The Palestine Chronology

In the Gaza Strip, employees of the ministries of public works, labor, justice, and women’s affairs—those led by Gaza-based ministers of the PA unity govt.—go on strike, protesting unpaid salaries since 6/2. In the West Bank, Palestinians throw stones at Israeli settlers’ vehicles nr. Sinjil, injuring 2 women. Israeli police arrest a settler in connection with the shooting of a Palestinian nr. Hebron on 1/10. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids nr. Jenin, Hebron, and Bethlehem; patrols nr. Jericho, Qalqilya, Tulkarm, Hebron, and Jenin. In East Jerusalem, Israeli forces arrest 6 Palestinians. (MNA 1/12; OCHA, PCHR 1/15)

Following up on the 1/11 meeting between political factions in Gaza, a Hamas spokesperson says that the group will make a political decision to quit the PA unity govt. if the crisis facing civil employees is not resolved. (MEMO 1/12; JP 1/13)

Egyptian authorities announce that they will not open the Rafah border crossing this week, reversing their 1/11 announcement. The decision comes after the Sinai Province of the Islamic State captures an Egyptian security officer nr. Shaykh Zuwayd. (MNA 1/12)

Israeli security forces shut down 3 Nazarethbased Muslim charities—Muslim Women for al-Aqsa, al-Fajr, and Ruad al-Aqsa—suspected of channeling funds to Hamas and inciting violence at Haram al-Sharif. (HA 1/12; AFP 1/13)

Israeli Bank Leumi announces frmr. al-Fajr editor Hanna Siniora will head up International Palestinian Bank to support development projects. (MM 2/14)

Secy. of State Christopher begins mission to revive Arab-Israeli talks with meeting in Alexandria with Egyptian Pres. Mubarak, stating "the situation in Lebanon, perhaps paradoxically, has given a new burst of energy to the negotiations." (NYT 8/3)

PLO Chm. Arafat meets Egyptian Pres. Mubarak after latter's talks with Secy. of State Christopher. (MENA 8/2 in FBIS 8/3)

Palestinian hijacks UNRWA bus in Gaza Strip, killing Israeli civilian employee of military government. (NYT 8/3)

Poll of Palestinians in o.t. conducted by Jerusalem Media and Communications Centre in conjunction with CNN and Dutch TV finds 51.7% oppose Palestinian-Jordanian confederation, 55.9% oppose continuation of peace talks on the Madrid formula, 50.1% support Palestinian withdrawal from talks, 87.7% believe PLO needs democratic reform, 32.9% support dividing Jerusalem, and 50.9% trust leadership of "national movements," as against 24.1% for "Islamic movements." Poll has margin of error of +3%, confidence level of 95%. (JMCC poll) Responding in part to complaints by Palestinian members of the Orthodox Church that the Patriarchate has been passing land to the Israeli government, Ecumenical Council of Orthodox Churches decides to boycott Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Diodoros I. (al-Fajr 8/16)

Lebanese govt. orders army to prepare for redeployment in south. UN Secy.-Gen. Butrus-Ghalinforms Lebanese PM Rafiq Hariri of UN approval of move. (WP, WT 8/3)

Hamas supporters defeat joint Fateh-PFLP slate in elections for Gaza Strip accountants' association. (MM 7/26)

Hizballah katyushas hit northern Israel; IDF shells launch area in retaliation. (MM 7/23)

Palestinian-American Muhammad Jarad, arrested by Israel for allegedly providing finances for Hamas, released from Ramallah jail after a 6-month term. (WT 7/25; Qol Yisra'el 7/24 in FBIS 7/27)

Jerusalem's Arabic daily newspaper al-Fajr closes after 22 years of publication due to lack of funds. The paper's weekly English edition continues. (WT 7/24)

Palestinian chief negotiator Haydar 'Abd al-Shafi, in "A Second Open Letter to the Palestinian Masses," published in the East Jerusalem newspaper al-Quds, calls on the PLO to "adopt the principle of collective leadership on a democratic and logical basis." He says that Palestinian leaders "have failed over and over in concentrating our own potential in the name of our cause," and advocates a "comprehensive national dialogue" as the solution to Palestinian difficulties. (al-Quds 7/10 in FBIS 7/15; full text in al-Fajr 7/19)

Pro-PLO bloc wins Arab Journalists' Association elections in Jerusalem, delayed 7 months due to internal dissension. (al-Fajr 7/19)

Egyptian FM 'Amr Musa meets with U.S. Special Coordinator Ross in Cairo. (MENA 7/10 in FBIS 7/12)

King Hussein orders first Jordanian multiparty elections since 1956 to be held in November. (NYT 7/1 1)

Middle East Watch issues report charging Israeli undercover units with "unjustified killings" committed as government policy. (MM 6/29)

Israeli authorities license new West Bank newspaper. Named al-Qabas, first issue expected in one month. (al-Fajr 7/5)

AIPAC Dir. Thomas Dine resigns, admitting to have termed Orthodox Jews "smelly" and "low class" in published remarks on mainstream Jewish attitudes toward them. (WP, WT 6/30)

Israeli-Resistance clashes and shelling continue in southern Lebanon. (Qol Yisra'el, Radio Lebanon 6/29 in FBIS 6/30)

Jordan's King Hussein meets Secy. of State Christopher and congressional leaders. (Radio Jordan 6/25 in FBIS 6/25)

Al-Fajr reports Palestinian delegation's clarification of trainees in Jordan: they are not connected with proposed police force, but will guard Palestinian institutions in the transitional period (see 6/20). (al-Fajr 6/25 in FBIS 6/28)

PFLP delegation led by Sec.-Gen. Habash meets with Yemeni V.P. 'Ali Salim al-Bid in San'a' (Yemeni Republic Radio 6/25 in FBIS 6/25)

Israel allows all o.t. residents over 50 to cross green line without special permits. (ITV 6/25 in FBIS 6/28)

Israeli helicopters fire rockets at Palestinian guerilla office near Tyre, Lebanon, wounding one. (MM 6/28)

Delegation head Haydar 'Abd al-Shafi calls for suspension of Palestinian participation in talks. (al-Quds, IDF Radio 5/20 in FBIS 5/21)

After meeting with FM Peres, Chinese FM Qian Qichen says China will sell no more missiles to Iran or Syria. (MM 5/20)

Islamic Resistance clashes with SIA, IDF in southern Lebanon. (Radio Lebanon 5/20 in FBIS 5/20)

Gaza Community Mental Health Program releases report detailing use of torture on Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. (al-Fajr 5/24)

Rep. David Obey (R-WI), chmn. of House appropriations subcomm., suggests that Israel and Egypt may "one day" see their aid cut, as Pres. Clinton seeks to cut foreign aid by $2b over 5 years while increasing aid to Russia next year by $300m. Clinton has pledged to maintain current levels. (WT 3/9)

Israeli Dep. FM Yossi Beilin protests to British amb. in Israel over UK decision to upgrade PLO contacts. (IDF Radio 3/8 in FBIS 3/8)

Haydar'Abd al-Shafi calls on Hamas and Islamic Jihad to behave "in a responsible way" after 3/7 clash inside Gaza mosque. (al-Fajr 3/9 in FBIS 3/9)

Jerusalem Post reports on quota for Arab pop. of Jerusalem set by govt. in 1973, consistently enforced through housing plans-in 1967, Arab pop. was 26% of total, today is 27%. City council may appeal the legality of the discriminatory quota to the High Court. (MM 3/8)

Elections at Hebron U. are postponed because of Ramadan and IDF's impeding access to campus (acc. to PLO supporters), or because PLO was afraid of defeat and wants more of its supporters inthe admin. (acc. to Islamists). PLO-Islamist fights ensue. Islamists have consistently won past elections. (MM 3/9)

Israel reopens Gaza checkpoints to Palestinian workers; 30,000 travel to jobs (see 3/2). Two Palestinians kill settler as he was driving them to work; Fateh Eagles claim responsibility. Settlers angrily protest, killing 1 Palestinian. (Qol Yisra'el 3/8 in FBIS 3/8; MM 3/8; WP 3/9)

IDF shoots Palestinian youth dead near Tulkarm. (ITV 3/8 in FBIS 3/9)

PLO official Khalid Muhammad al-Jassem is convicted of attempting to bomb three Israeli targets in New York City in 1973. (NYT 3/9)

FMs of 20 Arab countries end 2-day Arab League meeting, issue statement calling on UNSC to impose sanctions on Israel, implement Chapter 7 of UN charter (authorizing force) if it refuses to allow back the 12/17 deportees. FMs also demand protection of o.t. Palestinians by a UN force. (MM 1/12; NYT 1/13; MENA, RFL 1/12 in FBIS 1/13)

Palestinian delegation issues statement outlining " basic requirements for reviving a genuine peace process". (al-Quds 1/13 in FBIS 1/14)

Al-Fajr reports that PLO Exec. Comm. mbr. Yasir 'Abd-Rabbuh has said that statements by Palestinian delegation steering comm. head Nabil Shaath on the deportees issue (see 12/31) do not express the PLO's position. (al-Fajr 1/12 in FBIS 1/13)

UNLU and Hamas issue 2 joint statements in the o.t. (Sanaa VOP 1/12 in FBIS 1/14)

PLO-Hamas meeting in Khartoum ends with no agreement on 2 basic issues: participation in the peace talks and Hamas inclusion in the PLO. Chmn. Arafat offered Hamas 18 of 452 seats in the PNC, Hamas is requesting 40%. The orgs. agreed to form 3 joint committees: 1 to oversee continuation of their dialogue, 1 to follow up the deportees issue, 1 to coordinate o.t. intifada activities. (MM 1/5; al-Fajr, MENA 1/5 in FBIS 1/6)

Rejectionist "ten Palestinian forces" issue statement calling for repatriation of the deportees, escalation of the intifada. (QPAR 1/4 in FBIS 1/5)

Hamas issues leaflet calling for attacks on Israeli security forces and Shin Bet agentsthe first such call ever. (Ha'Aretz 1/5 in FBIS 1/5)

Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Comm. mbrs. Benyamin Netanyahu (Likud), Moshe Peled (Tsomet), and Avigdor Kahalani (Labor) tour Golan Heights, comment on withdrawal plan being worked out between Israel and Syria. (Qol Yisra'el 1/4 in FBIS 1/5)

FM reps. of Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, and PLO hold coordination meeting in Lebanon, agree to participate in negotiations beginning 12/7. (MM 12/4; Radio Lebanon 12/4 in FBIS 12/7)

Steering comm. overseeing multilateral talks ends 2-day meeting in London. Progress limited on most contentious isuesgreater Palestinian participation, and formation of working groups on Jerusalem and human rights. The 5 existing working groups are scheduled to meet in February. (MM 12/4)

Al-Fajr reports that the EC has allocated 4 million ECU ($6.5 million) for operation of hospitals in o.t., and will exempt Palestinian agricultural exports from EC states' import duties. (FBIS 12/8)

PFLP leader George Habash urges solidarity with the PLO in statement to Egyptian newspaper. (MENA 12/4 in FBIS 12/4)

Israeli govt. submits proposed amendment to Knesset that would permit contacts with the PLO. (Qol Yisra'el 11/30 in FBIS 12/1)

Ramallah-based Palestinian Public Opinion Research Center releases poll of 1,000 o.t. residents on peace process. 68% said the negotiations have "a chance" for achieving peace; 25% see no hope in negotiations, whatever the terms. 76% accept autonomy if it leads to Palestinian sovereignty, 61% say rejectionists have no reliable agenda to confront the peace process. (al-Fajr 12/1 in FBIS 12/3)

Peace Now releases o.t. demographic survey, concluding that settlement movement in o.t. has failed, with inflated govt. investment over the years resulting in a small number of settlers who only provoke violence. Yesha Council (of Jewish Communities in Judea, Samaria and Gaza) charges Peace Now with tailoring facts to fit their political orientation. (IDF Radio 11/30 in FBIS 12/1; MM 12/1)

Al-Quds al-Arabi publishes interview with Chmn. Arafat criticizing Syria for "adopting" the ten rejectionist factions, Iran and the Gulf states for supporting Hamas. (MM 12/1)

Katyusha rocket fired at IDF post in "security zone" (first such firing since 11/12), followed by bombardment of SLA positions north of zone. Israel, SLA shells Iqlim al-Tuffah region. (Radio Lebanon, VOL 12/1 in FBIS 12/1)

Rabin govt. defeats 4 no-confidence motions in Knesset by vote of 59 to 51. The ultra-Orthodox SHAS party agreed to stay in coalition in exchange for an apology from outspoken secularist ed. min. Shulamit Aloni, more influence in public school curricula, and restrictions on import of non-kosher meat (see 10/28). (NYT 11/3)

Palestine National Salvation Front condemns 10/28 Israeli-Jordanian agenda for talks as a sellout of Palestinian rights and a legalization of Israeli aggression. (QPAR 11/3 in FBIS 11/3)

General strike in Gaza, early business closures in W. Bank, and widespread disturbances throughout o.t. mark 75th anniv. of Balfour Declaration. (al-Fajr 11/9)

Israel shells, machine-guns Litani River basin, Jabal Safi, western Biqa' regions in Lebanon. Lebanese army fires at Israeli planes overflying Tyre at low altitudes. (Radio Lebanon 11/2 in FBIS 11/3)

PLO pol. dept head Faruq al-Qaddumi says PLO and Arab states must carefully examine the proposal to hold next round of multilateral refugee talks in Tunis. Israel accepted the Tunisian offer, which he says is a "U.S. demand" (see 10/22). (SANA 10/31 in FBIS 11/2)

IDF kills Hamas mbr. in Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip. Demonstrations erupt throughout Strip. (al-Fajr 11/9)

Lebanese PM-designate Rafiq al-Hariri meets with Pres. Asad, other Syrian officials in Damascus, then returns to Beirut to announce new govt. Chamber of Deputies speaker Nabih Birri criticizes the new cabinet, will travel to Damascus for consultations. (Radio Lebanon, VOL 10/31 in FBIS 11/2)

Hizballah mbr. is killed after exploding a roadside bomb near SLA patrol inside "security zone." Israel shells villages north of "security zone." (Qol Yisra'el 10/31, Voice of the Oppressed 11/1 in FBIS 11/3)

In interview with Middle East Insight magazine, Pres. candidate Bill Clinton says Arab states should end boycott against Israel. (WT 11/12)

Labor party Chmn. Yitzhak Rabin forms governing coalition with Meretz and SHAS (Torah Observing Sephardim) parties, for a total of 62 seats in the Knesset (see 6/23). Right wing Tsomet party under Rafael Eytan left out over increasing disagreement with Rabin. (NYT 7/10)

Hamas and Fateh release "joint statement" calling for temporary truce after meeting in Amman. (WP 7/10)

Haydar 'Abd al-Shafi condemns violence in the Gaza Strip, calls on two sides to "immediately and unconditionally" halt attacks, intends to continue mediation in statement on behalf of NRC (see 7/8). (Al-Fajr 7/9 in FBIS 7/9)

EC grants ECU 15 million (about $20 million) for industrial and agricultural development to 4 Palestinian loan institutions in o.t. Agreement was signed in Jerusalem by EC rep. Thomas Dupla and Faisal Husseini, and is part of ECU 60 million package allocated to the o.t. (Al-Fajr 7/10 in FBIS 7/17)

Amnesty International releases report critizing Israel's holding of 2,000 Palestinians in "administrative detention" without charge or trial and its "unjustifiable" killing of 90 Palestinians. Report states about 170 Palestinians, most of them suspected collaborators, were killed by other Palestinians. (WP 7/10)

PLO issues statement rejecting Lebanese plan for refugee resettlement and compensation calling on Lebanon to support Palestinian right to return and settle in their own independent homeland. (VOL 7/9 in FBIS 7/15)

Jersualem Post reports PM Shamir has urged Pres. Bush to free Jonathan Pollard, convicted to life sentence in 1986 for spying for Israel. (WP 7/10)

Bahij Abu al-Hana, head of Biqa' Valley branch of Abu Nidal's Fateh Revolutionary Council, is shot dead near his home in Ta'lbaya, Lebanon. (AFP 7/9 in FBIS 7/9)

Labor, Meretz set up joint team to discuss differences over Labor draft of basic guidelines for emerging govt. (see 6/30, 7/1). (Qol Yisra'el 7/3 in FBIS 7/6)

IDF attempts to break-up "military-like" Islamic Jihad parade in Bethlehem by shooting "indiscriminately," kill 1 Palestinian. Palestinians clash with IDF troops in Bani Suhayla, Rafah Camp, Gaza. Undercover unit shoots, wounds 1 of 3 youths painting graffiti in Shaykh Radwan, Gaza. Masked Palestinian youth shot dead by IDF in Bethlehem (MM 7/3; Al-Fajr 7/6)

Chmn. Arafat receives "important message" from King Fahd, delivered by Saudi amb. to Tunis Ibrahim Saad al-Ibrahim; meeting is first in 2 years between Arafat and Saudi official. (MM 7/30)

Palestinian girl attacks settler with knife in Hebron, settlers riot, curfew is imposed by IDF. (Al-Fajr 7/6)

Two Israelis are killed south of Gaza city; IDF seeks 4 Hamas members as suspects. (WP 6/26)

Undercover IDF troops fire on 5 armed Palestinians near Janin; 1 soldier, 3 Palestinians are killed. Curfew is imposed on Janin and surrounding camps. (WP, NYT 6/26; Al-Fajr 6/29)

Chmn. Arafat leaves Cairo, arrives in Tunis for first time since undergoing brain surgery in Amman 6/1. (MENA 6/25 in FBIS 6/26, MM 6/26)

Labor party wins substantial victory in Israeli elections with 44 out of 120 seats. Likud wins 32, left-wing Meretz coalition wins 12; Tsomet 8, National Religous Party 6, SHAS 6, United Torah Jewry 4, Democratic Front (Arab) 3, Moledet 3, Arab Democratic Party 2. Rabin to form coalition with smaller parties to obtain 61-seat majority. Curfew is imposed on entire o.t., barring Palestinian entry to Israel or East Jerusalem. (NYT, WP, MM 6/24; MM, FBIS 6/26; NYT 6/27; Al-Fajr 6/29)

Israel shells Kafr Rumman, Nabatiyya areas, S. Lebanon. (VOL 6/23 in FBIS 6/24)

Appearing before Senate Armed Services Committee, 2 former chrmn. of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. William Crowe and Gen. David Jones, urge Bush admin. to postpone military action against Iraq and to give sanctions a year or more to work [NYT, LAT, WT, WP 11/29; CSM 11/30].

Britain and Syria restore diplomatic relations, severed 4 years ago when Britain accused Syria of sponsoring terrorism. Communique from Damascus confirms resumption of ties, renounces terrorism, but adds "Syria does not consider resistance against Israeli occupation as terrorism" [MEM 11/28; NYT, WP 11/29].

UN Sec, Council passes res. 677 condemning Iraq's attempts to change Kuwait's demographic composition [MEM 11/29].

Israeli Cabinet votes to raise personal income taxes by 5% and to raise national sales tax from 16% to 18% in order to help pay for resettlement of Soviet Jewish immigrants. Measures take effect in 1991 pending Knesset approval (cf. 12/2) [MEM 11/28; NYT 11/29; MET 12/11].

Hard-line statement by King Fahd serves warning to Iraq that "no other solution will be accepted" than unconditional withdrawal from Kuwait [NYT 11/29].

Iraqi gov't. statement lashes out at U.S. for sponsoring UN resolution authorizing use of force, says it would ignore any deadline set by UN; in separate statement Saddam Hussein accuses UN of double standard in dealing with Middle East issues, particularly dealings with Israel [NYT, LAT 11/29].

Two IDF reservists who refuse to serve in o.t. are sentenced to 2 and 4 weeks in prison; since beginning of intifada 128 reservists have refused to serve in o.t. (cf. 12/1) [JDS 11/28 in FBIS 11/29].

Al-Fajr poll of 550 Nablus residents finds 34% believe war is inevitable and that 54% believe Iraq would triumph over coalition forces in the war [FJ 11/28].

Soviet F.M. Shevardnadze arrives in New York for UN Sec. Council meeting [TASS 11/28 in FBIS 11/29].

Ariel Sharon, new housing minister, promises Israel will make no special effort to settle Soviet Jewish emigrants in O.T.: "We do not divert and we do not send any Russian immigrants or any Jew who comes from Russia" to O.T. (cf. 6/25) [IDF 6/24 in FBIS 6/25; WP, LAT, NYT 6/25; CSM 6/27].

Knesset announces plans to allow armed civilian units to patrol perimeters of O.T. settlements; creation of settlers' Civil Guard comes under fire [MEM 6/ 25].

East German president of parliament Sabine Bergmann-Pohl and her West German counterpart Rita Suessmuth visit Israel apparently to allay Israeli concerns about a unified Germany. Bergmann-Pohl says she hopes she "will be able to assist in speeding up the creation of diplomatic relations between the two countries" [WT 6/26].

Israeli transport minister Moshe Qatzav suspends inauguration of direct commercial flights between Tel Aviv and Prague because of dispute over security arrangements in Czech capital UPD 6/25 in FBIS 6/28].

Inspector general of Israeli police, Yaakov Turner, warns Palestinian residents of E. Jerusalem that more of them would be killed if they continue demonstrations that began on 6/20 [JDS 6/24 in FBIS 6/28; NYT 6/25].

Hanna Siniora, editor of Al-Fajr, says of U.S. decision to suspend dialogue with PLO that "the whole area is slipping toward a bottomless pit of hatred and suspicion." Editorials say suspension of dialogue has "put the whole region on a powder keg" and amount to reward for Shamir's intransigence [CSM 6/25].

King Hussein calls on U.S. to reassess its Middle East policy and open door for Soviet Jews who wish to settle in U.S. rather than Israel [WSJ 6/25]

Egyptian F.M. Esmat Abdel Meguid flies to Washington hoping to avert crisis in U.S.-Arab relations and reassert Egypt's role in peace process [LAT 6/25].

Hadashot reports since Arye Bibi, commander of Jerusalem district police, assumed his post, 5 Arabs have been killed by police or border guard fire in the district. Under Bibi's predecessor Yosef Yehuday, no one was killed by police gunfire; due to relative quiet in O.T., Jerusalem is becoming intifada's frontline [HAD 6/25 in FBIS 6/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestine Human Rights Information Center reports that at least 130 Palestinian houses have been partially or totally sealed in the first 2 years of the intifada; also approximately 270 Palestinian homes have been demolished by IDF [NYT 2/7].

Likud Central Committee reschedules meeting postponed because of 2/4 bus attack in Egypt to 2/12 [FBIS 2/6].

Arab World: PLO officially denounces 2/4 bus attack in Egypt, says attack cannot be viewed in isolation from daily Israeli violence against Palestinians in O.T., reaffirms policies prohibiting armed actions outside Israel and the O.T. [NYT 2/7].

PNC in Amman sends Gorbachev a 5-page memorandum asking "in the name of human rights, we appeal to you to take speedy measures to stop the emigration to Soviet Jews" to Israel [LAT 2/7].

Other Countries: Environmentalists call on Pres. Bush to cancel $300 million project to build VOA and Radio free Europe radio transmitter in the Negev [WP 2/7].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Al-Fajr reports 2 Israeli settlers shoot, kill 45-year-old Palestinian in Nablus [FJ 2/12].

At least 20 Gazans are injured in clashes with soldiers; IDF uses light aircraft to track demonstrators after about 400 youths gather near Rafah [FBIS 2/7]. 

Arab World: SLA checkpoint on the border of Israel's "security zone" comes under fire from unidentified fighters [FBIS 2/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Elections to the Engineering Association in Gaza are held, Hamas wins 5 of 9 seats, pro-PLO bloc wins 3. [FBIS 2/1].

Arab World: Arafat arrives in Cairo for third meeting this month with Pres. Mubarak [FBIS 1/29; MET 2/6].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli tax collectors seize 150 automobiles in al-Zawiyeh village, near Nablus, in attempt to force Palestinian owners to pay taxes [FJ 2/5].

Al-Fajr reports that Jewish settlers set fire to a Burin village mosque [FJ 2/5].

At least 6 Palestinians in O.T. are shot, injured in clashes with IDF [FJ 2/5].

Arab World: Israeli patrol in S. Lebanon is ambushed, DFLP claims responsibility, says its fighters killed 6 Israelis; Israel says no one was injured, and that the attackers fled when fired upon [MET 2/6; FBIS 1/ 26].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Ariel Sharon, minister of industry, states that Israel must "eliminate the heads of the terrorist organizations, first of all Arafat" [WP 7/18]. Palestinians observe general strike throughout O.T. [FJ 7/24]. F. M. Arens states that it is impossible to hold free elections in O.T., while U.S. is holding talks with PLO [WP 7/18].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Soldiers demolish 2 Palestinian homes in Gaza City. At least 35 Palestinians are reported injured in O.T. [FJ 7/24]. Al-Fajr cites army sources as saying it costs Israel $500,000 per day to fight intifadah [FJ 7/17].

Arab World: SLA shells Palestinian positions near Sidon [FJ 7/24]. Israeli tanks fire on Sunni villages near Tyre, killing 1, wounding 10 [MET 7/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Hadashot reports that Meir Kahane's Kach movement has set up Jewish "strike forces" to provoke and terrorize Arab population [FBIS 5/25]. Jerusalem court convicts Hanna Siniora, editor of al-Fajr, of censorship violation 2 1/2 years ago when al-Fajr published interview with Arafat without prior approval of censor [FBIS 5/26].

Arab World: Arafat speaks at Arab summit, asks for more money for intifadah; declares that none of the $128 million pledged at Algiers Arab summit (6/88) has been paid [FBIS 5/26].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Jabalya camp Israeli troops shoot, kill 20-year-old Palestinian. [FBIS 5/26, FJ 5/29]. In O.T. at least 48 Palestinians are wounded in clashes [FBIS 5/26]. Israeli military court acquits 4 Israeli soldiers of manslaughter in beating death of Palestinian; the court convicts 4 of brutality, rules that their orders were "manifestly illegal" [WP 5/26].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Israel imposes curfew on 650,000 Palestinians inGaza in anticipation of demonstrations marking the 24th anniversary of first PLO attack on Israel. The army orders 1,200 W. Bank schools closed for week [WP 1/1].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: In Nablus 4 Israeli soldiers in comandeered car open fire on youths; 1 Palestinian is killed. In Bayt Rima troops open fire, kill 1 Palestinian. In E. Jerusalem 14-year-old boy from Shuwaykah dies from head wounds received 12/7; in Shuwaykah troops wound 10 Palestinians at funeral. Soldiers injure 9 more Palestinians throughout O.T. [WP 1/1, Fl 1/9]. In December troops killed 31 Palestinians, wounded over 400, according to MK Yossi Sarid [WP 1/1]; al-Fajr [1/9] reports that 33 Palestinians were killed in December.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli PM Shamir pledges to build more settlements if he forms coalition [WP 11/6]. Al-Fajr daily publishes Palestinian declaration of independence calling for the establishment of Palestinian state, reaffirming PLO as sole representative of Palestinian people, calling for superpowers and western governments to work toward the implementation of UN resolutions and Geneva agreements, and stating the sole path to peace is through international convention. The paper states that this will be issued at PNC meeting in Algiers [LAT 11/5]. Rujayb enters 8th day under curfew [FJ 11/13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Demonstrations erupt in Jabalya, Beach, and Khan Yunis camps leaving at least 13 people wounded from gunfire. In Silwad troops shoot, wound 3 Palestinians. At Balatah camp 2 Palestinians are injured. In Bethlehem soldiers use plastic bullets to break up demonstrations. At least one woman is injured [FJ 11/13].

Social/Economic/Political

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

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

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

Military Action

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

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Commercial strike continues in E. Jerusalem. Stores open in Gaza City [WP 1/27]. Shopowners heed call of Unified National Command for the Uprising in the Occupied Territories, strike in many W. Bank cities and towns [LAT 1/27]. Trials of Gazans arrested during uprising slow to "standstill" as scores of defendants demand full hearings [FBIS 1/27]. Moshe 'Amirav leaves Herut Movement after being removed from its central com. [FBIS 1/27]. Israeli authorities order al-Fajr's Gaza office closed for 1 year [FJ 1/3 1]. Hebron U. reopens after 1-month military-ordered closure [FJ 1/31].

Arab World: In Beirut, Islamic Jihad for the Liberation of Palestine says fate of 4 Beirut University College professors it is holding hostage is linked to Israeli arrests of Palestinians inoccupied territories [WP 1/27].

Other Countries: U.S. State Dept. announces Sec. of State Shultz will meet with al-Fajr editor Hanna Siniora and Gaza attorney Fayiz Abu Rahmah. Egypt's Pres. Husni Mubarak arrives in Washington for 3-day official visit. Elyakim Rubinstein, Israeli cabinet sec., holds talks with Charles Hill, aide to Sec. of State Shultz [NYT 1/27].

Military Action Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops open fire on demonstrators in Gaza Strip's Jenin refugee camp, wounding 1. Curfew on Jabalya is lifted but reimposed after crowds throw Molotov cocktails at Israeli patrol [WP 1/27; FJ 1/31]. In the West Bank, military imposes curfews on village of Qabatiyyah and Jenin camp following violent demonstrations. Curfews imposed on Tulkarm and Bayt 'Ur al-Tahta are lifted; military lifts curfew on Balata, declares camp closed military zone. Sa'ir village remains under siege and nearby village of al-Shuyukh is also blockaded. Israeli troops use rubber bullets to disperse stone-throwing crowd in Jalazun refugee camp, injuring 1; another Jalazun resident is severely beaten. Curfew is imposed on camp. Demonstrations are also reported in al-Birah and Ramallah [FJ 1/31].

Arab World: Israeli warplanes stage mock raids over Sidon, drawing anti-aircraft fire [FBIS 1/27].