The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli forces demolished 1 Palestinian-owned home in Artas, 1 house under construction in Dayr Sharaf, and 2 warehouses in Anata. Israeli forces also clashed with Palestinians during a raid in Bayt Umar, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 10 Palestinians were arrested, including 9 during late-night raids in and around Kaubar, al-‘Arub refugee camp, Bayt Umar, and Sa‘ir, 1 Palestinian was arrested at the Qalandia checkpoint. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers interrupted a press conference held by EU members in the area where Israeli announced plans to construct more than 1,200 settler units on 11/15; among the disrupters was West Jerusalem deputy mayor Arieh King. The EU delegation eventually gave up carrying out its press conference at the site and moved it to the EU offices. 6 Palestinians were arrested. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire on agricultural lands east of al-Maghazi; no injuries were reported. (HA, Twitter, Twitter, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 11/16; WAFA 11/17, PCHR 11/19)

In an ad for an upcoming route to Tel Aviv, the UAE-owned airline Etihad featured a drawing of the 2d Temple as point of interest for visitors. The 2d Temple was destroyed in 70 CE and was located where the Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa Mosque are now. Etihad later pulled its ad from Twitter. (HA 11/16)

The foreign minister of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani said, during a virtual conference on security, that Sudan, Bahrain, and the UAE normalization deals with Israel undermines efforts to create a Palestinian state. (HA, REU, TOI 11/16)

4 Republican senators sent a letter to U.S. president Donald Trump, urging him to change the guidelines on how products from the West Bank are to be labeled when entering the U.S. The 4 senators, Tom Cotton (R-AR), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Kelly Loeffler (R-GA), wrote that products from “Judea and Samaria” should be allowed to be labeled as “Made in Israel.” (Senator Tom Cotton 11/16; ALM, WAFA 11/19)

PLO rep. in Jordan Tayib 'Abd al-Rahim announces that 2 plots to kill PLO Chmn. Arafat have been foiled. 1 attempt was by Arafat bodyguards suborned by FRC ("Abu Nidal"), 2d by unidentified group that sought to bomb Arafat's plane. (WT 10/10)

2 Israeli hikers fr. Jerusalem stabbed and shot to death in Wadi Qilt, near Jericho in the West Bank. "Al-Aqsa Brigade" of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, in statement released in Amman, claims responsibility, says 3 killed. Statement declares, "We will never surrender or accept any concessions on the land of Palestine which will become a graveyard for the Jews." PFLP also claims responsibility. (NYT 10/10; MM, NYT, WT 10/11)

PFLP guerrilla killed by Israeli soldiers as he sails jet ski off Lebanese coast near Israeli border. UN sources report 2 killed, not 1. (NYT 10/10, 10/11)

Palestinian factions opposed to DoP-including DFLP (Hawatmah faction), PFLP, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad-announce in Damascus establishment of National Islamic Front to counter PLO. Alliance fails to call congress to elect new PLO leadership due to reluctance of Islamic groups to identify with secular PLO. Front's declaration calls Palestinian police to be set up under PLO-Israel accord "a traitor force, and an oppressive enemy force." (CSM 10/14)

Jordan denounces 9/23 Israeli court ruling on status of Haram al-Sharif, says it will continue with restoration work on Dome of the Rock regardless of Israeli stance. (MM 10/11)

Palestinian delegation presents counter proposal in response to 4/27 Israeli suggestion that municipal elections be resumed in o.t. calling for elections for a Palestinian legislative assembly. Delegation also demands abolition of military decrees No. 2 (which granted IDF power to issue laws in o.t.), No. 92 (concerning Israel's control over water in o.t.), and No. 291 (which prohibited registration of land in W. Bank). Delegation also demands Palestinians be given access to public records such as land and population records. Israeli delegation proposes plan which would allow Palestinians to run o.t. hospitals. (NYT, MM 4/30; al-Nahar 4/30 in FBIS 5/1; Qol Yisra'el 4/30 in FBIS 4/30)

Israeli ambassador to U.S. presents compromise proposal to Secy. of State Baker dealing with Israeli objections to participation of diaspora Palestinians in multilateral talks on refugees, economic development [see 4/28]. Under the Israeli proposal, diaspora Palestinians who have residency in other Arab countries would be allowed to participate as members of the delegations from those countries and not as members of the Palestinian delegation. (WP 4/30)

U.S. announces it will give $80 million to Jewish Agency for absorption of immigrants in Israel, nearly double the size of a similar grant extended last year. (MM 5/1)

Classes resume at Bir Zeit University for first time since IDF closed it in January 1988 [see 4/20]. (MM 4/29)

King Fahd pledges to pay costs, estimated at $70 million, of repairing al-Aqsa mosque and Dome of the Rock in E. Jerusalem after receiving reports from UNESCO concerning state of the shrines [team of Egyptian architects recently recommended spending $10 million to repair Islamic monuments in o.t. See 4/26]. Announcement comes in midst of continued poor relations between Saudi Arabia and Jordan, the latter of which has traditionally assumed responsibility for the shrines' maintenance. (Saudi Press Agency 4/29 in FBIS 4/30; MM 4/30; NYT 5/14)

Nazareth court sentences 4 Palestinian citizens of Israel to life imprisonment for 2/15/92 attack on IDF camp which killed 3 soldiers [see 2/26, 3/3, 3/6]. (NYT 4/30)

Undercover units kill 2 Palestinians in Janin area, one in Yamun and second in 'Arraba. IDF claimed both had threatened troops with guns. (MM 4/30

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Responding to Israeli attempts to excavate near the Islamic Holy sites of Al-Asqa and Dome of the Rock, Palestinian demonstrators clash with Israeli police; 15 Palestinians are wounded, 7 arrested [WP 7/4, FJ 7/10]. In Ramallah gunfire injures one person [FJ 7/10].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Washington Post reports at least 1, 700 Palestinians are being held in administrative detention [WP 5/13]. Israel releases nearly 300 prisoners [WP 5/14]. Palestinian wounded in clash with troops 5/5 dies [WP 5/14]. Palestinian youth shot during demonstration weeks ago dies in Ramallah [NYT 5/14]. IDF releases 280 Palestinian prisoners as good will gesture [LAT 5/15].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Qabatiyyah village near Jenin, Palestinian is shot dead while trying to escape army raid [FJ 5/15]. In Jerusalem, border and regular police use rubber bullets and night sticks to disperse stone-throwing Palestinian demonstrators after Friday prayers at Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa mosques; 10 demonstrators are detained and about 20 are arrested; 3 police officers are also injured. Nablus and entire Gaza Strip are under curfew; Ramallah, Hebron, and Bethlehem are declared closed military areas. Worshipers are prevented from attending Gaza City's 'Umar Mosque [WP 5/14; LAT 5/15].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael Government schools in Jerusalem are ordered closed for 1 week [WP 2/6; FJ 2/7]. Commercial strike in occupied territories continues [FJ 2/7]. Settlers attack Ya'bad village near Jenin, injuring 22 residents, breaking car windows, and burning village water pump [FJ 2/7]. In Hawara village, near Nablus, child is shot, wounded by settler [FJ 2/7].

Arab World: Gunmen kidnap 2 UNRWA employees near Sidon, S. Lebanon [WP 2/6].

Other Countries: In Tokyo, march and rally protest Israeli actions in the occupied territories [FJ 2/7].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF patrol captures 3 armed fighters who crossed Egyptian border [NYT 2/12]. In village of Salim, near Nablus, troops and settlers beat 4 Palestinian youths, force them to remove stone barricade, then use bulldozer to bury them alive. Unconscious youths are dug out by villagers [NYT 2/14]. Curfews remain in effect in 'A'idah camp, Nablus region, Tulkarm, Tulkarm camp, village of Thinabbah, and 9 other camps and cities. 'Azzah camp is declared closed military zone [FJ 2/7]. Worshipers stone police during demonstration outside Dome of the Rock Mosque; 6 Palestinians are wounded. In Qalandiya, Israeli soldiers use rubber bullets, live ammunition during clash with demonstrators; camp is sealed off. Jewish settler receives serious head injury from rocks thrown at car [WP 2/6]. In Gaza Strip's Jabalya refugee camp, demonstrators set fire to civil court building; troops fire tear gas, rubber bullets to disperse stone-throwing crowds; 4 areas of camp are raided. Hospitals treat 21 Palestinians for injuries caused by beatings [WP 2/6; FJ 2/7]. Military authorities shut off electricity to Gaza City [WP 2/6]. Demonstrations and clashes are also reported in Ramallah, al-Birah camp, Am'ari camp, and Silwad village near Ramallah [FJ 2/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: More than 1,000 regular and border police are deployed in Jerusalem as Palestinians in E. Jerusalem and occupied territories hold day of mourning to commemorate victims of recent violence. Israel confirms deaths of 2 Palestinians inearlier clashes [NYT 1/16]. General strike is observed in W. Bank [FJ 1/17].

Arab World: In Biqa' Valley village of Kasara, 4 deported W. Bank Palestinians set up tents across from International Com. of the Red Cross office, begin hunger strike [WP 1/16].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: At least 70 Palestinians are injured by tear gas, clubs, and rubber bullets when Israeli police, border police attack worshipers at al-Haram al-Sharif. Reports indicate tear gas is fired into Dome of the Rock, al-Aqsa Mosque. [NYT 1/16] In Gaza Strip's al-Shaykh 'Ajlin soldiers shoot, kill Palestinian who stabs soldier in leg [WP, NYT 1/17]. Family says youth is shot at home after quarrel with soldiers [FJ 1/17]. Military-imposed curfew continues for 6 W. Bank and 7 Gaza Strip refugee camps [WP, NYT 1/16]. Israeli forces fire rubber bullets to disperse crowd of Palestinians surrounding UN envoy Marrack Goulding in Balatah refugee camp [WP 1/17]. On W. Bank, roadblocks and clashes between soldiers and protesters occur in Ramallah and al-Birah. Al-Fajr reports demonstrations in 'Arrub, Fawwar, Balatah, and 'Azzah refugee camps, Bayt Fajjar, Bethlehem, Kissan, and Nablus. At least 2 are injured by Israeli army gunfire in Nablus-district town of Salfit, and at least 7 are wounded in Qalqiliyyah [FJ 1/17].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: John Cardinal O'Connor visits the Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa Mosque and meets with Pres. Herzog at the president's mansion [NYT 1/6; WP 1/5]. U.S. defense official arrives in Tel Aviv in an effort to persuade Israel to drop American-funded Lavi project in favor of a less expensive warplane [WP 1/5]. Interior Affairs Minister Peretz resigns rather than obey court order requiring him to register an American convert as a Jew [PI 1/5].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli helicopters attack Khirbat Silim and Qabrikha, believed to be Hizballah bases, as Israeli armored vehicles mass near Bint jubayl. Reports list at least 15 villagers killed or wounded [WP, LAT 1/5]. Palestinian statement says Amal-PLO battles have destroyed more than 85% of Shatila and 50% of Burj al-Barajinah [WP 1/5].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Eighty prominent rabbis, led by former Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi and former Israeli Army Rabbi Shlomo Goren, formally call for the construction of a Third Temple on the Haram al-Sharif (Temple Mount); state survey maps drawn up by Israeli army engineers in 1967 indicate the ideal place for synagogue is on the site of the Dome of the Rock Mosque [NYT 8/6; FJ 8/8].

Arab World: Jordanian Prime Minister Zayd al-Rifa'i announces Jordan has drawn up $1.3 billion 5-year development plan for the occupied territories [FJ 8/8]. U.S. V.P. Bush ends Middle East tour [NYT 8/7].

Other Countries: U.S. Justice Department withdraws subpoenas issued to Israeli officials in investigation of illegal export of U.S. cluster bomb technology to Israel, after Israeli government promised to cooperate in investigation [NYT 8/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Paestinian political prisoner Jibril Rajub, from West Bank, enters third week of hunger strike to protest his detention without charge or trial [FJ 12/6]. Pres. Chaim Herzog pardons 2 members of Jewish underground convicted of conspiring to blow up Dome of the Rock [NYT, WP, JP 12/9].

Arab World: National Catholic Reporter reports SLA and Israeli army hold hundreds of prisoners-mostly Shi'a, but including some Palestinians-in S. Lebanon detention center at Khiam; detainees are tortured, held without charge, denied access to lawyers [NCR 12/6].

Other Countries: Sec. of State Shultz describes Syria as being of "key importance," indicates U.S. is trying to persuade Damascus to join M.E. peace process [JP 12/8].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Following inquiries from Red Cross, Israeli army orders investigation into 9/17 killing of Munthir 'Awad, 18, of Gaza, by Israeli army [JP 9/19]. Women relatives of prisoners in Gaza prison begin sit-in at Red Cross office in Gaza to protest recent harassment and harsh measures used against prisoners [FJ 9/27]. Members of Lifta Gang who conspired to blow up Dome of the Rock last year are sentenced to 8 years in jail; 2 others who ordered the operation are found mentally incompetent and are institutionalized [JP 9/19]. The Central Bureau of Statistics announces Israel's population is 4.255 million: 82.5% Jewish; 13.5% Muslim; 2.3% Christian; 1.7% Druze and other. During the past year, the pop. increased 1.8%-1. 6% among Jews and 3.2% among Muslims [JTA 9/19]. Ethiopian Jews in Israel mark 15th day of sit-in protest on a Jerusalem street comer opposite the main offices of the chief rabbinate; the rabbinical authorities insisthe Ethiopians must undergo ritual conversion before marriage [LAT 9/19].

Other Countries: Asst. Sec. of State Richard Murphy testifies before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe and the Middle East that arms sales to Jordan are necessary to continue the momentum of the peace process and that the administration will go ahead with plans to sponsor such a sale [LAT 9/19]. P.M. Thatcher, on visit to 'Amman, states opportunity for peace must be seized before the end of the year and asks all parties to the conflicto take risks for peace [LT, FT, MG 9/19]. Mexico agrees to buy $21 million worth of Israeli goods by the end of this year and agrees to raise the amount for next year, in an effort to induce Israel to continue oil purchases from Mexico [JP 9/18].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jamal 'Awad, 18, of Gaza, is shot 4 times, critically wounded by Israeli soldiers after reportedly refusing to stop when ordered [FJ 9/20, 27].

Arab World: Over last few days, 26 residents of Bint Jbail, allegedly members of Hizballah, arrested on suspicion of attacking Israeli army, SLA soldiers in area; weapons found [JP 9/19]. SLA reportedly captures one guerrilla, kills another trying to infiltrate Hasbaya from Biqa' Valley [JP 9/20].

Other Countries: Palestinian publisher Michel Numari, 37, is shot and killed in central Athens by unidentified gunmen. Numari, who published al-Nashra Arabic weekly magazine, was said to be close to Yasir Arafat [LT, JP 9/19]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Shops in East Jerusalem go on general strike again to protest closure of Hospice Hospital [FJ 8/2]. Proposal to erect a settlement on spot where two Afula schoolteachers were murdered is presented to Zionist Executive by Jewish Agency Settlement Department Cochairman Nissim Zvilli [JP 7/29]. Shimon Barda, head of the "Lifta Gang," is convicted by the Jerusalem district court of conspiring to blow up the Dome of the Rock. Sentencing will follow [JP 7/30]. Knesset finance committee freezes IS 354 million for Kiryat Arba's local council until Attomey General Zamir gives legal opinion on council's proposal to dismiss Palestinian workers [JP 7/30]. Knesset appoints seven-minister committee to make recommendations regarding punishment of those convicted of politically motivated killings [BG 7/29]. Voice of America reports Israel seeks American banks to operate in Israel, to boost ailing Israeli banking system; at least one is reportedly interested [JTA 7/3 1]. Koterit Rashit reports Israeli firms are studying 70 proposed business projects in China, including construction of 2 hotels and an airport. The Daily Telegraph cites report in Jane's Defence Weekly stating secret military links were opened between Israel and China in 1979, a $3 billion arms deal was recently concluded, and Israeli military advisers have served with Chinese ground and air force units [JC, DT 7/29].

Arab World: The United Arab Emirates is second state to confirm attendence at upcoming Arab summit meeting. Syria, Lebanon, and South Yemen will not attend [FT 7/30, LT 8/2]. Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Egypt back the summit call [JP 7/30, FT 7/31].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli planes attack Palestinian base used by the PFLP-GC in eastern Lebanon; no casualty reports [WP 7/30].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli army announces arrest of 3 West Bankers in alleged kidnap-slaying of two Afula teachers. The three, aged 17-19, are arrested at their homes in the village of Arabbuna, near Jenin. Homes of their families are demolished. Arabbuna is placed under curfew [WP 7/29]. Kach movement members along with Temple Mount Faithful group attempt to enter al-Aqsa Mosque compound to pray. Police refuse to allow Kach members in, allow Temple Mount Faithful in on condition they not pray. One man prays near the Dome of the Rock and is forcibly expelled [FJ 8/2]. Israeli newspaper Ha'Aretz finds 70 percent of Israelis favor death penalty for those convicted of politically motivated killings. Minister without Portfolio Moshe Arens, Foreign Minister Shamir, and Deputy Prime Minister David Levy also favor death penalty for such killings [LAT 7/29]. Two Afula teachers are buried; 1,000 extra police and border guards are mobilized to keep the peace. Three police are injured by angry protesters at the funeral [LAT 7/29].

Arab World: Walid Jumblatt and Nabih Birri announce new pact of cooperation called the "National Front," ending 3- month feud; vow to support each other if fighting erupts with pro-Arafat Palestinian factions [CT, MG 7/29]. Artillery and sniper fire break out between East and West Beirut. Car bomb explodes in Shi'ite suburb of Beirut, injuring three [MG 7/29]. King Hussein is first Arab leader to confirm attendence at the upcoming Arab summit meeting in Casablanca [CT 7/29]. A high-level Palestinian delegation led by Faruq al-Qaddumis reported to have arrived in Tripoli, Libya [JP 7/29].

Other Countries: Manila newspaper Bulletin Today reports Israelis are giving military training to young Filipinos on Palawan Island [JP 7/29].

Military Action

Arab World: Two SLA soldiers are killed and 8 taken prisoner in dawn attack by Amal in security zone [LT 7/29].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: DM Rabin threatens "scorched earth" policy in S. Lebanon if Shi'ite military actions continue [JP 3/27]. In Jerusalem, Arab Lawyers Union calls on members to create delays in W. Bank military courts by refusing to enter guilty pleas, refusing to accept prisoner testimonies until determining admissibility of confessions; aim is to protest recent heavy sentences imposed by IDF courts [FJ 3/29]. Jewish underground defendant Dan Be'eri indicatesettler leader Rabbi Moshe Levinger was present at meeting to discuss blowing up the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem [FJ 3/29].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF disperse student demonstrators at Hittin school, Jenin, with tear gas after students allegedly threw stones; 2 arrested [JP 3/27].

Arab World: SLA, IDF raid Jabaa, 'Ain Buswar; unreported number arrested. Bombs explode near IDF vehicles near Deir Qanun al-Nahr, Jwaiyeh; no casualties [JP 3/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 4th Jewish terror suspect sentenced to 6 yrs. for plot to destroy Dome of the Rock. Acre magistrate sentences Hashem Bushnaq to 4 mos. for raising Palestinian flag. Nazareth singer Fawzi al-Sa'adi barred from entering West Bank for 1 yr.

Arab World: Last US Marine combat troops leave Beirut at dawn.

Other Countries: USAID report says financial aid to Lebanon should be deferred until country reunites.

Military Action

Arab World: 2 IDF troops wounded by light arms fire from resistance near Kfar Kuk, Beqaa Valley.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 2-yr. town arrest ends for Qalqilya elected mayor Haj Amin Nasser. New settlement Yitzhar, SE of Nablus inaugurated. Settler Yehuda Cohen sentenced to 18 mos. (with 2 yrs. suspended) for plot to blow up Dome of the Rock. Nablus court issues 2nd order to halt destruction of Arab-owned land in Bidya by Israeli construction companies.

Arab World: Israel stops issuing permits to Lebanese to cross into occupied South.

Other Countries: US State Dep't. says it will regret any move to close Israel's liaison office in Lebanon.

Military Action

Arab World: IDF kill 1 resistance fighter in clash in Amiq village, S. Lebanon. Resistance fighters open fire on Israeli-backed "South Lebanon Army" checkpoint.

Military Action:

IAF patrols Bekaa for second day, to check Syrian moving in 2 SAM batteries; IDF pulls out of 2 Druze villages.

Casualties:

199 foreigners lacking proper papers deported from Lebanon; Meridor asks IDF to enter refugee camps to ensure security, housing for residents, announces plans to distribute 10 bags of cement to each family to build more permanent housing, contrary to Lebanese Government policy; Ain el-Hilweh refugees tear down first tent put up by UNRWA, ask to be allowed to build own housing.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Palestinian teenager killed, 1 wounded by Israeli civilian settler at Balata refugee camp near Nablus during protest triggered by 3 more expulsions of Najjah University staff for refusing to sign anti-PLO pledge; Najjah students stage sit-in, 16 detained, 9 Israeli vehicles destroyed; 2 Nablus high schools closed for week, Balata camp under curfew; leader of Kach movement convicted of trying to blow up the Dome of the Rock; Israeli censors ban Israeli theatrical satire on Israeli chauvinism, but play staged despite court order.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Fathi Arafat of Palestine Red Crescent Society, visiting London, asks Britain for material medical support for Palestinians in Lebanon.

Arab Governments: Egypt protests to US and Israel imminent completion of Israeli hotel on disputed Taba coastal strip on Gulf of Aqaba.

US and Other Countries: US officials expect Israel-Lebanon talks to start in few days; Pentagon announces 1,800 US Marines to be replaced by Marine units as part of normal rotation schedule.