The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, an Israeli settler assaulted 1 Palestinian man with pepper-spray in Huwwara. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinian herders in ‘Ain as-Sakout, forcing the Palestinians to flee. Israeli forces closed off Jericho for a second day in a row, impeding traffic in and out of the city during the Eid al-Fitr holidays. 5 Palestinians were arrested, including 4 during a raid in Arab al-Kaabneh in the Masafer Yatta area and 1 at the Container checkpoint. (QDS, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 4/23; HA 4/25; PCHR 4/27; UNOCHA 5/5)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, National Security Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and Finance Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir met to discuss the government’s response to the upcoming Supreme Court ruling on the demolition of Khan al-Ahmar. The meeting followed calls by Smotrich and Ben-Gvir for the government to end its responses to the Supreme Court related to the matter. On 4/24 the Israeli government issued a brief saying that it should be up to the government to decide when Khan al-Ahmar will be demolished, calling on the Supreme Court to reject the petition demanding the demolition and displacement of the Palestinians living there. (HA 4/23; QUDS 4/24; HA 4/25)

The Israeli Supreme Court overturned an order by Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant to ban participation of Palestinians from the West Bank at an Israeli Memorial Day ceremony for bereaved families. (HA 4/21; HA 4/23)

Israel arrested Imad al-Adwan, a member of the Jordanian parliament, at the Allenby Bridge crossing, claiming he had smuggled weapons and gold into the West Bank. The Jordanian foreign ministry said it was in contact with Israel about the arrest through diplomatic channels. (AP, HA, MEE 4/23; AJ, ALM, AP, BBC, MEE, REU, REU 4/24)

U.S. House of Representatives minority leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) led a group of 11 Democrats in a visit to Israel. Jeffries and the group met with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and U.S. ambassador to Israel Tom Nides. (HA 4/23; JC 4/25)

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted Palestinians in Fasayil, injuring 1. Israeli forces raided Nablus and took measurements for a punitive demolition of a home belonging to the family of a Palestinian killed during an Israeli raid on Jenin on 3/7. Israeli forces also issued 15 stop-work orders for structures in al-Jiftlik and demolition orders for 4 homes and 1 agricultural structure in Idhna. Elsewhere, Israeli forces raided Qaddura refugee camp, firing tear gas near the Palestine Medical Complex, leading to tear-gas related injuries among patients. 26 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Khirbet Abu Falah, Qaddura refugee camp, Eizariya, ‘Anata, ad-Doha, al-Walaja, Bethlehem, Beit Umar, Dura, Fawwar refugee camp, Aqabat Jaber refugee camp, Ein as-Sultan, Nablus, ‘Askar refugee camp, and Ya’bad. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 3/22; PCHR 3/23; UNOCHA 3/31)

The Israeli Land Authority published tenders for construction of 940 settlement units in the West Bank settlements Efrat and Beitar Illit and 89 settlement units in the Gilo settlement in East Jerusalem. (AP, PCN, WAFA 3/24; WAFA 3/25; MEMO 3/26; WAFA 3/27)

In Syria, Israeli forces conducted airstrikes on Aleppo International Airport for the second time this month, causing damage. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, REU 3/22)

Haaretz reported that the Israeli military had conducted a psychological warfare operation against Israelis during the 2021 Operation Guardian of the Wall to garner support among the Israeli public for the Israeli military’s attacks on Gaza. The military used the social media platforms Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to upload propaganda from fake profiles. The campaign was launched 2 days into Israel assault on Gaza, as Israeli military personnel feared they were losing public support. (AP, HA 3/22) 

The Jordanian parliament voted to recommend expelling the Israeli ambassador to the country in protest over Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich’s comments on 3/19 in Paris that the Palestinian people do not exist while standing in front of a map depicting Greater Israel, including all of Palestinian and Jordan. (AX, WAFA 3/20; AJ, WAFA 3/22)

In the Gaza Strip, unknown Palestinians fire shots toward IDF troops nr. the Erez crossing, causing no injuries. In 2 separate incidents, IDF troops open fire on Palestinian farmers nr. the border fence, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, the IDF informs residents nr. Jenin that 1,000s of dunams of land in the area will be seized; delivers demolition orders for 8 structures to Palestinians in a village nr. Hebron. Elsewhere, a Palestinian throws a Molotov cocktail at a settler nr. Hawara village s. of Nablus, and IDF troops impose a curfew on the village. The IDF conducts arrest raids and house searches nr. Hebron, Nablus, Qalqilya, and in Jenin r.c. Clashes break out with residents nr. Nablus, injuring 4 Palestinians in ‘Askar r.c. Late at night, a group of settlers, accompanied by IDF troops, enters a village e. of Ramallah and tries to burn a Palestinian’s home, but residents stop them. An Israeli settler attempts to run over 3 Palestinians with his car s. of Hebron, causing no injuries or damage. In East Jerusalem, municipal authorities and IDF troops deliver a demolition order to the Silwan home of the Palestinian who was suspected of shooting right-wing Jewish activist Yehuda Glick on 10/29 and was killed hours later by Israeli security forces. (See QU in JPS 174 for more.) In Israel, police arrest a U.S. citizen, saying that he has been living in Israel illegally for 18 mos., he possesses illegal weapons, and that he is planning attacks on Haram al-Sharif with his roommate, an IDF soldier. (MNA, WAFA 11/19; IMEMC, MNA, PCHR 11/20; PCHR 11/27; AFP, JP, HA 12/9)

Israeli authorities announce that the bodies of the 2 Palestinians who attacked a synagogue in West Jerusalem on 11/18 will not be returned to their families. Following the announcement, clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces break out in the East Jerusalem neighborhoods of Jabal Mukabir, where the men were from, Sur al-Bahir, Silwan, Issawiyya, and al-Tur; 12 Palestinians are injured by rubber-coated metal bullets. (HA, TOI 11/19; MNA 11/20)

Palestinian bus drivers working for Egged continue their strike for a 2d day, protesting the death of a driver on 11/16. (IMEMC 11/19)

Israeli authorities approve the construction of 78 new homes in 2 settlements in East Jerusalem. (AA, REU 11/19)

For the 2d day in a row, U.S. Secy. of State Kerry meets with Oman’s FM Alawi in London to discuss the negotiations between reps. of Iran and the P5+1 over Iran’s disputed nuclear program. (AP 11/19)

Jordan’s govt. formally condemns the attack on the West Jerusalem synagogue on 11/18. The Jordanian parliament holds a moment of silence for the 2 Palestinians who were killed by Israeli police after perpetrating the attack, and Jordanian PM Abdullah Ensour sends a letter of condolence to the men’s family. (TOI 11/21)

The upper house of Jordanian parliament overturns (45-3) 3 laws on Israel, installs in their place legislation to allow economic and neighborly cooperation. (RJ 7/31 in FBIS 7/31; MM 8/1; MEI 8/4; JP 8/12) (see 7/26)

213 arrested, 25 injured when 400 Israeli police, soldiers evict 600 settlers fr. hilltop taken to expand Efrat settlement in protest over government plans to extend Palestinian self-rule. The hill is to be turned over to the PA under expanded self-rule. After the incident, 100s of the settlers set up tent camp nr. Beit El settlement nr. Ramallah. (IDF Radio, QY 7/31 in FBIS 7/31; MM, WT 8/1; QY 8/1 in FBIS 8/2; CSM, WT 8/2; NYT 8/7) (see 7/24)

When it docks at Ashdod port, boat broadcasting Channel 7--an antigovernment pirate station, known as "Settler Radio"--is raided, shut down by Israeli Communications Min. officials. 100s of Israelis protest. (QY 7/31 in FBIS 8/1; MM 8/1; JP 8/12)

As 1st step toward extradition fr. the U.S., Jerusalem court issues arrest warrant for Abu Marzuq on charges of funding terrorist operations.  (IDF Radio 7/31 in FBIS 7/31; IDF Radio, QY 7/31, JP 8/1 in FBIS 8/1; WP 8/1; WJW 8/3; MEI 8/4) (see 7/28)

Armed settlers try to attack Faisal Husseini while visiting Arab Children's Home in East Jerusalem, are stopped by Israeli police. (VOP 7/31 in FBIS 8/1) (see 7/29)

In Washington, U.S. Secy. of State Christopher meets with Syrian Amb. Mu`allim, says Israel seeks concrete proposals fr. Syria before resuming talks. (QY 7/28 in FBIS 8/1)

Despite heated debates, lower house of Jordanian parliament passes legislation (51-21) overturning 3 laws that treat Israel as an enemy state; refers new legislation to finance, judiciary comms for recommendation to upper house. (MM 6/29; RJ, SARR 7/26, JT 7/27 in FBIS 7/27; MM 7/27; MEI 8/4) (see 7/20)

In 59-59 tie vote, PM Rabin's governing coalition defeats Kahalani bill that would have required special 70-MK majority for withdrawal fr. Golan. Conservative MKs complain that U.S. amb. Indyk lobbied MKs to vote against the measure; U.S. embassy, Shas's Deri deny it. (MM 7/26; ITV 7/25, IDF Radio, QY, YA 7/26 in FBIS 7/26; MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/27; CSM 8/2; WJW 8/3; MEI 8/4; JP 8/5) (see 9/7/94, 5/1) (see 7/25)

In Jerusalem, 4 settlers open fire on Faisal Husseini's house, stone Palestinians' cars, shoot at nearby homes. Damage, but no casualties, reported. Israel police capture 3 suspects. (VOP 7/26 in FBIS 7/26; ITV, RMC 7/26 in FBIS 7/27)

Israel, PA close 5 days of mtgs to draft transfer of authority accord. FM Peres says sides have reached "very important understandings," made progress on water, redeployment issues; PA officials say 19 points of dispute remain. Israel says it will free up to 1,000 Palestinian prisoners at the signing of the agmt., hopefully to occur 7/25. (MM 7/20; ITV, VOP 7/20 in FBIS 7/21; WT 7/21; WP 7/22; CSM 7/24)

Jordanian parliament's joint legal comm. endorses (by vote of 17-3) draft legislation that will formally end Jordan's role in the Israeli boycott. The bill will be up for parliamentary vote later this mo. (RJ 7/20 in FBIS 7/21; NYT 7/21) (see 6/28)

Palestinian-Israeli, Jordanian businessmen close 3-day mtg. in Amman; agree to focus on 3 areas of cooperation: exporting Jordanian products to Israel, producing goods in Jordan to Israeli specifications for the Israeli market or for export to 3d countries via established Israeli networks, sharing Israeli technology. (JT 7/20 in FBIS 7/20; RJ 7/20 in FBIS 7/21)

Israeli police arrest 11 Palestinians, accusing them of working for the PA's Preventative Security Force (PSF) in East Jerusalem. (QY 7/20 in FBIS 7/21)

Syria rejects U.S. proposal (supported by Israel) to station U.S. troops on the Golan following Israeli withdrawal, demands UN forces supervise security arrangements. (MA, QY 6/28 in FBIS 6/28; ITV, SARR 6/28, HA, QY, SARR 6/29 in FBIS 6/29)

Despite opposition protests, extraordinary session of Jordanian parliament refers draft bill ending economic boycott and prohibitions on dealing with Israelis to the legal comm. for vote. (RJ 6/28, JT 6/29 in FBIS 6/30; MEI 7/21; JP 8/5) (see 6/8)

Israeli National and Economic Planning Authority says feasibility study on Red Sea-Dead Sea canal shows project to be economically unfeasible, inefficient way of desalinating water or easing Israeli, Jordanian water shortages. (MA 6/29 in FBIS 7/7)

In the Golan, 1000s of settlers protest mtg. btwn. Israeli, Syrian military experts. (QY 6/28 in FBIS 6/28)

Secy. of State Christopher arrives in Jerusalem on 1st leg of Middle East tour focused on advancing the Syrian-Israeli track, setting agenda for upcoming Washington talks; meets with PM Rabin. (WP 6/7; MM, WT 6/8; QY 6/8 in FBIS 6/9; MEI 7/21)

Arafat meets with U.S. special envoy Ross in Jericho to discuss peace process, industrial zones, Christopher visit. (MM 6/8; VOP 6/8 in FBIS 6/8)

Jordanian parliament opens extraordinary session to address lifting Israeli boycott. (WP 7/14)

Frmr. PLO negotiator Haidar `Abd al-Shafi announces establishment of new Movement for Democratic Construction. Group calls for democratic elections that "produce legitimate representatives of the Palestinians people."(al-Manar 6/12 in FBIS 6/15; JP 6/17; PR 6/25)

House approves foreign affairs bill (222-192) that would cut aid by $1 b. next yr. and $500 m. in 1997; preserve $3 b. for Israel, $2.1 b. for Egypt; bring USAID, USIA, Arms Control and Disarmament Agency under State Dept. The House Appropriations Subcomm. sets allocations for 1996 (incl., $3 b. for Israel, $80 m. for refugee resettlement in Israel). (WP 6/8; WT 6/9; Near East Report 6/19)

3-days of elections talks close in Cairo. Sides agree PA will be in charge of maintaining security during elections, joint patrols will be used. PM Rabin says Palestinians fr. Jerusalem will not be allowed to run; Israel, not the PA, will carry out population census using 5,000 Palestinian teachers (see 4/28). A tripartite (EU, Israel, PA) comm. will be set up to discuss international monitors during elections. (AFP, IDF Radio, MENA, VOP 5/16, MENA 5/17 in FBIS 5/17; AFP, MENA, QY, VOP 5/17 in FBIS 5/18; PR 5/21)

2-day multilateral steering comm. mtgs on peace process open in Montreux, Switzerland. Syria, Lebanon boycott. Working groups on water, arms control, refugees, economic development, environment meet. (HA, QY 5/17 in FBIS 5/18)

For 1st time since 1990, U.S. vetoes UN resolution criticizing Israel. U.S. Amb. Madeline Albright calls veto "a matter of principle." Last-minute Russian proposal for UNSC presidential letter reproving Israel is rejected by U.S. as too strong, by PLO as too weak. Resolution would have invalidated Israel's 4/27 seizure of 134 acres of Arab-owed land in East Jerusalem. (MENA, VOP 5/17, MENA, QY, VOP 5/18 in FBIS 5/18; MM, NYT, WT 5/18; AFP, ITV, MENA, RE, RMC, VOP 5/18, MENA, VOP 5/19 in FBIS 5/19; MM, WT 5/19; MEI 6/9, 6/26) (see Doc. D7 in JPS 96)

PM Rabin says Israel would not object to having Syria deploy an early warning station on Israeli territory if Israel can maintain an equivalent system on Syrian soil. (MM 5/17)

60 of 80 mbrs. of the Jordanian parliament, incl. deputies who had approved the Jordan-Israel treaty, ask the government to freeze or cancel the treaty, recall Jordan's amb. to Israel, expel the Israeli amb. in protest over Israel's land confiscations. (MM 5/18; QY, RJ, SARR 5/18 in FBIS 5/18; SA 5/19 in FBIS 5/23; JP 5/27)

In Rabat, Arab League Secy. Gen. Ismat `Abd al-Majid talks with King Hassan on holding summit to discuss Israeli confiscations of Palestinian land in Jerusalem, leaves for Cairo to confer with Pres. Husni Mubarak. Mubarak, Syria's Pres. Hafiz al-Asad discuss plans by phone. (MKR, RE 5/18, RE 5/19 in FBIS 5/19; RMC 5/19, AFP, RMC 5/21 in FBIS 5/22)

PA police raid 5 Gaza mosques in search of "inflammatory material," tear pro-Hamas placards off walls; issue order banning "provocative actions in mosques." (QY 5/17 in FBIS 5/17)

MK `Abd al-Wahhab Darawshah, head of Israel's Arab Democratic Party (ADP), says Arafat has urged him to withdraw ADP's no confidence motion over the Jerusalem land confiscation. Arafat's office denies it, saying PA does not interfere in Israeli domestic affairs. (QY 5/17 in FBIS 5/17; QY 5/17 in FBIS 5/18) (see 5/15)

1 IDF soldier, 1 Hizballah mbr. are killed, 7 Hizballah mbrs, 3 IDF soldiers, 1 SLA mbr. are wounded in 2 clashes in s. Lebanon. (MM 5/17; CSM, MM 5/18; JP 5/27; MEI 6/9)

Jordanian parliament ratifies Israel-Jordan treaty by 55-23 vote. (WP 11/7)

Hamas leaders in Egypt, Jordan offer to negotiate with Israel, halt attacks on civilians. Israeli officials are skeptical. (WT 11/11)

Israeli West Bank military governor modifies order to remove monument to Baruch Goldstein after settlers protest; says work must stop, but monument is almost complete. (NYT 11/7) (see 11/2)

Israeli-Jordanian peace treaty is signed on Israel-Jordan border by PM Rabin, King Hussein. Agmt. removes trade sanctions, opens border btwn. the countries, gives Jordan special rights to holy cities in Jerusalem. Clinton attends, but neither Egypt's Pres. Mubarak, Arafat are invited. PLO factions, Hamas order general strike in Israeli o.t., autonomous areas to protest signing. (MM 10/26; VOP 10/26 in FBIS 10/26; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 10/27; JP 11/5)

Pres. Clinton addresses joint session of Jordanian parliament; outlines Middle East economic plan; says U.S. will help establish a Middle East Development Bank, provide $75 m. for new private investment in Jordan. (MM 10/27)

Multilaterals on environment end. Mbrs. agree on "Codes of good conduct and cooperation," need to prevent industrial pollution and toxic dumping, creation of regional environmental protection center in Manama. Gulf states refuse to work with Israel on Aqaba cleanup project. (AFP 10/26 in FBIS 10/27)

Hizballah shells Israeli positions in southern Lebanon. IDF, SLA respond, shelling Hizballah camps. No damage reported. (QY 10/26 in FBIS 10/26; NYT, WP, WT 10/27; JP 11/5)

PLO-Israel talks on Israeli withdrawal fr. Gaza and Jericho resume in Cairo. Palestinian negotiator Nabil Shaath reports progress on release of Palestinian prisoners. (MENA 11/23 in FBIS 11/23; NYT, WT 11/24)

PLO-Israel talks on economic cooperation resume in Paris. (MM 11/24)

22 Palestinian graduates of Egyptian police academy cross into Gaza Strip to form nucleus of Palestinian police force. (NYT 11/24)

Muhammad 'Ali Fara of Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip, shot dead trying to evade IDF roadblock in Jabaliya camp. In Idnah, nr. Hebron, 'Abd al-Razzaq Shahada killed by premature detonation of roadside bomb. (Qol Yisra'el 11/23 in FBIS 11/23; NYT 11/24; WT 11/25)

12th Jordanian parliament opens; frmr. PM Tahir al-Masri elected speaker of lower house 57-22, defeating Islamic Action Front candidate. (MM 11/23)

Arye Bar, Israeli construction and housing min. dir. gen. meets with Fin. Min. Yitzhak Modai on behalf of hospitalized Housing Min. Ariel Sharon; Modai instructs treasury to approve construction of 4,000 new housing units in Israel and o.t. (Modai had earlier approved 2,000 of the housing min.'s 4,500-unit request.) Housing min. announces more than 16,000 housing units are in various stages of construction in o.t. (Yedi'ot Aharonot 7/5 in FBIS 7/6)

Hamas members storm houses of Fateh members in Khan Yunis, wounding several. IDF opens fire on residents of Jabaliya, Dayr al-Balah camps, Gaza, wounding 3. (AFP 7/5 in FBIS 7/6)

Hizballah attacks Israeli intelligence position in Bint Jubayl (inside S. Lebanon "security zone"); Israel shells Litani River basin. Armed dispute in 'Ayn al-Hilwa camp near Sidon kills 2. (VOL, Voice of the Oppressed 7/6 in FBIS 7/6)

Israel releases 4 Palestinians into custody of Red Cross in Tyre, Lebanon. The 4 "Fateh activists" had served out sentences at Asqalan prison following their arrest 12/20/90 on a "suspicious vessel" (embarked in Cyprus) off the Lebanese coast. (Qol Yisra'el 7/5 in FBIS 7/6; AFP 7/5 in FBIS 7/7)

Arab League Council concludes 2-day emergency meeting in Cairo to discuss situation in S. Lebanon; endorses 2 draft resolutions urging an end to Israeli aggression and promoting reconstruction, as well as a statement urging UNSC to resort to Chapter VII of UN Charter to halt Israeli aggression, implement res. 425. (MENA 7/5 in FBIS 7/7; MM 7/6)

Jordanian parliament passes law legalizing independent political parties; first multiparty elections since 1954 will be held in 11/93. (MM 7/6)

Jordanian parliament issues statement condemning U.S.-led peace efforts, rejecting end to Arab boycott of Israel in return for halt to Israeli settlement-building. Condemnation came day after King Hussein announced Jordan would attend peace conference. (NYT 7/23)

High-level PLO delegation [same membership as 5/28 delegation] arrives in Damascus for further discussions with Syrian officials, members of the Palestinian National Salvation Front. Delegation invites all PNSF groups to attend PLO-PNSF reconciliation meeting to be held later, after PNSF boycotted 7/15 PLO meeting in Tunis because PLO failed to invite all PNSF members. (MEM 7/19, 7/23, 7/24)

Citing American, British, and Israeli intelligence experts, New York Times reports Iraq has acquired nuclear weapons capacity that could enable it to begin manufacturing and using nuclear weapons within 10 years [NYT 11/18; CSM 11/19].

King Hussein opens Jordanian parliament with bleak assessment of Jordan's prospects in wake of Gulf crisis and attacks "blatant and shameless" hypocrisy of nations involved in military buildup in Saudi Arabia (cf. 11/19) [NYT 11/18].

Through meetings with 3 African F.M.s, Sec. Baker reportedly wins support of Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, and Zaire for UN Sec. Council resolution authorizing use of force against Iraq [NYT, WP 11/18; CSM 11/19].

Quoting Palestinian sources, Tunisian newspaper reports that Libya has recently expelled Abu Nidal [MENA 11/17 in FBIS 11/20].

Curfew imposed on o.t. on 11/15 to prevent demonstrations on 2d anniversary of Palestinian declaration of independence is lifted in West Bank; most of Gaza Strip remains under curfew [JDS 11/17 in FBIS 11/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In 'Ararah, within Green Line, 800 Israeli Palestinians march in support of uprising [FJ 8/7].

Arab World: King Hussein of Jordan dissolves lower chamber of Jordanian parliament; half of members were W. Bank Palestinians [WP 7/31].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 67-year-old Palestinian-American dies from heart attack after Israeli troops order him to remove graffiti from neighborhood school and refuse to allow him to take heart medicine [WP 8/3]. In Jabalya demonstrations break out as Israelis lift curfew for an hour and a half; 28 Palestinians are injured [FJ 8/7]. In Khan Yunis 8 people are shot, 30 injured by tear gas [FJ 8/7]. Demonstrations also occur in Bayt Sahur, Tulkarm, and Burayj, Beach camps [FJ 8/14].

Other Countries: New York Times reports Reagan administration officials have met with members of Congress and leaders of American-Jewish organizations to work out deal allowing Kuwait to buy U.S. arms [NYT 7/31]. In Peru authorities arrest 3 Palestinians, charge them with trying to make contact with Peruvian guerrillas [WP 7/31].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gaza City shops observe 1-day strike [WP 10/11]. Yigdal Shahaf is shot in head, seriously wounded by unknown assailant near Damascus Gate [WP 10/11; MET 10/24]. Caller allegedly from Force 17 later claims responsibility, charges Shahaf was Mossad agent [FJ 10/18]. Arab World: In speech to Jordanian Parliament, King Hussein blames Likud for dimmed prospects for peace conference, announces postponement of elections for lower house of Parliament for at least 2 years [WP 10/11]. PLO Executive Com. Chairman Yasir Arafat holds talks with Arab League Sec. Gen. Chedli Klibi in Tunis [FBIS 10/13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In 3d consecutive day of violence in Gaza Strip, Israeli troops use live ammunition to disperse stonethrowing demonstrators at Gaza's Islamic University, injuring at least 3 students. In separate Gaza City incident, at least 8 Palestinians are wounded by Israeli troops firing live ammunition and tear gas at stone-throwing demonstrators [WP 10/11; FBIS 10/13].

Arab World: Hospitals near Sidon report 7 are killed, 10 wounded in daylong battles between Amal and Palestinian forces around 'Ayn al-Hilwah [WP 10/12]. IDF fighter planes strike PFLP target in Biqa' Valley [NYT 10/11; FBIS 10/13]. Lebanese fighters claim to down IDF helicopter during Biqa' raid; IDF denies allegation [FBIS 10/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Police use tear gas to subdue Israeli Aircraft workers storming gates of the Foreign Ministry [LAT 9/7]. Tahsin al-Faris, member of Jordanian parliament, is elected president of Nablus Agricultural Cooperative [FJ 9/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: JEC employees strike for 2 hours after administration decides not to pay salary for 13th and 14th months [FJ 1/30].

Arab World: Reports indicate 3 W. Bank members of Jordanian Parliament are being investigated for defrauding the government [FJ 2/6].

Other Countries: U.S. bars travel to Lebanon on U.S. passports [NYT, LAT 1/29]. UN Security Council calls for imrnediate rlease of all hostages held in Lebanon [NYT 1/29]. W. German police begin investigation after finding liquid explosive near home of Muhammad Hamadi [NYT, IN 1/29].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics announces number of Israelis living in occupied territories rose by 4,800 in 1985 to a total of 42,000; the area inside the Green Line has registered losses through emigration [JP 3/28].

Arab World: Jordanian parliament votes to more than double its size, increasing number of Palestinian representatives from the West Bank and legislators from Jordan [JP 3/28].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Rocket fired from Lebanon strikes Kiryat Shmona, in northern Israel, slightly wounding 4 [NYT, WP 3/28].

Arab World: Following rocket attack on Kiryat Shmona, Israeli air force bombs Palestinian targets near Mieh Mieh camp, outside Sidon, killing 15 and wounding 25 in 2 attacks [NYT, WP 3/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Hundreds of West Bankers have traveled to Amman to express support for King Hussein following his attack on the PLO last week; the trips are reportedly being orchestrated by members of the Jordanian parliament residing in West Bank [JP 2/28]. Nearly 170 prisoners in Kafr Yunis prison went on 2-day hunger strike last week to protest maltreatment and inhumane prison conditions [FJ 2/28].

Other Countries: UN Secretariat in New York is seeking Israeli explanation following reports that several villagers in Shakra, S. Lebanon were tortured during Israel's search for 2 missing soldiers last week [JP 2/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Meron Benvenisti publishes study update stating number of Israelis living in West Bank and East Jerusalem may be as high as 140,000, compared to 930,000 Palestinians in the same area [NYT 11/25; CSM, JTA 11/26].

Arab World: Central Committee of the Palestine National Council convenes in Baghdad [JP 11/25]. Jordanian Parliament selects 4 new deputies to fill vacancies left by deaths of members from West Bank, where elections have not been held since 1967 [JP 11/25].

Other Countries: Sec. of State Shultz states Soviet Union cannot be considered part of M.E. peace process until it restores diplomatic ties with Israel, improves policy on emigration of Soviet Jews [JTA 11/25]. California state legislator Tom Hayden promises P.M. Peres to help raise money in U. S. to train South African blacks in Histadrut programs in Israel; U.S. Democratic party will cooperate with Israeli Labor party in program [JP 11/25].

Military Action

Arab World: After hijackers throw 5 bodies out of hijacked plane in Malta, 80 Egyptian army commandos storm plane. Hijackers detonate grenades; about 60 people, including all but one hijacker, die in resulting blaze [NYT, WP 11/25; JTA, NYT, WP 11/26].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Prime Minister Peres meets secretly with Bethlehem Mayor Iliyas Furayj and ex-speaker of Jordanian Parliament Hikmat al-Masri of Nablus. Furayj describes meeting as "a general discussion" [LT 7/18]. Israel Radio reports Israeli Amb. to France Ovadia Sofer met secretly in Paris with Soviet Amb. Yuli Varontsov [NYT 7/19, LT 7/20]. Six hundred Ethiopian Jews march from Afula to Tel Aviv to protest the process of ritual immersion to verify their Jewishness [NYT, LT 7/17]. Bethlehem U. Student Council publishes statement in al-Mithaq denouncing Bethlehem Mayor Iliyas Furayj's attendance at university's 7/13 graduation ceremonies; withdraws recognition of Furayj as head of the board of trustees for the university [FJ 7/26]. All-night negotiations between Israeli government and Histadrut labor federation avert general strike. Government foregoes emergency decrees to implement austerity program [LT 7/17].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli daily Hadashot reports U.S. gave Israel unofficial list of 9 Palestinian candidates for Jordanian-Palestinian delegation to tentative ME peace talks three weeks ago. 9 are: Walid Khalidi, Harvard U. political science professor; Edward Said, Columbia U. English professor; Hisham Sharabi, of Georgetown U.; Rashid Khalidi, visiting fellow at Washington's Wilson Center; Bethlehem Mayor Iliyas Furayj; Hikmat al-Masri, former speaker of Jordanian Parliament; Rashad Shawwa, deposed Gaza mayor; Anwar Nusseibeh, former Jordanian minister and head of East Jerusalem Electric Co.; and Ahmad Sidqi al-Dajani, former senior official in PLO executive committee, now living in Cairo. PLO spokesman says [AP 6/5] PNC speaker 'Abd al-Hamid al-Sayih is also under consideration.

Arab World: IDF and SLA (Israeli-backed South Lebanese Army) raid 2 Shi'ite villages, arrest about 40 men and destroy 5 homes in Majd al-Salim as punishment for hiding weapons or shielding fighters [LAT 6/4].

Other Countries: Foreign Min. Shamir, in England, tells P. M. Thatcher and Foreign Min. Geoffrey Howe that Israel opposes Jordanian scheme for peace talks. Thatcher supports Jordanian plan [LT 6/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF bulldozes ten houses in villages near Hebron; expels residents [AF 6/7]. Security forces announce arrest of 9 in connection with killing of Rafah Mayor 'Abd al-Hamid Kishta, 65, in September; of Isma'il al-Khatib, 38, head of the al-Azhar Islamic College in Gaza in November; and with grenade attack on bus near market in Tel Aviv [JP 6/4]. Arrests of 9 Palestinians and Israelis were made "several months ago" in Gaza. Others were arrested for supplying 9 with weapons stolen from IDF. IDF uproots 1,300 olive trees, illegally planted in army firing area near Bethlehem [JP 6/4].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Haifa District Court sentences members of PFLP-GC group convicted (1/20) for attempted bombing of Shalom Tower, Tel Aviv to terms ranging from 9-20 yrs. [JP 1/24]. Kach, Tehiya supporters disrupt meeting featuring MK Muhammad Mi'ari, harass him afterwards [FJ 2/1]. IDF destroy 40 dunums of grapevines in Gaza Zaytun bloc; part of steps [see 1/21] to expropriate 5,000 dunums of land south of Gaza city [FJ 2/15].

Arab World: Jordanian parliament amends passport law; Jordanian passport holders seeking to renew passports from abroad now must have applications sent to Amman for screening; authorities there will decide on approval, may require recall of applicant to Jordan; aimed at politically active individuals, especially on W. Bank [FJ 1/25].

Military Action

Arab World: SLA officer dies in booby-trapped car, Kafr Hula, S. Lebanon [JP 1/25].

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: 500 industrial, service & gov't. workers protest at Finance Ministry against yesterday's work sanctions. 2 Likud MKs present urgent agenda for freeze on new settlements in occupied territories. 15 Bedouin sheikhs present PM Shamir with complaints of deteriorating conditions as Israeli military continue to expropriate grazing and watering lands in Negev and Galilee; Shamir says the issue will be turned over to Agriculture Ministry. Mapam MK Elazar Granot proposes Alignment table bill abolishing state of emergency in effect in Israel since 1948.

Arab World: Jordanian Parliament meets for first time since 1976; amends constitution to permit Palestinians from Israeli-occupied West Bank to be appointed as members. Former Lebanese PM Saeb Salam protests to LAF commander Gen. Ibrahim Tannous recent LAF mass arrests of civilians carried out in Sabra and Shatila camps.

MILITARY ACTION:

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Grenade thrown under IDF patrol vehicle explodes without injury in Jericho.