The Palestine Chronology

PM Netanyahu, DM Yitzhak Mordechai, FM Levy, IDF officials hold mtg. on Hebron security. (QY 6/20, 6/21 in FBIS 6/21; ITV 6/21 in FBIS 6/25)

In Hebron, pro-Fatah Strike Forces of the Popular Committees for Palestinian National Solidarity release leaflet calling for renewal of the intifada, demonstrations 7/7, general strike 7/9. (JMCC 7/1 in FBIS 7/2; PR 7/5)

General strike is upheld throughout o.t., and Arab delegations in Washington suspend today's meetings, to mark 5th anniv. of intifada. IDF shoots Palestinian youth dead near Jenin. (MM 12/9; SARR 12/9 in FBIS 12/9)

PM Rabin meets with PM John Major in London. (MM 12/10)

Faisal Husseini releases names of the fourteen Palestinians who will serve on the joint Palestinian-Jordanian negotiating delegation. Seven additional Palestinians will serve on a steering committee and not participate in the actual talks. Chmn. Arafat asserts that the Palestinian delegates will represent the PLO because "every Palestinian is a member of the PLO." (NYT 10/23)

U.S. State Department indicates Secy. Baker will appoint a special Middle East representative to facilitate the bilateral negotiations which will constitutehe second phase of negotiations. (NYT 10/23)

PFLP, DFLP, Hamas issue joint statement in o.t. urging escalation of intifada, call for general strike 10/23 in opposition to peace conference. Statement also rejects claim that a majority of Palestinians favor talks. Spokesmen for PFLP, DFLP denounce 10/21 threat against Palestinian delegates issued by PFLP-GC head Ahmad Jibril in Tehran. Fateh also issues leaflet in o.t. calling on Palestinians to ignore PFLP-DFLP-Hamas call for strike on 10/23. (MEM 10/22)

Saudi Arabia releases $3 million to PLO. The funds, deducted from salaries of Palestinians working in Saudi Arabia as a "liberation tax," had been frozen following the deterioration of PLO-Saudi relations during the Gulf crisis. Agreement was recently reached about resuming transfers of the funds [see 9/26]. Some of the funds also came from Saudi donations to the Palestinian cause. (MEM 10/24)

Tehran conference on Palestine ends, establishes permanent secretariat in Tehran. (MEM 10/23, IRNA 10/23 in FBIS 10/24)

Chmn. Arafat meets with Lebanese pres. Ilyas al-Hirawin Paris, their first meeting since al-Hirawi's election as president. Talks focus on peace conference, Lebanese-PLO relations. (MEM 10/23)

Al-Hirawi later tells press conference that "not one shot" will be fired at Israel from Lebanon once Israeli forces are withdrawn from S. Lebanon. (MEM 10/23)

Senior U.S. admin. officials say military plans to use air strikes against any Iraqi military unit that uses poison gas or chemical weapons against rebels [NYT, WP 3/10].

Palestinians in o.t. mark 39 months of intifada with general strike; at least 55 Gazans are wounded in clashes with IDF; clashes are largest since before Gulf war [NYT, WP 3/10; JDS 3/9 in FBIS 3/11; FJ 3/18; MET 3/19].

On quick visit to Kuwait, Sec. Baker is told by gov't. officials that they intend to democratize their country in near future, but insist that until Saddam Hussein is removed from power, there will not be peace or stability in Gulf region [NYT, WP 3/10; MET 3/19].

New York Times reports that, with enough Soviet Jews to elect an MK arriving every 6 weeks, political parties are competing for large new voter pool; that immigrants may dramatically reshape Israeli politics in near future [NYT 12/9].

PLO leader Arafat delivers speech stressing Palestinian unity as o.t. prepares to mark anniversary of intifada [AVP 12/9, BVP 12/10 in FBIS 12/10; MEM 12/10]; Palestinians in o.t. begin 2-day general strike to commemorate 10/8 Haram al-Sharif killings [WP 12/9].

GCC finance ministers meet for summit in Doha to discuss disruption of economies because of Gulf crisis [WAKH 12/8 in FBIS 12/11]; while Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries opens meeting in Cairo [MENA 12/8 in FBIS 12/11].

Saddam Hussein says he has decided to release all foreigners held hostage in Iraq and Kuwait; Bush admin. welcomes move, but reiterates that no concessions will be made and that Iraq must leave Kuwait [BADS 12/6 in FBIS 12/6; MEM 12/6; NYT, LAT, WT, WP, CSM 12/7; MET 12/18].

In Brussels Sec. Cheney asks NATO allies for additional troops, weapons, and money for Gulf buildup [LAT, WP 12/7; NYT 12/8].

General strike called for by Islamic Jihad is observed in o.t., selected Palestinian villages are placed under curfew in anticipation of intifada anniversary (cf. 12/7) [FJ 12/10].

Confirming 3/8 statements by Davy Levy and Ruth Kaminker, Israeli housing ministry announces construction of 4,000 apartments for Soviet Jews; 2,000 for W. Bank, 2,000 for E. Jerusalem [LAT 3/10].

PLO Exec. Committee member Mahmud Abbas reports Palestinian command has agreed to stop making public statements about Middle East peace efforts at this time, due to political turmoil in Israel [ITT 3/9 in FBIS 3/13].

U.S. denounces as "bellicose rhetoric" Pres. Asad's 3/8 statements pledging to continue war against Israel, states Asad should be "committing himself to peace, not war" [LAT 3/10].

Palestinians in O.T. observe general strike to mark start of 28th month of intifada [LAT 3/10].

In an unusually deep foray into Lebanon, Israeli warplanes bomb PLFP-GC bases north of Beirut killing 1, wounding 2 others [IDF, BDS 3/9 in FBIS 3/9; MET 3/20-26].

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].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Lebanese President Rene Moawad is assassinated when an explosion destroys his car; 23 others are also killed. Moawad was in office only 17 days [FBIS 11/22; NYT, WP, LAT 11/23].

Other Countries: President Bush has received personal message from Arafat, delivered through U.S. embassy in Tunis; contents are not divulged; Bush does not plan reply [NYT, WP 11/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Bodies of 2 Palestinians suspected of collaboration are found; number of suspected collaborators killed during intifada stands at 144 [MET 12/5].

Military orders 2 Bethlehem houses destroyed. Authorities deport 5 Palestinians to Jordan, saying they lacked family reunification permit [FJ 11/27].

General strike called by Hamas is observed in O.T. At least 13 Palestinians are wounded in clashes with IDF [FBIS 11/29]

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike is observed in the O.T. [FBIS 11/16]. Unified National Command of the intifada issues leaflet number 48 [FBIS 11/14].

Arab World: PLO Executive Committee meets in Tunis [FBIS 11/13].

Other Countries: U.S. Roman Catholic bishops unanimously approve policy statement declaring Palestinians have a right to an independent homeland that is balanced against Israel's right to secure borders [NYT, WP 11/10]. White House announces Pres. Bush will meet with P.M. Shamir on 11/15, during Shamir's visit to the U.S. [WP 11/10].

Military Action

Arab World: UNIFIL reports 27 Katyusha rockets are fired from Lebanon into Israel during the past 24 hours [FBIS 11/13]. 2 Israeli soldiers are wounded in the "security zone" in South Lebanon when a roadside charge explodes [FBIS 11/14].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike is observed in O.T. 3 Palestinians are wounded, 8 arrested in Qibya. Qibya and Kafr Malik placed under curfew. 18- year-old masked Palestinian is shot, killed in Hebron by IDF troops. Arsonists bum 30 dunums in the Kennedy Forest in W. Bank. Israeli car is torched in E. Jerusalem. Unified National Command of intifada issues leaflet number 47 [FBIS 10/17].

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

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF chief of staff, Gen. Dan Shomron, orders soldiers to use force only when necessary to quell disturbances. P. M. Shamir's office prevents journalist Hanna Siniora from leaving for U. S. Shops open in Gaza. More than 40,000 Gazans return to jobs in Israel. General strike and scattered violence continue in and around E. Jerusalem [CSM, WP 1/25]. Soldiers use crowbars, break locks in attempt to force shops to open in W. Bank and Gaza Strip [FJ 1/3 1]. W. Germany's F. M. Hans Dietrich meets with 7 W. Bank and Gaza Strip Palestinians [FBIS 1/27]. Al-Sha'b editor Salah Zuhayka, arrested 1/14, receives 6-month administrative detention order [FJ 1/31]. Administration of Haifa's Rambam Hospital fires dozens of striking Palestinian workers [FJ 1/31].

Arab World: Jordanian police quickly disperse 150 protesters marching illegally to support Palestinian uprising in W. Bank, Gaza Strip, and E. Jerusalem [NYT 1/25]. Arab foreign ministers meeting in Tunis pledge financial and moral support for Palestinians inW. Bank and Gaza Strip, call for international peace conference [NYT 1/25]. Tunis and Egypt announce resumptionf full diplomatic relations [FJ 1/31].

Other Countries: Rabbi Alexander Schindler, pres. of Union of Am. Hebrew Congregations, criticizes Iraeli policy of "might, power, and beatings" in occupied territories as "morally wrong" [WP 1/25].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Curfews are lifted for Gaza Strip's Nusayrat, Burayj, and Maghazi refugee camps; only Jabalya camp and part of Rafah camp remain under curfew [CSM, WP 1/25]. In the W. Bank, old and new 'Askar camps and village of Bayt 'Ur al-Tahta remain under curfew; Hebron-region village of Sa'ir is still closed military zone [FJ 1/31]. Protesters blockade roads, throw stones in scattered incidents in Jerusalem and 'Anata refugee camp [FBIS 1/25]. In Ramallah, soldiers use tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition to disperse peaceful demonstration; Palestinian bystander is shot in back, seriously injured [FJ 1/31]. Several people are injured, arresteduring clash between army and demonstrators in Hebron district's Bani Na'im village [FJ 1/31].

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].