia's Pres. Havel says his country can serve as transit station for emigrating Soviet Jews [JDS 4/24 in FBIS 4/25].

Amid rumors that Israel will release captives held in S. Lebanon as payoffor release of U.S. hostage, Israeli officials say Israeli prisoners in Lebanon must be released as part of any deal [LAT 4/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Mordechai Eliahu, a chief Israeli rabbi, lifts standing ban on air travel on Jewish sabbath days so that Soviet Jews could arrive in Israel at any time [MET 2/13].

Arab World: Two masked men intercept bus travelling north of Cairo, open fire on Israeli tourists, at least 8 killed, 15 wounded [WP, NYT, LAT, FBIS, CSM 2/5].

Pres. Mubarak telephones P.M. Shamir, conveys condolences about bus attack, affirms that incident should not impede peace process [FBIS 2/5].

PLO Executive Committee issues statement reporting on meetings held in Tunis [FBIS 2/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Israeli army says it will charge 3 soldiers accused of beating a 13-year-old Palestinian and burning him with cigarettes [LAT 2/5].

54-year-old Gaza man is shot dead; he was suspected of collaborating with Israel; at least 9 Gazans are wounded in various clashes [FBIS 2/6].

Gaza Civil Administration reports IDF closed 25 schools in January in the Strip because of disturbances [FBIS 2/6].

Arab World: Lebanese troops loyal to Christian leader Aoun battle fellow Christians north of Beirut in fierce fighting [WP, LAT 2/5]; hand-to-hand combat in East Beirut is reported [MET 2/13]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Elections to the Engineering Association in Gaza are held, Hamas wins 5 of 9 seats, pro-PLO bloc wins 3. [FBIS 2/1].

Arab World: Arafat arrives in Cairo for third meeting this month with Pres. Mubarak [FBIS 1/29; MET 2/6].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli tax collectors seize 150 automobiles in al-Zawiyeh village, near Nablus, in attempt to force Palestinian owners to pay taxes [FJ 2/5].

Al-Fajr reports that Jewish settlers set fire to a Burin village mosque [FJ 2/5].

At least 6 Palestinians in O.T. are shot, injured in clashes with IDF [FJ 2/5].

Arab World: Israeli patrol in S. Lebanon is ambushed, DFLP claims responsibility, says its fighters killed 6 Israelis; Israel says no one was injured, and that the attackers fled when fired upon [MET 2/6; FBIS 1/ 26].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Speaking to Likud members, P.M. Shamir responds to comments about increasing Soviet Jewish immigration, saying "big immigration requires Israel to be big as well" [FBIS 1/22, 1/30].

Maj. Shay Talmon, commander of IDF battalion in W. Bank, tells Jerusalem judge that some soldiers insert live bullets into magazines for plastic bullets. IDF spokesperson reports that between 20 July 1988 and 8 July 1990, 125 Palestinians were killed "by plastic bullets." [FBIS 1/26].

Arab World: Arafat returns to Cairo for second visit in less than a week to meet with Pres. Mubarak [FBIS 1/16].

Other Countries: Italy's ambassador to Israel, Alberto Bartoli, files protest on behalf of the European Community with Israeli Foreign Ministry over police handling of 12/30 Peace Now rally. [LAT 1/15].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 2 Israeli border policemen are suspended and ordered to stand trial for fatally shooting 18-year-old Palestinian on 12/28 after military authorities viewed ABC News videotape of shooting [LAT 1/15].

Israeli military demotes Lt. David Lior to sergeant and sentences him to 45 days in prison for mistreating a Palestinian prisoner [LAT 1/15].

IDF closes Jericho-area al-Buhturi secondary school on grounds that students threw rocks at soldiers; all UNRWA schools in Jalazun camp are closed for the same reason [FJ 1/22].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli investigating officer finds that soldier who shot dead 22-year-old Palestinian on 12/28 violated army orders [MET 1/23].

Arab World: Arafat and Mubarak again meet in Cairo to discuss preparations for meeting with U.S., Israel [MET 1/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF troops shoot, wound 11 stone-throwing youths in various clashes in Gaza Strip [MET 1/ 23].

Arab World: Heavy fighting in Lebanon between Amal and Hizballah; Amal forces attack Israeli military vehicle, Israeli guns shell Tayr Harfa area [FBIS 1/16].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israeli: Israeli military reopens all 1,200 public, private, and UN schools in W. Bank closed since 11/13/ 89. [WP 1/11; MET 1/23].

Arab World: In Cairo, Arafat meets with Mubarak to discuss Middle East Peace prospects [FBIS 1/11, 1/12; MET 1/23].

Other Countries: USSR upgrades PLO mission in Moscow to "the Embassy of the State of Palestine." The announcement comes shortly after Israeli Science Minister Weizman and Soviet F.M. Shevardnadze hold first high-level contacts between the countries since 1967 [WP 1/11]; they also discuss possibility of Moscow granting official diplomatic status to Israel [FBIS 1/11].

U.S. State Dep't spokesperson says Baker is annoyed at failure of Israel and Arab world to cooperate, and that if footdragging continues he would focus on "many other areas in the world clamoring for his attention" [WP 1/11].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli forces shell Syrian and PFLP positions in S. Lebanon for the fifth time in 24 hours [FBIS 1/11; MET 1/23].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Speaking in Bayt Sahur, Archbishop Desmond Tutu draws parallels between plight of South African blacks and Palestinians in O.T. [NYT, LAT 12/25; FBIS 12/28].

Shimon Peres asks Israel's Cabinet to approve $27.2 billion 1990 budget, including $5.3 billion earmarked for defense. The army seeks an extra $200 million to combat intifada [LAT 12/25].

The first Egyptian trade delegation to visit Israel arrives in Jerusalem. Israeli exports to Egyptotalled $6.2 million last year, while imports from Egypt totalled $3.2 million [FBIS 12/28].

Ariel Sharon suggests to the cabinet that the level of violence in territories could be reduced if Israel arrested or deported Faisal Husayni, Sari Nusaybah, and Jamil al-Tarifi [FBIS 12/28].

Arab World: Arafat meets with Mubarak in Cairo to discuss plans for preliminary peace talks in Washington [NYT 12/25].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel's Supreme Court overturns decision by army's Judge Advocate General and directs army to court-martial Col. Yehuda Meir (ret.). This is the first time the High Court has moved against IDF. Col. Meir is accused of instructing troops to break limbs of Palestinian prisoners arrested in January 1988 [NYT, LAT 12/25; FBIS 12/27].

At least 25 Palestinians are wounded in clashes with IDF forces throughout O.T. [FBIS 12/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa begins Christmas pilgrimage to Holy Land, offers support for creation of independent Palestinian state as well as for Israel's "independence and t rritorial integrity" [NYT 12/24].

Arab World: Syrian Vice President Khaddam arrives in Cairo for meetings with Mubarak [FBIS 12/26].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 2 Rafah Palestinians are killed in clashes with IDF troops; at least 20 are wounded. Military orders closing of 11 Gaza schools, most of them operated by UNRWA, for stonethrowing incidents [FBIS 12/27].

Arab World: Fierce fighting between Amal and Hizballah forces breaks out in southern Lebanon; police report 17 killed, 40 injured [NYT 12/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: The treasurer of Jewish. Agency, Meir Shitrit, says organization will have to turn its immigrant-absorption services over to Israeli government unless Americans contribute more money [NYT 12/21].

Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies at Tel Aviv University publishes annual report on military balance in Middle East. Study says Israeli military strong-arm tactics have not reduced protests in O.T. [WP 12/21; FBIS 12/28].

Arab World: Asad will visit USSR and is planning meeting with Mubarak in what political analysts in Damascus describe as reappraisal of Syrian policy in light of changing international and regional conditions [NYT 12/21].

Other Countries: Responding to NBC news report of 12/18, State Dep't says Israel informed U.S. about a month ago that it had purchased oil from Iran [NYT 12/20].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Israeli electric company cuts electricity to Tulkarm village of Azzun [FJ 12/25].

Lydda military court sentences Khalid al-Amuri to life in prison for affiliating with PLO and throwing Molotov cocktails [FJ 12/25].

IDF declares Ramallah and al-Bireh market areas closed military zone, orders merchants to close shops [FJ 12/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Reuters reports that Labor Knesset member Lova Eliav met PLO official Nabil Sha'ath in Cairo. Eliav says meeting did not violate Israeli law, as it was conducted in lieu of a conference hosted by Egypt [FJ 12/18].

Arab World: Mubarak meets with Libyan leader Qaddafi in Libyan town of Sirt to discuss strengthening Arab ties [FJ 12/18].

In Amman, demonstrations in support of intifada continue for third consecutive day [FBIS 12/12].

Egypt Air commercial flight from Cairo to Damascus ends 12-year hiatus of air links them [FBIS 12/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: Arab nations decide to defer action on UN resolution recognizing Palestinian state, yielding to U.S. warnings it would withhold funds if resolution was passed [NYT 12/6].

U.S. undersecretary for Near Eastern and South Asian affairs John Kelly meets with Shamir, Arens, and Peres to brief them on Malta summit. Later Kelly flies to Cairo to brief Mubarak [FBIS 12/5, 12/6].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli army shoots, kills 5 Arabs crossing into southern Israel from Egypt through the Sinai [NYT, WP, FBIS 12/6; JP 12/16].

Ha'aretz reports IDF plans to build prison in Gush 'Ezyon area. The jail would hold 4,000 inmates [FBIS 12/5].

Arab World: 5 Palestinians are killed in Ayn al-Hulwah camp near Sidon when masked man opens fire in street [FBIS 12/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Shamir's office reports the intifada has cost the Israeli govemment roughly $1 billion this year in additional military expenses, loss of trade with the West Bank, and loss of tourism [WP 10/2]. Call issued by uprising leadership tells Palestinians that on strike days, they should go out after 5pm to the streets and start a rebellion. Sources say this reflects growing frustration with the slowness of the peace process INYT, FBIS 10/4].

Other Countries: Egyptian president Mubarak meets with President Bush to discuss Mubarak's 10-point plan [NYT, WP 10/3] State Dept. says Israel's plan to build W. Bank housing for Soviet immigrants harms Israel's chances of securing $400 million requested from the U.S. [NYT 10/3]. Visiting Japan, Arafat criticizes Japanese trade with Israel, wams them not to forget Arab world [LAT 10/3; MET 10/10].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 17-year-old Palestinian is shot, killed by Israeli soldiers in Gaza's Nusseirat camp; 14 others are wounded. In Gaza's Bani Suheila village, 25-year-old Arab accused of collaboration is stabbed to death. On the West Bank, 3 Palestinians are reported shot, killed [LAT 10/2].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Government closes Gaza Strip through 10/2 during Rosh Hashana [WP 9/29]. Hadashot poll determines the most hated person in Israel is Shimon Peres [FBIS 10/2].

Arab World: President Hosni Mubarak telephones P.M. Shamir and gives conditional offer to meet; they agree to arrange a future meeting [NYT, WP 10/1].

Other Countries: Sec. of State Baker wams that Middle East peace process would go "back to the drawing board," unless the Israeli cabinet either endorses the Egyptian 10-point plan or finds another way to bring Palestinians to the bargaining table [NYT, LAT 9/30].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli army reduces sentences of 3 soldiers convicted of beating a Palestinian to death in custody from nine months to six [NYT 9/30; MET 10/10]. 2 Palestinians, 19 and 13, are shot, killed in clashes with soldiers; at least 2 others are wounded throughout O.T. [FBIS 10/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Rejecting President Mubarak's call to trade land for peace, Israeli P.M. Shamir says, "I don't think he meant it seriously. He was only joking . . . There is no element in the Arab world willing to give us peace." Shamir aides call on Mubarak to "stop preaching" [LAT, NYT 9/22].

Arab World: After meeting with President Mubarak, PLO leader Arafat says he endorses "open talks" with Israel, and urges citizens to help him resisthe controversial I. D. cards required of O.T. residents. [LAT, NYT 9/22].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinians stone bus carrying West German tourists through Bethlehem, injuring two [LAT 9/22; MET 10/3].

Arab World: 16 pro-Iranian Shiite Kuwaitis are publicly beheaded in Saudi Arabia in connection with bombing during the annual pilgrimage in July [NYT, WP, LAT 9/22]. Lebanese Muslim member of parliament, Nazem Kaderi, 73, is assassinated in West Beirut [LAT, NYT 9/22]. Israeli troops attack Hizballah positions north of the "security zone" in Lebanon [MET 10/ 3].