The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, a Palestinian man succumbed to wounds sustained from Israeli forces last week in Tura. 2 Israeli settlers were injured in what was said to be an attack by Palestinians near the Rimonim settlement north of Wadi as-Seeq. Israeli settlers assaulted 5 Palestinians during raids in Deir Jarir, Qusra, Bethlehem, and Taybeh. Israeli settlers also vandalized homes, stole items, and assaulted Palestinians in Shaab al-Buum and Khirbet Saddet al-Tha’leh in the Masafer Yatta area. Elsewhere, Israeli settlers left leaflets in Deir Istiya warning Palestinians to flee to Jordan before they are forcefully expelled in the “great Nakba.” Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian child and injured another during a raid in Jalazone refugee camp. Nearly 100 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Biddu, Kobar, Arora, al-Mughayyir, al-Bireh, Bethlehem, Hebron, Sanour, and Marda. In Gaza, Israeli attacks killed at least 481 Palestinians, including 209 children. Israeli tanks entered Gaza, killing several people and damaging buildings. Israel also said it used combat helicopters to assassinate 4 Hamas members, Shadi Barud, Tareq Ma’ruf, Rafat Abbas, and Ibrahim Jadbah in Gaza City. Rockets were fired at Israel; no new injuries were recorded. In South Lebanon, Israeli forces attacked Ayta al-Shaab. (AJ, AJ, AP, AP, HA, NYT, REU, REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/26; HA, UNOCHA 10/27)

The Gaza Ministry of Health said at least 7,028 Palestinians have been killed, including at least 4,000 women and children, and 18,482 have been injured in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since 10/7. It is estimated that 1,600 people, including 900 children, were trapped in rubble. In addition, Israeli media reported that 1,500 Palestinian militants have been killed near Gaza. 104 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 10/7, including 30 children. More than 1,956 have been injured. Israeli officials recorded no new fatalities, leaving the Israeli death toll at around 1,400 Israelis and foreign nationals; 5,431 have been injured since 10/7. The UN reported that over 1.4 million Palestinians, more than half the population in Gaza, 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. As of 10/23, at least 27,781 housing units had been destroyed and 150,000 had been damaged in Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. At least 45% of all housing units have been either destroyed or damaged in Israeli airstrikes. 12 truckloads of aid entered Gaza. (AJ, HA, WAFA 10/26; UNOCHA 10/27)

The Gaza Ministry of Health published the names and ID numbers of more than 7,000 Palestinians killed, including 2,665 children, in Israeli attacks since 10/7. The publication of the names comes 1 day after U.S. president Joe Biden questioned the reliability of the ministry’s data. (AJ, NYT 10/26)

PA minister of public works and housing minister Mohammad Ziyara said 200,000 housing units have been completely or partially destroyed by Israeli airstrikes since 10/7. Israel said that 224 people are being held captive in Gaza.  (AJ, WAFA 10/26)

Hamas leaders Bassem Naim and Moussa Abu Marzouk and Iranian deputy foreign minister Ali Baghiri Kani met with Russian deputy foreign minister Mikhail Bogdanov in Moscow. Israel condemned Russia for hosting members of Hamas. Hamas military spokesperson Abu Obeida said Israeli airstrikes have killed around 50 captives. Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh said in a speech that Israeli attacks on Gaza will “destabilize the entire region” and that the resistance in Gaza was “doing well.” (AJ, HA 10/26; AP, HA 10/27)

At the UN Security Council, PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki said Israel was waging “a war of revenge” with no real objective. Al-Maliki also met with ICC prosecutor Karim Khan in The Hague. The UN General Assembly also convened an emergency session. (REU, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 10/26)

The UAE, Jordan, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt, and Morocco released a joint statement, condemning the targeting of civilians, forced displacement, and collective punishment of Palestinians in Gaza. (AJ, HA 10/26)

EU leaders agreed on a final communique after a 7-hour-long meeting on the Israeli attacks on Gaza, calling for “humanitarian corridors” and “pauses.” (AJ 10/26)

Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said of Israeli attacks on Gaza, “it is not war, it is a genocide that has killed 2,000 children.” (AJ 10/26)

A venue in Israel canceled a Palestinian-Jewish conference after Israeli police warned the venue’s owner of “consequences.” The Higher Arab Monitoring Committee said Israel is “persecuting the Arab public, trying to prevent political meetings and silence them.” (HA 10/25; HA, HA 10/26)

The U.S. said it attacked 2 facilities with links to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps in Syria. The U.S. also deployed 900 troops to the Middle East. A Pentagon spokesperson said that they were not going to Israel. (AJ 10/26; AJ, AJ, HA, HA, NYT 10/27)

The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution denouncing anti-Semitism on campuses. In related remarks, senators conflated criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism. The Anti-Defamation League sent 200 letters to campuses in the U.S. requesting that they investigate Students for Justice in Palestine for possibly violating a law prohibiting support for a foreign terrorist organization. (Congress, HA 10/26; INT 10/27)

A Gallup poll found that U.S. president Joe Biden lost 11 percentage points among Democrats since September and that his overall approval rating has dropped from 41 to 37. (AJ, HA 10/26)

Switzerland suspended financial support for 6 Palestinian and 5 Israeli NGOs, including Adalah, Al-Shabaka, Gisha, 7amleh, HaMoked, Jerusalem Legal Aid and Human Rights Centre, MIFTAH: The Palestinian Initiative for the Promotion of Global Dialogue and Democracy, Palestinian Center for Human Rights, Palestinian NGO Network, Physicians for Human Rights, and the Women's Centre for Legal Aid and Counselling. Switzerland said it would analyze the feasibility of the programs. (HA 10/26)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers destroyed a memorial for 1 Palestinian rights activist who was killed by Israeli forces on 1/5 in Umm al-Khair. Israeli settlers also assaulted 1 Palestinian farmer in Kisan. Israeli forces shot and killed 1 Palestinian man and injured 3 by live ammunition and 2 with baton rounds during a raid in Halhul. Israeli forces also shot and injured 1 Palestinian with live ammunition during a raid in Nablus. Elsewhere, Israeli forces shot and injured 3 Palestinians with live ammunition during a raid in Jenin refugee camp. Israeli forces also raided Jayyus, injuring 1 Palestinian with live ammunition and confiscating 1 bulldozer. Meanwhile, Israeli forces demolished an apartment building under construction in Beit Jala. Israeli forces also delivered a punitive demolition notice and took measurements for a separate punitive demolition in Rumana. 7 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Baytin, al-Mazra‘a ash-Sharqiya, Tell, Tammun, Nur Shams refugee camp, and Tulkarm. In East Jerusalem, 9 Palestinians were arrested, and 1 Palestinian was assaulted before being taken to a hospital for treatment during a late-night raid in Isawiya and the Old City. (AJ, AN, AP, HA, MEE, REU, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 6/9; AA, PCHR 6/10; PCHR 6/16; UNOCHA 6/17)

Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett met with UAE president Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi. Israeli media speculated if the meeting was part of Israeli and U.S. preparations to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, NYT, REU 6/9; HA 6/10)

Israel announced that Israeli citizens will be able to travel to the Qatar 2022 soccer World Cup, despite Israel and Qatar not having formal relations. Foreign minister Yair Lapid said the development “opens a new door for us to warm ties [with Qatar].” Israel is not qualified for the World Cup in Qatar. (MEE, REU 6/9)

The U.S. state department announced that the Palestinian Affairs Unit at the Israeli embassy will change its name to U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs and start reporting directly to the Near Eastern Affairs Bureau in the State Department “on substantive matters” instead of the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem. The diplomatic representative to the PA was also changed from U.S. ambassador to Israel Tom Nides to Hady Amr, who was promoted to the state department envoy to Palestinians. The PA has demanded that the Biden administration uphold president Joe Biden’s promises made during his presidential campaign, including to reopen the U.S. consulate to Palestinians in Jerusalem. (AJ, AP, AX, GDN, HA, MEE, REU 6/9; JP 6/12)

A bipartisan group of members of the U.S. house and senate introduced legislation that would require the defense department to submit a strategy for an integrated air and missile defense system for Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman within 180 days. The bill, “the Deterring Enemy Forces and Enabling National Defenses Act of 2022,” was described as an effort to bolster Israeli ties with countries in the Middle East. The senate version of the bill was introduced by Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and James Lankford (R-OK), while the house version was introduced by Brad Schneider (D-IL), David Trone (D-MD), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Ann Wagner (R-MO), and Don Bacon (R-NE). (HA 6/9)

The director general of the international atomic energy agency (IAEA) Rafael Grosso warned that Iran is in the process of removing 27 surveillance cameras from the country’s nuclear sites. The Iranian move comes as the progress in talks for the U.S. to renter the Iran nuclear deal has stalled, and Israel has intensified its assassinations of Iranian military personnel and scientists. Director General Grosso said that Iran would leave some 40 surveillance cameras at its nuclear facilities. The announcement came 1 day after 30 members of the IAEA board released a joint statement urging Iran to cooperate with the agency. (AJ, HA, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU, REU 6/8; AJ, AP 6/9; AP 6/10)

A study by the organization AirPressure.info found that Israel has violated Lebanese air space 22,000 times in the past 15 years. (GDN, MEE 6/9)

In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 3 villages nr. Hebron at night; patrols in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and in Jenin in the morning, in 1 village nr. Hebron in the afternoon. Israeli soldiers also attack regular demonstrations by Palestinians, Israelis, and international activists against Israel’s separation wall, settlements, and the occupation in 3 villages nr. Ramallah (Bil‘in, Ni‘lin, Nabi Salih), 1 village nr. Qalqilya (Kafr Qaddum) and 1 village nr. Bethlehem (al-Ma‘sara), causing no serious injuries except in Kafr Qaddum, where 4 are injured from rubber-coated metal bullets. (PCHR 6/27)

U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry embarks on a 12-day trip that will include a return to the Middle East. Kerry’s itinerary includes Qatar, India, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, and Israel and the West Bank, where he will make his 5th visit since taking office on 2/1. (AP, MNA 6/21)

Supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood hold a 100,000-strong rally in Cairo in a strong show of support for Pres. Mohamed Morsi, ahead of planned protests by the opposition on 6/30. (AP 6/21)

On the 3d day of its attack on Iraq, the U.S. can confirm that only 18 of its 89 targets have been severely damaged or destroyed, despite having fired more laser-guided missiles in 2 days than during the entire 1991 Gulf War. Only U.S. planes stationed in Kuwait, Oman have flown; Saudi Arabia, Turkey have not permitted their bases to be used as staging grounds. (ATL, ITV 12/18 in WNC 12/22; NYT, WP, WT 12/19; MEI 12/25)

For the 2d day, U.S.-British strikes on Iraq prompt street protests across the Middle East. 15,000 Palestinians demonstrate in Nablus, while 1,000s of others protest in Bethlehem, Gaza City, Hebron, Jinin, Ramallah. PA police break up protest in Gaza City only; the PA closes some television, radio stations, news bureaus for reporting on the demonstrations. Syria's grand mufti denounces the U.S.-led operation. Pro-Iraq demonstrations are held in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Yemen. (MM 12/18; SANA 12/18, al-Ra'i 12/19, JT 12/20 in WNC 12/22; NYT, WT 12/19; MEI 12/25)

Fmr. UNSCOM cheif inspector Scott Ritter claims that UNSCOM head Butler chose sites for inspection that he knew would provoke the Iraqis, then ordered halt to inspections on 12/13 to meet U.S. bombing time table; also says that the White House national security staff helped draft Butler's 12/15 report to ensure it contained sufficiently tough language to justify an attack. Butler denies showing his report to the U.S. in advance of its release, but National Security Adviser (NSA) Sandy Berger admits Butler briefed him personally 12/13. (WT 12/19; WP 12/20; MENA 12/20, al-Akhbar, MA 12/21 in WNC 12/22) (see 12/16)

PA police arrest 4 leading Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) mbrs., 8 journalists at march marking PFLP's 31st anniversary. (NYT, WT 12/19)

Knesset approves additional NIS 20 m. to fund expanding settlements in the West Bank, Golan. (PR 1/1)

At the Doha summit, U.S. Undersecy. of State for Economic Affairs Stuart Eizenstat says that the administration will seek funding fr. Congress for the Middle East Development Bank in the FY 1999 budget, MEDB operations can begin within 4 mos. of receiving funding, bank mbrs. have already started selecting projects (concentrating on cross-border infrastructure projects) to fund. The U.S. also signs a protocol for a new $60 m. equity fund to promote U.S. private investment in the West Bank/Gaza, Jordan. (MM 11/17)

Settlers begin construction of 6 new housing units in Hebron's Jewish quarter. (ITV 11/17 in WNC 11/21)

In Luxor, Egypt, gunmen aligned with the Islamic Group open fire on tourists in the Valley of the Kings, killing 58 foreigners, 3 Egyptians, wounding 24 foreigners. Police take chase, kill 6 gunmen. (ITV 11/17 in WNC 11/21; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/18; MM, WT 11/19; MM 11/20; MEI, MM 11/21)

Secy. of State Albright ends 2-day tour of the Gulf to discuss latest standoff btwn. Iraq, the UN. Finding no support fr. Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia for military action, U.S. agrees to try to reach negotiated settlement. U.S., UK present France, Russia with position paper, offering to allow Iraq to buy more goods with oil proceeds if it cooperates fully with UN inspection teams. Russia offers to lead mediation. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 11/18; MEI 11/21) (see 11/13)

Russia expels Iranian accused of trying to buy missile technology. (WP 11/18)

Officials fr. 39 countries, financial institutions meet at State Dept. in Washington to discuss Middle East regional finance. Israel, Egypt, Jordan, PA agree to work toward setting up regional bank despite EU, Saudi Arabian opposition at Casablanca conference 11/94. U.S. promises to lobby internationally for support for project. (NYT 1/12; JT 1/14 in FBIS 1/18)

Oman informs Israel it will delay establishment of diplomatic relations, apparently as a result of Alexandria summit 12/29. Israeli Dep. FM Beilin dismisses declaration as insignificant. (QY 1/11 in FBIS 1/12; MM 1/12; QY 1/17 in FBIS 1/17; MM 2/6)

Arafat meets with Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood officials, asks them to mediate btwn. PLO, Hamas. (AFP 1/11 in FBIS 1/12; Al-Sha`b 1/13 in FBIS 1/24; PR 1/15; Al-Musawwar 1/20 in FBIS 1/24)

UNRWA announces the following donations: $3.3 m. fr. Denmark for training centers in West Bank; $3.8 m. fr. Denmark for Gaza Hospital; $2.3 m. fr. Netherlands, $1.5 m. fr. Kuwait, $50,000 fr. Brazil, $40,000 fr. Portugal, $25,000 fr. Indonesia for UNRWA operations; $700,000 fr. Germany, $685,000 fr. Switzerland for education. (UNRWA News 1/11)

2 IDF soldiers lightly wounded when bomb explodes nr. their patrol at Kissufim crossing, Gaza. (MM 1/11)

Hizballah attacks IDF patrol in southern Lebanon. IDF, SLA respond, using planes, tanks, artillery. 4 Hizballah mbrs. killed; 2 IDF, 1 SLA soldiers, 3 civilians wounded. (IDF Radio 1/11 in FBIS 1/12; WP, WT 1/12)

Sec. Baker says that decision by Saudi Arabia and 5 other Gulf states to send observers to potential Middle East peace negotiations would lead to direct talks with Israel and thus "break at least one major taboo" of the Arab-Israeli conflict [WP, NYT, LAT 5/12; MEM 5/13].

First wave of Kuwait's 400,000 exiled citizens return home, nine months after Iraq's invasion [NYT, WP, LAT S/12; MEM 5/13].

EC indicates that it still hopes for full role as cosponsor of any Middle East peace conference [NYT 5/12].

Soviet F.M. Bessmertnykh meets in Cairo with Pres. Mubarak and Sec. Baker [MENA, CDS 5/11 in FBIS 5/13].

In speech, Yasir Arafat criticizes U.S. Middle East peace efforts, says U.S. is trying to ignore Jerusalem issue [AVP 5/13 in FBIS 5/141.

Soviet F.M. Bessmertnykh begins trip to Middle East, arriving in Damascus and assuring Syrian leadership that Moscow remains "a strong supporter of the Arab cause." Bessmertnykh is also to visit Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt, where he is expected to meet with Sec. Baker [MEM 5/8; WP, NYT 5/9; DDS 5/8 in FBIS 5/8, 5/9].

Pres. Mubarak announces decision to pull the nearly 40,000 Egyptian troops out of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait; media debates whether announcement signals the end of Damascus agreement made on 3/5 that provided for postwar security arrangements built around Syrian and Egyptian troops [MEM 5/9; MENA 5/8 in FBIS 5/8; WP 5/11].

Sec. Cheney visits Muscat, Abu Dhabi, and Doha to discuss U.S.-Arab military agreements [WAKH 5/8 in FBIS 5/8].

Head of Israeli Civil Administration in West Bank grants 31 permits for establishment of businesses with policy of providing employment to hundreds of laborers [IGP 5/8 in FBIS 5/9].

Baghdad releases 2 U.S. POWs, 40 journalists, and hundreds of Kuwaiti POWs, as well as 1,181 who had been abducted by Iraqi troops. More than 6,300 American soldiers arrive in U.S. during 1st full day of nonstop homecomings [LAT, NYT 3/9].

During 2 1/2-hour meeting in Riyadh, Sec. Baker outlines to King Fahd 4 U.S. policy goals announced by Pres. Bush on 3/6. King agrees to take active role in support of U.S., but offers no specific commitments [NYT, LAT 3/9; RIDS 3/8 in FBIS 3/11; MET 3/19].

Iranian Pres. Rafsanjani expresses sympathy for rebels trying to overthrow Saddam Hussein; calls for Saddam to surrender "to the will of the people" [LAT, NYT 3/9].

In interview with journalists from Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, Pres. Bush says PLO has "lost credibility" after siding with Iraq; Bush dismisses chances for U.S.-PLO talks any time soon [WP 3/10].

EC "troika" ministers meet with King Hussein to discuss Middle East peace proposals [ADS 3/8 in FBIS 3/8].

U.S. troops begin leaving Gulf; Def. Sec. Cheney says U.S. will return average of 5,000 troops per day over next few weeks [LAT, WP, CSM 3/8; MET 3/19].

En route to Saudi Arabia as part of 11-day Middle East tour, Sec. Baker says he will propose series of "confidence-building measures" between Israel and Arab states to open path to broader peace talks [LAT, NYT, WP, WT 3/8].

In Kuwait, at least 2 Palestinians have been shot dead and 5 others hospitalized from beatings and shootings, as Palestinians raise concerns about reprisals against their community in Kuwait [LAT, NYT, WP 3/8].

Israeli gov't. rejects Pres. Bush's call for solution to Arab-Israeli conflict that includes trading land for peace; F.M. David Levy says attempts to pressure Israel are not welcome [LAT, WT 3/8; JDS, IDF, PDS 3/7, MAA 3/8 in FBIS 3/8]; in separate statements, PLO and Egypt welcome what they call "positive elements" in Pres. Bush's 3/6 speech [AVP, MENA 3/7 in FBIS 3/8; MEM 3/7].

Palestinian journalist Taher Shriteh, jailed without charge on 1/28/91, is freed on bail after international campaign to gain his release (cf. 3/11) [NYT, MEM 3/8; AFP 3/8 in FBIS 3/11; MET 3/19].

House of Representatives votes to authorize $15.8 billion to pay for Gulf war, and also $650 million for Israel, and warns other nations that Congress "may consider appropriate action" if promised payments are not made [NYT, WP, WT 3/8].

Sec.-Gen. Perez de Cuellar selects Switzerland's ambassador to Washington, Edouard Brunner, asspecial Middle East envoy to begin new high-priority search for solution to Arab-Israeli conflict [WP 3/8].

Palestinian leaders representing Fateh, PFLP, and DFLP, but not Hamas, meet in Jerusalem with visiting EC "troika" representatives including Italian F.M. Gianni de Michelis; EC ministers also meet with Israeli P.M. Shamir and D.M. Arens, then depart for Jordan [JDS 3/7 in FBIS 3/8; FJ 3/11; MET 3/19].

Border policeman in Nablus is stabbed, wounded; attacker escapes and army imposes curfew on Nablus and adjacent refugee camps [JDS 3/7 in FBIS 3/8]; 30 Palestinians are detained in Jerusalem after IDF opens fire on demonstrators [JDS 3/7 in FBIS 3/11].

Syria and Saudi Arabia sign wide-ranging cooperation agreement which both nations say was sign of desire to foster closer relations [MEM 3/8].

Italian F.M. de Michelis is quoted as calling for "internal revolt in the Palestinian [resistance] movement" now that PLO has "ruled itself out" of peace negotiations [MEM 3/7].

Pres. Bush says that U.S. military action against Iraq would not necessarily begin immediately after 1/15, even if Iraqi troops had not left Kuwait; Bush meets with UN Sec.- Gen. Perez de Cuellar at Camp David [NYT, LAT, WP 1/6].

In an interview with French legislator, Saddam says he is prepared to make certain "sacrifices" in return for guarantees that Iraq will not be attacked [WP 1/8].

U.S. State Dep't. rebukes Israel for increasing its firepower in recent clashes with Palestinians and apparently abandoning moderation IDF showed last summer [NYT 1/6].

F.M.'s of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Syria meet in Riyadh for 2-day talks to review Gulf crisis [DDS 1/5, MENA, SPA 1/6 in FBIS 1/7; WP 1/7].

Guido de Marco, Pres. of UN Gen. Assembly, arrives in Amman after visit to o.t.; calls for swift action to convene international conference on Middle East peace, says that worsening tension in o.t. is unacceptable [ADS 1/5 in FBIS 1/7]. 

Israeli helicopters shell "resistance" targets in Biqqa Valley in S. Lebanon [BDS 1/5 in FBIS 1/7]; Israel denies incident [WP 1/6].

IDF shoots dead infiltrator; Israeli officer is wounded in clash after man is spotted crossing border from Jordan into Israel [MEM 1/7].

In move to encourage Iraq to remove its troops from Kuwait, EC endorses French plan promising Baghdad that EC will work to resolve all problems in Middle East if Gulf crisis could be settled peacefully; EC also invites F.M. Aziz to meet with 3 EC ministers on 10 January; Aziz declines [INA 1/5 in FBIS 1/7; NYT, LAT, WP 1/5].

Iraqi F.M. Aziz accepts invitation to meet Sec. Baker in Geneva on 1/9, despite "arrogant statements" he says accompanied U.S. offer; Aziz says he will press for "justice and fairness" for Palestinian cause; Pres. Bush says Iraq's acceptance of talks is "useful step," but insists no compromises will be made and that Sec. Baker will not go to Baghdad [INA 1/4 in FBIS 1/7; NYT, LAT, WP 1/5].

Bus driven by Palestinian collides with car, killing Israeli woman; bus driver is shot to death by Israeli near Gaza Strip. Palestinians and Israelis give entirely different versions of episode [IDF 1/4 in FBIS 1/4; NYT, LAT 1/5].

In nonbinding statement, UN Sec. Council formally rebukes Israel, deploring "recent acts of violence in Gaza" [MEM 1/4; NYT, WP 1/5]; Political circles in Israel criticize statement [JDS 1/4 in FBIS 1/4].

Seeking to avoid battle with Israel's supporters in Congress, Bush admin. postpones 2d part of large arms sale to Saudi Arabia, valued at $13 billion, until after Gulf crisis [NYT, LAT, WP 1/5].

Congressional General Accounting Office (GAO) says Operation Desert Shield will cost U.S. $30 billion this year even if no shots are fired [LAT 1/5].

Details of 12/31 conversation between Faisal Husseini and Mayor Teddy Kollek are published; status of Jerusalem is among topics discussed [MEM 1/4; LAT 1/5].

Washington Post reports that Palestinian fatalities in clashes with Israeli troops are rising sharply in o.t. as IDF steps up patrols and toughens its tactics [WP 1/5].

Secret agreement is reportedly reached in Islamabad between Iran and Turkey that neither will move against Iraq, effectively ruling out ground attack against Iraq from anywhere but Saudi Arabia [WP 1/16].

UN Sec. Council votes 14-1 to impose embargo on air traffic to and from Iraq and Kuwait. The sole "nay" vote is cast by Cuba [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 9/26; MET 10/9]; in hard-hitting speech at Gen. Assembly, Soviet F.M. Shevardnadze suggests Moscow would support military operation against Iraq if sanctions fail, and warns war may be imminent if Saddam does not leave Kuwait [WP 9/26; NYT 9/26, 9/27; MEM 9/26; CSM 9/27].

In 75-min. speech broadcast in its entirety on CNN (excerpts on major networks), Saddam tells American television audience that Iraq is the victim of conspiracies [INA 9/26 in FBIS 9/26; NYT, WP, WT, MEM 9/26].

U.S. House Appropriations Committee shelves Pres. Bush's request to cancel Egypt's military debt to U.S. after being told it faced certain defeat (cf. 9/30) [MEM 9/26].

After 4 days of talks in Teheran, Pres. Asad and Pres. Rafsanjani declare "full agreement" on opposition to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait [MEM 9/25; NYT 9/26].

Asad is credited with bringing Iran into anti-Iraq camp, persuading Iranian leadership to recast call to jihad against West as measure to be taken only if West stays on after Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait [NYT 10/11].

Saudi Arabia expels 12 more diplomats from Jordanian consulate and embassy; Jordan recalls its ambassador in protest [NYT 9/26].

Israel's Supreme Court rules army can raze Palestinian houses and shops around area where IDF soldier was killed on 9/20. Court says demolitions are urgent military need, and can proceed if homeowners are given compensation [WP, LAT, WT 9/26; FJ 10/6; MET 10/9].

After visit to Bureij refugee camp, UNRWA commissioner general expresses concern about demolition of houses and shops, says there is a disproportion between the 9/20 killing and Israel's response [JDS 9/26 in FBIS 9/27].

Israeli think tank Jafee Center issues annual report "Intemnational Terrorism 1989" attributing to Middle East groups only 8.9% of 406 incidents recorded; report states Fateh helped Western security agencies curb terror and that Palestinian attacks outside Israel declined sharply [MEM 9/26].

Bush admin. harshly criticizes King Hussein for Jordan's hosting conference of "anti- American radicals" in Amman; spokesperson hints meeting could damage U.S.-Jordanian relations [LAT 9/19]; Jordan appears to have stopped sending foodstuffs to Iraq [NYT 9/19].

Reversing longstanding opposition to Soviet presence in Middle East, Saudi Arabia would now welcome Soviet troops as part of multinational force, according to Saudi F.M. Saud al-Faisal [NYT, LAT, WT, WP 9/19].

At hearing of House Foreign Affairs sub-committee on Europe and Middle East, congressmen, including committee chrmn. Lee Hamilton (D-Ind.), accuse Bush admin. of sending mixed signals to Saddam. Hamilton cites ass't sec. of state John Kelly's 7/31 testimony that U.S. has no defense treaty with Kuwait [LAT, NYT, WP, WT 9/19; MEM 9/21].

Pentagon reports of defensive buildup of Iraqi troops in Kuwait [NYT, WP 9/19].

UN Disaster Relief Office says number of refugees in Jordanian transit camps after fleeing Iraq and Kuwait is 34,876; UNDRO adds gov'ts of Sweden, Denmark, and Italy have offered funds to aid refugees [AFP 9/18 in FBIS 9/18]; Crown Prince Hasan Ibn-Talal says Jordan has already spent $57 million to accommodate estimated 500,000 refugees who have passed through Jordan since 8/2 [AFP 9/18 in FBIS 9/20].

Chrmn. Arafat arrives in Amman for meetings on Gulf crisis [ADS 9/18 in FBIS 9/18; CSM 9/19].

Iraqi soldiers storm the French, Canadian, and Belgian diplomatic quarters in Kuwait, briefly detaining U.S. consul and other diplomats; Pres. Bush declares action "outrageous," hints at possible U.S. response [LAT, NYT, WP 9/15; LAT 9/16; MET 9/25].

In what would be the largest military sale in U.S. history (previous largest: 1981 $9 billion AWACS deal), officials report Bush admin. is planning to sell Saudi Arabia about $20 billion in sophisticated weaponry to help bolster that nation against future Gulf unrest [LAT, NYT, WP 9/15; MEM 9/17; JPI 9/22].

In sharp departure after weeks of Iraqi cooperation, Iraqi tanker in Gulf of Oman ignores U.S. demands to stop and submit to search; U.S. and Australian ships fire across taker's bow, forcibly board it, then allow it to continue after search [LAT, NYT, WP 9/15].

In 4-hour Damascus meeting, Sec. Baker and Pres. Asad discuss Gulf situation, future regional security structure, terrorism; agree that Arab world must take the lead in confronting Iraq's occupation of Kuwait, and that American troops must be withdrawn from the region as soon as crisis ends [DDS 9/14 in FBIS 9/14; MEM 9/14, 9/17; NYT, LAT, WP 9/15].

Signaling shift in Soviet policy, Pres. Gorbachev meets 2 senior Israeli cabinet members in Moscow in first such meeting since 1967 [LAT 9/15; JPI 9/22; MET 9/25].

Bonn, Tokyo, and London announce details of each nation's further contributions to multinational force in Middle East [WP 9/14; NYT 9/15].

2 U.S. Apache attack helicopters sold to Israel for $350 million each are met at air base by P.M. Shamir, who says U.S. is "obliged" to maintain Israel's military advantage over its Arab neighbors. Sale is part of deal that includes 16 additional Apaches, 60 F-16 fighter-bombers, 10 Sikorsky helicopters, and Stinger missiles [LAT 9/13].

Iran's "supreme leader" Ayatollah Khamenei declares jihad against U.S. forces in Saudi Arabia, calls American policy "greedy, bullying, and shameless"; denounces Saudis for inviting Americans in, he states: "a force that enters a country to defend it will grow to impose its will on the host and to humiliate it" [LAT, NYT, WT, WP, MEM 9/13].

PLO Exec. Committee releases statement in Tunis on Gulf situation, stressing linkage issue and regretting U.S. stance; Arafat meets with King Hussein on political solutions to Gulf crisis "within an Arab framework" [MEM 9/13].

In response to lawsuit brought by Israeli gov't, state supreme court in New York issues temporary order blocking U.S. publication of Victor Ostrosky and Claire Hoy's book By Way of Deception. A Devastating Insider's Portrait of the Mossad [NYT, WT, WP 9/13].

Pres. Asad, preparing for meeting with Sec. Baker on 9/14, says U.S. troops will leave Saudi Arabia when crisis is over: "The problem now is not the presence of foreign troops in the gulf. The problem is Iraq's invasion of Kuwait.... When it is over I am sure that all foreign troops will withdraw" [NYT, WT 9/13].

In Mecca, International Islamic Conference attended by 350 Islamic scholars from 80 countries ends after 3 days of heated debate; communique calls for Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait, finds foreign troop presence in Saudi Arabia legitimate under current circumstances but emphasizes that they must leave region as soon as Iraq withdraws; calls for creation of permanent Pan-Islamic force for future conflicts  [SPA 9/13 in FBIS 9/13; LAT, WP 9/14].

On tour of Middle East, Chrmn. of U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Colin Powell, arrives in Riyadh on 2-day visit to Gulf [WAKH 9/13, 9/14, SPA 9/13 in FBIS 9/14].

Speaking before European Parliament, Italian F.M. Andreotti says Gulf crisis could make more difficult a solution to Palestinian and Lebanese conflicts; he repeats EC's support for UN resolution demanding Israeli withdrawal from W. Bank and Gaza [MEM 9/13].

EC passes resolution 301 to 37 condemning Iraqi invasion, calling for withdrawal, but stating that only diplomatic solution can resolve crisis [MEM 9/13].

Following talks with Sec. Baker, Kuwaiti Emir announces Kuwait's intention to provide $5 billion during 1990 to U.S. and Gulf states' military and economic campaign against Iraq [LAT, NYT, WP 9/8; MET 9/18]; New York Times reports that with other Gulf contributions and money raised by Treasury Sec. Brady on his tour, the sum "should not only cover the costs of America's involvement in the Gulf, but may even produce a profit for the Treasury" [NYT 9/8].

Sec. Baker flies to Abu Dhabi to meet with UAE Pres. Shaykh Ziyad, then to Cairo for meeting with Pres. Mubarak [MENA 9/7 in FBIS 9/10].

EC ministers meeting in Rome agree to contribute financially to U.S. plan to help Middle East countries hurt by trade embargo against Iraq, but decline to provide direct fi- nancial support for military buildup [LAT 9/8; MEM 9/10].

Dropping its longstanding objection to Soviet military presence in Middle East, U.S. says it would be "useful" for Soviets to contribute ground troops to multinational force in Saudi Arabia [NYT, LAT, WP 9/8].

Fighting between Fateh troops and supporters of Abu Nidal's Fateh Revolutionary Council claims at least 25 lives near Sidon, Lebanon [LAT, NYT, WP 9/8].

Pres. Bush accepts offer from Baghdad to speak on Iraqi television, says 10-15 minute speech would provide "real opportunity" to explain why he has sent U.S. troops to Saudi Arabia [LAT, WP 9/7].

Iraq acquiesces to U.S. demand that U.S. consular be given access to American wounded by Iraqi gunfire in Kuwait [LAT, WP 9/7].

Jewish and Roman Catholic leaders, meeting in Prague, agree to forge closer relationship and combat anti-Semitism in E. Europe [LAT 9/7].

UN acknowledges shortcomings in its relief efforts for tens of thousands of refugees who fled Kuwait and Iraq for Jordan [LAT 9/7].

Saudi Arabia announces it will cover virtually all of the hundreds of millions of dollars in monthly operating costs of U.S. forces; Saudis will also contribute several billion dollars in aid to Middle East nations that have joined the coalition against Iraq [NYT, WP 9/7; MET 9/18].

Several nations, including China, India, and Tunisia, say they are considering sending emergency food and medicine to Iraq despite embargo [NYT 9/7].

Britain announces it will send additional forces to the Gulf region, and will provide about $4 million in aid to refugee relief organizations [NYT, WP 9/7].

Pres. Bush telephones Pres. Asad to discuss Gulf crisis; Asad also meets with delegation from European Parliament [DDS 9/6 in FBIS 9/7].

Qatar deports 15 additional Palestinians; this is 3d group of deportees [RAY 9/9 in FBIS 9/10].

Sec. Baker meets in Jeddah with King Fahd to discuss Gulf crisis [WP 9/7; RTS 9/7 in FBIS 9/10].

Ending 2-day meeting in Saudi Arabia to discuss crisis, foreign ministers of 6-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) demand immediate Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait [SPA, RIDS 9/5 in FBIS 9/6; MET 9/18].

General strike called by Hamas is observed in Gaza Strip; commercial strike is observed in parts of W. Bank [FJ 9/10].

In testimony to House Foreign Affairs Committee, Sec. Baker calls for creation of U.S.-led NATO-style security structure in Middle East to prevent renewed Iraqi aggression even if present crisis ends without warfare (cf. 9/5) [LAT, NYT, WP, MEM 9/5; CSM 9/6].

Speaking in Vladivostok, Soviet F.M. Shevardnadze calls for international conference on the Middle East that would include the Gulf crisis, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and Lebanon [WT, WP 9/5]; Israel sharply rejects the idea [JPI 9/15].

Washington Post reports that U.S. commander in Saudi Arabia Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf complained to Defense Dep't and White House about Saudi Lt. Gen. Khaled bin Sultan's remarks on 8/29 that any decision to use U.S. forces deployed in Kingdom would have to follow consultations between King Fahd and Pres. Bush. Bush conveyed to Saudi ambassador "military concern that U.S. forces be unquestionably under U.S. command," and ambassador reiterated what Saudis contend was original agreement between Fahd and Def. Sec. Cheney that U.S. forces were invited to Kingdom to defend Saudi Arabia from attack by Iraq [WP, MEM 9/4].

Cheney says U.S. would "consult closely" with Saudis before launching offensive action from Saudi territory, but stops short of saying whether Saudi approval would be required [MEM 9/5].

Bush admin. begins asking economic allies for at least $25 billion to help defray American military expenses and support countries that have been hurt by embargo on Iraq and Kuwait [LAT, WP 9/5].

Israeli finance minister Yitzhak Modai says if U.S. forgives Egypt's debt, Israel will demand that most of its $4.6 billion debt also be erased [LAT 9/5; MET 9/18].

Qatar expels more than 70 Palestinian families, including several PLO members, apparently because of Palestinian support for Iraq [NYT 9/5; MET 9/18].

Media report of growing crisis in Jordan as hundreds of thousands of refugees flee Kuwait and Iraq for the Hashemite kingdom [NYT, WP 9/5; MET 9/18].

As'ad al-As'ad, ass't sec.-gen. of Arab League, is named as acting sec.-gen. until replacement for Chedli Klibi is determined [TDS 9/4 in FBIS 9/5].

Saudi D.M. Prince Sultan says his country could not be used as staging ground for U.S. troops to rescue hostages or launch offensive strikes against Iraq: "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is not a theater for any action that is not defensive for Saudi Arabia" and "war will be the last option" [NYT, WP 9/2; MEM 9/3].

Pres. Bush, Pres. Gorbachev announce they will meet in Helsinki on 9/9 with the Middle East on the agenda [NYT, WP 9/2].

Arab League Council of Foreign Ministers (attended by 13 of 21 members) announces resolutions on Gulf crisis issued at 2-day meeting in Cairo that call for: Arab solution based on League charter; respecting civilians and property; foreign nationals to be allowed to leave; reopening of diplomatic missions in Kuwait; and compensation for Kuwait. Any peace initiative not coming from League is rejected, an implicit reference to efforts by Jordan, PLO etc. [MENA 9/1 in FBIS 9/4; WP 9/2; MEM 9/3; JPI 9/8].

PLO leadership meets in Tunis, issues formal statement accusing Mubarak of personal responsibility for anti-Palestinian campaign in semi-official Egyptian media [MEM 9/3; FJ 9/10].

Arab foreign ministers and representatives open 2-day meeting in Cairo; in attendance are Egypt, Morocco, Syria, Lebanon, Djibouti, Somalia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Bahrian, Oman, and Libya (cf. 9/1) [MENA 8/30 in FBIS 8/31; NYT 8/31; MET 9/11].

Claiming "shape of post-cold-war world" is at issue, Pres. Bush says he will send Sec. Baker, Sec. Brady overseas to ask other nations to help pay multibillion-dollar cost of military operations and sanctions in Middle East [NYT, LAT, WP, WT 8/31].

Iraq moves some women and children hostages who had been placed at strategic locations in outlying areas as potential shields to Baghdad in preparation for being allowed to leave Iraq [NYT, LAT, WT, WP 8/31; MET 9/11].

In 1st criticism of U.S. military forces in Gulf, Soviet Union asks whether U.S. presence might be intended as permanent foothold in region [NYT, LAT 8/31].

U.S. officials report the CIA is training Kuwaiti resistance fighters at bases in Saudi Arabia [LAT, WP 8/31].

Palestinians in O.T. stage general strike to protest U.S. military presence in Gulf [MET 9/11].

Reacting to planned U.S. sale of $2.2 billion in military hardware to Saudi Arabia, Israeli Foreign Ministry demands that U.S. ensure Israel remains the dominant power in Middle East by providing additional military aid [WT, WP 8/31; MET 9/11].

Senior U.S. naval officer says U.S. warships are interrogating daily up to 75 commercial shipping vessels in Gulf; shipping has declined "dramatically" since sanctions were announced [WP 8/31].

White House formally announces sale of 24 jet fighters, 150 tanks, other hardware worth $2.2 billion to Saudi Arabia; sale causes concern among pro-Israel lobby and its congressional allies [MEM 8/29; LAT, CSM 8/30; WT 8/31; MET 9/11].

On tour of Gulf states, British defense secretary Tom King says he's sending 4 additional warships - 3 mine-hunters and 1 destroyer - to the Gulf [LAT 8/30].

U.S. C-5 military transport aircraft carrying supplies to Gulf troops crashes shortly after takeoff in W. Germany, killing 12 soldiers [MEM 8/29; NYT, LAT, WT, CSM, WP 8/30].

10 of 13 OPEC nations, meeting in Vienna, endorse temporary production increase to make up for supplies lost because of Gulf crisis; Iran opposes agreement, Libya and Iraq are absent [AFP 8/29 in FBIS 8/29; NYT, WP 8/30; CSM 8/31].

21-member World Islamic Council denounces Saudi Arabia for inviting "anti-Islamic U.S. troops" into Middle East [INRA 8/29 in FBIS 8/30].

Speech read on behalf of Yasir Arafat to meeting of UN nongovernmental organizations in Geneva says PLO does not take sides in Gulf crisis, links Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait to other "occupied" lands-Lebanon, Golan, and Palestine [AVP 8/29 in FBIS 8/30].

Qatar has expelled 20 PLO officials since beginning of Gulf crisis, according to Yasir Abd Rabbo [AFP 8/29 in FBIS 8/30]; Abd Rabbo also states that breaking the economic blockade against Iraq is an Arab responsibility [RAY 8/30 in FBIS 8/31].

Hamas distributes leaflet in O.T. calling for Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait and Kuwaiti self-determination; UNLU also issues leaflet continuing its demand for withdrawal of foreign troops from Saudi Arabia and calls for strike on 9/26 "in solidarity with the Iraqi people" [JPD 8/30 in FBIS 8/30].

Japan unveils aid package to help finance international effort against Iraq, but package  draws criticism from U.S. because of absence of tangible aid to military buildup. Japanese program offers loans to Egypt, Turkey, and Jordan; sending 100 doctors, refrigeration equipment, and water to region (cf. 8/31) [MEM 8/29; NYT, WT 8/30].

Bethlehem Mayor Elias Freij says he supports UN formula for unconditional Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait, believing it to be the only way to head off a new disaster for Palestinians [WP 8/301.

Unnamed Syrian source reports first batch of Syrian troops has been dispatched to Saudi Arabia [DDS 8/21 in FBIS 8/22], foreign and defense ministers of 9-nation Western European Union vow to expand naval operations in Gulf and to share responsibility with U.S. for enforcing sanctions; 12-nation EC denounces detention of Westerners in Iraq, says their countries' embassies will defy Baghdad's orders to close [WP 8/22].

Military reports say Iraq has fortified Kuwait with up to 800 Scud missiles and 36 launchers, and with land mines placed around vital installations [WT 8/22].

During meeting with Iraqi deputy P.M. Hammadi, Soviet officials urge Iraq to provide guarantees for safety for all foreigners in Iraq and Kuwait [NYT 8/22].

Iraqi F.M. Aziz arrives in Amman, says Iraq is ready to discuss a wide range of Middle East issues with the U.S.; also says foreigners in Iraq are not "hostages." Bush admin. says it will not negotiate with Saddam until Iraq leaves Kuwait [NYT, WP 8/22].

Egypt's Pres. Mubarak makes emotional appeal to Saddam to withdraw from Kuwait [NYT, WP 8/22].

Sec. of Defense Richard Cheney returns to Washington after 6-nation tour of Gulf [WT 8/22].

Yemen says it will not allow Iraqi oil tankers to unload in Aden [NYT 8/22].

Survey conducted by Committee for the Protection of the Occupied Children of 1,000 households in Jenin area finds 47.5% of children 6-14 had been physically harmed by IDF soldiers, either by beating, shooting, or teargassing [HAA 8/22 in FBIS 8/24].

Lebanese parliament ratifies constitutional changes approved by Ta'if agreement 10 months ago, changes could establish political equality between Muslims and Christians [WP 8/22; NYT 8/23].

Pres. Saddam Hussein says he will not withdraw forces from Kuwait unless "all issues of occupation" in Middle East are resolved, beginning with unconditional Israeli withdrawal from O.T. [LAT, WP 8/13].

Arafat sends messages to heads of permanent member states of UN Sec.Council [INA 8/13 in FBIS 8/14].

DFLP, PFLP, and PFLP-GC level sharp criticism at U.S. for its military presence in Saudi Arabia [BDS 8/12 in FBIS 8/13].

Israeli police arrest Jewish woman and 14-year-old boy in connection with killing of E. Jerusalem Arab by Jewish mob [WT 8/13].

Knesset appoints Zalman Shoval to be ambassador to U.S.; Shoval is member of Rafi Ometz party that agreed to join P.M. Shamir's gov't. in return for U.S. appointment [WT, NYT 8/13].

Second Red Cross worker, held hostage since 10/6/89, is freed in S.Lebanon; Elio Erriquez is released by Palestinian Revolutionary Squads group [LAT 8/13; WP, NYT 8/14].

Military Action:

Explosion 400 yards from Lebanon Beach Hotel in.Khalde delays talks for 30 min., Israel charges was 107mm Katyusha rocket fired from behind Marine lines in Hay el-Sellom, Phalange says was rocket-propelled grenade, Lebanon state radio says was 120mm mortar, Lebanese Army says shell was detonated by explosives on the spot; IDF tries to use road under MNF jurisdiction.

Casualties:

1 IDF at checkpoint near hotel wounded; IDF detains 4 Lebanese in Khalde area, cuts off road.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Government defeats 2 no-confidence motions on social policies put forward by Labor and Democratic Front following release of survey that shows 300,000 Israelis live under poverty line; General Amir Drori criticizes US Marines for failing to prevent guerrilla infiltration from its sector; General Yaacov Even, IDF chief spokesman, says Marines are buffer for PLO's hit and run attacks, that since Dec. 22, 9 incidents near US lines resulted in 1 IDF killed, 25 wounded; Government denies reports that relations with Ethiopia have improved and Israeli advisers are now in Addis Ababa; week long Canal Founders Conference of Israel Bonds begins, attended by 200 Jewish leaders from US and Canada; security forces arrest 2 from Gaza who admit to Jan. 8 Tel Aviv grenade attack, say they are members of Fateh and were trained in Egypt.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: After 6 hours, negotiations stalled on Israel's demand to have IDF remain in security installations in Lebanon and nature of future relations, with Lebanon proposing protocol accord to regulate ties.

Arab Governments: King Hussein returns to Jordan from tour of Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman.

US and Other Countries: State Department denies press reports that Reagan is prepared to sign document drafted by National Security Council, State and Defense Departments to cut off military aid to Israel; Reagan Administration says it is extremely concerned over slow pace of Lebanon negotiations, following Habib's return to US, with 2 stumbling blocks of normalization and surveillance stations; National Executive Committee of the Zionist Organization of America is told by Senator Carl Levin (D-MI) that Reagan Administration is not a mediator in the Middle East but coddles Saudi Arabia and entices King Hussein to peace table with airplanes and missiles, that it was never disclosed publicly that intelligence officials told the State Department that armed PLO members remained in Beirut; ZOA President Ivan Novick says Reagan Administration uses West Bank settlements to divide American Jews, but Jewish settlements are valid based on right to security and self-defense, historical connection, and according to international law Israel holds better title to this land; British press reports that secret documents accidently released recently indicate that Britain dissuaded Jordan, Syria and Iraq from concluding peace agreements with Israel in 1949.

Military Action:

Druze and Phalange militia exchange fire in Chouf; US Marines on full alert and deploy in firing positions as IDF patrol confronts Marines at checkpoint near Lebanese University; IDF armored car backs into barbed wire fence at another Marine checkpoint; US Embassy expresses concern over incidents to Israeli Government.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Following week of meetings in Tripoli, Libya, PFLP, DFLP, PFLP-GC, Saiqa and PSF statement rejecting Fez and Reagan plans and any form of recognition or negotiation with the expansionist Zionist entity, adherence to armed struggle to liberate Palestine and all the occupied Arab territories; Lebanese- Israeli-US negotiators, meeting for 51?2 hours at Khalde, discuss ending state of war and security zone, make enough progress to turn issues over to subcommittee of Antoine Fattal, Eli Rubenstein, Christopher Ross, and form another subcommittee to deal with timetable for withdrawal of troops.

Arab Governments: Egyptian President Mubarak says Arabs must act on Reagan plan by end of year, PLO Chairman should recognize Israel, unilaterally if necessary; Syrian Foreign Minister Khaddam tours Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE and Qatar; King Hussein returns to Jordan from talks with King Fahd in Saudi Arabia.

US and Other Countries: Habib and Draper will divide responsibilities to accelerate the peace process; State Department refuses to qualify last week's statement suggesting possibility of shortening the autonomy period; US says USSR has sent 90 aircraft, mostly MiG-21s, and 12 SA-5 missiles to Syria, which would be particularly effective against E2-C Hawkeye surveillance aircraft used by Israel in Lebanon war; 2 US soldiers in multinational force in Sinai wounded in mine explosion near Ofira; former Presidents Carter and Ford, in joint article, say that Israeli occupation of West Bank and Gaza is a major obstacle to any moderate Arab initiative for peace in the Middle East, and urge King Hussein to join autonomy talks; West German Foreign Minister Genscher attacks Israeli settlement policy, does not recognize the PLO or support an independent Palestinian state, but supports the June 1980 Venice Declaration that the PLO be involved in the peace process.