The Palestine Chronology

Military Action:

Artillery fire exchanged between LF and PSP militias in Kharroub area south of Beirut; sniper fire continues against LAF and LF positions; Western military sources say Syria is blocking entry of Palestinian guerrillas to Chouf and evacuating those already there.

Casualties:

1 LF militiaman killed, several wounded by snipers in Deir al-Q;mar.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Talks on formation of government of national unity between PM-designate Shamir and Labor leader Peres break down.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Cease-fire security committee agrees to put roads leading to airport under LAF control, remove militia checkpoints on roads south of Beirut, exchange persons kidnapped during fighting by opposing militias, permit Red Cross to enter battle areas.

Arab Govemnments: Mubarak, on official visit to US, meets Reagan, other administration officials, calls for reactivation of September 1982 Reagan plan.

US and Other Countries: Shultz and Syrian Foreign Minister discuss monitoring of Lebanon cease-fire, Syria reportedly objects to use of UN observers.

Military Action:

Sniper fire continues around LAF base at Souq al Gharb; IDF position in Beqaa fired on from position near Kamed e-Loz; Israeli gunboats reportedly seize Cypriot ship bound for Tripoli, arrest 25 Palestinians on board.

Casualties:

Beirut airport reopens; MEA reports loss of $13.7 million during 32 days of airport closure; IDF bulldozes house of family of suspected guerrilla in Ain al-Hilweh camp; relief agency workers report 3 other houses destroyed in Burj alShemali camp near Tyre on September 12, average of 50 Palestinians arrested weekly by IDF.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Cease-fire security committee holds second meeting, agrees to avoid shelling of airport.

US and Other Countries: Senate approves resolution invoking War Powers Act and authorizing 18-month Marine deployment by 54-46 vote, House agrees to accept Senate bill by vote of 253-156.

Military Action:

Cease-fire continues to hold; some firing reported by PSP militia on LAF position near Khaldeh, and between PSP and LF in Kharroub area south of Beirut, Amal militia and LAF in southern suburbs; US Army Special Forces unit resumes training of LAF cadres, interrupted at end of August.

Casualties:

1 French soldier wounded by grenade in Beirut.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Cease-fire committee holds first meeting; 600 Fateh loyalists, expelled from Beqaa, welcomed at Baddawi refugee camp in Tripoli.

US and Other Countries: House votes 270-161 to invoke War Powers Act, authorizes deployment of Marines in Lebanon for 18 months

Military Action:

Cease-fire holds generally; sniper fire and fighting between LAF and Amal militia in southern suburbs of Beirut; LF and PSP militias exchange artillery fire near Baissour; bomb explodes as IDF vehicle passes near Marjayoun; fighting breaks out in Baddawi refugee camp near Tripoli between Fateh and PFLP-GC factions, Arafat forces exchange artillery fire with Syrian troops.

Casualties:

17-19 guerrillas killed, 7 wounded in Tripoli fighting; 1 Italian soldier wounded in Beirut; 2 IDF soldiers wounded near Marjayoun; refugees return in large numbers to Beirut from the south.

Political Responses:

US and Other Countries: Representatives of US, Britain, France, Italy meet in New York, agree on need to keep MNF in place, discuss formation of 600-man observer corps, affiliated to UN, monitor Lebanon cease-fire; Shultz says MNF mission in Lebanon should continue until or even after there is stability, including withdrawal of Israeli, Syrian and PLO forces; Reagan says he will seek Congressional authorization for any substantial expansion in size or role of Marine contingent, will consult if stay beyond 18 months is required.

Military Action:

Cease-fire takes effect at 0600 hours, sniper fire near Souq al-Gharb and RPG attack on LAF post near Q3br Chamoun are only reported violations.

Casualties:

2 LAF soldiers killed at Kaifun; large numbers of pedestrians and motorists take to streets of East and West Beirut for first time in 3 weeks; Lebanese police estimate 806 killed, 1725 wounded in fighting since September 4.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PM Wazzan submits resignation, Gemayel asks him to remain until new government is formed in reconciliation talks.

US and Other Countries: Congressional Democrats and Republicans criticize Shultz statement that administration would not be bound by proposed legislation invoking War Powers Act.

Military Action:

Heavy fighting in Burj al-Barajneh tapers off in afternoon; LAF resists attack on Souq al-Gharb; shelling resumes in Chouf during evening; shells fall on East Beirut suburbs; US battleship New Jersey, equipped with 16-inch guns capable of firing 2700 pound shells a distance of 22 miles, arrives, bringing number of Sixth Fleet vessels off Beirut to 14.

Casualties:

2 civilians killed, 3 wounded in Beirut shelling; 3 US Marines wounded.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Bomb explodes in central Nablus, 3 Palestinian civilians, IDF soldiers wounded.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Following 3 weks of negotiations, Lebanese and Syrian governments announce that all parties to fighting in Lebanon have agreed to Saudi-American proposals for (1) cease-fire as of Monday morning supervised by neutral observers and implemented by committee drawn from LAF, Amal militia, LF and National Salvation Front, (2) national reconciliation talks between leaders of main religious and political factions, with Syrian and Saudi observers; 1000-1500 PLO loyalists, forced out of Beqaa, held under siege by Syrian forces in Jbab el-Homor Valley, ordered to hand over weapons.

Military Action:

LAF, using tanks and artillery, fights day long battle with Amal militia in Burn al-Barajneh, Hayy es-Selloum and Chiah; Marines evacuate 2 outposts east of airport perimeter; US Marine helicopter fired on, returns fire over Burn al-Barajneh; anti-government artillery hits numerous LAF positions on hills east of Beirut; Marines announce increase in troops ashore from 1200 to 1600.

Casualties:

19 civilians killed, 48 wounded in Beirut suburbs.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Syrian tanks and commando units expel 1000-1500 Fateh loyalists from base near Chtaura in central Beqaa to Hermel area in northeast Lebanon, 3 PLO officers arrested.

Military Action:

Heavy fighting erupts in southern Beirut suburbs between LAF and Amal miliita; US Marine compound at airport hit by artillery and mortar rounds; US warships and Marine shore battery return fire; fighting resumes around Souq al-Gharb; rockets hit Defense Ministry, fall near presidential palace and US Ambassador's residence.

Casualties:

4 Marines wounded; 2 members CBS-TV crew wounded at Souq al-Gharb; 30 LAF soldiers captured, then released, by Amal in Burj al-Barajneh; 11 Muslim civilians reportedly killed by LF in Mraije.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese National Resistance Front issues warning in Damascus against members of MNF deepening their involvement in Lebanon fighting.

US and Other Countries: Senate Foreign Relations Committee approves by 9-7 vote a resolution authorizing president to keep Marines in Lebanon for further 18 months; European MNF members announce diplomatic initiative independent of US to obtain Lebanon cease-fire.

Military Action;

French Army HQ and Italian munitions depot in Beirut hit by rockets; 4-8 French Super Etendard jet fighters, based on French carrier Foch, attack PSP and Syrian gun emplacements near Sofar, Dour Choueir and elsewhere, first combat use of airpower by MNF; rockets hit Lebanese Air Force base at Jubeil, LAF positions at Khalden; battle for Souq al-Gharb continues.

Casualties:

4 French soldiers wounded in HQ shelling, 2 others wounded by grenade thrown at truck, French casualties now total 50 wounded, 16 killed; Italian MNF munitions depot destroyed.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: 600-2000 Druze civilians demonstrate in Beirut against US support for LAF and LF, march to temporary US Embassy, present letter to US official.

US and Other Countries: House Foreign Affairs Committee by 30-6 vote approves compromise formula to allow deployment of US troops in Lebanon for additional 18 months.

Military Action:

Fighting continues around Souq al-Gharb, with anti-government forces, reportedly including Hitten and Yarmouk brigades of PLA, using tanks and smokescreens; artillery and rocket fire hits Yarze and Baabda areas; US ships fire salvos for third consecutive day; Gemayel tours LAF positions along Souq al-Gharb-Kaifun ridge.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Shamir, with majority in Knesset, is invited to form new government, extends invitation to Labor Alignment to join government of national unity; Sharon calls on US to send Marines into Chouf, use naval and air power to stop Druze forces, send warning to Syria and Soviet Union; Israeli acting mayor cancels Hebron council's successful petition to High Court for injunction against expansion of Jewish settlements in town's center.

US and Other Countries: Reagan says Marines' participation in MNF is absolutely crucial to ending Soviet-sponsored aggression against Lebanon; House Appropriations Committee votes 20-16 to cut off funds for Marines in MNF on December 1 unless Reagan invokes War Powers Act.

Military Action:

US Marines, Army officers make first reported visit to LAF positions at Souq al-Gharb, gather intelligence, consult on target coordinates; LAF adds 2 battalions to 4 already at Souq al-Gharb, US ships fire 40+ rounds at anti-government artillery and rocket batteries east of Yarze; SAM-5 reportedly fired at US Navy F-14 on reconnaissance flight over Beirut, no damage; Amal militia continues attack on LAF units south of Beirut.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: IDF reportedly will intervene in Lebanon fighting if PLO seeks to gain foothold south of Damour River line.

US and Other Countries: Reagan administration and Congressional leaders of both parties agree on compromise formula to authorize Marines to remain in Lebanon for further 18 months under War Powers Act, no change in number, role or deployment; US names new ambassadors to Lebanon, Saudi Arabia; Italy positions warplanes at British base on Cyprus to support its MNF contingent; British naval task force begins assembling in eastern Mediterranean.

Military Action:

2 US warships engage in first direct military support of LAF, bombard PSP positions near Souq al-Gharb with 350+ rounds of 5-inch shells (heaviest naval bombardment since Vietnam war) after militiamen penetrate Souq al-Gharb defenses, capture 3 strategic hilltops; PSP says it downed Lebanese Air Force fighter-bomber; air Force attacks, damages anti-aircraft batteries near Batroun, north of Beirut; artillery barrages hit East Beirut; 24 hour curfew imposed in Beirut's southern suburbs; bomb damages IDF convoy near Nabatieh.

Casualties:

Heavy but unspecified casual- ties reported on both sides of Souq al- Gharb battle, including casualties from naval bombardment; 5 IDF soldiers wounded near Nabatieh.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Druze citizens of Israel demonstrate outside US Embassy in Tel Aviv to protest US military support for LAF.

US and Other Countries: US officials say use of naval gunfire at Souq al-Gharb (when no direct threat to US personnel existed), is necessary because successfui LAF defense of the area is vital to safety of US personnel, and loss of the position could undermine stability of Gemayel government; French Foreign Minister says US shelling is not best way to solve Lebanese crisis.

Military Action:

National Salvation Front attacks Lebanese Air Force base at Jbeil with estimated 50 Katyushas, no damage to planes reported; Air Force bombs anti- government artillery and troop positions near Souq al-Gharb and Aabadiye; LAF units hold positions at Souq al-Gharb and Kaifun under heavy rocket and artillery fire; Amal militia and LAF fight 6-hour battle in southern Beirut suburbs.

Casualties:

5-16 civilians killed, 13-42 wounded, vehicles and buildings damaged in rocket attack on Jbeil.

Political Responses:

Israel/Occupied Territories: Demonstrations in West Bank and Israel commemorate Sabra and Shatila massacres, 25 Palestinians and Israelis arrested in East Jerusalem.

Military Action:

US warships respond to shelling in area of US Ambassador's residence and Defense Ministry, where US advisers are based, fire an estimated 60 rounds from 5-inch guns, targets reportedly are artillery positions in Chouf; fighting continues between LAF and PSP forces along Souq al-Gharb Baissour ridge, hand-to-hand combat reported in Kaifun; Lebanese Air Force renews attacks on artillery positions; 3 British aircraft carriers head for eastern Mediterranean.

Casualties:

PSP reports 15 militiamen, 45 LAF soldiers killed.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: 4 Palestinians wounded by grenade thrown into Hebron market shop.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Abu Nasser, commander of September Martyr's Battalion, says 500 anti-Arafat men are fighting with PSP and Amal militias against LAF; PSP spokesman says 150 Palestinians were in Aley but are not longer involved in battles.

Arab Governments: Syria says it will retaliate if areas it controls in Lebanon are attacked by US Marine or Navy units supporting LAF.

Military Action:

1500 men in 2 LAF battalions open broad offensive along ridge between Souq al-Gharb and Bais- sour, make some advances; Lebanese Air Force enters combat for first time since 1976, 5 Hunter Hawkers attack PSP and Palestinian positions; heavy shelling hits Beirut hillsides, neighborhoods in East and West Beirut; shells land in Marine compound at airport, and near British Embassy.

Casualties:

LAF losses are 2 killed, 11 wounded; 1 Lebanese plane downed, another damaged; 9 PSP T-54 tanks destroyed.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/Lebanese: Arafat retums to Lebanon for first time since June, is warmly received at Baddawi refugee camp near Tripoli.

US and Other Countries: Reagan administration says efforts by Congres- sional Democrats to invoke War Powers Act may endanger US forces.

Military Action:

Relatively light exchanges of artillery and machine gun fire between LAF units and PSP militia at Souq al-Gharb and Khaldeh; IDF position 8 mi. east of Tyre attacked with bazookas; Lebanese Air Force planes overfly PSP positions in Chouf; Israeli jets fly reconnaissance mission over Beirut.

Casualties:

2 French soldiers wounded by hand-grenade thrown by passing motorcyclists, total French casualties are 15 killed, 42 wounded in past year; 1 IDF soldier killed, 7 wounded near Tyre.

Political Responses:

Israeli/ Occupied Territories: Begin submits formal resignation as prime minister.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Cease-fire discussions, mediated by McFarlane and Prince Bandar, continue in Damascus, Beirut and Cyprus.

US and Other Countries: Senate Democrats introduce resolution requiring Reagan to acknowledge that US troops are engaged in hostilities, thereby invoking need for Congressional approval under War Powers Act to keep Marines in Lebanon longer than 60-90 days.

Military Action:

IDF patrol of 8 APCs, 2 Centurion tanks enters Saadiyat, 8 mi. north of Awali, assists LAF and LF in battle with PSP.

Casualties:

Several dozen detainees released from Ansar prison camp, 4700 remain. Political Responses:

US and Other Countries: US admits it asked Israel, on behalf of Lebanon, to use its army and air force to attack PSP positions in Chouf about a week ago, but Israelis refused.

Military Action:

1200 LAF troops resist 4 assaults by PSP militia at Souq al-Gharb; fighting between LF and PSP militias continues south of Beirut around Mishref, Barja and Saadiyat; British jets fly reconnaissance missions; grenades thrown at Haddad militia office in South Lebanon; rocket fired at IDF position north of Tyre; IDF commando unit lands on beach near Tripoli, fires mortars at PLO positions.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Arens says Lebanese Druze have responsibility to prevent PLO forces from participating in Chouf battles or approaching IDF lines along Awali river.

US and Other Countries: Marines in Lebanon are authorized to call on US naval and air power to assist LAF and other MNF units if they are being attacked in a way that endangers Marines.

Military Action:

Battle for Souq al-Gharb continues, LAF positions under artillery attack throughout day; Marine position at airport hit by mortar rounds; new contingent of 2000 Marines arrives offshore Beirut, US forces now total 14,000 marines and sailors on shore or aboard 12 ships, with approximately 100 aircraft.

Casualties:

3 US Marines wounded by mortar fire; reports of refugees from Chouf region intensify, Beirut radio says 7846 families have fled, Israeli radio says many seek to cross from Lebanon into Israel; first IRC relief convoy reaches refugees in Deir al-Qamar.

Political Responses:

Palestinian/ Lebanese: Cease-fire talks continue, McFarlane meets Gemayel, then flies to Saudi Arabia; Lebanese officials describe current fighting as foreign invasion, not civil war.

US and Other Countries: Reagan authorizes aggressive self-defense measures for Marines, including pre-emptive air and naval strikes; administration official says US will not stand by and let places of vital interest, like Souq al-Gharb, be overrun; draft resolutions to bring US participation in MNF under War Powers Act introduced in Senate and House.

Military Action:

LAF repels attack on Souq al-Gharb after hand-to-hand battle; Western military spokesman claims Syrians, Palestinians, and some Iranians are principal component of 2000-man force attacking Souq al-Gharb; PSP forces capture Bkeshtine, reportedly reach point on Mediterranean coast south of Damour; in past week, PSP forces have occupied 39 Christian villages in Chouf, while LF has occupied 3 Druze villages; shells fall near Marine, LAF positions at airport; British, US jets fly reconnaissance missions; IDF vehicle attacked with grenades, small arms fire near Lebanon-Israel border; IDF patrols coastal highway 6 miles north of Awali line.

Casualties:

LAF statistics for Souq al-Gharb fighting are 13 killed, 20 wounded, 20 missing; further reports of massacre of 60-75 Christians in al-Bireh denied by PSP spokesman; 3 'DF soldiers wounded in attack near border.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Arens says IDF will move across Awali line to hit Palestinian targets but will not return to Chouf or intervene in fighting there; Arens says Israel intends eventually to annex West Bank.

Military Action:

Heavy fighting continues for 7th day in Chouf; PSP forces attack Deir al-Qamar, move toward cutting coastal road; LAF positions around Beirut come under artillery fire; Beirut radio reports PLO Yarmouk Brigade has joined battle against LAF at Suq al-Gharb.

Casualties:

50-64 Christians reportedly killed in al-Bireh, 250 flee to town of Jezzine, PSP denies massacre.

Politicial Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Cease-fire proposals, mediated by Prince Bandar of Saudi Arabia, under discussion with Jumblatt and Syrian Foreign Minister Khaddam in Damascus.

US and Other Countries: Shultz says US and other MNF states have rejected Gemayel request to increase troop commitment, move into Chouf, occupy positions abandoned by IDF.

Military Action:

Artillery and machine gun battles continue between rival militias in Chouf, PSP captures Beiteddine, retakes Qabr Chamoun junction; shells fall on West Beirut; French MNF position hit, 2 French Super Etendard fighters reconnoiter mountain artillery positions; rockets, mortars fall near US Marines; US accelerates shipments of ammunition, other supplies to LAF; Britain moves 6 RAF Buccaneer long-range strike aircraft to Cyprus; IDF armored column enters village of Jalalya, 5 km north of Awali River.

Casualties:

1 French soldier wounded; Berberi Medical Center in Beirut damaged by shelling; 25-40,000 Christian refugees under siege by PSP forces in Deir al-Qamar reportedly running short of food, water.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: McFarlane holds talks with Christian, Muslim groups and with Gemayel, reportedly moving toward cease-fire and political dialogue involving Syria and Saudi Arabia; Lebanese government says it will begin censorship of newspapers on Saturday; Jumblatt gives assurances of safety to Christian refugees in Deir al-Qamar.

Military Action:

Fighting continues at Souq al-Gharb, Aley, Beit Eddine and Deir al-Qamar; PSP forces capture Qabr Chamoun junction; shells fall in Khaldeh, Yarze, Baabda and other suburbs, and around airport, near US Marine positions; LAF engages Shi'ite militiamen in Beirut district of Chiah; US Navy warship fires first rounds of 5-inch shells at PSP artillery position near Chemlan, southeast of Beirut, Marines also return fire; US jet overflies village of Deir al-Qamar; IDF patrol crosses Awali River, removes roadblock at village of Amayle.

Casualties:

LAF reports 2 killed, 6 wounded; PSP accuses Phalange militiamen of killing 40 Druze civilians in Abey, near Qabr Chamoun; bomb destroys Islamic lUnification Movement sports club in Tripoli, 5 killed, 25 wounded.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: McFarlane meets Gemayel, Wazzan in Beirut, Jumblatt in Damascus; Jumblatt says PSP forces will not fire on targets endangering MNF units.

Arab Governments: Saudi Arabia renews its diplomatic efforts toward a ceasefire, sends Prince Bandar Ibn Sultan to Damascus.

US and Other Countries: Rep. Clarence Long (D-MD) says he will seek legislative cut-off of funds for US MNF contingent unless Reagan seeks formal Congressional authorization under 1973 War Powers Act.

Military Action:

Artillery and rocket battles between LF and PSP continue; PSP militia captures Bhamdoun; LAF takes up positions at Souq al-Gharb; fierce fighting continues in hills near Beirut airport and along coastal road near Khaldeh.

Casualties:

Police report 31 killed, 67 wounded in Chouf and Beirut, total since Sunday 216 killed, 561 wounded; LAF reports 4 soldiers killed, 8 wounded, 2 civilians killed, 17 wounded in Beirut; 1500 residents flee Bhamdoun; 800 demonstrate near presidential palace, call for government to stop Chouf fighting; 2 US Marines killed, 3 wounded by rockets fired from Burj al-Barajneh area, total US casualties now 4 killed, 17 wounded; 6 Italian soldiers wounded.

Military Action:

Fierce tank and artillery battles continue between PSP and LF militias in Chouf, focus on control of Bhamdoun; LAF moves troops into Dar aI-Wahch, near Aley.

Casualties:

31 killed, including 3 LAF soldiers, 83 wounded; LAF reports 40 Druze killed in Kfar Matta, says LF responsible, PSP accuses LAF of participating in massacre; Phalange report murder of civilians and militiamen by PSP forces near Bhamdoun; 4 US Marines wounded by mortar fire.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israel warns PSP not to occupy areas it has evacuated, says fall of Bhamdoun to PSP would be seen as a change in the status quo, extending Syrian territory.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Pro- and anti-Arafat Fateh forces resume fighting near Baalbek.

Arab Governments: Syria calls for Arab League boycott of Lebanon.

US and Other Countries: McFarlane returns to Beirut.

Military Action:

IDF completes overnight withdrawal; heavy artillery, machine-gun battles between LF [Lebanese Forces-Phalange militia] and PSP militia as each moves to occupy former IDF positions; LAF dislodges PSP forces at Kf. r Matta and Khaldeh, fires artillery at PJP positions in Chouf; Israeli jets strafe column of Syrian tanks, reportedly under PSP control, attacking LF positions near Sofar, several tanks destroyed; LF encircles PSP stronghold at Aley, PSP militia encircles Bhamdoun.

Casualties:

34 killed, 25-71 wounded in Beirut and Chouf; car bomb in Shi'ite neighborhood of Haret Hreik kills 11, injures dozens.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Arens warns Syria against entering areas evacuated by IDF; Mustafa Dudeen, chairman of West Bank Villages Leagues, resigns.

Military Accion:

LAF [Lebanese Armed Forces] consolidates positions in West Beirut, arrests numerous militiamen; East Beirut hit by scattered shelling; Reagan orders carrier Eisenhower and 2000-man Marine force to Beirut; heavy fighting in Tripoli.

Casualties:

LAF reports 42 dead, 176 wounded in 4 days of Beirut fighting; no clear estimates of civilian casualties; 24-40 Christians reportedly killed, houses burned, by PSP [Progressive Socialist Party-Druze] militia in Bmariam.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Jumblatt says his forces will attack Marines and other MNF units if they do not remain neutral; Amal leader Nabih Berri says Marines have turned into a fighting force against Muslims in Lebanon.