The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces shot and killed 1 11-year-old boy near Beit Umar who was sitting in his father’s car; according to the family, the child’s father decided to turn his car around after seeing a flying checkpoint near the city, when the Israeli forces fired 13 bullets at the car. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters near the Evyatar settlement outpost, injuring 8 with rubber-coated bullets and others with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces delivered demolition orders against 1 water well and 1 agricultural structure in al-Fakheit in the Masafer Yatta area. 11 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Hebron, and Jenin refugee camp. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces razed land and demolished 1 agricultural structure in al-Tur. 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Silwan. (AA, AJ, HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 7/28; AA, MEE, MEE, PCHR 7/29; MEMO, WAFA 7/30; HA 8/3; AA, WAFA 8/4; MEE 8/5; HA 8/8)

The Israeli ministry of defense said it had informed the PA that it would increase the number of work permits for Palestinians by 16,000. 15,000 of the permits would be for construction work and 1,000 would be for work in hospitality. The Israeli government would still need a final approval for the increase. (MEMO, TOI 7/28)

PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh met with EU envoy for the Middle East peace process Sven Koopmans in Ramallah, where he called for a revival of the peace process under the auspices of the Quartet on the Middle East. Envoy Koopmans also met with PA foreign minister Riyad Maliki and head of the civil affairs authority Hussein al-Sheikh. (WAFA 7/28; MEMO 7/29)

PA health minister and head of the PA environmental quality authority Mai al-Kaila and Jamil Matour met with the Israeli health and environmental protection ministers Nitzan Horowitz and Tamar Zandberg, both of the Meretz (Vigor) party, in Jerusalem to discuss cooperation on health and environmental issues. The agreements reached included direct ambulance service from Gaza to the West Bank via the Beit Hanun crossing, easing restrictions on Palestinian medical teams accessing East Jerusalem and Area C, and for Israel to accept vaccination certificates produced by the PA. The meeting was arranged by Israel’s minister of regional cooperation Issawi Frej upon the request of the U.S. The last time PA and Israeli ministers met was in 2018 when PA prime minister Rami Hamdallah met with Israeli finance minister Moshe Kahlon. (HA 8/28; MEMO 7/29; ALM 8/5)

Israel’s defense minister Benny Gantz visited the French defense minister Florence Parly in Paris to relay Israeli findings in regards to the news that the Israeli company NSO Group’s spyware Pegasus had been used to spy on French President Emmanuel Macron’s phone. (AJ, HA, HA, REU 7/27; REU 7/28; ALM, MEMO, MEMO 7/29)

In a briefing at the UN security council, the deputy special coordinator for the Middle East peace process Lynn Hastings said that the UNRWA was facing “an imminent cash flow crisis” amounting to $100 million. Deputy Special Coordinator Hastings also called for Israel to ease restrictions on the entry of goods and people into Gaza. (MEMO 7/28; MEMO, WAFA 7/29)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized 1 solar panel and 15 olive seedlings near ‘Urif. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Dura and Bayt Umar, leading to tear-gas related injuries. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Hebron, injuring 13, including 5 with live ammunition and 8 with rubber-coated bullets; others suffered tear-gas related injuries. Elsewhere, Israeli forces seized a caravan in Sabastiyya. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Tarqumiyya and Jenin refugee camp; Israeli forces also seized a vehicle during a house raid in Aqraba. In East Jerusalem, 1 Israeli settler rammed Palestinians with his vehicle near the Old City, causing injuries; Palestinians were throwing stones at the vehicle but it was unclear what transpired before the ramming, which appeared in a video. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinians in Shaykh Jarrah during a tour of the neighborhood by 2 Israeli lawmakers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. Israeli forces attacked Palestinian worshipers with tear gas, sound bombs, and rubber-coated bullets at the Haram al-Sharif compound, injuring more than 305 people, including inside of al-Aqsa Mosque where a sound bomb caught a carpet on fire. Israeli forces prevented the Palestinian Red Crescent from entering the compound. Israel also reversed its decision from 5/9 to allow Jewish worshipers to enter the Haram al-Sharif compound for the Israeli celebration of Jerusalem Day. The Jerusalem Day march was later canceled by its organizers as Israeli police decided to prevent the settler march to go through the Damascus Gate plaza. Israeli forces also confiscated the keys to the al-Aqsa Mosque from the Islamic Waqf. Also at the Haram al-Sharif compound, Israeli police were filmed beating up an Israeli-accredited Palestinian journalist covering the events for Anadolu Agency. The Palestinian Red Crescent said that 612 Palestinians were injured throughout Jerusalem, including 333 who were hospitalized. In Gaza, Israeli started a military operation later dubbed “Guardian of the Wall” after Hamas fired rockets at Israel, giving Israel hours to leave the Haram al-Sharif compound. Hamas had earlier in the day warned Israel that it would fire rockets at 6 p.m. if Israel did not remove its forces from the holy places. 20 Palestinians were killed, including 9 children, and dozens were injured. The casualties included: 2, including 1 child, in 1 drone strike at Jabaliya; 10, including 6 children in 2 drone strikes at Bayt Hanun, with 32 others wounded, including 12 children; and 1, with 2 injured, in an Israeli air strike in Khan Yunis. 7 were also killed, including 1 child, and 34 were injured in Jabaliya in an explosion that was not conclusively attributed to an Israeli air strike. Additionally, damage was sustained in al-Bureij refugee camp, al-Qarara, and Rafah. In Israel, 1 Palestinian citizen of Israel was shot dead and 1 other injured by 1 Jewish-Israeli in Lydda; 3 Jewish-Israelis were arrested. Israeli forces later violently dispersed Palestinian-Israeli protesters at the Lydda city hall. In Ramla, Jewish-Israelis threw stones at Palestinian-Israelis and their property and set fire to trash cans. Israeli police dispersed Palestinian-Israeli protesters in Nazareth, Kafr Kana, Kafr Manda, Shefa-Amr, Majdal Krum, Dayr Khana, Umm al-Fahm, Baka al-Garbiyeh, Taiba, Jaffa, Haifa, and Jaljulya; 46 were arrested. The Knesset was evacuated after a rocket from Gaza landed in the vicinity of Jerusalem. (HA 5/9; AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AJ, AP, AX, FOX, GDN, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, MEE, MEE, MEE, MEE, MEMO, NYT, PCHR, REU, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/10; ALM, HA, HA, MEE, PCHR, PCHR 5/11; ALM, HA, WAFA 5/12; WAFA 5/19; MEE 5/21; NYT 5/26)

Israel closed all crossings to Gaza and the sea for fishing as collective punishment for rockets fired at Israel. (PCHR 5/10)

The PA prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh and the PA presidency condemned Israel’s attack on the Haram al-Sharif compound and called on the international community to take action. The PA civil affairs minister Hussein al-Sheikh said the Palestinian leadership is “examining all options to respond to this heinous aggression against the holy sites and the citizens.” PA president Mahmoud Abbas also discussed the situation with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 5/10)

Leader of the Ra’am (United Arab List) Mansour Abbas said that he had broken off contacts with Israeli opposition leaders Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett just before he was to have a joint meeting with them, citing the violence in Jerusalem and Gaza. Mansour Abbas met with Naftali Bennett on 5/9. (ALM, HA 5/10; ALM, HA, MEMO, NBC 5/11)

Israel attacked Syria in the Quneitra region with a helicopter, injuring 1. (HA 5/10)

Iran confirmed that it is in direct talks with Saudi Arabia to resolve the issues between the 2 countries. A Saudi official confirmed the talks on 5/7. (AJ, HA, REU 5/10)

The U.S. said 1 of its Coast Guard ships had fired 30 warning shots at 13 Iranian vessels that came too close to the ship and 6 other U.S. navy vessels. Iran said that it was the U.S. that had acted recklessly in the encounter. (AJ, HA, REU 5/10; AP, MEMO 5/11)

UN security council members met at an emergency session to discuss the situation in Palestine-Israel. No statement was issued after the meeting. U.S. state department spokesperson Ned Price said that the U.S. administration wanted to make sure that a statement would “not escalate tensions.” Spokesperson Price also refused to say if the U.S. condemned the Israeli air strike that killed 9 Palestinian children, and suggested that Palestinians, contrary to Israelis, do not have the right to defend themselves, saying that only states recognized by the U.S. have that right. (HA, MEE 5/11)

The IDF sends 30 tanks, troops into Nussayrat r.c. to capture wanted Islamic Jihad mbr. Muhammad SaaŽn, fatally shooting 7 Palestinians, including Saafin and a 4-yr.-old girl, and demolishing Saafin’s home. The IDF also fires on a funeral procession in Khan Yunis, killing 1 Palestinian, injuring 10s; fires on, seriously damages 2 ambulances in Jabaliya r.c.; raids Balata r.c. (arresting Fatah Palestinian Council mbr. Hussam Khadir on charges of “involvement in terrorism,” confiscating his computer), Bayt Lahia (ordering all men btwn. 15 and 40 to turn themselves in, detaining 100s, fatally shooting 4 Palestinians, including 2 naval police officers); conducts house-to-house searches in Jenin town. In Tulkarm, 2 Fatah mbrs. are killed, 3 injured in a mysterious explosion. Hamas fires 5 Qassam rockets at Sederot, causing no damage or injuries. (HA, MM 3/17; NYT, WP 3/18; MM 3/19; PCHR 3/20)

After wks. of negotiations with other UNSC mbrs, the U.S., Britain abandon efforts to pass a new UN res. on Iraq, determining it would certainly fail. In the evening, Bush makes an address stating that “Saddam Hussein and his sons must leave Iraq within 48 hours. Their refusal to do so will result in military confiict commencing at a time of our choosing,” and urging all foreign nationals, including inspectors and journalists, to leave Iraq immediately for their own safety. (AP 3/17; MM, NYT, WP, WT 3/18; IDF Radio, ITV 3/18 in WNC 3/19)

Russian dep. FM Sredin arrives in Cairo on 2-day visit, discusses with FM Musa reviving multilateral talks. (ITAR-TASS, MENA 12/17, MENA 12/18 in WNC 12/20)

The UN Security Council (UNSC) votes (Britain, U.S. for; China, France, Russia abstaining) to create a new arms inspection system for Iraq, with the promise to Pres. Saddam Hussein that sanctions could be suspended within a yr., eventually lifted if he complies. If Iraq accepts the deal, the UN would immediately remove the ceiling on Iraqi oil sales under the Oil-for-Food program, ease some controls on imports of medical, agricultural, educational goods. (NYT, WP, WT 12/18; LPA 12/18 in WNC 12/20; MM 12/20; AYM 12/20 in WNC 12/22; MEI 1/14)

Arafat goes to Amman to meet with newly designated Crown Prince Abdallah. (RJ 1/30 in WNC 2/2; NYT 1/31; WT 2/3)

IDF reserve pilots' strike ends after sides reach agmt. on insurance. (MA 1/31 in WNC 2/2) (see 1/29)

U.S. Asst. Secy. of State Indyk, special rep. Ricciardone meet with emirs of Bahrain, Qatar on 1st leg of Gulf tour to rally support for U.S. policy of overthrowing Iraqi pres. Saddam Hussein. Bahrain is currently a nonpermanent mbr. of the UNSC. (WT 1/31; MM 2/1) (see 1/29)

UN agrees to create 3 panels to review all aspects of Iraq's relations with the UN as the 1st step toward devising a new policy toward Iraq. (NYT, WP 1/31; WP, WT 2/1; ATL 2/3 in WNC 2/4)

In the largest attack since Operation Desert Fox, U.S. planes attack 6 Iraqi air defense sites in the n. no-fly zone. (WP, WT 1/31)

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu meets with Mahmud Abbas, adviser to PA head Yasir Arafat, and Palestinian Council (PC) Speaker Ahmad Qurai`. In separate mtg., Arafat meets with Netanyahu adviser Yitzhak Molho. (QY, YA 2/17, YA 2/18 in WNC 2/21; IGPO 2/18)

Israel's Ciechanover Comm., charged with investigating Mossad's attempted assassination of Hamas mbr. Khalid Mishal in Amman 9/25/97, reports its findings to PM Netanyahu. (MM, WP, WT 2/16; ITV 2/16, JT 2/17 in WNC 2/21; CSM, MM, NYT, WP 2/17; IGPO 2/17 in WNC 2/24; NYT 2/18; WJW 2/19; JP 2/21)

Jordan announces arrest of 5 Hizballah mbrs. who infiltrated fr. Syria, allegedly to carry out attacks on Israeli, U.S. targets in Amman. (MM 2/17)

PA police in Bethlehem force closure of Shepherds Television station for airing report on pro-Iraqi demonstrations in West Bank. (LAW 2/19; NYT 2/20; IGPO 3/1) (see 2/14)

Israeli, Palestinian activists hold demonstration outside U.S. consulate in Jerusalem to protest U.S. threats to strike Iraq. (PR 2/20)

Following talks with UK and France 2/14, U.S. cabinet mbrs. draw up guidelines to limit any diplomatic compromise UN Secy. Gen. Kofi Annan might offer Iraqi pres. Saddam Hussein. U.S. Amb. to the UN Bill Richardson carries U.S. position to the UN, where Annan holds 3d mtg. with UN Security Council (UNSC) permanent mbrs., who fail to reach consensus on substance of the message that Annan should carry to Iraq. Meanwhile, U.S. envoy David Newton arrives in Cairo on 1st leg of regional tour to explain the U.S. position on Iraq; he will also visit Saudi Arabia, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan. (MM 2/16; MENA 2/16 in WNC 2/21; MM, NYT 2/17; MM 2/19)

In Cairo, Mubarak adviser Baz is briefed by Israeli Cabinet Secy. Nave, Netanyahu adviser Uzi Arad on Netanyahu's mtg. with Secy. of State Albright and, separately, by PA Local Government M Erakat on Arafat's mtg. with Albright. Erakat then heads to Amman to brief Jordanian FM Tarawnah. (JTV, MENA, RE 2/2 in WNC 2/4; IGPO 2/3)

In Damascus, EU special envoy Moratinos, Syrian FM Shara` discuss peace process. (SATN 2/2 in WNC 2/4)

Palestinian Nasir al-Hurub dies in PA custody just hours after his arrest. He is at least the 16th Palestinian to die in PA custody. (LAW 2/3; WT 2/4; MEI, PR 2/13)

Palestinian clashes with IDF continue at entrance to Bethlehem. (NYT 2/3)

After 7 hrs. of talks with Secy. of State Albright, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Abdallah agrees only to say that if the U.S. strikes Iraq, it would be Saddam Hussein's fault. (MM, NYT, WP 2/3; MEI 2/13)

UN Secy. Gen. Annan asks the UNSC to raise to $5.2 b. fr. $2 b. the amount of oil Iraq is allowed to sell in the next 6 mos. of the oil-for-food program. (NYT 2/8) (see 1/31)

UN extends mandate of UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for 6 mos. (RL 2/2 in WNC 2/4)

King Hussein arrives in Israel, meets with Rabin. Trip marks 1st visit to Israel by Arab head of state since Sadat's 1981 trip. (ITV, JTV, QY 11/10 in FBIS 11/14; WT 11/11; JP 11/19)

Israel-Jordan border crossing at Shaykh Hussayn Bridge is opened. (QY 11/10 in FBIS 11/10; WT 11/11)

1 civilian killed as IDF shells Sribbin village in southern Lebanon in response to Amal attack on SLA position. (RL 11/10 in FBIS 11/14)

Iraqi Pres. Hussein signs statement accepting sovereignty of Kuwait, setting stage for UNSC debate on lifting sanctions. (NYT, WP, WT 11/11)

Addressing the Knesset, PM Rabin says that his "100" offer and U.S. acceptance of it preserves Israel's "ability to remove for a limited time hundreds of inciters, leaders, organizers." (NYT 2/4)

Chmn. Arafat announces Pres. Saddam Hussein encouraged him to continue the peace talks with Israel during their 2/1-2 meeting. (MM 2/3)

Great Britain denounces Israel's "100" offer, urging full compliance with UNSCR 799, but saying sanctions "would not be helpful." (MM 2/3)

UN diplomats announce France has drafted a UNSC statement declaring that Israel has not satisfied UNSCR 799 with its "100" offer. (WT 2/4)

Palestinian delegation announces its consent that UNSC 242 "not be applied in the negotiations in the transitional phase," but insisted that it be applied in the final settlement stage of talks. (ITV 10/23 in FBIS 10/26)

Arab Democratic Party MK 'Abd al-Wahhab Darawsha returns from 2-day visit to Egypt and Tunis, brings with him Chmn. Arafat's offer to meet with PM Rabin "anywhere, any time." (Qol Yisra'el 10/23 in FBIS 10/23; HaAretz 10/25 in FBIS 10/26)

Pope John Paul 11 meets with Israeli FM Shimon Peres at the Vatican, accepts invitation to visit Israel. (NYT 10/24)

Faisal Husseini, other Palestinian officials meet with Vatican FM in Rome. (Algiers VOP 10/25 in FBIS 10/26)

U.S. Senate agriculture comm. releases 11/9/89 message from Secy. of State James Baker to Iraqi FM Tariq Aziz stating approval of grain credits for Iraq, and requesting Pres. Saddam Hussein's help in persuading Palestinians to take part in peace talks with Israel. Allegations that Iraq diverted the credits to purchase weapons are currently being investigated. (NYT 10/26)

Under intense pressure to help Kurdish refugees fleeing Iraqi anny, Pres. Bush orders Air Force transports to begin, on 4/7, dropping food, blankets, and clothing to refugee stations along northern border. Bush says he expects Iraq to "permit this effort to be carried out without interference." Other aid is promised by Bush to Turkey and Iran (cf. 4/7) [NYT, WP, LAT 4/6].

Iraq offers 1 week of amnesty for Kurds and army deserters (cf. 4/11) [MEM 4/5; NYT, WP 4/6; MET 4/16].

Taking up issue of rebels in Iraq, UN Sec. Council votes 10-3, with 2 abstentions to condemn Saddam Hussein's oppression of Kurds and other civilians, and to ask Sec.- Gen. to investigate their plight. Cuba, Zimbabwe, and Yemen vote against resolution, while China and India abstain [NYT, WP, LAT 4/6].

GCC nations, laying groundwork for aid program for Egypt and Syria that will tie the countries economically, allocates $5 billion as initial installment; GCC officials say as much as $15 billion could be spent [WP 4/6].

IDF shoots dead Nablus youth during stone throwing clash; 3 Gazans are wounded in separate clash [LAT 4/6; MEM, FJ 4/8].

Iraq accepts Pres. Bush's terms for meeting of military commanders to discuss full cease-fire, leading admin. officials to hope for quick release of POWs and end of Gulf war [BADS 2/28 in FBIS 2/28; NYT, LAT, WP 3/1].

Iraq's ambassador to the UN formally notifies Sec. Council that Iraq intends to comply with all 12 Sec. Council Gulf resolutions [INA 2/28 in FBIS 2/28; LAT, WP, CSM 3/1]; U.S. proposes draft resolution for permanent cease-fire, draft is accepted in principal by 4 other permanent members of Sec. Council [NYT, WP 3/1].

Prominent Kuwaiti opposition figure Hamid Yoaan is wounded in apparent assassination attempt in Kuwait City, raising fears that instability will continue until emir visibly assumes control [WP 3/1; MET 3/12].

U.S. Justice Dep't. indicts Iraqi gov't. officials and former executive of an Italian bank thought to have been used by Saddam Hussein to finance part of his weapons buildup [LAT 3/1].

Gulf war allied losses: 126 killed in combat, 79 of which were U.S. soldiers; 56 MIAs, including 35 Americans; 13 POWs, including 9 Americans. 213 Americans were wounded. Iraqi losses: U.S. military says allies destroyed or otherwise defeated 42 Iraqi divisions, leaving only 1 division intact; allies destroyed or captured more than 3,000 Iraqi tanks, 1,857 armored vehicles, and 2,140 artillery pieces. More than 80,000 POWs were taken; no counts are issued for Iraqi dead [NYT, LAT 3/1].

Soviet F.M. Bessmertnykh praises liberation of Kuwait: "for the first time, the international community showed its unified will. . ."; adds that "time is ripe" for renewed efforts to solve Israeli-Palestinian conflict [LAT, NYT 3/1].

Other European countries welcome cease-fire; several Arab nations express relief, call for healing; Israel lifts state of emergency [NYT, LAT, WP 3/1; JPI 3/9; MET 3/12]; PLO Exec. Committee welcomes cease-fire and says war "has revealed the urgent need for a solution to all the region's problems" [MEM 3/1].

UAE Pres. Shaykh Zayid donates $500,000 to al-Maqassed hospital in E. Jerusalem [WAKH 2/28 in FBIS 2/28].

U.S. begins investigation into allegation that Jordan defied UN embargo and smuggled weapons into Iraq during Gulf war (cf. 3/15) [NYT 3/1].

Egyptian Armed Forces Central Command reports that to date 9 Egyptian soldiers have been killed and 74 have been wounded [CDS 2/28 in FBIS 3/1].

Israeli Treasury reports that Gulf war caused estimated $3.5 billion in economic losses to Israel [MAA 3/1 in FBIS 3/5].

EC says it is donating $700,000 as emergency humanitarian aid to buy water purification equipment for Iraq [MEM 2/28]. 

In radio address, Saddam Hussein makes public his commitment to withdraw from Kuwait. Pres. Bush says promise is inadequate, presses for virtual surrender, and orders allied forces to continue attacks [BADS 2/26 in FBIS 2/26; MEM 2/26; NYT, LAT, WP, WT 2/27; MET 3/12].

Allied forces enter Kuwait City, as Iraqi troops are reported in headlong retreat across Kuwait; fighting continues at Kuwait City airport; U.S. troops reach Euphrates River in Iraq, cutting off escape routes for Republican Guards; other allied forces are closing off additional escape routes for Iraqi troops; 25 to 30 mile long column of Iraqi tanks, personnel carriers, and trucks heading north on road to Basra is repeatedly attacked by U.S. warplanes [MENA 2/26 in FBIS 2/27; NYT, LAT, WP, WT, CSM 2/27].

SCUD missile lands in uninhabited area of Qatar, another is destroyed over Bahrain [MEM 2/26].

Emir of Kuwait declares martial law, says it will last for 3 months, in 1st step toward reestablishing his rule [NYT, WP, WT 2/27; MET 3/12].

U.S. command revises death toll in 2/25 SCUD attack on barracks, saying missile killed 28 U.S. soldiers and wounded more than 100 [NYT, WP 2/27; MET 3/12].

Military law specialists say "rules of war" clearly permit allies to attack retreating Iraqis until they law down their arms; claim definite distinction between retreat and surrender [NYT, WP 2/27].

Egypt, Kuwait, Soviet Union, and European members of coalition say Saddam Hussein must accept all 12 UN Sec. Council resolutions before war can end [KUNA 2/26 in FBIS 2/27; NYT, WP 2/27]; PLO calls on UN Sec. Council to bring about immediate ceasefire [TDS 2/27 in FBIS 2/27; AVP 2/27 in FBIS 2/28].

Allies effectively stop counting Iraqi POWs because so many have been taken since ground war began. Officials stop count at 26,000 but estimates are up to more than 30,000 [LAT, WP 2/27].

P.M. Shamir vows to resist concessions in postwar Middle East peace effort [IDF 2/26 in FBIS 2/27; MEM 2/26; WP, WT 2/27].

Yasir Arafat meets in Algiers with Pres. Benjedid; Arafat says U.S. aims to destroy Iraq [AGS, AFP 2/26, APS 2/27 in FBIS 2/27; APS 2/27 in FBIS 3/1].

European Community announces it is freezing contacts with PLO in light of Arafat's pro-Iraqi stand. EC statement says, however, that the decision "in no way calls into question the role of the PLO or the rights of the Palestinian people" [MEM 2/26].

Jordanian Cabinet issues statement accusing allies of exceeding UN mandate [MEM 2/27].

Beset by challenges from within Conservative party, British P.M. Margaret Thatcher announces her resignation [NYT, LAT, WP 11/23; CSM 11/26].

Pres. Bush visits U.S. forces in Saudi Arabia, says they may have to face "some pain now to avoid even worse pain later," then flies to Cairo [NYT, LAT, WP 11/23; MET 12/4].

D.M. Tom King says Britain will send 14,000 more troops and additional tanks, aircraft, and ships to the Gulf by the end of the year, bringing total number of British troops there to more than 30,000 [NYT, LAT, MEM 11/23].

Visiting Sanaa, Yemen, Sec. Baker is rebuffed in efforts to persuade Yemen, only Arab country on UN Sec. Council, to support resolution authorizing use of force against Iraq. Pres. Saleh criticizes buildup of foreign forces in Gulf [SDS 11/22 in FBIS 11/23; SDS 11/23 in FBIS 11/26; NYT, LAT, WP, MEM 11/23]; Baker then flies to Jeddah [SPA 11/22 in FBIS 11/23].

PLO leader Yasir Arafat arrives in Baghdad, says he strongly supports Saddam Hussein's assertions that Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait must be tied to overall settlement of conflicts in region; adds there is no alternative to negotiations between Iraq and U.S. [BVP 11/22 in FBIS 11/27; NYT 11/26].

D.M. Moshe Arens instructs IDF to expand enlistment of Bedouins into its ranks [MAA 11/23 in FBIS 11/23].

Jerusalem Mayor Teddy Kollek and E. Jerusalem Arabs praise Jerusalem district planning committee's decision to build 7,500 new apartments for Palestinians northwards from French Hill junction towards Ramallah [JPD 11/23 in FBIS 11/23; MEM 11/23; JPI 12/1].

Kuwaiti gov't.-in-exile extends $550 million medium-term loan to the Soviet Union on favorable terms; "observers" point to "political aspect" of loan [MEM 11/23]. 

Soviet Union and Israel sign agreement on scientific cooperation and exchanges of scientific information [TASS 11/22 in FBIS 11/28].

Sec. Baker arrives in Moscow for talks with Pres. Gorbachev, F.M. Shevardnadze about possible Soviet backing of UN Sec. Council resolution authorizing use of force against Iraq [WP, NYT 11/8].

After meeting with former W. German chancellor Willy Brandt, Saddam orders release of 100 German hostages and 20 more Europeans and Americans [WP 11/8].

Israeli officials says their gov't feels increasingly sure Israel will be drawn into any armed conflict in Gulf and is disturbed because there is no agreement with U.S. about how the 2 nations will coordinate military operations [WP 11/8].

Japanese P.M. Toshiki Kaifu, yielding to deep anti-military feelings in Japan, gives up his effort to pass legislation authorizing dispatch of Japanese troops to Gulf [WP 11/8].

Pres. Mubarak says international coalition allied against Iraq should wait "at least 2 to 3 more months" to determine whether economic sanctions will force Saddam out of Kuwait, and warns Iraqi leader that if he does not remove his troops, war would be inevitable [NYT 11/8].

GCC ministers end 3d extraordinary meeting held in Jeddah; issue statement condemning Iraq's invasion of Kuwait [SPA 11/7 in FBIS 11/8].

Thousands of Israelis turn out for Meir Kahane's funeral in Jerusalem, hundred seek revenge by rampaging through downtown streets breaking shop windows and beating Palestinian bystanders [JDS 11/7 in FBIS 11/8; WP 11/8]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: King Hussein states in press conference that he has no new peace initiatives for M.E. following breakdown in joint efforts with Yasir Arafat, states, "We believe in the PLO's being the sole legitimate rpresentative of the Palestinian people at least as far as the institution is concemed" [WP 7/13]. Hussein praises recent Soviet proposal for meeting of permanent members of UN Security Council on M.E. Washington Post reports 2 of the 5 permanent members, the U.S. and Britain, have rejected the proposal [WP 7/13]. Palestinian renegade officer 'Atallah 'Atallah (Abu Za'im) calls for directalks between the PLO and Israel and for convening a conference in Amman to oust Arafat [FJ 7/18].