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  • April 30, 2019

    Israeli forces arrested 18 Israeli settlers while evacuating temporary homes at an Israeli-deemed illegal settlement east of the Ofra settlement. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities issued 2...

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  • May 25, 2013

    Off the coast of the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2...

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  • January 23, 2013

    White House spokesperson Jay Carney responds to a question about the consequences of the Israeli election for peace efforts by restating the administration’s call for a resumption of direct...

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  • February 12, 2011

    The PLO Exec. Comm. says it plans to hold Palestinian legislative and presidential elections by 9/2011. Hamas says it will not participate in local or national elections, saying a national unity...

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  • January 25, 2011

    Ireland upgrades the status of the Palestinian representation in Dublin from a “delegation” to a “mission” and grants the mission head ambassador status. It does not recognize Palestine as a state...

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  • October 17, 1999

    At the weekly cabinet mtg., PM Barak says that although he still has not found a suitable person to lead the final status team, comprehensive staff work has been done to formulate Israel's...

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  • September 13, 1999

    On the 6th anniversary of the Oslo I signing, Israel, the PA hold ceremony at Erez crossing to mark official resumption of final status talks. PA chief negotiator Abbas, Israeli FM Levy host the...

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  • March 20, 1999

    Refugee Working Group holds 2 mtgs. in Paris to follow up on family reunification talks. (al-Hayat 3/22; MM 4/6)

    Jordan, Egypt, PA hold long-delayed...

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  • July 2, 1992

    Pres. Haim Herzog formally invites Yitzhak Rabin to form a new government. (WP 7/2)

    PM-designate Yitzhak Rabin calls on Fin. Min. Yitzhak Modai to stop releasing fund for construction in...

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  • December 6, 1989

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli authorities bar Palestinian leader Faisal Husayni from O.T. for 6 months, calling him threat to Israeli security [NYT, WP 12/7...

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  • March 28, 1989

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: D.M. Yitzhaq Rabin announces Fateh has refrained from attacking Israeli positions [WP 3/29].

    Arab World: Saudi Arabia's King Fahd...

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  • May 18, 1986

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: Absorption Minister Ya'acov Tzur and Jewish Agency Aliyah Department Head Haim Aharon said level of 1986 Jewish immigration was worst in...

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  • January 16, 1985

    Social/Economic/Political

    Occupied Palestine/Israel: Inmates at Jnaid prison (Nablus) demonstrate against attempted housing of 26 alleged Muslim Brotherhood prisoners; IDF, Border Police,...

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Israeli forces arrested 18 Israeli settlers while evacuating temporary homes at an Israeli-deemed illegal settlement east of the Ofra settlement. In East Jerusalem, Israeli authorities issued 2 demolition orders for 2 buildings in Shu‘fat refugee camp. Israeli forces also demolished 2 Palestinian-owned homes in Silwan; at least 1 Palestinian was injured trying to protect his home. In Gaza, Israel reduced the fishing zone from 15 nautical miles to 6 in response to the rocket fired from Gaza on 4/29. Israeli authorities said that the rocket was launched by Islamic Jihad. Off the coast of Gaza City, a Palestinian fisherman was injured when he was hit by a rubber-coated bullet fired by Israeli naval forces. Israeli naval forces also removed and destroyed all fishing nets placed outside of the 6-nautical-mile fishing zone. In Israel, 2 Israelis were sentenced to 1 year in prison for assaults made on 4 Palestinian citizens of Israel in 2017 to deter them from dating Jewish women. (AJ, HA, HA, MNA, MNA, MNA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/30; HA, HA 5/1)

The EU called on Israel not to deport Human Rights Watch director for Israel and Palestine Omar Shakir, who was denied a petition at the Jerusalem district court to halt his pending deportation on 4/16. (HA 4/30)

The EU asked the PA to accept the reduced tax revenue Israel is offering until a solution to the PA’s financial crisis is found. The EU stressed that the request “does not constitute a legal or political endorsement of Israeli deductions.” (HA 4/30; HA 5/1)

The U.S. government is working to designate the Muslim Brotherhood a foreign terrorist organization, said the White House. According to New York Times reporting, U.S. president Donald Trump was urged by Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to make the designation while on an official visit to Washington on 4/9. (AJ, NYT 4/30)

In a joint statement by U.S. democrats in the House of Representatives, concern was expressed for the Israeli-planned demolition of Khan al-Ahmar and Susiya. The U.S. members of Congress signing the statement were Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), David Price (D-NC), John Yarmuth (D-KY), Peter Welch (D-VT), Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), and Lloyd Doggett (D-TX). (Schakowsky’s Office 4/30; WAFA 5/2)

Member of the House of Representatives Betty McCollum (D-MN) reintroduced her bill H.R.2407 “Promoting Human Rights for Palestinian Children Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act.” The bill, if passed, would amend the Foreign Assistance Act, cutting assistance to foreign countries that uses “military detention, interrogation, abuse, or ill-treatment of children in violation of international humanitarian law,” and authorize $19 million annually to NGOs monitoring human rights abuses associated with Israel’s military detention of children. (Congress 4/30; McCollum’s Office, MDW 1/5)

The outgoing French ambassador to the U.S. Gérard Araud, who on 4/19 called Israel an apartheid state, will not be meeting Israeli officials when he visits Israel in early May, as Israel has barred its officials from meeting Araud. Additionally, Israel summoned France’s ambassador to Israel Hélène Le Gal to the Israeli foreign ministry for a reprimand for Araud’s statements. (HA 4/30)

The United Kingdom announced that it was contributing $11.7 million to help build a water desalination plant in Gaza. (WAFA 4/30)

The EU contributed $4.1 million to the PA’s private sector reconstruction agricultural program to help farmers in Gaza. In a separate announcement, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said that the EU was contributing with an additional $24.5 million in humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. (MNA, WAFA, WAFA 4/30; MNA 5/1)

Off the coast of the Gaza Strip, Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen, causing no damage or injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 2 villages nr. Ramallah and 1 village nr. Hebron; patrols in 1 village nr. Jenin and 1 village nr. Tulkarm in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Salfit and 1 village nr. Ramallah at night. Also in the West Bank, Jewish settlers from Yitzhar settlement destroy around 100 olive trees nr. Nablus. (MNA 5/25; PCHR 5/30)

Egypt’s Supreme Constitutional Court rules against elements of an election law passed by the Muslim Brotherhood-dominated legislature, sending the bill back to the Upper House for review. Meanwhile, U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry meets Pres. Mohamed Morsi on the sidelines of an African Union summit and urges the Egyptian govt. to implement economic reforms necessary to secure a $4.8 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan. (AP, REU 5/25)

Four more people die in clashes between residents of the Sunni Bab el-Tebbaneh district and Alawite area Jabal Mohsen, bringing the death toll over 6 days of fighting in Tripoli to 28, with over 200 wounded. Meanwhile, Hizballah head Hassan Nasrallah broadcasts a televised speech saying that the fall of the Bashar al-Asad govt. in Syria would be a disaster for the “resistance” and for Palestine and a victory for U.S. and Israeli interests. (AFP, HA 5/25)

White House spokesperson Jay Carney responds to a question about the consequences of the Israeli election for peace efforts by restating the administration’s call for a resumption of direct negotiations on final-status issues. Meanwhile, the UN’s special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, Robert Serry, tells a UNSC meeting that courageous steps by Israeli and Palestinian leaders are required to save the two-state solution. At the meeting, Palestinian FM Riyad al-Maliki sits behind a ‘‘State of Palestine’’ nameplate, drawing criticism from U.S. amb. Susan Rice, who says that the U.S. does not recognize the UNGA vote in 11/2012 (see Quarterly Update in JPS 166). After the meeting, Maliki says that the Palestinians’ decision about whether to go to the ICC over Israel’s settlement construction will depend on what the Israeli government does in the E1 area nr. Jerusalem. (AP, REU, UNNC 1/23)

Israeli naval vessels open fire on Palestinian fishermen off the Gaza coast nr. al-Waha, causing no injuries. The IDF also makes a brief incursion into Gaza to a distance of 200 m from the border fence nr. Bayt Hanun to level land. In the West Bank, IDF soldiers open fire on Palestinians at the entrance to al-‘Arub r.c. nr. Hebron, killing 1 woman with a shot to the head. Eyewitnesses say the soldiers were traveling in a civilian car. Also, a Palestinian teenager shot by the IDF during clashes in Aida r.c. on 1/18 dies in the hospital. The IDF patrols in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, in 1 village nr. Ramallah in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Hebron at night; conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village each nr. Hebron and Jenin at night. (MNA, PCHR, WAFA 1/23)

Human rights NGO the Palestinian Center for Human Rights publishes a list of media workers in the Gaza Strip arrested by Hamas security services over the previous 48 hours. Meanwhile, dep. head of Hamas politburo Musa Abu Marzuq says that there is no disagreement within Hamas about Mahmud Abbas heading a unity government. (MNA 1/23)

PA fin. min. Nabil Qassis says that the government’s financial crisis is structural, requiring systematic changes in the budget and culture. He reveals that the deficit has now exceeded $1.4 b. (MNA 1/23)

Jordan holds parliamentary elections, which are boycotted by the Muslim Brotherhood–affiliated Islamic Action Front. The boycott is based on claims that the electoral system is biased in favor of rural tribal areas where pro-regime sentiment is highest, in contrast to large, more densely populated urban areas, where pro-Brotherhood views are strong among poor Palestinians. In the election, 1,425 candidates compete for 150 seats, up from 120, in the lower house. King Abdallah has agreed to cede some powers to the new legislature, such as choosing the PM and running day-to-day affairs. There are numerous reports of vote-buying and small-scale clashes in Karak governorate and some districts of Amman. The results see pro-government candidates maintain their dominance of the parliament, though 37 Islamist and other government critics win seats in the legislature. (AKH, AP, NYT, REU 1/23; AP, REU 1/24)

The Lebanese army states that 12 Israeli warplanes violated Lebanese airspace overnight, claiming that the breach of Lebanon’s sovereignty is a violation of UN Res. 1701, which was accepted as the basis for the cease-fire that ended the Israeli-Lebanon war of 2006. (Daily Star 1/23)

The PLO Exec. Comm. says it plans to hold Palestinian legislative and presidential elections by 9/2011. Hamas says it will not participate in local or national elections, saying a national unity agreement must come before a vote. (NYT, WP 2/13; WP 2/16)

IDF troops on the Gaza border fire warning shots at Palestinians scavenging for construction materials 3 times (twice in the fmr. Jewish settlements nr. the n. border fence, once nr. the border e. of Gaza City), wounding 3 Palestinians. In the West Bank, the IDF enters Qalqilya in the morning, patrols streets, setting up a checkpoint, raiding 1 store, and summoning 3 Palestinians for questioning; patrols in 2 villages nr. Tulkarm, 1 nr. Salfit in the afternoon and 1 village nr. Qalqilya and 1 nr. Ramallah late at night. In Ramallah, 100s of Palestinians march in support of Egypt’s prodemocracy movement. (WP 2/13; PCHR 2/17; OCHA 2/18)

Egypt’s Supreme Military Council issues communiqué no. 4 pledging to “meet the legitimate demands of the people” and oversee a quick transition to a “democratic and free” Egypt run by civilians, but says Mubarak’s government and institutions will stay on as caretaker in the short term. It also pledges that Egypt will honor its international treaties, including the peace treaty with Israel. (Netanyahu welcomes the statement.) An opposition coalition called the Coalition of the Youth of the Revolution (representing mbrs. of the youth movement credited with rallying the protests, the Muslim Brotherhood, and El-Baradei’s umbrella organization) urges protesters to go home, saying it will lead negotiations with the military going forward. The army moves quickly through the end of the quarter to disband parliament, suspend the constitution, and appoint a legitimate constitutional reform comm. (NYT, WP, WT 2/13; NYT, WP, WT 2/14; NYT, WP, WT 2/16)

Ireland upgrades the status of the Palestinian representation in Dublin from a “delegation” to a “mission” and grants the mission head ambassador status. It does not recognize Palestine as a state or give the mission greater diplomatic privileges or immunities. Israel expresses its “regret.” (HA, YA 1/25; WJW 1/27)

OCHA reports that Israel has barred the import of industrial fuel for Gaza’s electricity plant for 2 weeks and is now internally discussing disconnecting Gaza fr. Israel’s electricity and water grid. (Gaza authorities have been able to keep electricity generation at 30% of demand by increasing the amount of fuel smuggling through tunnels fr. Egypt.) UNRWA reports that it has suspended 23 approved building projects in Gaza because of Israeli restrictions on gravel imports. Meanwhile, IDF troops make 2 brief incursion into Gaza e. of Gaza Valley village and e. of al-Maghazi r.c. to level land and clear lines of sight. Unidentified Palestinians fire 2 Qassam rockets fr. Gaza into Israel, causing no damage or injuries. OCHA reports that since 1/19, 3 Palestinians have been injured in tunnelrelated accidents (2 crushed transporting construction materials, 1 electrocuted). (JP 1/25; PCHR 1/27; OCHA 1/28)

Some 150,000 Egyptians of all socioeconomic backgrounds inspired by events in Tunisia answer a week of calls to attend a “day of revolution” antigovernment rally in Cairo’s Tahrir Square today (a national holiday to honor police), bringing blankets, food, and water and vowing to continue protests until Mubarak steps down, his government is dissolved, and parliament is disbanded. (The Muslim Brotherhood does not participate to allow the voice of the people to stay at the fore.) The government cuts cell phone and Internet service to limit international coverage and mobilization efforts via social networking sites. Late at night, government security forces raided the square firing tear gas and water cannons, beating some demonstrators, and arresting others in an unsuccessful effort to drive them out. After a paroxysm of retaliatory violence that kills 1 police officer and some looting in the National Museum on the square, protesters disengage and mobilize to call for nonviolence, notably creating a cordon around the museum to protect it. Parallel protests are held in Alexandria, Suez (where violent clashes kill 2 demonstrators), and several smaller towns, with larger protests called for Friday 1/28. By this date, there have also been several days of protests in Yemen calling for Pres. Saleh’s removal, citing economic ills, corruption, and rumors Saleh plans to install his son as his successor. (NYT, WP, WT 1/25; AFP, al-Masri al-Yawm 1/26; see also NYT 1/23; AFP 1/26; NYT 1/27)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On the 6th anniversary of the Oslo I signing, Israel, the PA hold ceremony at Erez crossing to mark official resumption of final status talks. PA chief negotiator Abbas, Israeli FM Levy host the event. U.S. special envoy Dennis Ross, Russian FMin. dir. for the Middle East Alexander Saltanov, EU special envoy Miguel Moratinos attend. (MM 9/13; XIN 9/13 in WNC 9/14; NYT, WP, WT 9/14; ITAR-TASS, SA, al-Wafd 9/14 in WNC 9/15; VOA 9/15 in WNC 9/16; WJW 9/16; MEI 9/17; JP 9/24)

While the Erez ceremony is taking place, Barak convenes ministerial comm. on Jerusalem to discuss consolidating Israel sovereignty over Jerusalem "especially in this year of intensive discussions on the permanent status agreement." (MM 9/14)

PA Culture and Information M Yasir `Abid Rabbuh says that the PA will not unilaterally declare a Palestinian state before the end of the 1-yr. period allotted under Wye II for completion of a final status agmt. (AFP 9/14 in WNC 9/15; WT 9/15; VOA 9/15 in WNC 9/16)

King Abdallah of Jordan arrives in Lebanon for 2 days of talks, meets with PM Salim al-Huss. Abdallah focuses on expanding Jordan's economic and political relations with Lebanon and Syria, says the 3 countries have a "strategic interest" in coordinating their positions on the peace process, especially on refugees, water. (MM 9/13; RL 9/13 in WNC 9/14; JT, RL, VOL 9/14 in WNC 9/15; NYT 9/15)

Muslim Brotherhood head `Abd al-Majid Dhunaybat meets with Jordanian PM `Abd al-Rauf al-Rawabida to mediate a reconciliation btwn. Hamas, the Jordanian government. (MM 9/13; al-Istiqlal 9/16 in WNC 9/26; SA 9/21 in WNC 9/24; AFP 9/25 in WNC 9/27; WT 9/26) (see 9/4)

Refugee Working Group holds 2 mtgs. in Paris to follow up on family reunification talks. (al-Hayat 3/22; MM 4/6)

Jordan, Egypt, PA hold long-delayed tripartite coordination mtg. in Amman to discuss the post-Oslo period (MENA, RJ, VOA 3/20, al-Quds 3/21 in WNC 3/22; WT 3/21; JT 3/22 in WNC 3/23)

In Athens, Arafat meets with Greek pres. Kostis Stephanopoulos. (Athens News Agency 3/21 in WNC 3/22)

The PA releases 2 Palestinian political detainees. 1 of the prisoners, Harb al-Daqs, had been held without charge for 3 yrs. (PR 3/26)

Following cooperation talks with the Muslim Brotherhood's Islamic Action Front (IAF) party, Jordan's main opposition party, King Abdallah releases 15 Islamists who were detained over the past few wks. for security reasons, orders general amnesty to coincide with upcoming Id al-Adha holiday under which some 600 prisoners will be freed. (AFP 3/20 in WNC 3/22)

Lebanese military court sentences 6 persons to death for collaborating with Israel. (MENA 3/20 in WNC 3/22)

Pres. Haim Herzog formally invites Yitzhak Rabin to form a new government. (WP 7/2)

PM-designate Yitzhak Rabin calls on Fin. Min. Yitzhak Modai to stop releasing fund for construction in the o.t. (Hadashot 7/3 in FBIS 7/6)

Hamas and Fateh members clash in Bani Suhayla, Gaza. Militant Hamas 'Izz al-Din al-Qassim battalions stage protest of Fateh in Khan Yunis. (AFP 7/5 in FBIS 7/6)

"Association of Religious Sages in Palestine" is founded in Jerusalem. Most of the 77 members are junior clerics and Muslim Brotherhood or Hamas activists, and not senior waqf or Supreme Islamic Council clergy. Founding of org. seen as Hamas strategy of establishing institutions to rival those of PLO. (Ha'Aretz 7/6 in FBIS 7/9)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli authorities bar Palestinian leader Faisal Husayni from O.T. for 6 months, calling him threat to Israeli security [NYT, WP 12/7].

Five Palestinians living on Egyptian side of Canada district, divided in half by Israeli border, crossed into Gaza Strip as first of 5,000 Arabs to be reunited with their families over next 5 years [NYT 12/ 8; JP 12/16].

The return of Palestinians prompts angry demonstrations by Israeli settlers [JP 12/16; FJ 12/25].

Israel and Egypt sign a new agreement on agricultural cooperation [FBIS 12/13].

Arab World: Egypt, speaking for PLO, formally accepts in principle the 5-point formula of Sec. Baker, adds 3 conditions [NYT, WP, FBIS 12/7; FBIS 12/14].

New Jordanian P.M. Mudar Badran announces formation of 23-member Cabinet that excludes Muslim Brotherhood, largest bloc in new Parliament [NYT, FBIS 12/7].

Other Countries: Under U.S. and international pressure, Arab nations at UN withdraw resolution that recognizes Palestinian state [NYT, WP 12/7].

U.S. State Dep't. releases official version of Baker's 5-point framework for an Israeli-Palestinian dialogue [NYT, WP 12/ 7].

Undersec. Kelly arrives in Amman, briefs Husayn on Malta summit [FBIS 12/ 7]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: D.M. Yitzhaq Rabin announces Fateh has refrained from attacking Israeli positions [WP 3/29].

Arab World: Saudi Arabia's King Fahd and Egypt's Pres. Mubarak meet in Egypt, discuss Middle East peace, bilateral relations [FBIS 3/29]. Chedli Klibi is reelected chairman of Arab League for 3rd 5-year term [FBIS 3/29]. PLO Executive Committee nominates Arafat to be president of State of Palestine [FBIS 3/29]. In Cairo, Arafat meets with leaders of Muslim Brotherhood [FBIS 4/5].

Other Countries: French Pres. Mitterand announces he will meet with PLO chairman Arafat [FBIS 3/29, FJ 4/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 19-year-old Palestinian from Salim dies from wounds received 3/13 [FJ 4/3]. At least 10 Palestinians are injured during clashes in O.T. In Balata 3 women are treated after receiving cut wounds on the head during clashes with troops [FBIS 3/29].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Absorption Minister Ya'acov Tzur and Jewish Agency Aliyah Department Head Haim Aharon said level of 1986 Jewish immigration was worst in history, with only 2,600-2,800 immigrants arriving in first 4 months of 1986 [JP 5/19]. Emigration, meanwhile, is rising sharply [NYT 5/21]. Italian Foreign Minister Andreotti arrives for two-day visit to discuss terrorism and bilateral issues [JP 5/18]. In Gaza, shots are exchanged between members of Muslim Brotherhood group and secular nationalists over observance of Ramadan; 8 are arrested [JP 5/19].

Other Countries: P.M. Peres says on U.S. TV that he sees no imminent danger of war between Israel and Syria [FT 5/19].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Inmates at Jnaid prison (Nablus) demonstrate against attempted housing of 26 alleged Muslim Brotherhood prisoners; IDF, Border Police, prison guards use tear gas to suppress inmates [JP 1/17, FJ 1/18]. Over 2,000 E. Jerusalem merchants return their municipal tax bills to protest 670% increase in taxes [FJ 1/18].

Other Countries: White House spokesman Sims confirms US, USSR agree in principle to meet together on Middle East [see 1/13] sometime in the future [WP 1/17]. New York jury in Sharon libel case (11/12) determines that Time magazine defamed Sharon in 1982 article on Sabra-Shatila; must yet decide on 2 other points [NYT 1/17].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Katyusha fired from Jordan lands in Jordan Valley; no injuries or damage. DM Rabin warns Jordan to stop such attacks or else Israel will [JP 1/17].

Arab World: Gasoline bomb thrown at Israeli television team, IDF escort in Sidon, S. Lebanon; no injuries [JP 1/17]. S. Lebanon Civil Guard member wounded by gunfire in Nabatiya [JP 1/17].