The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Reports circulate regarding Kach's intent to establish armed patrols in E. Jerusalem to "maintain order" [FJ 4/26]. US State Dept. official Murphy meets with Palestinians from occupied territories to persuade them to join joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation for future peace talks; is told no Palestinian will participate except through the PLO and that the US must not ask for more concessions from the Palestinian people [FJ 5/3].

Other Countries: US columnist Jack Anderson reveals US knew in advance about 9/22/79 joint Israel-S. Africa nuclear test in S. Atlantic [WP 4/26, NYT 5/22].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: Palestinian, Muslim fighters enter Abra, Mieh Mieh village, Qayaa, Hilaliya, Bramiya, Majdalun, Qanah; looting reported [NYT, LAT 4/27]. 4 IDF soldiers wounded as mortar rounds hit IDF position in Tyre. SLA position near Yater attacked; no report of casualties [JP 4/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: US State Dept. official Murphy meets with W. Bank leaders at US consulate in E. Jerusalem; group presents petition signed by 22 leaders from occupied territories stating their support of PLO as sole representative of Palestinian people, urging creation of Palestinian state [WP 4/14]. Palestinian artist Sulayman Mansour prevented from traveling across Allenby Bridge to attend European seminars on Palestinian art [FJ 4/19].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: IDF, SLA raid Yater; 8 arrested, 7 homes destroyed; Irish UNIFIL troops forced to leave post in village by gunpoint; IDF later blocks other UNIFIL troops from entering village [PI, MG 4/17]. Roadside bomb explodes as IDF patrol passes near Burj al-Shamali camp; no injuries. 4 IDF troops wounded when vehicle hits mine E. of Tyre [JP 4/17].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 200 representatives of professions, student groups, other institutions in occupied territories call for PLO unity, criticize 2/11 Arafat-Hussein agreement [FJ 4/19].

Arab World: Jordan removes travel restrictions (imposed 4/30/83) on residents of occupied territories (W. Bank residents were not allowed to remain in Jordan for more than 30 days; were required to fill out questionnaire concerning trip) [FJ 4/19].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: Lebanese Forces continue bombardment of Mieh Mieh, 'Ain al-Hilweh. IDF, SLA attack Yuhmur; 8 reportedly massacred [NYT 4/14, LT 4/15]. UNRWA reports finding 6 beheaded bodies of Palestinian refugees in Sidon area [NYT 4/16]. Katyusha, anti-tank rocket fired at IDF positions in Tyre; no casualties [JP 4/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Central Bureau of Statistics reports 37% of occupied territories' work force employed in Israel during 1984: 50,000 from W. Bank, 40,000 from Gaza; 44,000 worked in construction, 13,000 in agriculture [JTA 3/7]. Housing Min. begins building permanent structures in 3 settlements formerly containing temporary housing: Atzmona in Gaza, Cadim in N. portion of W. Bank, and Na'ama in Jordan Valley [JP 3/6]. Haifa U. suspends Palestinian student leader Amir Makhoul, imposes sentences on 3 other Arabs, 1 Jewish student, for activities stemming from 1/17 disturbance at university during speech by MK Eitan [JP 3/7].

Arab World: After meeting with Pres. Mubarak in Hurghada, Egypt, King Hussein expresses support for 2/24 Mubarak proposal for talks between US, joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation [NYT, WSJ 3/7].

Other Countries: Reagan administration defersending Israel's $2.6 billion aid request to Congress for approval; states Israel has not made sufficient progress toward solving economic problems [NYT 3/7].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Authorities bulldoze 2 homes "illegally" built in Shuyuh [JP 3/7]. Roadside bomb explodes as settler's car passes in Hebron area; nearby note claims DFLP responsibility [JTA 3/8].

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: RPGs, shots fired at IDF, SLA posts in Shukin, Ansar; no casualties [JP 3/7]. IDF kill 2, wound 1 resistance fighter in Kafr Sir. SLA soldier wounded in Yatar. IDF raid Bidias; arrest 20 [DT, CSM, NYT 3/7]. IDF, Shin Bet agents arrest dozens in Tyre. Taxi driver killed by IDF near Tyre. IDF raid Burj Eliya; 12-yr. -old boy killed. Civilians in Teir Dibba forced to sit outside village during IDF raid [LT 3/7]. 7 Beirut-based journalists arrested by IDF near Tyre; later released [on 2/26 Israel issued ban on Beirut-based journalists in areas under IDF control] [NYT MG 3/7].