25 / 15150 Results
  • November 15, 2012

    Israel’s military assault on the Gaza Strip (Operation Pillar of Defense) continues, and projectile fire from Palestinian factions into Israel intensifies. The IDF kills 9 Palestinians, bringing...

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  • October 22, 2000

    The Arab League closes its 2-day emergency session, issuing a nonbinding resolution calling for a $1 b. Palestinian aid fund, recommending Arab states postpone further normalization with Israel....

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  • November 16, 1997

    Doha economic summit opens. Only 6 Arab countries (Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Tunisia, Yemen) are among the 66 countries attending. U.S. Secy. of State Madeleine Albright, who originally planned...

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  • January 6, 1995

    PA Culture M `Abid Rabbu holds mtg. with Arab Journalists Association (AJA) pres. Na`im Toubassi, tells him PA will begin issuing press cards to qualified journalists. Gaza Journalists' League...

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  • December 13, 1994

    Joint Jordanian-Israeli comms. on security, borders, territories, environment, crime, drugs hold 1st "preparatory" mtgs. at Dead Sea Hotel to formulate outlines for meeting goals set out in Jordan...

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  • February 21, 1994

    PLO-Israel security comm. resumes talks in Cairo to settle details of Gaza-Jericho autonomy plan.  Civilian affairs comm. also expected to resume sessions.  (MENA 2/21 in FBIS 2/22; CSM 2/23)...

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  • December 16, 1991

    UN Gen. Assembly votes to repeal resolution 3379, passed in 1975, which characterized Zionism as a "form of racism and racial discrimination." Vote was 111 in favor, 25 against, 13 abstentions (...

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  • December 10, 1991

    Bilateral Israeli-Syrian, Israeli-Lebanese peace talks resume in Washington. But talks between Israel, Jordanians, Palestinians fail to take place when Israel rejects 2-track approach of meeting...

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  • September 15, 1990

    Responding to 9/14 Iraqi move against French embassy in Kuwait, Pres. Mitterrand orders additional 4,000 soldiers and dozens of helicopters and tanks to Saudi Arabia [NYT, WP 9/16; CMS 9/17]....

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  • November 17, 1989

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: In an article in Ma'ariv, Israeli Justice Minister Dan Meridor says since the outbreak of the intifada 600 Palestinians have been...

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  • April 2, 1989

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: Military prosecutors charge 4 Israeli soldiers with aggravated assault in beating death of 18- year-old Palestinian in February 1989. ...

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  • January 2, 1989

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Gaza general strike is observed. Curfew in Duhayshah enters 6th consecutive day [FJ 1/9]. Arab World: U.S. ambassador to Tunisia,...

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  • November 15, 1988

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: Police ban gatherings of 10 or more in E. Jerusalem, threaten Palestinians that if they display the Palestinian flag they can receive 5...

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  • April 18, 1988

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli court convicts John Demjanjuk of crimes against the Jewish people, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and crimes against a...

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  • January 23, 1988

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nazareth, more than 7,000 Israeli Palestinians demonstrate peacefully in solidarity with Palestinians in occupied territories. MK '...

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  • February 15, 1987

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: Defense Minister Rabin defends Israel's involvement in Iran arm shipments, states Israel participated with U.S. encouragement and...

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  • August 11, 1986

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli authorities issue 6-month town arrest orders against 2 unionists: Amal Wahdan, from al-Birah, of the Women's Work Committee; and...

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  • April 28, 1986

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Peres states Israel has engaged in "quiet diplomacy" with Jordan since King Hussein's break with the PLO in February [BG, WP 4/29...

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  • October 16, 1985

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Peres arrives in Washington for talks with Reagan administration [NYT, LAT 10/17]. MK Meir Kahane is granted "certificate of...

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  • October 11, 1985

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Peres praises U.S. interception of plane carrying 4 hijackers [BG 10/12].

    Arab World: PLO officials in Tunis condemn U.S....

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  • October 7, 1985

    Social/Economic/Political

    Arab World: Funerals of 2 Palestinians killed in Israel's air raid on Tunis spark anti-Israel demonstrations in Cairo. Hundreds of students shout anti-Israel and...

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  • October 4, 1985

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: Al-Fajr reports Palestinian political prisoners in Asqalan and Jenin prisons begin open-ended hunger strike this week to...

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  • October 2, 1985

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: Three Palestinians are deported to Jordan: Amin Ramzi Dawish Maqbul, of Nablus; Walid Ahmad Mahmud Nazzal, of Jenin district; and Bahjat...

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  • January 29, 1985

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: In joint communique, Israel and Egypt agree to talks on moving 6,000 Palestinians from Egyptian section of Rafah to Israeli-held portion...

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  • November 9, 1982

    Military Action:

    IDF imposes curfew on several Chouf villages, including Kfar Nabrakh, Navrah and Brih, following artillery duels and Phalange attack on Druze doctor; Aley sealed off after...

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Israel’s military assault on the Gaza Strip (Operation Pillar of Defense) continues, and projectile fire from Palestinian factions into Israel intensifies. The IDF kills 9 Palestinians, bringing the death toll since 11/14 to 19, including 6 children. The IDF claims to have struck a total of 300 ‘‘terror activity’’ sites in the Gaza Strip, deploying air strikes, tank, and naval shelling and destroying 70 unmanned missile launch sites. The Israeli army also calls up 30,000 army reservists to prepare for a potential ground invasion. Three Israelis are killed by a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip that hits a residential building in Kiryat Malakhi. The IDF cites an estimated 270 rockets fired by Palestinian factions since the start of the Israeli military assault, with over 100 shot down by the Iron Dome missile defense/intercept system. Meanwhile, the Israeli daily Ha’Aretz reports that Hamas leader Ahmad Jabari was negotiating a permanent truce agreement with Israel just hours before his assassination on 11/14 (see Selections from the Press in JPS 166). (BBC, HA, MNA, REU 11/15, 11/16)

Internationally, the U.S. continues to show support for Israel’s operation, with the Senate unanimously passing a resolution backing Israel’s right to defend itself (62 senators were cosponsors). Egypt, Jordan, Russia, and Turkey all condemn Israel’s use of force as disproportionate, while Hizballah leader Hasan Nasrallah calls on Arab countries to support Hamas. PA pres. Mahmud Abbas calls for an urgent Arab League meeting, and Egypt and Tunisia announce plans to send delegations to the Gaza Strip on 11/16 and 11/18 respectively. (Guardian, REU, ToI 11/15)

For a 3d night, Jordanians in various cities across Jordan protest against King Abdullah and a reduction in public fuel subsidies. Islamist opposition groups vow to keep up the demonstrations. Gunmen attack 2 police stations, sparking a clash that leaves 1 attacker dead and 17 people injured (including 13 police officers). (AP, NYT 11/15)

The Arab League closes its 2-day emergency session, issuing a nonbinding resolution calling for a $1 b. Palestinian aid fund, recommending Arab states postpone further normalization with Israel. Tunisia orders Israel to shut its representative offices it Tunis. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/23; MENA 10/23; HJ, IRNA 10/24 in WNC 10/25; HJ 10/24, 1025 HJ, SA 10/26 in WNC 10/30; WJW 10/26; MEI 10/27)

Barak formally suspends the peace process. In response, Arafat states that Palestinians have a right to an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital and "to accept it or not to accept--let [Barak] go to hell." Meanwhile, Israeli-Palestinian clashes escalate further, leaving 4 Palestinians dead, over 100 injured; 2 others die of injuries received earlier. The most violent exchange is nr. Bethlehem, where the IDF orders residents of Aida camp, Bayt Jala, Bayt Sahur to evacuate their homes before ordering machine guns, tanks, and helicopter gunships to fire into the area, targeting buildings fr. which snipers shot into nearby Gilo settlement and destroying 2 Palestinian factories, several houses, a power plant. The gunfire continues overnight. In Gaza, the IDF bulldozes Palestinian agricultural land along roads leading to Morag settlement. Israel also recloses the Gaza airport, reinstates the internal closure on PA areas, shuts crossings into Egypt and Jordan. (ADM 10/22; BDL, LAW, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/23; MM 10/24; MA 10/24 in WNC 10/25; MEI 10/27; AYM 11/12 in WNC 11/13)

In Cairo, 1,000s of Egyptian students protest the failure of the Arab League summit to cut ties with or to call for military action against Israel. There are also reports of at least 1 Palestinian protest in Bethlehem denouncing Arab leaders, especially Mubarak, for the weak Arab League statement. Other rallies in support of the Palestinians are held in Bahrain, London, Ottawa. (WP 10/23; HJ 10/24, SA 10/26 in WNC 10/30; Bahrain Freedom Movement press release 10/25; MM 10/26)

Barak announces an inquiry will be held into the deaths of Israeli Arabs during the recent clashes and a 4-yr. development plan for Israeli Arab areas. Israeli Arabs complain that the inquiry's recommendations will be nonbinding. (NYT 10/23; WJW 10/26; MM 10/30)

Doha economic summit opens. Only 6 Arab countries (Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Tunisia, Yemen) are among the 66 countries attending. U.S. Secy. of State Madeleine Albright, who originally planned to stay for the whole 3-day conference, attends a few hrs. of the mtg., then leaves for Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia to discuss Iraq's failure to adhere to UN inspections requirements. (WT 11/16; al-Dustur, SATN 11/16, JT, Radio Qatar, SA 11/17 in WNC 11/19; CSM, MM, NYT, WP 11/17; WT 11/18, 11/19; JT 11/19 in WNC 11/21; MEI 11/21; WT 11/23; JP 11/29; Star 12/4 in WNC 12/9)

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu arrives in Indiana to attend mtg. of the General Assembly of Jewish Federations in Indianapolis, then heads to California for function honoring actor Kirk Douglas. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/17; MM 11/18)

In Cairo, PA leader Yasir Arafat briefs Egyptian pres. Husni Mubarak on his talks with U.S. Secy. of State Albright 11/15. (RE 11/16 in WNC 11/19)

Egypt returns its amb. to Qatar. (MENA 11/16 in WNC 11/19) (see 11/7)

Iraq offers to allow American UN Special Commission (UNSCOM) inspectors expelled 11/13 to return, provided UN experts fr. other nations are given equal authority. (NYT, WP, WT 11/17)

150 Palestinians clash with Israel Defense Force (IDF) troops following funeral for boy who was severely injured by IDF 11/11 and died 11/15. (WP 11/17)

PA Culture M `Abid Rabbu holds mtg. with Arab Journalists Association (AJA) pres. Na`im Toubassi, tells him PA will begin issuing press cards to qualified journalists. Gaza Journalists' League treasurer Zakariyya Talmas complains only 3 journalist qualify for cards under PA rules "and they are dead." (Jerusalem Times 1/6 in FBIS 1/9)

Mtg. of all Arab FMs in Tunis ends. Parties recommend countries donate funds on bilateral basis, turn down PA request to recognize validity of Palestinian passports, fail to reach agmt. on aid for Palestinian police. PA delegation angered. (MM 1/6)

Jerusalem district director for Israeli Housing Min., Rina Zamir, says construction of 10,000 housing units in and around East Jerusalem will begin this yr. (MM 1/6; JP 1/6 in FBIS 1/6; MM 1/16)

Arafat loyalists, opponents clash in `Ayn Hilwa r.c. in southern Lebanon after Arafat announces 400 Palestinians will be transferred to Gaza shortly. No casualties reported. PLO says Israel approved the transfer of 2,000 post-1948 refugees fr. Lebanon, Libya, Jordan, Sudan, Tunisia; Lebanon's quota is 470. (RL, VOL 1/5 in FBIS 1/6; MM 1/6; VOL 1/6, Voice of the South 1/7 in FBIS 1/9; Al-Hayat 1/7 in FBIS 1/11) (see 12/19)

Syrian FM Faruq al-Shara` visits Tehran to give Pres. Hashemi Rafsanjani message fr. Pres. al-Asad about improving relations. (MM 1/11) (see 12/30)

Israel denies giving any U.S. technological information to China. (WT 1/7) (see 1/4)

U.S. Defense Secy. William Perry arrives in Egypt for 2-day visit, talks with Pres. Mubarak about Egypt's threat to withdraw fr. NPT, promises to defend aid to Egypt in Congress. (MENA 1/6 in FBIS 1/9; WT 1/9; MEI 1/20)

1 settler shot dead, 1 wounded in West Bank nr. Ramallah. PFLP claims responsibility in revenge for killings on 1/4. (MM 1/6; QY 1/6 in FBIS 1/6;  AFP 1/7 in FBIS 1/9; WJW 1/12; JP 1/14)

Joint Jordanian-Israeli comms. on security, borders, territories, environment, crime, drugs hold 1st "preparatory" mtgs. at Dead Sea Hotel to formulate outlines for meeting goals set out in Jordan-Israel treaty. (RJ 12/13 in FBIS 12/14)

7th mtg. of Refugee Working Group opens in Ankara. 250 delegates fr. 40 countries, organizations attend; discuss job creation, family reunification, aid for children, public health, social and economic infrastructure, human resource development. Syria, Lebanon boycott. (AFP 12/14 in FBIS 12/15)

7th mtg. of Middle East Arms Control Group opens in Tunis. Participants (Algeria, Egypt, Israel, PA, U.S., Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia) discuss confidence-building measures; naval issues; creation of regional communication and security centers, demilitarized zones. Deep divisions btwn. Arab states, Israel noted. Syria and Lebanon boycott. (MENA 12/14 in FBIS 12/15; MBC Television 12/14 in FBIS 12/16)

Israeli DMin. says it will allow 200 Gazans who are students at Birzeit University permission to enter West Bank for classes provided PA gives DMin. list of their names for security check, they all pledge to support peace process, renounce terrorism. If 200 behave, remaining 656 would be allowed to enter. (Article 17 12/94)

Jerusalem City Hall officials say plans have been submitted to expropriate, develop 6,000 dunums of Arab land btwn. Jewish neighborhoods of Pizgat Ze'ev, Neve Ya'aqov. (JP 12/13 in FBIS 12/13)

ICO conference opens in Casablanca. Mbrs. draft resolution on Jerusalem that omits praise for Jordan's efforts to preserve city's holy sites, following protests fr. Palestinian delegates. Arafat cancels mtg. with Jordan's King Hussein planned for sidelines of conference. (MM 12/12, 12/14; RA 12/12 in FBIS 12/15; Al-Dustur 12/14 in FBIS 12/14; MM 12/16; Al-Yawm 12/18 in FBIS 12/22)

PLO-Israel security comm. resumes talks in Cairo to settle details of Gaza-Jericho autonomy plan.  Civilian affairs comm. also expected to resume sessions.  (MENA 2/21 in FBIS 2/22; CSM 2/23)

UN holds talks in Geneva with France, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and United Kingdom on training Palestinian police force.  (MM 2/24)

FM Peres, speaking to Knesset Economics Comm. names Egypt, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, and Tunisia as Arab countries working to end Arab boycott of Israel.  Peres observes "the Arab boycott is the Arab world's problem, no less than ours."  (MM 2/21; Qol Yisra`el 2/21 in FBIS 2/24)

Syrian Interior M Muhammad Harba, speaking to Damascus conference on drug trafficking, says Syria rejects Israeli proposal for secret negotiations, calls Israeli proposal for referendum on Golan Heights an obstacle to peace.  (MM 2/21)

Settlers block West Bank roads with rocks, burning tires in continuing protests over killing of Zipporah Sasson.  Blockade coincides with "rush hour" of Palestinians going to work in Israel.  IDF prevents clashes by turning away Palestinian cars before they reach settler roadblocks.  Ballistics tests reportedly link weapon in Sasson killing to killing of Shin Bet officer previous week and 4 Israelis in 12/93.  (MM 2/21; CSM 2/22)

Lawyer for imprisoned Hamas leader Shaykh Ahmad Yasin says his client's "life is under threat," but Israeli Prisons Authority spokesman says "there is no deterioration" in Yasin's condition.  Yasin is serving 15-yr. sentence in prison nr. Netanya for ordering killings of collaborators.  (MM 2/21)

Hamas issues leaflet warning Druze, Bedouin citizens of Israel to leave IDF "which has killed the sons of your people."  Hamas claims IDF replacing Jewish units in Gaza with Druze- and Bedouin-manned units.  (MM 2/21)

UN Gen. Assembly votes to repeal resolution 3379, passed in 1975, which characterized Zionism as a "form of racism and racial discrimination." Vote was 111 in favor, 25 against, 13 abstentions (six Arab countries-Egypt, Kuwait, Morocco, Tunisia, Oman, Bahrain-did not vote). (NYT, WP 12/17)

Stand-off between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators continues in Washington. (MM 12/17)

Israeli court allows Palestinian family to move back into Silwan shortly before a second court ruling overturns the decision and orders the family re-evicted. Police, however, decide to allow family to stay pending clarification. Courts are currently hearing five cases involving title to homes in Silwan. (MM 12/17)

U.S. State Dept. urges Israel to halt provocative actions by settlers [see 12/15]. (MM 12/17)

Knesset mbr. Yossi Sand presents reply by state attorney's office to high court of justice which implies that legal status of settlements is temporary. Court had requested state's opinion in response to appeal on settlements question lodged before court by Peace Now movement. (Qol Yisra'el 12/16 in FBIS 12/17)

Israel, EC sign agreement by which Israel will receive 7-year, $205 mill. loan. Israel will receive a further $36 mill. in interest subsidies. (Davar 12/18 in FBIS 12/18)

Israeli authorities claim two infiltrators were found drowned off the Gaza coast. (NYT 12/18)

Kuwaiti immigration dept. announces that Palestinian, Jordanian residents can renew their residency permits if they prove they did not collaborate with Iraqi forces during occupation of Kuwait. (MM 12/16)

Bilateral Israeli-Syrian, Israeli-Lebanese peace talks resume in Washington. But talks between Israel, Jordanians, Palestinians fail to take place when Israel rejects 2-track approach of meeting separately with Palestinian and Jordanian components of joint J-P delegation and insists on meeting only with combined delegation in one room. (WP 12/11)

At Islamic Conference Organization (ICO) meeting in Dakar, Senegal, Saudi Crown Prince 'Abdallah bin 'Abd al-'Aziz underscores continued Saudi anger at PLO and Jordan by shaking hands but refusing to embrace Chmn. Arafat in traditional Arab greeting of friendship, and avoiding greeting King Hussein altogether. (WP 12/1 1)

Israel decides to establish direct dialing telephone service to 11 Arab countries (Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Lebanon, Kuwait, Yemen, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates) [see 12/5]. Calls will be completed by satellite connection which routes them through U.S. (MM 12/11)

Responding to 9/14 Iraqi move against French embassy in Kuwait, Pres. Mitterrand orders additional 4,000 soldiers and dozens of helicopters and tanks to Saudi Arabia [NYT, WP 9/16; CMS 9/17].

Pres. Gorbachev tells Italian F.M. De Michelis that Moscow would be willing to discuss Iraqi grievances against Kuwait, but only after Saddam withdraws [WP 9/16].

American officials say U.S. will postpone plans to seek repeal of UN resolution equat- ing Zionism with racism at this year's Gen. Assembly so as not to imperil Arab support for embargo against Iraq and U.S. military presence in Saudi Arabia [NYT 9/16].

Three-day "Conference on Arab Popular Movements" opens in Amman; attended by about 3,000 including 120 representatives of political organizations from 9 Arab countries (Egyptian and Syrian delegations reportedly prevented by their gov'ts from attending) (cf. 9/16, 9/17, 9/18) [MEM 9/13, 9/17; JTE 9/15 in FBIS 9/17, 9/18; CSM 9/17].

Meanwhile 5-day conference ends in Amman of Islamist leaders from Jordan, Pakistan, Malaysia, Tunisia, Yemen, Syria, Sudan, Algeria, and Turkey; Egypt reportedly prevented 7 top-level Islamist leaders from attending. Conference decides to send mediation team to Saudi Arabia and Iraq [MEM 9/17].

W. German Chancellor Helmut Kohl announces $2 billion aid package to support multinational forces in Gulf; says German constitution prevents him from sending troops [WP 9/16].

U.S. Air Force chief of staff Gen. Michael Dugan says in event of hostilities, American forces would employ massive bombing raids against Baghdad that specifically target Saddam Hussein and family, military centers, and power systems (cf. 9/17) [WP 9/16; FJ 9/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: In an article in Ma'ariv, Israeli Justice Minister Dan Meridor says since the outbreak of the intifada 600 Palestinians have been killed, 350 houses demolished, over 10,000 Palestinians wounded, over 40,000 placed under detention, and 60 deported [FBIS 11/17].

Other Countries: PLO officials meet with Israeli Knesset members in Milan, Italy to discuss Israeli-Palestinian peace opportunities [FJ 11/27].

According to Ma'ariv, U.S. officials claim Israel Aircraft Industries was involved in attempts to smuggle U.S. missile navigation equipment to South Africa in violation of U.S. law [FBIS 11/20].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: IDF declares Ramallah and al-Bireh closed military zones [FJ 11/27].

Incidents in the Nur Shams and Tulkarm camps leave 2 Palestinians wounded from IDF gunfire. At least 8 others wounded in O.T. [FBIS 11/20].

Arab World: Citing PLO sources, Associated Press reports that about 200 dissident members of Abu Nidal organization were recently killed in liquidation campaign in Libya. 300 more fled to Algeria, Tunisia, and Lebanon [FBIS 11/17]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Military prosecutors charge 4 Israeli soldiers with aggravated assault in beating death of 18- year-old Palestinian in February 1989. Tulkarm is placed under curfew [FBIS 4/3]. Norwegian F.M. Thorvald Stoltenberg arrives in Israel to discuss bilateral relations, Israeli use of 20 tons of heavy water that Norway sold to Israel [MET 4/11].

Arab World: In Tunis Faruq al-Qaddumi receives Canada's ambassador to Tunisia [FBIS 4/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Demonstrations are reported throughout O.T., at least 20 Palestinians are injured [FJ 4/10]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Gaza general strike is observed. Curfew in Duhayshah enters 6th consecutive day [FJ 1/9]. Arab World: U.S. ambassador to Tunisia, Robert Pelletreau, only U.S. official authorized to talk with PLO, asks PLO for information regarding bombing of Pan Am flight 103 [WP, NYT 1/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nusayrat camp troops clash with Palestinians leaving 2 Palestinians injured. In Beach camp soldiers shoot, wound 2 Palestinians. At least 8 more Palestinians are injured throughout Gaza. In W. Bank at least 8 Palestinians are shot, injured during protests [FJ 1/9]

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Police ban gatherings of 10 or more in E. Jerusalem, threaten Palestinians that if they display the Palestinian flag they can receive 5 years in jail, $10,000 fine. Curfew for the Gaza Strip enters 4th day. Closure of W. Bank schools is extended until end of November. Army cuts off electricity in Hebron and Nablus [WP 11/16].

Arab World: In Algiers PNC proclaims Palestinian state with Jerusalem as capital, accepts UN Resolution 242, and calls for "peaceful coexistence with all people for a durable and lasting peace" and for the convening of international peace conference [WP 11/16]. Several Arab countries recognize the State of Palestine - Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, North Yemen, South Yemen, Mauritania [NYT 11/16].

Other Countries: Turkey and Malaysia recognize the State of Palestine [WP 11/16].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli court convicts John Demjanjuk of crimes against the Jewish people, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and crimes against a persecuted people [WP 4/19]. General strike continues in occupied territories [FJ 4/24]. Israeli officials confiscate al-Fajr, al-Quds, and al-Sha'b. Al-Fajr is banned from distribution in W. Bank and Gaza Strip for 2 weeks [FJ 4/24].

Arab World: PLO announces Khalil al-Wazir will be buried in Syria. Tunisian govemment officially blames Israel for assassination of Wazir [WP 4/19].

Other Countries: U.S. condemns murder of PLO military leader Khalil al-Wazir as "act of political assassination" [NYT 4/19].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Entire W. Bank, except Jericho, is declared closed military zone [FJ 4/24]. Palestinian is killed when soldiers open fire on demonstration in Rafah. Palestinian from Gaza's Zaytun quarter is shot dead in separate incident. In Jenin, protester is shot in head, seriously wounded. Curfews continue in 16 camps, Nablus, and 'Anabta. Village of 'Azzun is ordered under curfew [FJ 4/24]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nazareth, more than 7,000 Israeli Palestinians demonstrate peacefully in solidarity with Palestinians in occupied territories. MK 'Abd al-Wahab Darawshah announces at demonstration that he is resigning from Labor party to protest army's policy of beating Palestinians in W. Bank and Gaza Strip [WP 1/24; CSM 1/25]. Between 30,000 and 50,000 Israeli Jews participate in Peace Now-organized rally in Tel Aviv [WP 1/24; NYT 1/25]. Curfew on Jerusalem's al-Tur neighborhood is lifted after all male residents are rounded up, interrogated; 4 are arrested [WP 1/24]. Commercial strike continues in W. Bank despite army policy of breaking locks to force merchants to open [FJ 1/24].

Other Countries: Morris Abram, head of Conference of Presidents of Am. Jewish Organizations, criticizes Israel's policy of beating demonstrators [WP 1/25]. Asst. Sec. of State for Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs Richard Murphy meets with Arab League representative Clovis Maksoud and diplomats from Jordan, Tunisia, and Kuwait to discuss U.S. role in Middle East peace process [NYT 1/24].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Israel says it will increase supervision of soldiers in the field after charges of excessive brutality. Soldiers raid Am'ari refugee camp near Ramallah, arresting at least 11 [NYT 1/24]. Scattered demonstrations occur in Ramallah, Nablus, and Bethlehem areas. Most curfews remain in effect [FJ 1/24].

Arab World: Syrian troops detain 3 Palestinians leaving Shatila camp [FBIS 1/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Defense Minister Rabin defends Israel's involvement in Iran arm shipments, states Israel participated with U.S. encouragement and approval [WP 2/16].

Arab World: Representatives of PLO and Jordan meet in Amman to discuss reactivating joint committee for W. Bank and Gaza development [WP 2/16]. Kidnappers release advisor to Lebanese Pres. Jumayyil after 4days as hostage [BG 2/16].

Other Countries: Washington Post reports Jonathan Pollard supplied U.S. reconnaissance data on PLO headquarters in Tunisia, assessments of operations planned by the PLO, and related information to Israel [WP 2/15]. Jerusalem Post cites reports that Israel has doubled forces in Lebanon to nearly 3,000 in effort to support SLA [JP 2/15].

Military Action

Arab World: Police report at least 8 injured, 1 killed in heavy fighting near Beirut's Burj al-Barajinah and Shatila refugee camps. In W. Beirut, 4 are killed, 9 wounded in clash between Amal and Lebanese Communist party [BG 2/16]. Amal allows 30 families to leave Burj al-Barajinah; UN still unable to bring supplies into camp. Amal also allows some refugees to leave Tyre's Rashidiyyah camp and return with food and medicine [WP 2/16].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli authorities issue 6-month town arrest orders against 2 unionists: Amal Wahdan, from al-Birah, of the Women's Work Committee; and 'Adnan Kilani, head of the Construction Workers Union in Ya'bad; arrests bring total number of known town arrestees in West Bank alone to 33 [FJ 8/14].

Arab World: President Habib Bourguiba of Tunisia announces he has divorced his second wife, Wassila, who had been an influential member of Mr. Bourguiba's governing circle and a strong advocate of the Palestinian cause [WP 8/12].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli jets bomb suspected PLO and Abu Musa faction bases near Ba'albek in Biqa' Valley in Lebanon, killing 3 [LT 8/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Peres states Israel has engaged in "quiet diplomacy" with Jordan since King Hussein's break with the PLO in February [BG, WP 4/29]. Syrian army deserter captured by Israeli army in S. Lebanon says on Israel TV that he and 2 other Syrian deserters were recruited and paid by Fateh to infiltrate Israel, take hostages at Kibbutz Manara, take the French ambassador to Israel hostage, and demand safe passage out of the country to Jordan, Egypt, or Tunisia; he states Fateh has many Syrian, Pakistani, and Iraqi recruits for similar missions [JP 4/29].

Arab World: Spokespersons for Yasir Arafat's Fateh, the DFLP, and the PFLP denounce Jordanian regime for secret contacts with Israeli government officials [FJ 5/2]. Abu Nidal's Fateh Revolutionary Council claims responsibility for 4/27 shooting of British tourist in East Jerusalem, states it was in reprisal for U.S. air raid on Libyand British "collusion" in the attack, states Briton shot was an intelligence agent [WP, PI 4/29]. Egypt, which supplies Israel with one quarter of its oil, has reduced prices by approximately 25%, saving Israeli Treasury over $50 million a year [JTA 4/29].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Peres arrives in Washington for talks with Reagan administration [NYT, LAT 10/17]. MK Meir Kahane is granted "certificate of identity" by U.S. consulate in Jerusalem [WP 10/17]. Knesset members walk out during half-hour speech by MK Meir Kahane in which he condemns Education Ministry's plans to sponsor meetings between Israeli and Palestinian students [JP 10/17].

Arab World: Tunisian Pres. Habib Bourguiba is reportedly at odds with most of his main advisors over whether to allow the PLO to retain its political headquarters in Tunis; Bourguiba is said to favor having the PLO leave, while his cabinet is arguing for closer relations with the rest of the Arab world [NYT 10/17]. King Hussein cuts short vacation in Northern Scotland and holds talks with British Foreign Office Minister for the M.E. Timothy Reton following failure of British to meet 2 PLO officials. Hussein then returns to 'Amman for talks with the PLO [DT 10/17]. Egyptian pilot of intercepted plane states U.S. jet fighters threated to fire on him if he did not agree to land in Sicily [MG 10/17]. Anti-American demonstrations erupt in Cairo for 2nd time in 4 days; leaders of opposition parties meet with Mubarak to ask that he sever relations with the U.S. and Israel [LAT 10/17].

Other Countries: U.S. announces body of man found on Syrian coast has been "positively identified" as that of Leon Klinghoffer [NYT 10/17]. UN General Assembly rejects attempt by 18 Arab states to oust Israel from the assembly. Egypt, Jordan, and Oman do not join in the effort [NYT 10/17]. Italian govt. falls over Achille Lauro affair. Republican party of Defense Minister Giovanni Spadolini withdraws from coalition in protest of decision to let Muhammad 'Abbas go free [NYT 10/17]. Socialist International, meeting in Vienna, lambasts Irael for Tunis air raid; speakers from Labor and Social Democratic parties from 10 countries (including Austria, W. Germany, Italy, and Tunisia) condemn the raid. Statement is issued at conclusion calling for political negotiations without preconditions, stating "all parties involved in the conflict must take part" [JP 10/17]. Spain's consul-general says Spain is expected to establish diplomatic ties with Israel by 31 December 1985, the day Spain is scheduled to enter the EEC [JP 10/18]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Peres praises U.S. interception of plane carrying 4 hijackers [BG 10/12].

Arab World: PLO officials in Tunis condemn U.S. interception of Egyptian plane carrying 4 hijackers; PLO officials in Tunis say Tunisia had refused entry to an Egyptian airplane thought to be carrying the 4 hijackers before the plane left Egypt [NYT 10/11]. Anonymous telephone caller to Beirut newspaper threatens to strike at "U.S. interests" throughout the world if the 4 hijackers are hurt in prison [LT 10/12]. Egypt condemns the U.S. interception of plane carrying 4 hijackers, expresses "deep regret" at "surprising" American action [WP, NYT 10/12].

Other Countries: Bomb in office kills regional executive director of American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee in Santa Ana, Califomia, Alex Odeh, 37, and injures 7 others. Odeh had appeared on TV the night before and called Yasir Arafat "a man of peace." No one claims responsibility; Jewish Defense League praises the action [NYT, WP 10/12]. Public prosecutor in Italy charges 4 hijackers with murder, kidnapping, hijacking of a ship, and possession of arms and explosives. Uncertainty remains over how 2 other senior Palestinian officials also taken into custody when the plane carrying them was intercepted will be treated; they are Abu al-'Abbas, head of the faction of the Palestine Liberation Front which allegedly carried out the hijacking, and another unidentified PLO official [NYT, WP 10/12]. U.S. agrees to let Italians prosecute hijackers but will maintain extradition request [NYT 10/13]. Jewish Press reports House Ways and Means Committee has adopted legislation to exempt Israel Bonds from a 1984 provision which increases taxes on loans made at below market level interest rates. Israel Bonds, at interest rates of 4%, are far below market level [JWP 10/11]. Harvard U. announces Prof. Nadav Safran "erred" in not reporting use of CIA funds to organize conference on fundamentalist Islam and to write book on Saudi Arabian security; Safran will not be disciplined [NYT, WP 10/12]

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Funerals of 2 Palestinians killed in Israel's air raid on Tunis spark anti-Israel demonstrations in Cairo. Hundreds of students shout anti-Israel and anti-American slogans as the 2 are buried at the tomb of the unknown soldier in Cairo, where the families of the 2 men live [MG 10/8]. Pres. Mubarak sees Arafat's political advisor Hani al-Hasan in an unscheduled meeting; al-Hasan conveys thanks for Egypt's position on Israel's Tunis air raid [JP 10/8].

Other Countries: Diplomatic sources say the U.S. decided not to veto UN Sec. Counc. resolution condemning Israeli air raid because of fears Tunisian govt. would break diplomatic ties with the U.S. [LT 10/8; NYT 10/7].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: WAFA news agency claims PLO responsibility for blast destroying Jerusalem apartment building, claims 20 killed, including Israeli lintelligence agents. Israeli police say 1 died and 11 were injured in the explosion, which was caused by a gas leak [TS 10/8].

Arab World: Four heavily armed Palestinians hijack an Italian cruise ship, the Achille Lauro, carrying 400 passengers off the shore of Egypt. Officials at Port Sa'id say the hijackers, who identify themselves as members of the Palestine Liberation Front, demand the release of 50 prisoners held in Israel, including Samir Qantari, in exchange for the ship's passengers; they threaten to blow up the ship if their demands are not met. Yasir Arafat denies any PLO responsibility in the hijacking, vows to try to use his influence to end it [NYT 10/8, 9; WP 10/9]. Fighting breaks out again around Sabra and Shatila refugee camps. Radio stations say the fighting is between Lebanese Muslim and Palestinian militias; Amal states it is an intemal Palestinian problem. Tankfire is used against the camps and at least 1 person is killed [FT, BG 10/8].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Al-Fajr reports Palestinian political prisoners in Asqalan and Jenin prisons begin open-ended hunger strike this week to protest brutal actions by guards. Mothers and relatives of Asqalan prisoners continue their hunger strike at the Gaza Red Cross office; Israeli army threatens to disband their sit-in strike by force [FJ 10/4]. Al-Fajr daily prints obituary for Lt. Col. Muhammad al-Ghoul, the chief of security for the Tunis headquarters of the PLO killed in the 10/1 raid. Other reports mention death of Abu al-Tayyib, leader of Force 17, Arafat's bodyguard unit [BG 10/5].

Arab World: Tunisian civilians killed in 10/1 Israeli air raid on PLO headquarters in Tunis have been quietly buried to avoid anti-American backlash, Tunis announces; 60 died in the raid, including 12 Tunisian civilians [WP 10/5]. Tunisian police are deployed to prevent opposition parties from marching on the U.S. embassy [FT 10/5].

Other Countries: UN Sec. Council passes, by vote of 14-0 (with the U.S. abstaining), resolution condemning Israeli air raid on PLO headquarters in Tunis, urging member countries to "take measures to dissuade Israel from resorting to such acts," stating Tunisia's right to reparations. PLO rep. to the UN Zuhdi Tarzi accuses U.S. of "collusion" in the raid [LAT 10/5; NYT 10/6]. Two Palestinians and 1 Briton accused of the 9/25 murder of 3 Israelis in Lamaca appear before Cyprus court. Israel says the 3 are members of Fateh's Force 17, but Force 17 officials in Tunis deny they ordered the executions [DT 10/4]. Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev states Russia may reestablish diplomatic ties with Israel if there is movement toward overall settlement to the Arab-Israeli conflict [TS 10/5]. State Dept. announces MK Meir Kahane's U.S. citizenship has been revoked because of his membership in the Israeli Knesset [WP 10/5; JP 10/6].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Body of an Israeli, Haim Falah, who had been shot in the head, is found in the Galilee [MG 10/7]. Anonymous caller phones Western news agency in Jerusalem and claims responsibility on behalf of Fateh's Force 17 for killing 2 other Israelis near Jerusalem; their bodies have not yet been found [MG 10/7].

Arab World: Islamic Jihad organization delivers message and Polaroid photo to 2 Beirut newspapers stating they have executed William Buckley, political officer at the U. S. embassy held hostage since March 1984, in retaliation for Israel's 10/1 air raid on PLO headquarters in Tunis, in which they said the U.S. was involved. Buckley's body has not been found, and the claim is unconfirmed [LAT 10/4; LT 10/5].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Three Palestinians are deported to Jordan: Amin Ramzi Dawish Maqbul, of Nablus; Walid Ahmad Mahmud Nazzal, of Jenin district; and Bahjat Mustafa Hasan al-Biyadi Jayyusi, of Tulkarm district. Nazzal is accused of being a senior leader in the DFLP, Maqbul of being a Fateh leader for the Nablus area, and Jayyusi of incitement and stone throwing [JP 10/3]. Students in Gaza, W. Bank demonstrate in support of PLO, against Tunis raid; Palestinian flag raised, Arafat's photo raised, tires bumed, stones thrown. Soldiers shoot to disperse crowds. Passenger on Israeli bus injured by breaking glass [NYT 10/3]. Israeli settler Yosef Hamoi, from Elon Moreh settlement, is convicted of manslaughter in the 1983 killing of an 8-year-old Nablus girl, and of causing grievous bodily harm to her sister. Settler Ephraim Segal, with Hamoi at the time, is convicted of trying to subom witnesses, and Pinhas Mahrabis convicted of destroying evidence. Sentencing will follow [JP 10/3].

Arab World: PLO officials estimate 67 dead, over 100 wounded in Tunis attack; hospital reports 47 dead, 65 wounded [NYT 10/3]. Anti-American demonstration in Tunis draws 7,000 [LAT 10/3].

Other Countries: Pres. Reagan expresses his "sincere condolences" to Tunisia for Israel's 10/1 raid on PLO headquarters there. White House spokesman Larry Speakes says the Israeli attack is "understandable as an expression of self-defense," but "cannot be condoned" [CT, NYT 10/3; TI 10/14].

Military Action

Arab World: SLA patrol is attacked by gunfire in the security zone. SLA troops later direct mortar and tank fire at Shi'ite village of Kafra north of security zone [JP 10/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In joint communique, Israel and Egypt agree to talks on moving 6,000 Palestinians from Egyptian section of Rafah to Israeli-held portion; Israel seeks compensation for the move [LT 1/30]. Former "Black Panther" members, urban slum dwellers form activist group "Combat '85" to improve conditions in poor Israeli neighborhoods; among 1st demands is shift of W. Bank settlement funds to poor urban areas [JTA 1/29]. Knesset debates govt. decision to abolish office of adviser to the prime minister on Arab affairs [JP 1/30].

Arab World: PLO Central Com. mbr. 'Abd al-Rahim Ahmad reports Committee to meet mid-February to discuss jordanianPalestinian relations, other subjects; meeting to be held in Algeria, S. Yemen or Tunisia [MG 1/30].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF detain scores of residents of northern mountain in Nablus after gasoline bomb thrown at IDF vehicle; later released for lack of evidence [FJ 2/1].

Arab World: Katyusha launched at IDF position in Ruman, S. Lebanon; no injuries [JP 1/30]. IDF kill 4 resistance fighters near Jezzine, S. Lebanon [JP 1/31].

Military Action:

IDF imposes curfew on several Chouf villages, including Kfar Nabrakh, Navrah and Brih, following artillery duels and Phalange attack on Druze doctor; Aley sealed off after land mine explodes near IDF jeep.

Casualties:

IDF medical teams treat wounded in Chouf villages, many evacuated; IDF arranges exchange of prisoners in Aley; Ain el-Hilweh a sea of mud after third day of heavy rains, only 16 UNRWA tents set up and 100 refugees sign up to purchase Israeli-made prefabricated houses.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Shamir tells visiting US Congressmen that negotiations on IDF withdrawal from Lebanon could last many months, blames Syria; Israel links pull-out talks to Lebanese willingness to normalize relations with Israel (open borders, trade, tourism, unofficial missions in Jerusalem and Beirut); Tourism Minister Sharir reveals plan to promote tourism on West Bank to strengthen Israel's presence there; El Al workers go on strike.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO source in Tunisia says Fateh has approved plans to create Palestinian-Jordanian federation, with Jordan and Palestinian state as separate countries, has decided to reinforce PLO troops in Bekaa and North Lebanon, to resume military training for guerrillas evacuated from Beirut and to resume talks with Lebanese Government on Palestinian presence in Lebanon; PLO reportedly sets 2 conditions for "mutual and simultaneous recognition" with Israel-US pledge to talk to PLO in return and a US guarantee that PLO will be included in any peace negotiations on equal footing with other Arab parties; Lebanese Parliament, in 58-1 vote, gives Gemayel power to rule nation by decree for 6 months, gives vote of confidence to 10-member Cabinet, gives Gemayel full powers to deal with Israelis, Syrians, PLO and to restructure Army, revise tax structure, change criminal law, reschedule debts, control media, but Gemayel fails to win power to amend election laws, citizenship requirements and provincial boundaries without Parliamentary approval, also fails to extend special powers for 2 more months, as 32 legislators abstain or are absent; Gemayel meets with Druze and Phalange leaders, says he will seek US pressure on IDF to withdraw from Chouf area; Walid Jumblatt meets Gemayel at Baabda to discuss deteriorating security in Chouf area, declares Israel is responsible for bloodshed.

US and Other Countries: Assistant Secretary of State Veliotes, in interview, says PLO proposal for "mutual and simultaneous" recognition with Israel was step backward in negotiating process as Israel will never agree; British Foreign Secretary Francis Pym arrives for 2 day stay in Jordan.