The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, a Palestinian succumbed to injuries sustained from Israeli forces in Tulkarm on 10/13. Israeli settlers vandalized 3 water wells, uprooted 70 olive tree saplings, and removed barbed wire in Susiya. Israeli forces shot and killed 2 Palestinians during raids in Aqabat Jaber refugee camp and Jenin. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinians in Aqabat Jaber refugee camp and Fawwar refugee camp, injuring 4 with live ammunition. At least 70 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Hebron, Tulkarm, Nablus, Ramallah, Nil’in, Qarawat Bani Hassan, Bethlehem, and Jericho. In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes killed more than 100 Palestinians and caused extensive damage. Israeli forces also attacked the Rafah crossing for the fourth time since 10/7. Rockets were fired at Israel, causing damage and injuries. In Lebanon, Israel said it attacked Hezbollah targets. (AP 10/7; AJ, HA 10/15; AJ, HA, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/16; AJ, HA 10/17)

The Gaza Ministry of Health said at least 2,808 Palestinians have been killed and 10,850 have been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7, including 47 entire families consisting of 500 people. In addition, Israeli media reported that 1,500 Palestinian militants have been killed near Gaza. 58 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 12 children. More than 1,176 have been injured, including at least 300 with live ammunition. Israeli officials recorded no new fatalities, leaving the Israeli death toll at around 1,300 Israelis and foreign nationals; 4,121 have been injured since 10/7. The UN reported that over 1 million Palestinians have been displaced since 10/7 and that since 11 p.m. on 10/12 there has been a complete electricity blackout due to the Israeli blockade. At least 11,887 housing units have been destroyed in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. The Palestinian civil defense team said that more than 1,000 Palestinians were under the rubble of buildings in Gaza. 7 members of the civil defense team were killed in Israeli airstrikes on the Palestinian civil defense headquarters in at-Tuffah, bringing the number of humanitarian staff killed since 10/7 to 31. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate said 11 Palestinian journalists have been killed in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. (AJ, HA 10/15; AJ, HA, REU, REU, REU, UNOCHA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/16; AJ 10/17)

UNRWA said in a tweet that people claiming to be from the Gaza Ministry of Health seized fuel and medical equipment from its compound in Gaza City, before later deleting the tweet. An UNRWA statement later said that there had been no looting of UNRWA warehouses. (HA, HA 10/16; HA 10/17)

Palestinian prisoner Kayed al-Fafsous suspended his 75-day hunger strike after his family urged him to end it, fearing that Israel will let him die as part of its campaign against Palestinians related to the war with Hamas. Al-Fafsous was protesting being held in administrative detention. (WAFA 10/16)

Hamas released a video of one of its captives, a 21-year-old dual French Israeli citizen, who said in the video, “I'm in Gaza. I came back early on Saturday morning from a party in the Sderot area. I was seriously injured in the arm. They brought me to Gaza, and they took me to the hospital here for three hours. They've been taking care of me, providing medication. I'm just asking that you bring me back home as soon as possible to my family, my parents, my siblings. Please get me out of here as quickly as possible.” Hamas military spokesperson Abu Obeida said Hamas is holding around 200-250 people captive and that they are being treated with dignity and respect. He added that 22 captives have been killed in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7 and that non-Israeli captives will be released when “circumstances allow.” (AJ 10/15; AJ, HA, HA, NYT, REU 10/16; HA, REU, REU 10/17)

Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh spoke with Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan about the release of Hamas-held captives and with Malaysian prime minister Anwar Ibrahim. (AJ 10/15; AJ, HA, REU, REU 10/16)

PLO secretary-general Hussein al-Sheikh met with UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process Tor Wennesland in Ramallah, discussing the need for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. PA president Mahmoud Abbas spoke with UK prime minister Rishi Sunak and Russian president Vladimir Putin. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/16)

Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari said 199 people have been taking captive by Hamas in Gaza. The Israeli prime minister’s office denied reports that there will be a ceasefire to allow foreigners to leave Gaza. (AJ 10/15; AJ 10/16)

Israel said it allowed some aid to enter Gaza via the Rafah crossing but did not allow fuel to enter. Egypt said humanitarian aid for Gaza is stuck in Egypt as Israel is not cooperating in allowing the aid to enter Gaza. The EU said it would launch a humanitarian air bridge to Egypt with aid to Gaza and the UN began shipping aid to Egypt in anticipation of being able to enter Gaza. (AJ 10/15; AJ, AP, HA, HA, NYT, REU, REU, REU 10/16; WAFA 10/17)

Hezbollah said it started destroying Israeli surveillance cameras near the Blue Line. (AP 10/16)

The Israeli military said it will evacuate Israeli residents from 28 communities within 1.2 miles of the Blue Line. (HA, REU, REU 10/16; HA, HA 10/17)

The Knesset National Security Committee approved new regulations making it easier for Israelis to obtain a gun license. 41,000 Israelis have applied for a license since 10/7. (HA 10/16; WAFA 10/17; HA 10/24)

The U.S. said 30 U.S. citizens were killed since 10/7 and 13 are unaccounted for. (HA 10/15; HA 10/16)

Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian told Iranian state TV that a “preemptive strike” against Israel could be expected as Israel continues to attack Gaza. Amir-Abdollahian suggested the strike would be carried out by Hezbollah and would be related to a potential Israeli ground invasion of Gaza. Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said that Iran considers the U.S. militarily involved in the conflict. (AJ 10/15; AJ, AJ, HA, NYT, REU, REU 10/16; AJ 10/17)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu told President Putin that Israel would not end its attacks on Gaza until Israel had eliminated Hamas’ military and governmental capabilities. Netanyahu also spoke with UAE president Mohammed bin Zayed. (AJ 10/15; HA, REU 10/16; HA, REU 10/17)

U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken visited Israel again after touring the Middle East over the weekend, meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu, the Israeli war cabinet, and President Isaac Herzog. Blinken said Israel had agreed to develop a plan to get humanitarian aid to Gaza without it benefiting Hamas. Blinken also spoke with Foreign Minister Fidan, who condemned Israel’s “inhumane” actions in Gaza. President Joe Biden spoke with German chancellor Olaf Scholz and Egyptian president Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi. The Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. has prepared around 2,000 soldiers for potential deployment to Israel to serve as advisors and for medical support. (AJ 10/15; AJ, HA, NYT, REU, REU 10/16; AP, HA, REU 10/17; HA 10/18)

The UN Security Council rejected a Russian resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire and condemning violence and terrorism against civilians. 5 countries voted for the resolution (China, Russia the UAE, Gabon, and Mozambique), 4 voted against (the U.S., the UK, France, and Japan), while 6 abstained. The U.S. criticized the resolution for not condemning Hamas. (AJ, HA, REU 10/16; AP, WAFA 10/17)

U.S. senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Peter Welch (D-VT) called on Israel to protect civilians in Gaza. 14 U.S. senators, 8 Democrats, 5 Republican, and 1 independent, called on President Biden to freeze $6 billion in Iranian assets held in Qatar that the U.S. exchanged for the release of people held in Iran last month. 13 members of the House co-sponsored a resolution urging Biden to call for an immediate ceasefire. The resolution spearheaded was by Cori Bush (D-MO), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Summer Lee (D-PA), Delia Ramirez (D-IL), and Andre Carson (D-IN). (AJ 10/15; AJ, AJ, HA 10/16)

Pakistani foreign minister Jalil Abbas Jilani called Israel’s attacks on Gaza genocide. Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau called for the opening of a humanitarian corridor in Gaza to allow delivery of food, fuel, and water. Scottish first minister Humza Yousaf said that he fears that his in-laws, who are visiting Gaza, could die any day as they are running out of water and food. Prime Minister Sunak characterized the Hamas operation on 10/7 as a “pogrom” while addressing the House of Commons and said, “Israel must defend itself in line with international humanitarian law.” Sunak said 6 UK citizens have been killed and 10 are missing. Furthermore, Sunak said the UK would increase its aid to Palestinians by $12.12 million. Sunak also spoke to Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who warned him about making “provocative steps” and reminded him of the “unkept promises [made] to Palestine.” (AJ 10/15; HA, HA, REU, REU, REU, REU 10/16; HA 10/17)

U.S. police arrested 50 demonstrators outside the White House who were calling for a ceasefire. The demonstration was arranged by Jewish American groups, including IfNotNow. (AJ 10/15; HA 10/16)

The BBC apologized for describing thousands of protesters in London on 10/14 as backing Hamas, calling the reporting misleading. (AJ 10/15)

The New York Times reported that Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, was accused of suppressing pro-Palestinian content on its platforms. (NYT 10/16)

The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, concluded that “Israeli forces used lethal forces without justification under international human rights law,” when soldiers killed Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh in Jenin in 5/11/2022. (AJ 10/15; AJ 10/16)

Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. president Donald Trump said he would expel immigrants who are anti-Zionists, support Hamas, or are Communist, Marxist, or Fascist. (HA, REU 10/16)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers attacked 1 Palestinian minor and detained him before Israeli forces arrested his 2 brothers who had arrived to help. Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian house under construction in al-Buwayb and stone wall fencing in al-Walaja. Israeli forces also issued 7 stop-work orders for homes in Ein ad-Duyuk at-Tahta. Elsewhere, Israeli forces seized 6 Palestinian-owned vehicles in Jinba in the Masafer Yatta area; 11 vehicles have been seized by Israeli forces in the Masafer Yatta area since 8/18. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian workers trying to enter Israel at the Qalqilya crossing, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 35 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Nablus, Siris, Zeita, Qalqilya, Ramallah, and Marah Rabah. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. In the Naqab, Israeli authorities demolished Palestinian homes in Tell ‘Arad. The demolitions were overseen by Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Construction and Housing Minister Yitzchak Goldknopf. Ben-Gvir called the demolitions “sacred work.” (HA, MEE, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/29; HA, MEE 8/30; PCHR 8/31; UNOCHA 9/11)

The Wall Street Journal reported that Saudi Arabia had agreed to resume financial aid to the PA in exchange for the PA ending its opposition to Saudi normalization with Israel. The Journal said that if PA counterterrorism measures in the West Bank succeeded then Saudi would not enter a normalization agreement that undermines efforts to create a Palestinian state. (MEE, WSJ 8/29; HA 8/30)

Israeli tourism minister Haim Katz said that he opposes Israel’s pursuit of entry to the U.S. Visa Waiver program, saying it “will oblige us to allow the entry of unwanted parties, Palestinians.” (HA 8/29)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised “the good neighborly relations” with Saudi Arabia after a plane bound for Israel from the Seychelles made an emergency landing in Jeddah due to a technical malfunction. (AJ, ALM, HA, MEE 8/29)

Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant met with U.S. officials, including Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf and National Security Council Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk in New York, inquiring about Saudi demands for normalization with Israel. Gallant also demanded that the U.S. assures Israel that it will preserve its qualitative military edge in the Middle East. The 2 parties also discussed tensions between Israel and Lebanon. It was reported that the meeting took place in New York City due to a ban by Prime Minister Netanyahu on his cabinet members meeting with U.S. officials in Washington D.C., with the exception of Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer. (AX 8/29; HA 8/30; ALM 9/1)

Parts of the minutes from the Israeli cabinet meeting on 8/30/1993, where the draft declaration of principles for the Oslo Accords were approved by the Israeli government, were released by the Israeli State Archive. In the meeting, then Foreign Minister Shimon Peres told the cabinet that the Palestinian negotiators wanted the Israeli settlements evacuated and upon Israel’s refusal offered to make the settlements free trade zones where both Palestinians and Israelis could live, which was also rejected by Israel. The minutes also showed that Israeli did not intend to discuss the final status of Jerusalem and wanted to maintain its “state lands” in Area C. (HA 8/30; HA 9/1; HA 9/5)

In the West Bank, the Shin Bet arrested 3 Palestinian relatives of the Palestinian man who was stabbed to death by an Israeli settler on 6/21 near the Ariel settlement. The 3 were also eyewitnesses to the killing and had given their testimony to Israeli police before being arrested. Israeli forces shot and injured 2 Palestinians at the Taibe checkpoint near Tulkarm. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 1 Palestinian using a baton round during a raid in Nur Shams refugee camp. 12 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Nur Shams refugee camp, Qaryut, Beit Umar, and al-Khader. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. 1 Palestinian family demolished their own home in Wadi al-Juz, displacing 2. 2 Fatah activists were arrested. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen; no injuries were reported. (HA, MEMO, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/26; HA, HA 6/27; PCHR 6/30; UNOCHA 7/2)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Jordan’s king Abdullah II in Amman. (WAFA, WAFA 6/26)

Israel’s economy ministry said the Israeli cabinet had approved issuing 3,500 additional permits for Palestinians to work in manufacturing and services to relieve an Israeli shortage of skilled workers. (REU 6/26)

The Wall Street Journal reported that senior Israeli military officials partook in a meeting in March this year with top officials from Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the U.S., and representatives from Bahrain and the UAE in Sharm El Sheikh. At the secretive meeting, the officials were reported to have discussed efforts to combat Iranian missile and drone capabilities. The reporting comes 1 week after Israel’s defense minister Benny Gantz said that Israel is working with Arab partners in what he called “Middle East Air Defense Alliance.” (HA, WSJ 6/26; HA, MEMO 6/27)

U.S. Secy. of State Rice begins her final 4-day Middle East tour of Egypt, Jordan, Israel, and the West Bank to discuss efforts to achieve “lasting peace in the region consistent with the goal of a two-state solution.” The U.S. had announced the trip on 10/30, when optimism surrounding the Gaza ceasefire was high, hoping that the visit would end with the signing of an Israeli-Palestinian joint statement on future negotiations at a high-level Quartet meeting on 11/9. In the wake of the 11/4–5 violence, however, the White House declares today, as Rice begins her meetings, that it intends to leave IsraeliArab peacemaking to the Obama admin. and no longer thinks any Israeli-Palestinian peace deal will occur before Bush leaves office in 1/09. Rice meets with Livni today. (BBC 11/6; NYT, WP, WSJ 11/7) (WT 10/31; HA 11/8; IFM, NYT, WP, WT 11/9; WP 11/10)

IDF troops on the s. Gaza border fire on Palestinian farmers working their fields nearby, forcing them to leave. The IDF also makes an air strike on a group of Palestinians nr. Jabaliya r.c. allegedly preparing to fire a rocket, injuring 1. Palestinians fire 4 rockets fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, in the morning, the IDF sends undercover units into Qalqilya driving a car with Palestinian plates to raid a store, arrest the owner; conducts a similar undercover raid into Nablus later in the day, raiding another store and arresting the owner; sends troops into al-Khadir village at midday, forcing stores to close, patrolling streets, withdrawing early in the evening; makes an evening incursion into Azun nr. Qalqilya, imposing a curfew, beating Palestinians who do not quickly leave the streets, withdrawing before midnight. Abbas accuses Hamas forces in Gaza of detaining nearly 50 Fatah members and supporters in a political move to undermine upcoming Cairo unity talks; at least 9 of those arrested, including a Fatah PC mbr., are released by the end of the day. A Palestinian woman dies of injures receive in the 11/4 IDF attacks on Gaza. (HA 11/6; MM 11/7; OCHA 11/12; PCHR 11/13)

Israel seals off Gaza Strip after previous day's riot at Erez checkpoint until "further notice."  Israeli cabinet mbrs. accuse Palestinian police of "gross irresponsibility" in incident.  (NYT 7/19)

Israel-Jordan peace talks open in tent on border 10 mi. north of Aqaba/Eilat.  Israeli delegation headed by Elyakim Rubenstein, Jordanian by Amb. to U.S. Fayiz Tarawnah.  Tarawnah expresses hope talks "will culminate in a treaty of peace," but PM and FM `Abd al-Salam Majali says Jordan "will not make a separate settlement with Israel by any means."  Talks break into working comm. sessions on borders, security, and water, energy, and environment issues.  (RJ, JTV 7/18 in FBIS 7/18; MM 7/18; CSM, NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/19)

Palestinian-Israeli talks resume in Cairo, agenda focusing on transfer of education authority to PNA.  (MENA 7/18 in FBIS 7/18)

Secy of State Christopher meets Israeli PM Rabin, FM Peres in Jerusalem, says Arab-Israeli conflict "drawing to an end."  (MM 7/18; NYT, WT 7/19)

Israeli govt. proposes legislation to bar PLO political activity in Israel and Jerusalem unless special approval given.  (MM 7/19; TJT 7/22; JP 7/30)

FM Peres announces Casablanca will host international Middle East economic conference 10/30, with over 2,000 companies participating.  (MM 7/19)

Bomb destroys Buenos Aires building housing Jewish organizations, files on Nazi war criminals in Argentina, killing at least 26, wounding over 100.  Iraqi detained in case; German, Iranian also reported arrested.  Argentine Pres. Menem says Mossad, Spanish intelligence will help in investigation.  Israeli PM Rabin denounces attack as "cowardly, criminal and evil act," vows to "chase perpetrators of terrorism to the end."  PLO official in Argentina says "we deeply lament this attack against peace."  Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires destroyed by bomb 3/92.  (MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/19; WJW 7/21)

Palestinian workers waiting to enter Israel riot at Erez checkpoint, Gaza Strip.  Palestinian police, IDF exchange fire in 1st such incident since 5/4 Gaza-Jericho agreement.  2 Palestinians killed, 98 wounded, including 5 police officers; 17 Israelis also wounded, including 1 Border Guard in critical condition.  Gas station, 120 Israeli buses destroyed.  Each side blames other for incident; PLO Chmn. Arafat calls for deployment in Gaza of international observers.  Secy of State Christopher, en route to region, calls riot a "tragedy."   Clashes occur in Ramallah, Hebron as news of riot spreads.  (CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/18)

Secy of State Christopher starts tour of Middle East to prepare for 7/25 White House summit of Jordan's King Hussein, Israel's PM Rabin.  Trip will include mtgs. in Syria.  (NYT 7/18)

Multilateral working group on economics meets in Rabat, Morocco.  5th session of group involves delegations fr. 46 countries.  (MAP 6/16 in FBIS 6/20)

Saudi Fund for Development, International Development Association sign memorandum of agreement to fund $30 m. in West Bank/Gaza Strip development projects.  Agreement is part of $67.5 m. allocated out of $100 m. Saudi grant to Palestinians.  (Saudi embassy release 6/16)

Vatican, Israel announce agreement signed 6/14 to establish full diplomatic relations, implementing 12/30/93 agreement.  Ambs. to be exchanged soon.  (MM 6/15; NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 6/16; JP 6/25)

Sens. Arlen Specter (R-PA), Richard Shelby (D-AL) set up "Middle East Peace Accord Monitoring Group" to track PLO compliance with 5/4 agreement with Israel.  (MM 6/16; Forward 6/17)

Israeli PM Rabin, during tour of Jericho area, accuses PLO of violating 5/4 agreement by arresting Gaza Strip collaborators.  Rabin says arrests could affect timetable for releasing Palestinian prisoners.  (WSJ, WT 6/15)

PLO official Nabil Shaath arrives in Gaza "to stay."  (MM 6/15)

Palestinian police officer in Gaza shot late 6/13 dies, 1st such casualty since start of self-rule.  Officer allegedly shot accidentally by another officer, but circumstances unclear.  (MM 6/14; WT 6/15; TJT 6/17)

Ha'Aretz reports Jerusalem municipality is contemplating placing liens on Orient House, unofficial PLO HQ in Jerusalem, for unpaid local taxes.  (MM 6/14)

Human Rights Watch-Middle East issues report accusing Israel of systematic torture of Palestinian prisoners and detainees.  Report says torture and ill-treatment persist despite peace agreements with PLO.  (MM, WT 6/15; CSM 6/17)

Syrian Pres. al-Asad, Lebanese Pres. Hirawi hold summit in Damascus, agree to step up coordination of positions in negotiations with Israel.  (MM 6/15)

Mohammed al-Khilewi, frmr. 1st secy of Saudi UN mission, applies for political asylum in U.S.  Al-Khilewi accuses Saudis of supporting Hamas, spying on U.S. Jewish organizations.  (WSJ 6/15)

WP reports U.S. concern with North Korean nuclear-weapons program motivated in part by CIA assessment of potential danger to Israel from missile exports to Iran, Libya, and Syria, possible sales of nuclear arms to terrorist groups.  (WP 6/14)

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: King Hussein of Jordan arrives in Baghdad to discuss international affairs with Iraqi pres. Saddam Husayn. Jordan lifts ban on importation of olive oil from O.T.; decision was made after Jordanian farmers sold their olive crops [MET 4/11].

Other Countries: Pres. Bush declares he envisions Middle East peace that would entail "end of the occupation [of the West Bank and Gaza Strip] and achievement of Palestinian political rights" [WP 4/8], that "a properly structured international conference could play a useful role" in Middle East peace process [WSJ, LAT 4/4].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldiers shoot, kill 20-year-old Palestinian at Am'ari refugee camp [NYT 4/4, FJ 4/10]. In Jenin troops raid village; clinics treat at least 10 Palestinians for injuries. In Khan Yunis collaborator is stabbed; troopshoot, injure 4 Palestinians running roadblock taking collaborator to hospital [FJ 4/3].

Arab World: Iraq says that it is not developing nuclear weapons and that it will retaliate if Israel strikes Iraqi targets [WP 4/4].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Body of missing Israeli soldier is discovered near kibbutz in W. Galilee [FJ 10/4]. Israeli police arrest 3 Jerusalem residents for allegedly plotting to bomb W. Jerusalem bus station [FJ 10/4]. Curfew on Jinsafut village is lifted [FJ 10/4]. Keren Keyemet official occupies Arab-owned house in Silwan, claiming building was bought by Jews in 1920 [FJ 10/4]. Residents of Tulkarm-district village of Bala'ah are ordered not to leave the country [FJ 10/4].

Other Countries: In Wall Street Journal interview, Israeli P. M. Yitzhak Shamir voices opposition to proposed U.S. arms sale to Saudi Arabia, says Arab states should look to Israel for military protection [WSJ 9/29]. Speaking before UN, Israeli F. M. Shimon Peres outlines proposal for Middle East peace conference [NYT 10/1]. After meeting with U.S. Sec. of State George Shultz in New York, Egypt's F.M. 'Ismat 'Abd al-Magid expresses support for Shultz's upcoming visit to Middle East [FBIS 10/2].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: For. Ministry official Kimche calls together foreign ambassadors, warns them of danger of massacres in wake of IDF withdrawal from Lebanon [PI 1/31]. Ha'aretz publishes findings of Haifa U. study among Israeli schoolchildren indicating "kidnapper, murder, terrorist, criminal" 4 words most immediately associated with Arabs [LT 1/31]. IDF remove fence errected by settlers on Tal Rumeida [JP 1/31].

Other Countries: Geneva-based Intl. Commission of jurists charges IDF with mistreatment of prisoners at al-Fara'a prison near Nablus; DM Rabin, in Washington, dismisses charges as "total nonsense" [WP 1/31]. White House announces Pres. Reagan will recommend $1.8 billion next year in military grants for Israel, increase of $400 million [WSJ 1/31]; also announces freeze on new arms sales to Middle East pending review of relationship between US arms sales and regional stability [NYT 1/31].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 2 Israelis wounded as bus fired upon near Bethlehem [WP 1/31, 2/3].