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  • October 28, 2018

    An Israeli aircraft conducts an air strike along Gaza’s border fence near Khan Yunis, killing 3 Palestinian minors. An IDF spokesperson says that the Palestinians were attempting to place a...

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  • August 15, 2018

    After a meeting of the Israeli security cabinet, an Egypt- and UN-backed cease-fire between Israel and Hamas goes into effect. It is reportedly based on the principles of the cease-fire deal that...

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  • January 15, 2018

    IDF troops block off the main road in Jayyus village near Qalqilya, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is killed. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids...

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  • January 14, 2018

    In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrest 12 Palestinians, issue 1 arrest summons, and confiscate 1 car during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Jericho, and Qalqilya; raze a tract of...

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  • December 18, 1999

    Citing the "murky political situation" surrounding final status talks with Israel, Arafat postpones until 1/15 a crucial PLO Central Council (PLOCC) mtg., which was to take place on 12/20. (JT,...

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  • June 2, 1999

    PLO Executive Committee (PLOEC) meets in Ramallah to discuss resumption of the 4/27+n29 PLO Central Council (PCC) mtg., which will continue discussion on possible declaration of a Palestinian...

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  • December 7, 1993

    Secy. of State Christopher meets PM Rabin, reports on talks with Syrian, PLO leaders. Christopher reportedly tells Rabin Syria ready to resume negotiations. Rabin says 1st priority is implementing...

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  • October 11, 1992

    Palestinian prisoners suspend hunger strike for one week after Israeli official promise to begin investigation of their demands 10/12. (ITV 10/11 in FBIS 10/13; MM, WP 10/12)

    Palestinian...

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  • May 5, 1992

    Chmn. Arafat, Fateh leaders meet with Nayif Hawatima, leader of one faction of DFLP, and other DFLP officials to discuss differences in advance of PLO Central Council meeting [see 5/4 for similar...

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  • April 28, 1992

    Palestinian spokeswoman Hanan Ashrawi criticizes Israeli proposal to hold test municipal elections in o.t. but states Palestinian delegation has not rejected the proposal outright. Lebanese,...

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  • September 20, 1982

    Military Action:

    IDF begins pulling out troops from West Beirut under mounting world pressure; thousands of Palestinians flee camps in panic, fearing return of Phalange/Haddad militias to...

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An Israeli aircraft conducts an air strike along Gaza’s border fence near Khan Yunis, killing 3 Palestinian minors. An IDF spokesperson says that the Palestinians were attempting to place a suspicious object along the border fence. Hours after the strike, hundreds of Palestinians march to the homes of senior Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Palestine (PIJ) leaders demanding that they retaliate against Israel. PIJ then puts out a statement threatening to respond and rejecting the Israeli narrative about what the 3 minors were doing. Meanwhile, IDF troops stationed along the border fence open fire on Palestinian bird-hunters working near Bayt Hanun; 1 Palestinian is injured. In the West Bank, Israeli forces chase a Palestinian shepherd off his land in the northern Jordan Valley. IDF troops assault and injure a Palestinian, arrest 9 other Palestinians, issue 1 arrest summons, and confiscate a Palestinian vehicle during late-night raids near Bethlehem, Hebron, Jenin, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya; and patrol near Nablus, Hebron, and Qalqilya. Israeli settlement security guards assault 2 Palestinians near Nablus. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 5 Palestinians during late-night raids in Qalandia refugee camp, Anata refugee camp, and Shu‘fat. (HA, JP, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, YA 10/28; MNA 10/29; PCHR 11/1)

A Palestinian succumbs to injuries sustained when IDF troops opened fire on Palestinian protesters along Gaza’s border fence on 10/26. This brings the death toll stemming from the Great March of Return to 185. (HA, MNA, TOI, WAFA 10/28)

The PLO Central Council convenes in Ramallah for the first of 2 days of meetings on a variety of issues facing the Palestinian people. Opening the meetings, PA president Mahmoud Abbas says, “We are facing a historical moment; either to be or not to be.” He calls for the Palestinian people to support the PLO and reaffirms that there can be no Palestinian state without Gaza or a capital in Jerusalem. (HA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, YA 10/28)

After a meeting of the Israeli security cabinet, an Egypt- and UN-backed cease-fire between Israel and Hamas goes into effect. It is reportedly based on the principles of the cease-fire deal that halted Operation Protective Edge, Israel’s 2014 assault on Gaza, and it provides for a cessation of all hostilities. The Israeli cabinet reportedly approved the agreement in principle on 8/12 and only met today to review the details one last time. Earlier, Israeli DM Lieberman announced the reopening of the Kerem Shalom border crossing (effectively lifting the last of the restrictions the Israeli authorities imposed on 7/9) and the expansion of the fishing zone off Gaza’s coast to nine nautical miles, up from as few as three at the peak of the Israeli crackdown. “The opening of the Kerem Shalom crossing, after four days of quiet, is intended to indicate to the population in Gaza that maintaining quiet is first and foremost an interest for Gaza’s residents,” he says. (EI, HA, JP, MNA, TOI, WAFA, YA 8/15; AHR, MNA, TOI 8/16)

Off Gaza’s coast, Israeli naval forces open fire on Palestinian fishing boats near Bayt Lahiya and Dayr al-Balah, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assault a Palestinian farmer outside Salfit, preventing him from working his land. They also break into a Palestinian home in central Hebron and violently attack 2 Palestinian minors; there are no reported injuries. IDF troops conduct raids in central Hebron, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinian minors; 1 Palestinian is injured. They arrest 5 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during further raids near Jericho, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Qalqilya; and patrol in and around Hebron and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces demolish a Palestinian residential building under construction in Issawiyya. They also detain 9 Palestinian women at Haram al-Sharif for undisclosed reasons (8 are released later in the day and banned from the sanctuary for 15 days); and arrest 4 Palestinians and issue 1 arrest summons during late-night raids in Silwan, Ras al-Amud, Sur Bahir, and the Old City. (MNA, WAFA 8/15; MNA, PCHR 8/16; PCHR 8/30)

The Palestinian Central Council convenes in Ramallah for its 29th regular meeting. The PLO body discusses a variety of issues related to statehood, including the stalled national reconciliation process, and plans to meet again on 8/16. In a speech kicking off the meetings, PA president Abbas says that Hamas is not serious about reconciliation. “Hamas principally does not have intentions to achieve reconciliation,” he says. Abbas also criticizes the Trump administration’s peace efforts and reiterates that he wants to unify the West Bank and Gaza with “one government, one law, and one legitimate force without militias.” (TOI, WAFA 8/15)

The Israel Land Authority (ILA) publishes tenders for the construction of 602 new housing units in the Ramat Shlomo settlement of East Jerusalem. The 603 units are part of a larger development plan that dates back to 2010. The ILA separately reaches a $380 million agreement with the Jerusalem Municipality for a series of development projects across the city, including 20,000 new housing units. The Jerusalem City Council is expected to approve the plan next week. (HA, YA 8/15)

IDF troops block off the main road in Jayyus village near Qalqilya, sparking clashes with stone-throwing Palestinians; 1 Palestinian is killed. Elsewhere in the West Bank, IDF troops conduct raids in Burqin village near Jenin, sparking clashes with stone-throwing residents; 7 Palestinians are injured. They also patrol near Hebron and Nablus, and deliver stop-work orders to a mosque and a building under construction in Yatta village near Hebron. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 9 Palestinians during late-night raids in Biddu, al-Tur, and Silwan. (HA, JP, WAFA 1/15; MNA 1/16; PCHR 1/18)

For a 2d day in a row, the PLO Central Council convenes in Ramallah to coordinate a long-term strategy for responding to U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. In a concluding statement, the council calls for international support for Palestinian statehood, directs the PLO Executive Committee to revoke the PLO’s recognition of Israel until the Israeli government recognizes the State of Palestine, and declares that the transitional period laid out in the Oslo Accords is no longer applicable to the current situation. (JP, TOI, WAFA 1/15; AFP, HA 1/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrest 12 Palestinians, issue 1 arrest summons, and confiscate 1 car during late-night raids in and around Bethlehem, Jericho, and Qalqilya; raze a tract of Palestinian land outside Burin village near Nablus; and patrol in and around Tulkarm and Qalqilya. (WAFA 1/14; PCHR 1/18)

The PLO Central Council convenes in Ramallah to coordinate a long-term strategy for responding to U.S. pres. Trump’s 12/6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. All major factions are invited, but both Hamas and PIJ opt not to attend. In a heated speech opening the session, PA pres. Abbas accuses U.S. pres. Trump of insulting the Palestinians and says he will not accept the Trump administration’s peace plan. (NYT, REU, TOI, WAFA 1/14; HA 1/15)

Hamas official Mohammed Hamdan is lightly injured in a car bombing in the southern Lebanese city Sidon. Hamas accuses Israel of an attempted assassination. (AP, HA, TOI, WAFA 1/14)

Citing the "murky political situation" surrounding final status talks with Israel, Arafat postpones until 1/15 a crucial PLO Central Council (PLOCC) mtg., which was to take place on 12/20. (JT, al-Quds 12/19 in WNC 12/21; AYM 1/5 in WNC 1/6)

Pres. Clinton renews 6-mo. waiver of the Jerusalem Embassy Act, which calls on the U.S. to move its emb. in Israel fr. Tel Aviv to Jerusalem or face cuts to the State Dept. budget. (MM 12/22; WJW 12/30; JP 12/31)

Iraq rejects the UNSC plan for resuming arms inspections, easing sanctions. (NYT, WP, WT 12/19; MM 1/5; MEI 1/14)

In Beirut, Iran, Lebanon hold talks on expanding tourism, scientific, cultural exchanges. (IRNA 12/18 in WNC 12/20)

PLO Executive Committee (PLOEC) meets in Ramallah to discuss resumption of the 4/27+n29 PLO Central Council (PCC) mtg., which will continue discussion on possible declaration of a Palestinian state. (al-Ra'i 6/2 in WNC 6/3; al-Quds 6/4 in WNC 6/11)

In Paris, King Abdallah of Jordan holds talks on the peace process, debt forgiveness with Pres. Jacques Chirac. (AFP, RJ 6/2 in WNC 6/3)

In talks with Syrian pres. Asad in Damascus, Crown Prince Abdallah of Saudi Arabia offers to mediate btwn. Asad, Arafat if it would help coordinate a unified Arab stand on the peace process. (al-Nahar 6/2 in WNC 6/3; MM 6/3, 6/4)

IDF suspends export licenses of the Israeli company Orlil based on reports that Orlil stole U.S. night-vision equipment purchased for the IDF, sold it to "Far Eastern" countries. (Globes [Internet] 6/2 in WNC 6/3)

Secy. of State Christopher meets PM Rabin, reports on talks with Syrian, PLO leaders. Christopher reportedly tells Rabin Syria ready to resume negotiations. Rabin says 1st priority is implementing Israel-PLO DoP. Christopher calls that priority "entirely appropriate," but notes U.S. seeks "comprehensive solution in the region." Christopher also meets Palestinian delegation including Faisal Husseini, Ghassan al-Khatib, Zakariya al-Agha, and Hanan Ashrawi. (NYT, WP, WT 12/8; Qol Yisra'el 12/7 in FBIS 12/8)

PLO Chmn. Arafat, in Bonn, says 12/13 deadline for start of Israeli withdrawal "a sacred date," but a PLO source says Arafat told PLO Central Council and Exec. Comm. to expect a delay of 1 to 2 weeks. (NYT 12/8)

Thousands turn out for funeral procession fr. Tel Aviv through Jerusalem to Hebron of settlers killed 12/6. Settlers shoot at Palestinian houses and break car windows in Hebron. (NYT, WT 12/8; WT 12/9)

Shaykh Khalid Zakaria Sakallah, 45, killed by masked gunmen in Gaza. Both Hamas and Fateh condemn killing. (MM 12/8)

Palestinian prisoners suspend hunger strike for one week after Israeli official promise to begin investigation of their demands 10/12. (ITV 10/11 in FBIS 10/13; MM, WP 10/12)

Palestinian delegation head Faisal Husseini "rejects" conditions Israel is trying to place on Palestinians participating in multilateral negotiations (see 10/8). (al-Quds 10/12 in FBIS 10/14)

Hamas announces it will meet with PLO Chmn. Arafat in Khartoum 11/10 in attempt to curtail intra-Palestinian violence. (al-Sharq al-Awsat 10/12 in FBIS 10/19)

Israeli visiting a Gaza settlement is killed by unidentified assailant; IDF troops kills 2, wound 40 in clash with stonethrowers in Nusayrat camp, Gaza. Curfew clamped on Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Rafah, and 3 camps in the Strip. (MM, WP 10/12; ITV 10/11 in FBIS 10/13)

IDF shoots, kills 2 infiltrators from Jordan, armed with knives, north of Jericho. Jordanian sourcesay the 2 were 17-year-old Palestinians from Hebron living in Amman. (MM 10/12; Qol Yisra'el, RMC 10/12 in FBIS 10/13)

U.S. officials elaborate on acting Secy. of State Eagleburger's 10/1 letter to American Jewish leaders announcing new efforts to end Arab boycott against Israel, saying U.S. ambs. in the Middle East (mostly in the Gulf ) have-been instructed to encourage Arab govts. to make gestures that could boost the peace process (see 9/24, 10/1). (WP 10/12)

Over 80 PNC mbrs. living in Amman sign memo to PLO Central Council supporting the intifada, the delegation and negotiation process, and resolutions of the 19th PNC, and calling for Palestinian and Arab unity in the peace process. (Sawt al-Sha'b 10/12 in FBIS 10/13)

Chmn. Arafat, Fateh leaders meet with Nayif Hawatima, leader of one faction of DFLP, and other DFLP officials to discuss differences in advance of PLO Central Council meeting [see 5/4 for similar talks between Fateh, PFLP]. (al-Ray 5/6 in FBIS 5/6)

PFLP leader Riyad Malki and DFLP-Hawatima faction leader 'Ali Abu Hilal, hold joint press conference in Jerusalem at which they state their conditional support for municipal elections, which have been proposed in different form by Israel but rejected by Fateh and Palestinian delegation to peace talks [PFLP, DFLP-Hawatima and Hamas have now called for supporting municipal elections if held under international supervision, a condition which Israel has rejected. See 4/27, 4/28, 4/30]. PFLP, DFLP also issue joint statement in o.t. calling for unified Arab position regarding participation in multilateral talks [PFLP had formerly opposed the talks]. (al-Ray 5/6 in FBIS 5/6)

Following 4/29 Saudi disclosure that King Fahd will pay for repairs to Islamic sites in E. Jerusalem, Jordanian cabinet announces Jordan will pay for repairing Dome of the Rock [Jordan has traditionally assumed responsibility for shrine's maintenance]. (Jordan Television 5/5 in FBIS 5/6; MM 5/6)

Amnesty International issues report criticizing conditions in al-Khiyam prison camp run by SLA in Israel's "security zone." (MM 5/5)

4 Israeli citizens arrested by Egypt in February on charges of espionage are released, deported to Israel [see 3/10]. (Qol Yisra'el 5/6 in FBIS 5/6; MENA 5/6 in FBIS 5/7)

3 IDF troops injured by a Palestinian wielding a knife at a roadblock. The attacker is killed. (Qol Yisra'el 5/6 in FBIS 5/6)

Palestinian spokeswoman Hanan Ashrawi criticizes Israeli proposal to hold test municipal elections in o.t. but states Palestinian delegation has not rejected the proposal outright. Lebanese, Israeli delegations disagree on anti-Israeli resistance in S. Lebanon. (WP 4/29; Voice of Lebanon, Beirut Radio Lebanon 4/29 in FBIS 4/29; Israel Television 4/29 in FBIS 4/30)

FM Levy informs Secy. of State Baker Israel will not attend upcoming multilateral talks on refugees, economic development, if Palestinians from outside o.t. participate [see 4/7]. (Israel Television 4/28 in FBIS 4/29)

In interviews published in E. Jerusalem press, Nayif Hawatima, leader of one faction of the DFLP, expresses support for municipal elections if they are held under international supervision throughout o.t. and not in selected towns as Israel proposed. Hawatima also criticizes PLO leadership for allegedly exceeding bounds set by Palestine National Council, PLO Central Council resolutions, calls for reforms within PLO, and urgesuspending Palestinian participation in peace talks. (Sawt al-Sha'b 4/28 in FBIS 4/30; MM 4/28)

Faisal Husseini sends letter to 2 members of anti-Zionist Orthodox Jewish movement Neturei Karta appointing them to advisory committee of Palestinian delegation. (Yedi'ot Aharonot 4/29 in FBIS 4/30)

Syrian FM Faruq al-Shar' announces hindrances on travel abroad by Syrian Jews have been removed [see 4/13, 4/23], but stresses difference between "travel" and "emigration." Al-Shar' also states Syrian Jews have no desire to emigrate from Syria. (MM 4/29; Syrian Arab Republic Radio 4/29 in FBIS 4/29)

Israel Television announces work has begun on 12-km. road linking Jerusalem with settlements in Gush Tzion. Road will allow settlers to bypass Palestinian villages between Bethlehem and Hebron, and is described as largest road project ever carried out by Israel. (MM 4/29)

Israeli police announce arrests of 12 Palestinian citizens of Israel whom police accuse of membershipn Islamic Jihad. (MM 4/29

Military Action:

IDF begins pulling out troops from West Beirut under mounting world pressure; thousands of Palestinians flee camps in panic, fearing return of Phalange/Haddad militias to camps following IDF withdrawal, before Lebanese Army can restore calm; Phalange and Haddad forces sighted setting up own roadblocks in West Beirut.

Casualties:

Red Cross continues to recover bodies, 130 recovered so far, no mass graves opened yet.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Controversy grows as media report government officials were aware that civilians were being killed in camps 36 hours before they intervened (denied by government officials); Haaretz, Davar, Jerusalem Post, Maariv call for ouster of Sharon and/or Begin, convening of national board of inquiry into Israeli complicity in massacre; Begin's office concedes Cabinet gave advance approval for IDF to allow Phalange/Haddad militias to enter camps last week; Israeli President Navon calls for independent inquiry into the massacre, Begin favors only investigating commission; National Religious Party joins Navon in pressuring Begin to allow a full investigation; Labor, Mapam, Shinui and Peace Now call for mass rally in Tel Aviv on Saturday; Palestinian leaders voice outrage at massacre; Palestinian youth throw stones at Israeli vehicles, set fire to tires in Ramallah and Nablus, police disperse crowds with tear gas and rubber bullets with no casualties; many stores close in protest, are forced open by Israeli soldiers; school openings in occupied territories postponed for two weeks; over 40 representatives of West Bank and Gaza refugees occupy UNRWA Jerusalem office to protest food ration cuts announced Sept. 1, UNRWA Employees' Union joins protest.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Palestine Central Council ends one-day meeting with statement condemning Israeli role in massacre, blaming Lebanese Army, US, France and Italy, and pledges to avenge killings; Camille Chamoun withdraws from race for Lebanese presidency as it becomes clear Amin Gemayel has votes to win.

Arab Governments: Egypt recalls ambassador to Israel but does not break diplomatic relations; Jordan's King Hussein accuses Israel of responsibility for massacre but urges positive Arab response to Reagan proposals, calls on PLO to join him to draw up federation plan along lines of Reagan proposal; emergency Arab League meeting in Tunis called at request of PLO delayed until tomorrow.

US and Other Counties: Reagan agrees to Lebanese request for return of US Marines, asks Israel to pull out of Beirut; Congress gives troubled support to decision, Weinberger doubts presence of Marines would have prevented massacre; several US Jewish leaders call for inquiry, demand that Israel cut all ties with Christian groups involved in massacre; USSR condemns Israel but blames US for "encouraging" Israel's "criminal aggression," proposes joint US-Soviet action to curb Israel; Indian Prime Minister Gandhi condemns massacre; 10-member European Community condemns massacre, demands Israeli withdrawal; Danish Foreign Minister meets with PLO leader Kaddoumi, says PLO must be associated with Middle East peace talks; Italian workers go on hour-long strike and attend rallies protesting massacre; Britain condemns massacre, demands Israeli withdrawal.