The Palestine Chronology

In Geneva, the UN Human Rights Commission passes (31-1, with 21 abstentions) resolution condemning Israel's "continued violations" in the occupied territories. The U.S. votes against. (Reuters [Internet] 4/23)

In Casablanca, Arab human rights groups open major 3 day conference on human rights conditions in the Arab world. It is the 1st international conference of the Arab Human Rights Movement. (INFOPAL 5/21)

Russian FM Ivanov meets with Arafat in Ramallah, then leaves for Egypt. (AFP, ITAR-TASS 4/23 in WNC 4/26; MENA 4/23 in WNC 4/27; MEI 5/7)

Jewish settlers set up new enclave on hilltop nr. Ma'ale Levona, nr. Ramallah. (AP [Internet] 4/24)

Hizballah detonates a roadside bomb in s. Lebanon, killing 1 SLA mbr., wounding a 2d. In an unrelated incident, the IDF shells a Lebanese army checkpoint n. of the self-declared security zone, injuring 3 civilians. (RL, VOL 4/23 in WNC 4/26; NYT, WP 4/24)

PLO pol. dept head Faruq al-Qaddumi says PLO and Arab states must carefully examine the proposal to hold next round of multilateral refugee talks in Tunis. Israel accepted the Tunisian offer, which he says is a "U.S. demand" (see 10/22). (SANA 10/31 in FBIS 11/2)

IDF kills Hamas mbr. in Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip. Demonstrations erupt throughout Strip. (al-Fajr 11/9)

Lebanese PM-designate Rafiq al-Hariri meets with Pres. Asad, other Syrian officials in Damascus, then returns to Beirut to announce new govt. Chamber of Deputies speaker Nabih Birri criticizes the new cabinet, will travel to Damascus for consultations. (Radio Lebanon, VOL 10/31 in FBIS 11/2)

Hizballah mbr. is killed after exploding a roadside bomb near SLA patrol inside "security zone." Israel shells villages north of "security zone." (Qol Yisra'el 10/31, Voice of the Oppressed 11/1 in FBIS 11/3)

In interview with Middle East Insight magazine, Pres. candidate Bill Clinton says Arab states should end boycott against Israel. (WT 11/12)

Bilateral talks in Washington adjourn until 11/9. (Qol Yisra'el 10/29 in FBIS 10/29)

Two-day multilateral conference on economics opens in Paris, with World Bank suggesting establishment of Middle East reconstruction bank modeled on similar European bank. Dr. Fayiz al-Tarawina, head of the Jordanian delegation, says the Arab states will reject any joint projects with Israel before withdrawal from the o.t. Syria and Lebanon boycott, London-based businessman Zayn Mi'asi heads the Palestinian team, and Bank of Israel gov. Ya'akov Frenkel heads the Israeli delegation. (Qol Yisra'el 10/29 in FBIS 10/29; MM 10/30)

Chmn. Arafat sends Madrid conf. anniversary messages to leaders of U.S., Russia, China, France, Japan, Austria, Great Britain and Sweden urging them to help remove Israeli obstacles to progress in peace talks. (Akhbar al-Usbu' 10/29 in FBIS 10/29)

Fateh Cent. Comm. mbr. Hani al-Hassan issues statement praising Saudi Arabia's support of the Palestinian cause and the kingdom's treatment of its Palestinian community. (Saudi Arabian TV 10/29 in FBIS 10/30)

King Hassan of Morocco meets with Pres. Asad in Damascus. (MM 10/30)

Israel shells Iqlim al-Tuffah, western Biqa' regions, overflies Sidon and surrounding refugee camps. SLA soldier is wounded in bomb attack north of "security zone," southern Lebanon. (Qol Yisra'el, Radio Lebanon 10/29 in FBIS 10/29)

PM Rabin addresses new Knesset, offering to travel to Arab capitals, inviting Palestinian delegation and Arab country leaders to Jerusalem, and calling for Palestinian acceptance of autonomy. Yitzhak Shamir addresses Knesset, offers praise for old admin., warnings and criticism for the new. Knesset approves new cabinet by a vote of 67 to 53, 17 new cabinet mbrs. sworn in. Pres. Bush congratulates Rabin, invites him to Kennebunkport, Maine, announces Secy. of State. Baker will travel to the region to meet with Rabin, Arab leaders. (ITV 7/13 in FBIS 7/14; NYT, WP 7/14)

Faisal Husseini, not considered part of the Palestinian negotiating team by PM Rabin because he is from Jerusalem, and therefore not among Rabin's 7/13 "invitees," offers counter-invitation fr Rabin to call him at home in Jerusalem. Husseini's position is seen as direct challenge to Syria, which sees Rabin as "carbon copy" of Shamir. (MM 7/14)

Fateh and Hamas sign new, more elaborate agreement to end violence in Gaza Strip as a result of NRC mediation (see 7/8, 10). Eightteen committees have been set up to enforce the agreement. (Qol Yisra'el 7/14 in FBIS 7/14)

Israeli undercover unit disguised as Arabs infiltrate, join 20 Hamas marchers in Gaza city. Hamas activist attacks 1 soldier, IDF opens fire; in ensuing confusion, 1 Hamas activist dies (from IDF bullets) as Hamas reportedly believes undercover IDF are Fateh activists. (Qol Yisra'el 7/13 in FBIS 7/14; MM 7/22)

Pres. Asad meets with Lebanese Pres. Ilyas al-Hirawi, joined later by VP 'Abd al-Halim Khaddam and FM Faruk al-Shara' in Damascus. (Syrian Arab TV 7/13 in FBIS 7/14)

SLA commander Antun Lahd categorically rejects Lebanese elections given current circumstances. (MM 7/14)

Israel, SLA shells Hizballah target, UNIFIL village of Yatar killing 1 civilian, in response to Islamic Resistance mortaring of "security zone" village of Bayt Lif. (MM 7/13; Radio Lebanon 7/13 in FBIS 7/14; WP 7/14)

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.

U.S. refuses Arab demand to reschedule negotiations due to Israeli refusal to attend 12/4 talks in Washington. (WP 12/6)

Islamic Resistance Movement fires rockets into Marjayun, S. Lebanon in retaliation for Israeli, SLA shelling of Shiite villages. (NYT 12/9)

Israeli communications ministry and telephone company Bezek end several days' experiment by which selected customers were allowed to call unnamed Arab countries directly through American installations. Experiment came in order to prepare Israel in the event that peace talks lead to agreement on direct communications between Israel, Arab world. Palestinian negotiator Faisal Husseini was among those who called, speaking to his brother in Jordan. (MM 12/5, 12/6)

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].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: U.S. and PLO ambassadors meet in Tunis in another round of the ongoing dialogue [MET 2/6].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF closes 2 Hebron area schools for rock throwing [FBIS 1/29; FJ 2/5].

2 Palestinians from Jerusalem-area village of Abu Dis are shot, killed by IDF; curfew is imposed [FJ 2/5; MET 2/6].

At least 11 Gazans are wounded in clashes with IDF troops [FBIS 1/29]. Arab World: SLA militiamen capture alleged DFLP member in S. Lebanon [FBIS 1/29; MET 2/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: D.M. Rabin says his ministry authorized and paid for meetings between relatives of Israeli soldiers captured during invasion of Lebanon and representatives of PLO. Meeting supposedly took place a year ago [NYT, LAT 12/19].

French P.M. Michel Rocard meets with 13 Palestinians from O.T. and E. Jerusalem to discuss the peace process [FBIS 12/15].

Other Countries: NBC Nightly News reports Israel has purchased $36 million of Iranian oil to encourage Iran to help free 3 Israeli hostages in Lebanon. Israeli Ministry of Energy disavows knowledge of transaction [WP 12/19, NYT 12/20].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Nablus woman accused of collaboration and prostitution is beaten to death [MET 12/26].

In three separate trials, Israeli military courts in Gaza, Nablus, and Lydda, sentence 4 Palestinians to life in prison for killing accused collaborators [FJ 12/25].

Israeli authorities demolish 2 houses in Jerusalem-area villages of Hizma and al-Ram [FJ 12/25].

Arab World: 3 people die in clash between SLA and Lebanese commandos in Israel's "security zone" [FBIS 12/19; MET 12/26].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: D. M. Rabin says IDF efforts to control intifada have been unsuccessful, but that intifada accounts for "only 4 percent" of Israel's defense budget [NYT 12/5].

Arab World: Jordan's P.M. Zeid bin Shaker resigns and is replaced by Mudar Badran, who has held the office twice before. King Husayn asks Badran "to work with the PLO" and support the intifada [NYT, WP 12/5].

Arab Tripartite Committee on Lebanon concludes 2-day Riyadh meeting, issues communique calling on all parties involved to abide by Taif agreement [FBIS 12/5].

Other Countries: Arab nations at UN ask U.S. not to threaten UN with financial sanctions in future, and to allow PLO observer's seat to be placed near observer nations; in return Arabs will drop campaign to recognize Palestinian statehood [NYT, WP 12/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: 2 Israeli army reserve units made up of W. Bank settlers are deployed in Jericho and Ma'radah in W. Bank [FBIS 12/5].

General strike is observed in O.T. [FBIS 12/7].

Arab World: SLA and Amal forces exchange artillery fire in S. Lebanon [NYT 12/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Beginning at 4 am, hundreds of Israeli soldiers and Shin Bet agents raid Palestinian homes in Nablus, arrest "scores" of youths. In Gaza, IDF troops shoot, wound at least 36 Palestinians. In both incidents, Israeli soldiers are reportedly dressed as Arabs, driving vehicles with O.T. license plates [NYT, WP 12/3; FBIS 12/7; JP 12/9; MET 12/12].

Members of Israeli group Yesh Gval demonstrate to show solidarity with Palestinian residents of Bayt Sahur, attempto distribute leaflets, but are restrained by IDF troops [FJ 12/18].

Arab World: 3 killed and 9 wounded in artillery exchange between SLA and Amal forces in S. Lebanon [WP 12/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: CSM reports that by mid-August 91 alleged collaborators had been killed by fellow Palestinians since the intifada began [CSM 8/21].

Arab World: Palestine National Fund (PNF) offices in Amman are reopened [FBIS 8/22].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: At least 3 Palestinians are killed, 6 wounded in clashes throughout O.T. General strike in W. Bank. IDF soldier in Tulkarm injured by a rock. Molotov cocktail hurled at a patrol in Jabaliyyah camp, no injuries. Police use rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse stone-throwing youths in E. Jerusalem. Curfew imposed on al-Ram and Dahiyat al-Barid, north of Jerusalem, following clashes between youths and IDF [FBIS 8/22].

Arab World: UNIFIL places forces on alert because of heavy Israeli and SLA military activity in S. Lebanon [FBIS 8/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Arafat meets with King Hasan II of Morocco [MET 8/8]. Arafat states that Jamil Tarifi's meetings with Shamir have approval of Palestinian leadership [FBIS 7/28].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Tulkarm Israeli soldiers shoot, kill 21-year-old Palestinian [NYT 7/28, FJ 7/31]. In Gaza 79-year-old Palestinian is hit and killed by Israeli vehicle [FJ 7/31]. In Khan Yunis Palestinian accused of collaboration is killed [NYT 7/28]. At least 15 Palestinians are injured in the Gaza Strip [FJ 7/31].

Arab World: SLA ambushes, kills 5 Palestinian guerrillas east of Sidon [FBIS 7/31, MET 8/8]. SLA expells 23 Lebanese policemen from south Lebanon's Israeliimposed "security zone" for refusing to cooperate with SLA, IDF [MET 8/8].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bethlehem mayor Elias Frayj resigns to protest Israel's closure of Manger Square, then withdraws resignation [FBIS 6/7]. Government reports that tourism is down 2% in first 5months of 1989 compared to 1988 [MET 6/13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Bayt Lahiyah troops shoot, kill Palestinian, wound 2. In W. Bank 10 Palestinians are injured during clashes with Israeli troops [FBIS 6/7].

Arab World: IDF-SLA force kills 2 guerrillas north of Israeli "security zone" in Lebanon [FBIS 6/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Letter from Baker to Arens implying that continued settlement of O.T. may lead to cut off of U.S. aid is made public [FBIS 5/30].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Kifl Harith settlers shoot, kill 16-year-old Palestinian, wound 2, burn house. In Tall Palestinian is shot, killed while farming [FBIS 5/30]. In E. Jerusalem 18-year-old Palestinian from Hebron dies of wounds received 5/18. In Khan Yunis 37-year-old Palestinian suspected of collaboration is killed. At least 6 Palestinians are injured throughout O.T. [FBIS 5/31]. Guerrillas in S. Lebanon fire Katyusha rockets at Metulla, slightly injure Israeli baby [FBIS 5/30].

Arab World: In south Lebanon SLA, IDF patrol kills 2 guerrillas attempting to infiltrate Israel [FBIS 5/30].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Prime Minister Shamir calls Baker's speech calling on Israel to forswear annexation of O.T. "useless" [NYT, WP 5/24]. General strike is observed throughout O.T. Curfew in Anabta enters 20th day [FJ 5/29].

Arab World: Egyptian president Husni Mubarak gives keynote address opening Arab summit in Casablanca [WP 5/24]. Southern Lebanese town of Jezzin observes strike protesting tactics of Israeli, SLA troops [NYT 5/28].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Rafah at least 10 Palestinians are shot, wounded during clash. At least 7 other Palestinians are shot, injured in Gaza [FJ 5/29]. Soldiers shoot, injure 2 Palestinians in Nablus [FBIS 5124].

Arab World: Joint IDF-SLA (South Lebanese Army) patrol enters 2 Druze villages north of "security zone" [FJ 5/29].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel's cabinet endorses Shamir's election proposal, 20-6 [NYT 5/15, MET 5/23].

Arab World: Syria announces it will not oppose Egypt participation in upcoming (5/23) Arab summit; Egypt was suspended from Arab League following 1979 treaty with Israel. Syrian, PLO officials schedule meetings during Arab summit [NYT 5/15].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In northern Israel Palestinian shoots, slightly injures 2 policemen before being seriously wounded [MET 5/23]. In Gaza 25-year-old Palestinian, suspected of collaboration, is found dead. Israeli troops shoot, wound 8 Palestinians in O.T. In Gaza curfew confines 210,000 Palestinians to their homes [NYT 5/13].

Arab World: Land mine kills SLA soldier, wounds another in Israeli-imposed "security zone" in S. Lebanon [MET 5/23].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Gaza 8 refugee camps, Gaza City, Bayt Hanun are placed under curfew [WP 3/23].

Arab World: PLO rejects U.S. appeal to curb violence in O.T. [WP 3/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Tulkarm camp Israeli soldiers shoot, kill 11-year-old Palestinian. In W. Bank doctors treat 4 Palestinians wounded by Israeli troops. In the Gaza Strip 28 Palestinians are injured during demonstrations [WP 3/23].

Arab World: Lebanese fighters attack SLA position in S. Lebanon; 2 attackers are killed, 1 SLA soldier is seriously injured [FBIS 3/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies issues report calling for Israeli-PLO talks, prolonged transitional period that could lead to Palestinian state [WP, NYT 3/9]. General strike is observed in O.T. [FJ 3/13]. Ministry of Tourism announces that in February tourism was down 15% from same period in 1988 [FBIS 3/16].

Other Countries: U.S. State Dept. announces it will grant visas to PLO officials Afif Safieh, Nabil Shaath, Noha Tadros to attend conference at Columbia Univ.; Israel protests move [WP 3/9].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: In Gaza at least 5 Palestinians are wounded by IDF gunfire [FBIS 3/8]. In Rafah troops demolish 2 houses of Palestinians accused of participating in the Unified National Command of Uprising (UNCU) [FBIS 3/9]. At least 14 Palestinians are wounded throughout W. Bank. In 'Isawiyyah troops arrest 30 Palestinians [FJ 3/13]. Arab World: Ba'th party attacks SLA position in S. Lebanon. Amal attacks 2nd SLA position, kills 1 soldier. SLA responds by shelling Nabatiyyah [FBIS 3/9]

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel holds municipal elections [FBIS 2/28].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Dayr Ibzi' soldiers kill 25-year-old Palestinian. At least 16 Palestinians are shot, wounded throughout O.T. Israel blocks entry/exist to/from O.T. [FBIS 2/28].

Arab World: PFLP attacks SLA position in S. Lebanon, kills 2, wounds 2 [FBIS 3/1].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Curfew isi mposed in Tulkarm camp [FJ 1/30].

Arab World: In Shibaa in S. Lebanon villagers protest Israeli "civil administration" and "recruitment" techniques of SLA [CSM 2/9].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Hablah Israeli troops dressed as civilians ambush Palestinians killing 1, wounding another [NYT 1/ 25]. In Bethlehem 43-year-old Palestinian dies after exposure to tear gas. In Jabalya 2 Palestinians are shot during demonstrations. In Khan Yunis troops shoot 4 Palestinians [FJ 1/30].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Shops in W. Bank remain closed for second day in protest against deportations of Palestinians [WP 8/3]. Left-wing legislators call special meeting of the Knesset to discuss King Hussein's severing of ties with W. Bank; right-wing legislators will ask for extension of Israeli law to territories [NYT 8/3].

Arab World: In Baghdad PLO spokesman announces emergency session of Palestine National Council will be held to discuss King Hussein's surrendering of sovereignty over the W. Bank [WP 8/3]. Jordanian interior minister Raja'i Dajani says it is too early to comment on effects of King's move on administration of West Bank [WP 8/3].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus troops kill 18-year-old Palestinian, wound 2 more [WP 8/3, FJ 8/7]. In Kafr Thulth 100 olive trees are destroyed. Tear gas is used to break up riots in Bethlehem and Beach camp. Clashes also occur in Burayj, Jabalya, Qalqiliyyah camps [FJ 8/7]. Arab World: Lebanese fighters attack South Lebanon Army position killing 1 SLA fighter [FJ 8/7]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Labor party leader Shimon Peres states that if elected he would propose tuming demilitarized Gaza Strip over to Arab authority, according to Ha'Aretz [JPS 7/13].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus 2 Palestinian teenagers die from wounds sustained earlier in the uprising [FJ 7/17]. Troops destroy 2 homes, seal 4 others on the W. Bank [NYT 7/14, FJ 7/17]. In Ramallah and al-Birah troops use rubber bullets, live ammunition to break up demonstrations [FJ 7/17]. Rabin says army will not be able to purchase all weapons it had planned this year because of cost of uprising [NYT 7/14].

Arab World: Previously unknown Palestinian group, Organization of the Martyrs of the Popular Revolution of Palestine, claims responsibility for 11 July attack on Greek tourist ship; spokesman for Fateh condemns the attack [NYT 7/14]. The Islamic Resistance Movement attacks Israeli, SLA positions in S. Lebanon near Kawkaba, 3 Islamic fighters and 1 Israeli soldier are killed [7/18].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: A general strike is observed in the occupied territories. Several demonstrations areheld on 40-day anniversary of the death of Abu Jihad. Several refugee camps are placed under curfews [NYT 5/26, FJ 5/29].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Soldiers injure 58 Palestinians during clashes in jabalya. The military uproots 150 trees in the village of Bayt Iba [FJ 5/29].

Arab World: Israeli air power and artillery aid the South Lebanon Army's attack on a Hizballah stronghold in S. Lebanon. Israeli helicopter gunships attack Palestinian refugee camp near Sidon. Amal announces it will join Hizballah in the fight against the Israelis. Amal also claims to have shot down an Israeli helicopter over Lebanon [NYT 5/26]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Algeria and Morocco restore diplomatic relations after 12 years of disputes. The need for Arab unity in support of the uprising is cited as one of the reasons [NYT 5/17].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli forces shoot, kill 2 and wound 11 demonstrators in the occupied territories [WP 5/17, FJ 5/22]. At least 20 others are injured in demonstrations throughout the territories [FJ 5/22]. Israeli military court sentences 2 Hizballah fighters toprison for acts committed againsthe SLA in Lebanon [WP 5/17] Body of a 41-year-old Palestinian is found in a chicken coop in the Beit Meir settlement; authorities state he died of natural causes; relatives claim there were signs of strangulation [FJ 5/22].

Arab World: In Shatila and Burj al-Baranjinah camps Fateh fighters are winning battle against PLO dissidents.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In field between W. Bank village of Turmus Ayah and Jewish settlement of Shillo, Jewish settler shoots Palestinian shepherd to death, seriously wounds another; settlers allege shepherds threw stones. Army orders all stores in W. Bank closed for 3 days as punishment for 5/4 commercial strike. Jerusalem police detain Ilyas Zananiri, managing editor of Palestine Press Service and Arabic edition of al-Awdah [LAT 5/6]. Mubarak 'Awad, Palestinian American activist, is arrested and ordered deported [WP 5/7].

Other Countries: Trans Technology, U.S. tear gas manufacturer, says it will stop its sales to Israel [WP 5/9].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Scattered demonstrations are reported in W. Bank and Gaza Strip. Soldiers prevent merchants from opening shops in moming in Ramallah; military orders all stores in occupied territories closed during moming. Curfew continues in Balatah refugee camp [FJ 5/8].

Arab World: In final stage of Israel's "Operation Law and Order," SLA troops destroy about 60 houses in S. Lebanon village of Maydun [LAT 5/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian youth from Beach camp wounded in 12/11 clash with Israeli troops dies in Gaza hospital [NYT 12/22; FJ 12/27]. Def. Min. Rabin returns from U.S. visit [NYT 12/23]. Al-Fajr Arabic daily resumes publication after 10-day closure [FJ 12/27]. Arab and Israeli Hebrew U. students demonstrate outside Knesset in solidarity with Palestinians in W. Bank and Gaza Strip [FJ 12/27]. Military extends closure of Gaza's Islamic U. and Palestine Religious Institute until 12/27 [FJ 12/27]. Israel releases 60 Gazans arrested during recent demonstrations [FJ 12/27].

Arab World: In Cairo, 'Ayn Shams U. students demonstrate in support of Palestinian uprising in the occupied territories [FBIS 12/29].

Other Countries: UN Security Council meeting on recent violence in the Israeli-occupied Gaza Strip, W. Bank adjourns after PLO and some Arab governments push for more strongly worded resolution against Israel [NYT 12/22]. Midhat Hilali, Arab League official, is shot, wounded by unknown assailant in Athens [FJ 12/27]. Ibrahim Khalid, Palestinian gunman who survived December 1985 attack on Leonardo da Vinci airport, refuses to attend his trial [FJ 12/27].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Inside the green line, hundreds of thousands of Arabs join general strike in solidarity with Palestinians in occupied territories. Israeli police, border guards respond to large demonstrations with tear gas, water cannons. About 200 Palestinians are arrested; 17 Israeli police, border guards injured [WP 12/22; FJ 12/27]. Stone-throwing, tire-burning crowds of demonstrators are reported in Jaffa, Nazareth, Lydda, Ramlah, and Abu Ghawsh. IDF troops fire on West Bank Palestinian crowds throwing Molotov cocktails, killing at least 2 in Jenin-area town of Tubas and 1 in Jenin. At least 22 are wounded by gunfire [NYT, WP 12/22]. Official Israeli death toll of Palestinians killed since 12/9 is now at 19 [CSM 12/22].

Arab World: Israeli and SLA forces raid Hizballah-held villages in S. Lebanon [FJ 12/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: UNRWA Commissioner General Giorgio Giacomelli expresses concern to Israeli defense and foreign ministry officials over Israel's "rather heavy-handed reaction" to protesting Palestinians. Palestinian wounded by gunfire 12/16 after stabbing Israeli soldier in Rafah dies. Gen. Yitzhaq Mordechai, commander of southern military district, orders arrest of Shin Bet officer who fired on protesters 12/16 [LAT 12/18]. Shops in Arab E. Jerusalem remain closed to protest Ariel Sharon's move into a Muslim quarter apartment [NYT 12/18]. Curfew on Jabalya refugee camp is lifted [FJ 12/20]. Israeli settler who shot, killed Gaza student 11/10 is released on bail [FJ 12/20]. Soldiers seal 4 Ramallah stores participating in general strike [FJ 12/20].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Scattered demonstrations are reported in W. Bank and E. Jerusalem [NYT 12/18; FJ 12/20]. Israeli troops use tear gas to disperse large demonstration related to 12/11 clash at Balatah. Balatah and Rafah are ordered under curfew [LAT 12/18].

Arab World: Israeli and SLA troops kill 6 Lebanese National Resistance Front fighters in battle near S. Lebanon security zone [NYT 12/18].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: F. M. Peres announces Israel and U.S.S.R. have agreed to establish normal political contacts [LAT 8/20]. Rafael Eitan, former Defense Ministry official involved in Pollard spy case, says he acted with approval from his superiors [CSM, NYT 8/20]. Doctors at Gaza Strip hospitals strike to protest dismissal of Dr. al-Agha from Nasir Hospital on political grounds [FJ 8/23]. Nazareth's weekly political newspaper al-jamahir is ordered closed on charges that it is supported by the PFLP [FJ 8/23]. Two Arabs are injured by Jewish youths in Baqa al-Gharbiyyah [FJ8/23].

Arab World: Hashim 'Ashayir, head of waqf in Jerusalem, travels to Amman for meetings with Jordanian officials [FJ 8/23].

Other Countries: U.S. officials confirm Ambassador William Eagleton will return to Damascus 9/1 [WP 8/20].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Curfew at Jabaliyyah refugee camp is relaxed, allowing residentso go to work [FJ 8/23].

Arab World: Near Marja'uyun inside Israel's S. Lebanon security zone, 4 SLA members are injured by land mine explosion [FJ 8/23]

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: U. S. envoy Charles Hill meets with Israeli P. M. Shamir to discuss proposed international peace conference [LAT 8/13]. Fu'ad Ishkantna from Rafah is sentenced to 20 years imprisonment on charges of Fateh membership and building explosives; another Rafah resident, Nabil Ghazi Sha'th, receives 15-year sentence on similar charges [FJ 8/16]. Israeli authorities confiscate nearly 300 sheep in 'Ayn Malih in Jordan Valley area; sheep are returned after owner pays JD 900 fine [FJ 8/16]. Palestinian is arrested trying to enter Baytar Ilit settlement near Bethlehem [FJ 8/16].

Arab World: Egypt cancels media coverage of upcoming joint Egyptian-U.S. land, sea, and air military maneuvers [WP 8/11].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Katyusha rockets land in N. Israel and S. Lebanon security zone in 2d day of attacks [CSM 8/11].

Arab World: Israeli helicopter attack in Nabatiyyah region of S. Lebanon kills 1 Lebanese, wounds 2 others; retaliating Lebanese militiamen shoot, injure 6 Israeli soldiers in attack on Israeli-SLA post in security zone [WP 8/11; FJ 8/16].