The Palestine Chronology

The Gaza-based Ministry of Health announces that a Hamas fighter died this morning during a “training accident” in southern Gaza. (MNA, TOI 9/19)

The Israeli authorities shut down the border crossings into the West Bank and Gaza at midnight ahead of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year (they are set to reopen at midnight on 9/23, “depending on a situational assessment,” according to the IDF). Israeli forces level 2 dunams (approximately 0.5 acres) of Palestinian land near Tulkarm, destroying about 50 fig and lemon trees. They also arrest 13 Palestinians and issue 2 arrest summons during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah, and Bethlehem, and patrol near Jenin and Hebron throughout the day. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian car wash in Bayt Hanina and arrest 1 Palestinian during a raid in Sur Bahir. (MNA, TOI, WAFA 9/19; MNA 9/20; PCHR 9/21; PCHR 9/28)

Addressing the UNGA in New York, U.S. pres. Trump threatens North Korea and criticizes the 7/14/2015 Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). He does not mention the Palestinians or the peace process. Later, Israeli PM Netanyahu takes the podium and echoes Trump’s comments on Iran, criticizing the “sunset” clause in the JCPOA, and calling on the international community to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. In his speech to the UNGA, Egyptian pres. al-Sisi calls on the people of Israel to “stand behind your political leadership and support [the peace process]” and on the Palestinian people to “unite behind” the common goal of peace. (HA, TOI 9/19; MNA, REU, WAFA, YA 9/20)

IDF troops shoot down an allegedly Iranianmade, Hezbollah-operated drone as it flies into the demilitarized zone in the Golan Heights. The drone falls inside Syrian-controlled territory. (HA, TOI, YA 9/19)

Lebanese and Syrian leaderships hold summit meeting in Damascus to discuss common stance on peace talks, deployment of Lebanese army in south, and Lebanese cabinet appointments. Lebanese delegation includes Pres. Hirawi, PM Hariri; Syrian side includes Pres. al-Asad, VP Khaddam. Lebanese DM Dallul quoted by Reuter as saying no security deals will be made with Israel until Israeli withdrawal fr. southern Lebanon. (MM 8/16; RL, SARR 8/16 in FBIS 8/17)

State Dept. spokesman says Israeli contacts with North Korea over Korean missile exports "not helpful." Israeli FMin. later announces Israel will suspend contacts with Pyongyang. (Qol Yisra'el 8/16 in FBIS 8/17; MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/17)

7 Palestinians wounded by IDF gunfire in Jabalya refugee camp, Gaza. In separate incident, IDF arrests 3 mbrs. of "Red Panthers" in Bayt Lahiya, Gaza. 3 homes damaged by IDF grenades during arrest. (ITV 8/16 in FBIS 8/17)

Former PM Menahem Begin dies in Tel Aviv. (WP 3/9)

Nayif Hawatima, head of one faction using the name DFLP, states in interview published in German press that he favors opening an "immediate dialogue" with Yitzhak Rabin and the Labor party. (Berliner Zeitung 3/9 in FBIS 3/18)

N. Korean ship which U.S. officials thought might be transporting ballistic missiles (Scud-1D missiles, also called Scud-C) from N. Korea to Syria and Iran docks at Bandar 'Abbas, Iran, after eluding U.S. naval search for the vessel [U.S. Defense Dept. officials state navy had been searching for the ship after receiving Israeli intelligence reports]. Incident is most recent example of growing Western readiness to intercept arms shipments to Syria, Iran. In October 1991, another N. Korean ship carrying equipment for Scud missiles turned back before reaching Syriafter Israel indicated it might stop it [see also 1/29 and 2/3]. (NYT, WP 3/11)

Lebanese police issue first official casualty report from Lebanese civil war. Report states 144,240 died and 197,506 were wounded during fighting from 1975-90. An additional 17,415 are missing and presumed dead, including 13,968 kidnapped by various militias. The figures did not include an additional 6,630 Palestinians killed and 8,000 wounded in related conflicts. (NYT, MM 3/10)

Palestinian youth killed in 'Asirat al-Qibliyya near Nablus. Palestinians claim he was shot by a settler and not by IDF. A second youth killed by soldiers during clash in 'Arrub refugee camp near Hebron. (MM 3/10)

In Jerusalem, Sec. Baker holds separate meetings with P.M. Shamir and group of 10 Palestinian leaders, led by Faisal Husseini, who hands him memo. Baker reportedly probes each side for points on which each might be flexible; reiterates "land for peace" formula to a noncommittal Shamir (cf. 3/13) [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 3/13; IDF, JDS 3/12, JPD, DAV 3/13 in FBIS 3/13; CSM 3/14; FJ 3/18; MET 3/26].

Kuwait military continues to transport hundreds of Palestinians, Jordanians, N.Africans, and Iraqis-arrested since liberation of Kuwait-to border with Iraq; several people claim to have been tortured and beaten by Kuwait military [LAT, WP 3/13].

Kurdish insurgents in northern Iraq claim further territorial gains and accuse Baghdad of taking 5,000 Kurdish women and children as hostages [LAT, WP, CSM 3/13].

Syria announces it has freed all Palestinians held in its jails. Beirut radio says 302 prisoners were released; PLO reports more than 4,000 Palestinians in Syrian jails (cf. 3/13) [LAT, WP 3/13; BVL 3/12 in FBIS 3/18; MET 3/26].

North Korea has delivered to Syria about 24 SCUD missiles along with mobile launchers, according to U.S. officials [WT 3/13].

World Health Organization reports Baghdad's water supplies are at 5% of prewar levels; Iraqi Red Crescent says cholera and typhoid cases are beginning to appear [LAT 3/13].

King Hussein says that Jordan will never agree to be a substitute for PLO in peace talks with Israel, but if Palestinian leadership asked Jordan to join talks, it would do so [NYT 3/13].

Kuwaiti gov't. officials say joint U.S.-British air base will be built on Kuwait's Bubiyan Island as part of postwar security arrangements [WT 3/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Five Palestinians are sentenced to life imprisonment for alleged kidnap, torture, and murder of Dani Katz, 15, in December 1983 [LT 10/15]. Israeli military asks SLA to stop harassing UNIFIL troops in Lebanon following reports of serious incidents involving the SLA [JP 10/15].

Arab World: The Times quotes senior PLO official as saying the organization is near bankruptcy because Arab countries have not met their financial commitments [LT, MG 10/14]. U.S. State Dept. spokesman says body of man washed up near Syrian port of Tartus may be that of Leon Klinghoffer [NYT 10/15]. Tunis branch of the Palestine Liberation Front issues statement acknowledging the real target of the hijackers of the Achille Lauro was the Israeli port of Ashdod [WP 10/15]. Pres. Mubarak demands public apology from the U.S. to "all Egyptians" for interception of Egyptian plane carrying 4 hijackers [WP, LAT 10/15].

Other Countries: Britain calls off talks with joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation on M.E. peace process, saying the Palestinian members of the delegation refused to sign a previously agreed upon statement renouncing "terrorism" and explicitly recognizing Israel's right to exist. The Palestinians state they had not seen the statement before and could not sign it unless it had already been approved by the entire PLO Executive Committee. British For. Sec. Geoffrey Howe states he is "very disappointed and surprised" by the PLO delegates' refusal to do so [NYT, WP, DT 10/15]. The EEC announces its decision to cancel scheduled talks with the joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation following Britain's decision [DT 10/15]. UN General Assembly averts U.S. boycott by dropping invitation to Yasir Arafat to attend 40th anniversary commemoration [NYT, WP 10/15]. The Times reports China and North Korea have denied entry to Kozo Okamoto, only survivor of the Japanese Red Army attack on Lod airport in 1972, who was released in the 5/20 prisoner exchange [LT 10/14]. The Guardian reports Spanish police are nearly positive the corpses of 2 Israelis found in Barcelona were members of Mossad [MG 10/14]. President of Ivory Coast announces his country is prepared to renew ties with Israel [JP 10/15].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gasoline bomb thrown at Israeli bus near Ramallah slightly injures 1 passenger [JP 10/15].

Arab World: Israeli fighter bombers fly deep into Jordanian territory at dawn; no attacks reported [NYT 10/15]. Syria states a shoulder-held missile was recently fired at an Israeli jet near the Golan Heights but missed its target. Syria sent a formal apology to Israel for the attack, saying it was ordered by a junior-level commander and did not reflect a change in Syria's adherence to the cease-fire. Israel reportedly accepted the explanation [NYT, WP 10/15].

Military Action:

Tripoli cease-fire breaks down soon after visiting Syrians depart; grenades and sporadic sniper fire; artillery duels and ambush in Chouf, as Druze and Christian leaders try to restore cease-fire; Haddad militia commander Ahmed Sheet blown up by car bomb in Nabatiyeh; other sabotage acts in recent weeks in Nabatiyeh reportedly aimed at IDF forces.

Casualties:

3 killed, 10 wounded in Tripoli; 1 killed, 3 wounded in Chouf; 21 others wounded in Nabatiyeh explosion.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Begin, in speech to World Zionist Congress, sees good chance of pullout agreement soon, reaffirms settlements are essential; Begin meets with Habib and Draper, who carry proposals to skirt issue of Jerusalem as venue for talks; Israeli military authorities close down Construction and Public Institutions Employees Union headquarters in Ramallah for two months, confiscate union files, arrest union secretary.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese Foreign Minister Salem, in meeting with Shultz, warns that lengthy occupation would lead to Israeli annexation of South Lebanon, Syrian/PLO protectorate in North Lebanon.

Arab Governments: Syrian Presidents Assad and Foreign Minister Khaddam meet with Gemayel special emissary Jean Obeid, express openness to partial, simultaneous withdrawal of all foreign forces from Lebanon, provided this is linked to a total withdrawal of IDF forces, affirm that Lebanese security forces should patrol Tripoli; Egyptian President Mubarak, in Vienna, calls on PLO to recognize Israel and declares support for Reagan peace plan.

US and Other Countries: Reagan sends letter to Begin urging Israel to agree to withdrawal timetable hours after Habib and Draper meet in Jerusalem with Begin; US announces $5 m. grant, $15 m. loan to Lebanon to help rebuild damaged homes; State Department sources say Israel is offering to sell Central American countries stocks of weapons captured from PLO; over 175 Representatives sign a letter to Reagan asking him to deny advanced weapons to Jordan unless Jordan participates in peace process; in Senate, Kennedy has almost 60 co-sponsors for resolution opposing more aid to Jordan if it continues to boycott peace talks.

UN: Israel and Lebanon join in unanimous General Assembly condemnation of September massacre, but Israel votes against another provision that calls massacre act of genocide; four other resolutions passed which demand that Israel rescind annexation of Golan Heights, support Lebanese efforts to restore its authority throughout its territory, deplore destruction of Palestinian cultural heritage during invasion and ask Israel for restitution.