The Palestine Chronology

PA, Israeli final status teams hold their 5th round of talks in Ramallah. (MEI 11/26)

With Vatican support, Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches across Israel, the Israeli-controlled occupied territories close for 2 days to protest Israel's approval of plans for a mosque nr. Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth. (al-Quds 11/22 in WNC 11/23; MM, NYT, WT 11/23; WP 11/24; MEI 12/10) (see 11/3)

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinian taxi drivers go on 3-day strike to protest increase in taxes imposed by the PA. Some Palestinians stage a sit-in outside the PC to protest increased fuel prices. Some Palestinians are also refusing to pay phone bills, since rates have been lowered in Israel but not in the territories. (al-Quds 11/24 in WNC 11/29)

Iran rejects a U.S. request to send a consular team to Tehran to promote travel btwn. the 2 countries. State Dept. says it is "high time" Iran allowed such visits since Iranian officials are routinely allowed into the U.S. (NYT, WT 11/24; WJW 12/2; NYT 12/3)

A Turkish trade delegation arrives in Jordan on a 5-day visit to examine the Israeli-Jordanian-U.S. qualified industrial zones (QIZs). (ATL 11/23 in WNC 11/24)

Turkish tourism officials meet with their PA counterparts to discuss including the PA in Turkish-Israeli joint projects. Turkey, the PA sign a bilateral agmt. on tourist packages to Bethlehem. (ATL 11/22 in WNC 11/24)

In Tehran, Iran, Turkey discuss security on their common border, expanding economic cooperation. (IRNA 11/22 in WNC 11/23)

Iraq halts oil exports to protest the UN's decision to extend the Oil-for-Food program for 2 wks. instead of 6 mos., as it has done in the past; says sanctions should be removed immediately. (NYT, WT 11/23)

In s. Lebanon. 1 civilian is wounded by IDF shelling. (RL 11/22 in WNC 11/23)

At the weekly cabinet mtg., PM Barak says that although he still has not found a suitable person to lead the final status team, comprehensive staff work has been done to formulate Israel's position in the political-security sphere and on the subject of economic separation. (MM 10/18; al-Quds 10/19 in WNC 10/20; AYM 10/21 in WNC 10/25; WT 10/23)

Opening of s. safe-passage route, scheduled for today, is delayed for 2d time, because Israeli, PA officials cannot agree on the location of a joint office in Gaza that would hand out travel permits to Palestinians. (WP 10/17; AYM 10/21 in WNC 10/25) (see 10/4)

In Damascus, Syrian pres. Asad receives Jordanian FM Khatib for talks on the peace process, briefing on King Abdallah's mtg. with Pres. Clinton. (GIU 10/18; CSM 10/19; SA 10/20 in WNC 10/21)

Arab Human Rights Organization calls on Jordan to immediately release the 20 Hamas political leaders, activists it has detained since 8/31. King Abdallah says he believes that a "formula" can be reached to resolve the issue. The Muslim Brotherhood is still mediating. (AFP 10/19, JT 10/20 in WNC 10/21; WT 10/20; JT 10/21 in WNC 10/22; MEI 10/29) (see 9/22)

Jordan's Interior Min. says that it has detained 3 Israeli Arabs on charges of selling Palestinian land in Jerusalem to Israelis using forged land-sale affidavits. 3 other men are wanted. (al-Quds 10/19 in WNC 10/21; JT 10/31 in WNC 11/2)

Israeli Interior M Sharansky rescinds the regulation allowing the residency rights of East Jerusalem Palestinians to be revoked on the grounds that their tax, water, electricity, rental, school or enrollment records suggest they may have lived outside the city for some time during the past 7 yrs.; does not say whether Palestinians who had their residency revoked under this law will have their rights restored. (MM, NYT 10/18; al-Quds 10/18, AYM 10/19 in WNC 10/21; al-Quds 10/21 in WNC 10/25; JP 10/29) (see 7/20)

Some 5,000 Jewish settlers, angered by Barak's plans to fully or partially dismantle 12 settlements, protest outside the PM's home. (MM, WP, WT 10/18; AYM 10/19 in WNC 10/21; MEI 10/29)

In Nazareth, a group Muslim Palestinians angry over the city's plans to construct a large plaza next to the Church of the Annunciation on a site that was slated for construction of a mosque attack, slightly injure the town's Christian mayor, Ramiz Jaraisi. Israeli police arrest 2 suspects. (WT 10/18, 10/20) (see 4/20)

A new press and publication law goes into effect in Jordan, replacing the controversial 1998 press law. While the new version lifts the ban on nearly 1,000 books, reduces the amounts that journalists can be fined for violations, and lowers the minimum capital a newspaper must hold to be licensed, the Jordan Press Association cautions that it does not ban the arrest of journalists for political reasons. (JT 10/18 in WNC 10/19; JT 10/30 in WNC 11/2)

In Gaza, the PLO Central Council (PCC) opens debate on statehood declaration, with 96 of 124 mbrs. attending. Arafat opens the mtg. by affirming Palestinians' right to independence, but recommending against declaring a state on 5/4. Hamas sends a 4 mbr. observer group led by Shaykh Ahmad Yasin, marking 1st time it has participated in a PLO mtg.; the move is criticized by Hamas political leaders in Jordan. Islamic Jihad, Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine boycott. (MM 4/27; AFP, IDF Radio, JT 4/27 in WNC 4/28; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/28; IDF Radio, MBC 4/28 in WNC 4/29; al-Ayyam 4/28, 4/29 in WNC 5/3; PR 4/30; MEI 5/7; al-Istiqlal 5/7 in WNC 5/17; CSM 5/17)

In Nablus, 1,000 Fatah mbrs. march in support of a statehood declaration on 5/4. (WT 4/28)

A Palestinian arrested by Israeli police on burglary charges on 4/27 is admitted to a Tel Aviv hospital having been beaten so severely that one of his kidneys stopped functioning. (Reuters [Internet] 5/6)

Without explanation, the GIS orders the Hamas weekly newspaper al-Risala closed "until further notice." Under pressure fr. unnamed PA officials, the paper is allowed to reopen several hrs. later. (AFP 4/27 in WNC 4/28; al-Hayat al-Jadida 4/29 in WNC 5/3; PR 4/30)

In Geneva, the UN Human Rights Commission passes (52-1) a resolution reaffirming the Palestinians' right to self-determination, right to return. The U.S. votes against. (ADC press release 4/28; Xinhua 4/28 in WNC 4/29; Prime Minister's Report 4/30) (see 4/23)

Israel claims that the PA has released 3 Hamas prisoners involved in attacks in which Israelis were killed. PA, Hamas deny the story. (IDF Radio 4/27 in WNC 4/28; NYT, WP 4/28; al-Ayyam 4/28 in WNC 4/29; PR 4/30; JP 5/7)

In Washington, Israeli DM Moshe Arens meets with Secy. of State Albright, NSA Berger, Secy. of Defense Cohen for talks on Arrow missile program, Israeli receipt of 60 new F-16D fighters, regional issues. Albright, Berger criticize Israeli settlement policy. (USIS Washington File 4/27; MM 4/28; IDF Radio, MA 5/3 in WNC 5/4; WJW 5/6; JP, MEI 5/7)

Lebanese security personnel arrest an Israeli woman, Mary Vizeman, on suspicion of spying after she is found in Tyre without a passport. Vizeman, who speaks Arabic well, claims that she came fr. Nazareth to visit a friend in Beirut. (VOL 4/28 in WNC 4/29; JP 5/7)

Hizballah attempts to capture 2 IDF/SLA posts in s. Lebanon, wounding 8 IDF soldiers, 3 SLA mbrs. IDF shells Hizballah targets in response, wounding 2 civilians. (VOL 4/27 in WNC 4/28; MM 4/28)

In Amman, Arafat meets with King Abdallah. (RJ 4/4 in WNC 4/5; WT 4/5; al-Riyad 4/7 in WNC 4/15)

Jordan's King Abdallah begins a 3 day visit to Saudi Arabia today on 1st leg of regional tour aimed at restoring Arab solidarity, inter-Arab coordination; meets with King Fahd and Crown Prince Abdallah, who urge Jordan to limit ties with Iraq. (MM 4/6; JTV 4/6 in WNC 4/7; MM 4/7; `Ukaz 4/7, al-Ra'i 4/9 in WNC 4/14; al-Riyad 4/7 in WNC 4/15; MM 4/9; MEI 4/23)

Clashes erupt in Nazareth btwn. Christians and Muslims, who oppose planned construction of a plaza for millennium Christian pilgrims nr. a mosque. More than 70 Israeli police arrive but make no effort to stop the rioting, which leaves 7 Palestinians injured. There have been nonviolent protests over the project for more than a yr. (WP, WT 4/5; MM 4/8; MEI 4/23)

Egypt recalls its diplomatic mission fr. Belgrade to protest attacks against Albanians in Kosovo. (MENA 4/4 in WNC 4/5)

IDF shelling in s. Lebanon, injures 8 Lebanese civilians, including 5 children. (VOL 4/4 in WNC 4/5; WP 4/5; RL 4/5, 4/6 in WNC 4/7; WT 4/9; JP 4/16)

2 Palestinians shot dead by IDF during protests against Hebron massacre. (NYT, WP 3/1)

PM Rabin calls on PLO to return to talks, hints he would allow an "international presence" in Gaza and Jericho. PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. Yasir 'Abd-Rabbuh says PLO sending 2 envoys to Washington to discuss talks' resumption. PLO demands international presence in o.t. to protect Palestinians, disarmament of all settlers, barring settlers fr. Palestinian cities and population centers, dismantling some settlements, including Qiryat Arba. U.S. rejects adding restrictions on settlers to negotiating agenda, but is willing to discuss international presence. (Tunisian TV 2/28 in FBIS 3/1; NYT, WP 3/1; NYT 3/2)

PM Rabin denounces extremist settlers in speech to Knesset, saying "You are not part of the community of Israel.... You are not partners in the Zionist enterprise. You are a foreign implant. ... a shame on Zionism and an embarrassment to Judaism." State Dept. spokesman Michael McCurry calls Israeli measures against settlers "unprecedented," says U.S. govt. "commended" steps. (MM 2/28; MM, NYT 3/1)

Mbrs. of Israeli commission of inquiry to investigate Hebron massacre named. Panel is chaired by Chief Justice Meir Shamgar and includes 1 Palestinian, Israeli-Arab Judge 'Abd alRahman Zuabi of the Nazareth district court. (MM 2/28; NYT 3/1)

UNSC continues debate on Hebron massacre, fails to agree on resolution because of differences on "international presence," reference to Jerusalem. (NYT 3/1)

Syria, Jordan confirm delegations not returning to Washington talks with Israel, but govts. say they are still committed to peace process, Syrian FMin. spokesman saying boycott "applies only to this session." (NYT, CSM 3/1)

IDF kills 3 Palestinians-1 each in Jerusalem, Tulkarm, and Gaza Strip-protesting Hebron massacre. 50 Palestinians wounded. Demonstrations throughout o.t. and in Israeli-Arab towns of Jaffa, Ramla, and Nazareth and in Galilee villages. 40 Israeli Arabs arrested in Nazareth, 10 in Ramla. Closure imposed on West Bank Palestinians and total curfew on Hebron; IDF guards posted at entrance to Qiryat Arba settlement. Qiryat Arba settlers travel under IDF escort. (Qol Yisra'el 2/26 in FBIS 2/28; NYT, WP, WT 2/27; WP 2/28)

PLO Chmn. Arafat demands international protection for Palestinians in o.t. Israel-PLO talks in Cairo, Taba postponed pending decision of PLO leaders. Arafat recalls PLO negotiators fr. Cairo, Paris, and Washington for consultations, emergency mtg. of PLO Exec. Comm. Israeli FM Peres accepts Pres. Clinton's invitation to shift talks to Washington, but rejects international presence in o.t. (MENA 2/26, 2/27 in FBIS 2/28; NYT, WP, WT 2/27)

UNSC debates Hebron massacre for 5 hours, takes no action. PLO, Organization of the Islamic Conference request international protection for Palestinians. U.S. delegation opposes monitors. (NYT, WP 2/27; NYT 2/28)

Demonstrations against Hebron massacre in Palestinian r.c.s throughout Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. King Hussein declares 3 days of mourning. (NYT 2/27)

Palestinian delegation presents counter proposal in response to 4/27 Israeli suggestion that municipal elections be resumed in o.t. calling for elections for a Palestinian legislative assembly. Delegation also demands abolition of military decrees No. 2 (which granted IDF power to issue laws in o.t.), No. 92 (concerning Israel's control over water in o.t.), and No. 291 (which prohibited registration of land in W. Bank). Delegation also demands Palestinians be given access to public records such as land and population records. Israeli delegation proposes plan which would allow Palestinians to run o.t. hospitals. (NYT, MM 4/30; al-Nahar 4/30 in FBIS 5/1; Qol Yisra'el 4/30 in FBIS 4/30)

Israeli ambassador to U.S. presents compromise proposal to Secy. of State Baker dealing with Israeli objections to participation of diaspora Palestinians in multilateral talks on refugees, economic development [see 4/28]. Under the Israeli proposal, diaspora Palestinians who have residency in other Arab countries would be allowed to participate as members of the delegations from those countries and not as members of the Palestinian delegation. (WP 4/30)

U.S. announces it will give $80 million to Jewish Agency for absorption of immigrants in Israel, nearly double the size of a similar grant extended last year. (MM 5/1)

Classes resume at Bir Zeit University for first time since IDF closed it in January 1988 [see 4/20]. (MM 4/29)

King Fahd pledges to pay costs, estimated at $70 million, of repairing al-Aqsa mosque and Dome of the Rock in E. Jerusalem after receiving reports from UNESCO concerning state of the shrines [team of Egyptian architects recently recommended spending $10 million to repair Islamic monuments in o.t. See 4/26]. Announcement comes in midst of continued poor relations between Saudi Arabia and Jordan, the latter of which has traditionally assumed responsibility for the shrines' maintenance. (Saudi Press Agency 4/29 in FBIS 4/30; MM 4/30; NYT 5/14)

Nazareth court sentences 4 Palestinian citizens of Israel to life imprisonment for 2/15/92 attack on IDF camp which killed 3 soldiers [see 2/26, 3/3, 3/6]. (NYT 4/30)

Undercover units kill 2 Palestinians in Janin area, one in Yamun and second in 'Arraba. IDF claimed both had threatened troops with guns. (MM 4/30

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bethlehem U. reopens after 3-month military-ordered closure and immediately receives new closure order [NYT 2/4]. Hebron Polytechnic Institute and Hebron U. are closed indefinitely. Israel postpones indefinitely reopening of schools in Nablus, Jenin, and Tulkarm [FJ 2/7]. In Nazareth, 50 Muslim, Christian, Druze, and Jewish leaders condemn Israeli measures in occupied territories, express support for uprising [FJ 2/7].

Arab World: Lebanese Shi'i coalition Islamic Resistance Front threatens to kill Israeli soldier held captive for 2 years [WP 2/2].

Other Countries: U.S. envoy Philip Habib meets with Egypt's Pres. Mubarak in Paris before returning to Washington [WSJ 2/2]. U.S. vetos UN Security Council resolution setting forth UN role in Palestinian-Israeli peace negotiations and calling on Israel to abide by Geneva Convention terms [WP 2/2]. In Rome, Jordan's King Hussein visits with Pope John Paul II, meets with Egyptian F. M. 'Ismat 'Abd al-Magid [NYT 2/2].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In village of 'Anabta near Tulkarm, stone-throwing Palestinians attack army bus, settlers' cars, and police vehicle after blockading road. Israeli fires on demonstrators, killing 2, wounding 1. Officials are uncertain whether shots were fired by soldiers or settlers. Army patrol later disperses crowd with live ammunition, wounding 2 more. Settlers attack village during curfew, vandalizing houses, cars [WP 2/2; FJ 2/7]. Crowds throw rocks, bottles and block roads in cities, villages, and camps throughout W. Bank; 3 Palestinians are wounded in Jenin, and 2 are injured by army gunfire in Hebron-region village of Bani Na'im; village is placed under curfew. Violent disturbances are also reported in E. Jerusalem [WP 2/2; FJ 2/7]. Israeli authorities arrest 14 Palestinians during raid of Jerusalem's Thuri quarter [FJ 2/7]. More than 20 are arrested in early morning raid in Nablus [WP 2/2]. Balatah, new and old 'Askar, Duhayshah, Tulkarm, and Am'ari refugee camps and Nablus are under curfew [FJ 2/7]. In Gaza Strip, military imposes curfew on Burayj camp following violent stone-throwing demonstrations; curfew is lifted in Dayr al-Balah camp. Violent clashes are reported in Gaza Strip camps and cities; many Palestinians are injured by army gunfire and beatings [FJ 2/7]. At least 40 Palestinians have been killed since uprising began 12/9 [NYT 2/2]. 

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: Political activist Mubarak 'Awad defies Israeli deportation order, takes refuge in al-Aqsa Mosque [LAT 11/21]. Al-Fajr and al-Sha'b resume publication [FJ 11/22]. Augusta Victoria Hospital employees hold 1-day strike, demanding higher salaries and better working conditions [FJ 11/22]. Large march in Nazareth protests Iraeli actions in occupied territories [FJ 11/22].

Other Countries: Israeli P. M. Yitzhaq Shamir meets with U.S. Pres. Reagan and Sec. of State Shultz in Washington [LAT 11/21]. Shamir says he is willing to meet Jordan's King Hussein but rejects international peace conference [NYT 11/21].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Gaza Strip, IDF troops fire live ammunition ad tear gas at demonstrators demanding cancellation of 'Abd al-'Aziz 'Awdah's expulsion order [FJ 11/22].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: F. M. Peres announces Israel and U.S.S.R. have agreed to establish normal political contacts [LAT 8/20]. Rafael Eitan, former Defense Ministry official involved in Pollard spy case, says he acted with approval from his superiors [CSM, NYT 8/20]. Doctors at Gaza Strip hospitals strike to protest dismissal of Dr. al-Agha from Nasir Hospital on political grounds [FJ 8/23]. Nazareth's weekly political newspaper al-jamahir is ordered closed on charges that it is supported by the PFLP [FJ 8/23]. Two Arabs are injured by Jewish youths in Baqa al-Gharbiyyah [FJ8/23].

Arab World: Hashim 'Ashayir, head of waqf in Jerusalem, travels to Amman for meetings with Jordanian officials [FJ 8/23].

Other Countries: U.S. officials confirm Ambassador William Eagleton will return to Damascus 9/1 [WP 8/20].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Curfew at Jabaliyyah refugee camp is relaxed, allowing residentso go to work [FJ 8/23].

Arab World: Near Marja'uyun inside Israel's S. Lebanon security zone, 4 SLA members are injured by land mine explosion [FJ 8/23]

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: F.M. Peres reveals he met with Yugoslavian Pres. Lazar Mojsov in Geneva earlier this month [VP 7/28]. During speech in Netanya, Deputy Defense Minister Michael Dekel says U.S. and other Western countries have "moral and political" duty to oversee transfer of Palestinians from W. Bank to Jordan [NYT 7/31]. Al-Shabibah wins all 11 seats in al-Najah University student council elections [FJ 8/2]. Israeli military court in Ramallah acquits Nasir Nimr Iyad of Qalandiyyah refugee camp of security charges [FJ 8/2]. Nazareth's 12th voluntary work camp ends after completing 68 projects [FJ 8/2]. Knesset votes to approve "Galilee law," which would establish a council to oversee and finance increased Jewish development in the Galilee [FJ 8/2].

Arab World: PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat meets with Egypt's Pres. Mubarak in Ethiopia [FJ 8/2].

Other Countries: U.S.S.R. issues Israel its 3d waming of the week pressing Israel to abandon deployment of nuclear-armed Jericho II missile [NYT 7/29; WP 8/1].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli troops land on S. Lebanon shore, kill 7 Nasserite Popular Liberation Army soldiers in battle near Sidon [WP 7/28]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Ariel Sharon accuses P.M. Shimon Peres of "withholding information about important diplomatic talks from the govemment" [BG 10/18]. Knesset votes 39-22 to limit partially MK Muhammad Mi'ari's parliamentary immunity following speech he made in E. Jerusalem in which he expressed solidarity with Fahd Qawasmeh and Yasir Arafat [JP 11/7]. Nazareth district court finds Golan Heights Druze man Rafik Kalani, 20, guilty of giving information on Israeli army strength to Syria; Kalani allegedly confessed to the charges UP 10/16]. Galilee Palestinians demonstrate outside P.M. Shimon Peres' office while members of the Regional Committee of Arab Local Council Heads meet with Interior Ministry officials over $8 million in budget deficits plaguing the Arab councils inside the green line; Umm al-Fahm town has not been able to pay municipal employees for 5 months [FJ 11/18].

Arab World: King Hussein states there is "no truth at all" to PLO claims that last minute changes had been introduced toa statement Britain said 2 PLO delegates had agreed to sign; Hussein acknowledges that PLO rep. Muhammad Milham "was not aware, apparently, ofthe details" in the statement, negotiated by Jordan on behalf of the PLO, until it was shown to him in London [WP 10/16]. About 1,000 Sudanese demonstrators march on the U.S. embassy in Khartoum, buming the U.S. flag, after speech there by Yasir Arafat [NYT 10/16].

Other Countries: Pres. Reagan states he will "never" apologize to Pres. Mubarak for the interception of the Egyptian plane [NYT, WP 10/16]. British cabinet ministers have categorically denied the U.S. exerted any pressure to have the joint Jordanian-Palestinian delegation meeting cancelled [CSM 10/16]. Italian Defense Ministry spokesman states U.S. evidence allegedly implicating Muhammad 'Abbas in the Achille Lauro affair arrived in Italy 30 minutes after 'Abbas had already been allowed to leave and it originally came from Israeli intelligence sources [WP 10/16]. Italy announces arrest and charging of 2 additional Palestinians for alleged involvement in the Achille Lauro hijacking [CT 10/16]. U.S. federal grand jury in Washington, D.C. begins hearings on Achille Lauro hijacking [LAT 10/17]. Friends and family of Leon Klinghoffer announce formation of memorial fund in his name to "fight international terrorism" [LAT 10/18].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gasoline bomb thrown at Israeli bus causes no injuries [JP 10/16].

Arab World: 2 Palestinians killed in clash with Israeli troops in security zone; no Israeli casualties reported [JP 10/16]. 2 Arabs on flight from Iraq are arrested in Rome airport carrying suitcase bombs; they carry false Moroccan passports [CT 10/16].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In demonstrations called for by Democratic Front for Peace and Equality, Palestinians in Nazareth and Kafr Yassif protest IDF brutality in S. Lebanon, discrimination faced by Arabs in Israel and occupied territories [FJ 3/22]. Al Hamishmar reports Jordan's Min. for Religious Affairs dismissed Mufti of Jerusalem, Sheikh Saad al-Din al-Alami; cites al-Alami's outspoken support of PLO Chmn. Arafat as one reason [NER 3/25].

Arab World: King Hussein states 2/11 Arafat-Hussein accord is "last chance" for peace; asserts PLO must be part of peace plans [NYT 3/17].

Other Countries: US Sec. of State Shultz announces US will send State Dept. official Richard Murphy to Middle East soon to "maintain momentum" of peace talks [NYT, WP 3/16].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: IDF raid Barish; 70 detained [WP 3/16]. IDF kill 2 Lebanese Army troops, 3 resistance fighters, N. of IDF defense line at Litani River [MG 3/16]. IDF arrest 4 journalists near Tyre [LT 3/16].

Military Action:

Heavy fighting breaks out east of Beirut between Syrian and Phalangist forces following election of Bashir Gemayel as President of Lebanon (artillery and machine gun fire around Kubbeih, Krayeh,. Ras al-Harf near Beirut-Damascus highway); two rockets from West Beirut hit port city of Jounieh; reprisals mount against parliament members who voted for Gemayel presidency (houses and offices of 11 members set afire in West Beirut and Tripoli); fighting between Phalange and PLO/LNM forces; Franjieh forces occupy 3 army positions; Bank of Beirut and Riyadh in West Beirut's Hlamra section blown up, looted overnight; land evacuation of PLO forces delayed because of fighting (500 PLO guerrillas sent to Latakia by ship instead, 600 depart for Yemen); PLO/Lebanese government spokespersons say 2,192 PLO members evacuated to Jordan, Iraq, South Yemen in last 3 days; PLO guerrillas scheduled to leave to Sudan; IDF destroys orchards along Tyre-Sidon road to "prevent PLO attacks"; clashes between IDF and Lebanese villagers northeast of Lake Karoun; new international units arrive in Beirut; Pentagon announces 4 US Marines arrive in Beirut for preliminary inspection, consultations.

Casualties:

3 IDF soldiers buried yesterday; freighter "Lotus" with relief supplies and Egyptian opposition parliament members aboard allowed to land by IDF; first Israeli planes land at Beirut airport; private Israeli airline begins flights to southern Lebanon; IDF begin releasing some of estimated 7,400 Palestinian prisoners held at al-Ansar detention camp.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Grenade thrown at IDF vehicle in Gaza Strip (no casualties; fourth incident of its kind in occupied territories in a week); Begin, Shimon Peres clash in Knesset debate after Peres condemns IDF advance, cutting off water supplies to Beirut; following Sharon meeting with Draper, Israel agrees to allow US, Italian contingents to take up positions in Beirut immediately rather than waiting until all PLO forces gone; Yitzhak Rabin speaks out against renewing war in northern Lebanon; pamphlets by 3 Arab groups in Nazareth ask Israeli Arabs to support PLO.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese Muslims meet at Salam's house, issue statement strongly critical of Gemayel; Gemayel reportedly seeking "mini-Marshall Plan" aid from US to rebuild Lebanon; Gemayel reported by Israeli paper to have met secretly inside Israel with Sharon several times since 1976.

Arab Governments: Tunisia seeks "realistic decisions" on Arab-Israeli peace in statement one day after Bourguiba revives proposal for pan-Arab acceptance of 1947 UN partition plan; Saudi Arabia allocates $2 billion to rebuild Beirut; Egyptian, French officials confer on joint peace initiative.

US and Other Countries: Reagan Administration affirms decision to land Marines in Beirut despite renewed fighting; Shultz invites Sharon to meet Friday during Sharon's fundraising trip to US; Austrian Chancellor Kreisky, in Der Stern article, strongly criticizes Israel.