The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Poice raid W. Jerusalem Alternative Information Center, confiscate material, arrest director, and order center closed for 6 months on charges center has been "rendering services" to PFLP [NYT 2/18; FJ 2/20]. Trial of John Demjanjuk, accused of being Treblinka concentration camp prison guard known as "Ivan the Terrible," opens in Jerusalem [GU 2/17].

Arab World: Washington Post describes Saudi Arabian arms build-up asresponse to Israeli military threat [WP 2/16]. Syria asks Amal to ease its siege of Burj al-Barajinah and Shatila refugee camps in Beirut and Rashidiyyah camp near Tyre [OB 2/17]. Kuwait announces plan to contribute $5 million to joint PLO-Jordanian fund [NYT 2/18].

Other Countries: Reports confirm U.S. has upgraded Israel's status to non-NATO ally [PI 2/16].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Soldiers shoot and wound 9 youths during 2 demonstrations in Gaza City. As punishment for campus demonstrations, military authorities order Islamic University of Gaza closed for 3 days. Demonstrations are also held in Khan Yunis and Rafah. Commercial strike closes most shops and students block roads in Jerusalem. Roger Heacock, American Birzeit University professor, isarrested on charges of incitement. Military attempto storm Ramallah's Teachers Training College and break up demonstration fails [FJ 2/20].

Arab World: At least 25 killed, 100 wounded in fierce street fighting between Amal, communist, Druze, Palestinian, and Murabitun forces in W. Beirut [BS 2/17].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Muhammad Shakir Dahlan is expelled to Jordan, setting off protests throughout the Gaza Strip [FJ 1/30].

Arab World: Fifth Islamic Summit opens in Kuwait. PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat meets with Jordan's King Hussein [LAT 1/27; FJ 1/30]. Kuwait officials say they would deny any request to release 17 convicted hostages in exchange for hostages held in Lebanon [LAT 1/27]. Anglican Church officials say Terry Waite's negotiations are continuing [WP 1/27].

Other Countries: U.S. FBI agents in Los Angeles arrest 8 Jordanians and one Kenyan, charging them with membership in PFLP [NYT 1/29; FJ 1/30]. U.S. Pres. Reagan testifies before Tower Commission that he has no memory of giving prior approval for Israeli sale of arms to Iran in 1985 [WP 1/27]. W. German officials in Frankfurt arrest 'Abbas 'Ali Hamadi, brother of Muhammad Hamadi who has been held since 1/13 [NYT 1/28].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli army recruits, firing at Balatta refugee camp youths to "scare away" stone throwers, wound a Palestinian inside the camp [F 1/30].