The Palestine Chronology

In Gaza, the IDF fatally shoots 2 Hamas mbrs. who detonated a roadside bomb nr. a bus carrying Thai laborers to a Jewish settlement, causing no damage or injuries. Nr. Nablus, a Jewish settler, angry over Palestinian youths throwing stones at his car, stops and shoots 1 of the youths at point blank range, killing him. A 4th Palestinian dies of injuries received earlier. Palestinians fire 3 mortars at Gush Katif, causing some damage but no injuries. In Azariyya, the IDF closes the PA Information Min.'s temporary offices (opened after the IDF shut the main offices on 11/21), the al-Quds Open University Student Union office. The IDF also shells residential areas of al-Bireh, Ramallah; conducts arrest raids in Azun, Khan Yunis, Ramallah; detains 10 Palestinians at a Gaza checkpoint. (AP 1/31; BBC, NYT, WT 2/1; LAW, PCHR 2/6)

In an interview with Ma'ariv, Sharon says that he regrets that Israel did not kill Arafat in Beirut in 1982. The State Dept. says that the U.S. does not have "any particular comment" on Sharon's statement. (MA 1/31 in WNC 2/1; BBC, MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/1)

State Dept. says that the proposed Ras al-Amud plan will not help put the peace process back on track. The Arab League, Jordan also condemn the project. (al-Ra'i, RE, RJ 7/26 in WNC 7/29; WT 6/27) (see 7/24)

Ma'ariv reports that Israeli defense officials have prepared a black list of 70 PA policemen who allegedly fired shots at the IDF during the 9/96 riots and who can be detained for interrogation if they travel btwn. the West Bank, Gaza. The list reportedly has been given to the PA, which removed listed men fr. joint patrols, senior positions. At the same time, Israel's military advocate general ruled that IDF actions during the riots came under the "framework of war," meaning troops cannot be prosecuted, while PA actions did not. (MA 7/25 in WNC 7/30)

Jordan agrees to allow international observers monitor the 11/97 parliamentary elections. (al-Ra'i 7/26 in WNC 7/27; MM 7/28) (see 7/24)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Maariv publishes poll indicating 65% of Israelis oppose any territorial concessions in W. Bank, 21.9% favor returning some W. Bank settlements [JTA 5/16]. Tzomet and Tehiya parties to merge [DFA 5/85].

Other Countries: US State Dept. admits it has known since early 1985 that Israel illegally obtained US-made krytron firing devices; has asked Israel to explain how devices have been used, return any unused devices [NYT, WP 5/16]. US State Dept. Director of Counter-terrorism Robert Oakley reveals PLO guarded US embassy in Beirut from mid-1970s to 1982 [TS 5/16].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli bus fired on with automatic weapon near Halhoul; 1 passenger injured; 1-day curfew imposed [JP 5/16]. 

Military Action:

Several hundred Shiite militiamen attack Lebanese Army barracks in Baalbek for two hours before retreating, in first armed protest of Amin Gemayel's government; Lebanese Army fortifies position around barracks.

Casualties:

Three militiamen killed in Baalbek fighting, several wounded, two Lebanese soldiers wounded; Maariv estimates 1,200 Palestinians have been killed in Lebanese Army sweeps through West Beirut, another 60,000 may have been sent to Syrian-controlled Lebanese territory and their homes destroyed; UNRWA officially decides to stop preparing cement floors for tents and giving out tents and to use money for refugees in other ways.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israeli defense ministry reportedly amending old work permit forms to include almost identical wording of loyalty pledge and note that permit can be withdrawn if holder helps the PLO; Israeli authorities order deportation of 9 lecturers at Islamic University in Gaza for "invalid" visas; curfew imposed on Nablus market and Askar refugee camp following attack on two Jewish settlers from Elon Moreh; Israeli authorities report 3-4,000 Lebanese visit Israel in last week since restrictions eased (Palestinians excluded); Israeli official says goods worth $20 m. arrived in Lebanon from Israel last month; Sharon and Zipori clash at Cabinet meeting; Sharon asks Cabinet to schedule full debate on state of PLO following invasion of Lebanon; Commission of Inquiry slates inquiry into discovery of IDF identity tag and card of IDF sergeant found inside Sabra camp, as Sergeant Benny Chaim twice fails to appear to testify; Israel accuses France of freezing economic relations since June invasion.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese Army celebrates Independence Day for first time in eight years; Habib meets with Druze leader Majid Arslan and Pierre Gemayel in bid to ease Chouf tensions.

US and Other Countries: US State Department officials welcome Israeli decision to modify loyalty pledge requirements; Reagan Administration considering asking Congress for $500 million in aid for Lebanese reconstruction; Henry Kissinger says Jordanian participation in negotiations over West Bank essential.