The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers with a military escort marched near Fawwar refugee camp and Dura, throwing stones at Palestinian vehicles. Israeli forces closed the entrances to the camp and village to facilitate the march. Israeli settlers also attacked Palestinian shepherds in Khirbet Makhul. 40 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in Fawwar refugee camp, Hebron, Bethlehem, Shu’fat, Biddu, Aqabat Jaber refugee camp, Jenin, Tulkarm, and Qalqilya. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian family was forced to demolish their own home in Sur Baher. In Gaza, an explosion at a Hamas military site in Dayr al-Balah killed 1 member of the Qassem Brigades and injured 1 other. Hamas called the explosion an accident. (AP, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 8/24; PCHR 8/31; UNOCHA 9/11)

Representatives from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Finland, Belgium, Sweden, Canada, and Norway toured Ras al-Tin and Burqa, condemning the demolition of an EU-funded school in Ein Samia and settler violence in the area. (WAFA 8/24)

The Israeli High Court of Justice approved the punitive demolition of the family home of a 13-year-old Palestinian who allegedly stabbed an Israeli police officer at the Shu’fat checkpoint on 2/13. The Palestinian child, whose trial is ongoing, was charged with murder as an Israeli settler opened fire at the child but instead shot and killed the police officer. The court rejected the argument that the family’s home should not be demolished due to the child’s age, saying the punitive demolition would deter other children from attacking Israeli forces. (HA 8/24; AP 8/31)

PA finance minister Shukri Bishara said that the Levine case against the PA and PLO had been dropped in a U.S. court. The plaintiff sought damages from the PA and PLO for $1 billion, claiming the PA and PLO were responsible for an attack that took place in Jerusalem in 2014. (WAFA 8/24)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas chaired the 11th session of the Fatah Revolutionary Council in Ramallah. (WAFA, WAFA 8/24)

Sierra Leonean president Julius Maada Bio issued a statement saying his country will open an embassy to Israel in Jerusalem. The announcement followed a phone conversation between Maada Bio and Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen. (JP, TOI 8/25)

The Guardian reported that in a 43-page amicus brief sent to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in July the UK government opposed the ICJ review of the legality of the Israeli occupation. The UK opinion raised 4 main arguments against the review, saying that the issue is a “bilateral dispute,” that the court is not equipped to examine the issue, that the review would conflict with existing agreements, and that the review is not appropriate as it asks the court to “assume unlawful conduct on part of Israel.” (AN, GDN 8/24)

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said in a report that Israel had carried out 25 attacks on Syria in 2023, including 18 air attacks and 7 ground-to-ground attacks, hitting 60 targets and killing 61 people. (HA 8/24)

The BRICS group of China, Russia, Brazil, India, and South Africa invited Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina, and the UAE to join the group. (NYT 8/23; AP, AJ, MEE, REU 8/24; AJ, NYT, REU 8/25; AJ 8/28)

In Taba, chief negotiators Qurai`, Savir initial draft "partial agreement" on expansion of self-rule though some points are still being discussed by subcomms. This "Oslo B" agmt. includes: area demarcations for West Bank villages and 2d stage of IDF redeployment; timetable for withdrawal fr. most towns, cities; prisoner release; understandings on taxation, amending PLO covenant. Ad-hoc comm. on Hebron to be formed. Water issue deferred to Israel-PA-U.S. comm. Redeployment is to begin next mo. (MM, WP 8/11; QY 8/11 in IL 8/11; FT, HA, IDF Radio, JP, MA, MENA, QY, RE, VOP, YA 8/11 in FBIS 8/11; NYT 8/12; AFP 8/12 in FBIS 8/14; FT 8/14; CSM 8/15; PR 8/18)

Syrian technical mission arrives in Buenos Aires for mtgs. on possible purchase of nuclear material for small reactor to be used for medical purposes. Argentina says it will solidify deal but not make a sale before Syria signs peace agmt. with Israel. (MM 7/14; YA 7/14 in FBIS 7/14; WT 7/23; QY 7/23 in FBIS 7/24; WJW 8/10; SA 8/15 in FBIS 8/16)

100s of settlers reoccupy hill nr. Efrat from which they were evicted 7/31. (WP 8/12)

PLO Chmn. Arafat and Israeli PM Rabin hold 90-minute summit  mtg. at Erez crossing, Gaza Strip.  Israel agrees to open safe passages btwn. Gaza and Jericho, permit 6,000 more Palestinian workers into Israel.  Both sides agree to pursue negotiations on expanding West Bank self-rule.  Israel puts off discussion of Jerusalem, criticizes PLO Political Dept. head Faruq Qaddumi's remarks on attacks on Israelis.  (Qol Yisra'el 8/10 in FBIS 8/11; MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/11)

World Bank announces establishment of field office in Gaza.  (World Bank release 8/10)

Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan meets 98-mbr. United Jewish Appeal delegation in Amman, says Jordan and Israel should coordinate economic policies before 10/94 Casablanca economic conference.  (MM 8/11)

Argentine Pres. Carlos Menem threatens to expel Iranian amb. over Tehran's alleged role in 7/18 bombing of Buenos Aires Jewish center.  Embassy had protested issuing of warrants for arrest of 4 Iranian diplomats in case.  (NYT, WT 8/11)

Senate approves foreign-aid bill 88-12, sending $13.8 b. measure to Pres. Clinton for signature.  Legislation, passed by House 8/4, includes $99 m. "down payment" on Jordanian debt relief, $3 b. in economic and military aid to Israel.  (WP 8/11)

Jericho Mayor Jamil Khalaf resigns, saying PNA had deprived him of authority.  Khalaf, appointed by occupation, reportedly was under investigation for corruption and was unhappy with local police cmndr.'s authority.  (WP 8/10)

Hamas spokesman Mahmud Zahhar affirms Hamas "would not reject Jordan's rule of Jerusalem, so long as it remains in Arab hands."  (Al-Hayat 8/9 in FBIS 8/11)

Jordanian and Israeli negotiators mtg. in Sodom, Israel, agree to send survey teams to demarcate border based on 1928 League of Nations map showing Palestine-Transjordan border.  (WT 8/10)

PM Rabin schedules talks for next day with PLO Chmn. Arafat, 1st since Arafat took up residence in Gaza.  (WT 8/10)

"Senior admin. source" with Secy of State Christopher says Syria still seeks peace agreement with Israel this year.  (NYT 8/10)

Argentine judge orders arrest of 4 Iranian diplomats in 7/18 bombing of Jewish center in Buenos Aires.  (CSM, WP, WT 8/10)

PLO Chmn. Arafat orders closure of al-Nahar newspaper, banned previous day fr. distribution in self-rule areas, rescinds appointment of Mansur Shawa to Gaza City Council.  (NYT, WT 7/30; CSM 8/1)

Jordan issues statement in support of PLO "efforts to gain political and geographic sovereignty over all Arab Palestinian lands, including Holy Jerusalem" in apparent move to soften Palestinian criticism of Washington Declaration clause on Jerusalem.  (RJ 7/29 in FBIS 7/29; NYT, WT 7/30)

Congress adds authorization for Jordanian debt relief to foreign operations appropriations bill.  Move would if approved cover up to $220 m. of Jordan's debt to U.S.  (NYT 7/30)

Argentina detains 3 suspects in 7/18 bombing of Jewish center in Buenos Aires.  (NYT 7/31)

PNA bans distribution of al-Nahar newspaper, Akhbar al-Bilad magazine,  causing al-Nahar to cease publication.  Both publications regarded as pro-Jordanian; PNA says al-Nahar advocates "line that contradicts the national interests of the Palestinian people."  Pretext for banning al-Nahar is that it had not renewed circulation permit.  Akhbar al-Bilad publisher Nasr al-Din Nashashibi, calls PNA move "intellectual terrorism."  (Qol Yisra'el 7/28 in FBIS 7/29; CSM, WP, WT 7/29; NYT, WT 7/30; JP 8/6)

PLO, Israeli negotiators reach draft agreements to give PLO control of education, health, and taxation in West Bank.  PLO negotiator Nabil Shaath denies reports that Janin will be next self-rule area, saying "it's all the West Bank."  (Qol Yisra'el, MENA 7/28 in FBIS 7/29; CSM 7/29)

Gaza municipal council holds 1st mtg.  Municipality head Awn Shawa says main task is preparing for municipal elections.  (Algiers VOP 7/28 in FBIS 7/29; TJT 7/29)

Secy of State Christopher, testifying to House FA Comm., criticizes PLO Chmn. Arafat's admin. of Gaza, saying he feels "frustration" with him and that Arafat failed to comply with international donors' requirements.  (WT 7/29)

U.S. announces VP Al Gore will visit Israel, Jordan 9/94 to promote Syria-Israel talks.  (MM 7/28)

Syrian govt. newspaper al-Ba`th criticizes Jordan for signing Washington Declaration, calling pact a "surprise" and a "violation" of Arab position in peace process.  (NYT 7/29)

Jordanian M of State Jawad Anani, speaking to Washington Institute for Near East Policy, says Amman favors Dead Sea-Red Sea canal project with Israel, Aqaba-Eilat free-trade zone.  (WT 7/31)

Lebanese PM Hariri orders military to prepare for possible Israeli strikes in retaliation for 7/18 bombing in Argentina  blamed on Hizballah.  Civilians in southern Lebanon flee north in anticipation of Israeli incursion.  (NYT, WSJ 7/29)

WJC Pres. Edgar Bronfman says Argentina warned UK of potential bombings in London; UK denies advance warning.  Argentine govt. official says Iranian diplomats suspects in 7/18 bombing. (NYT, WP, WT 7/29; JP 8/6)

Israeli intelligence agencies reach agreement with unspecified other countries on counterterrorism cooperation.  (Ha'Aretz 7/29 in FBIS 7/29)

Israeli PM Rabin, Jordan's King Hussein sign "Washington Declaration" ending state of belligerency at White House ceremony with U.S. Pres. Clinton as witness.  Declaration says sides "recognize their right and obligation to live in peace with each other."  Agreement mandates direct telephone connections, linking of electrical grids, and immediate opening of 2 border crossings.  Declaration also recognizes Hussein's "historic role" in safeguarding Muslim holy places in Jerusalem. Clinton calls Syrian Pres. al-Asad after ceremony, saying opportunity exists for progress in Israel-Syria talks.  Later, Rabin and Hussein attend state dinner in their honor. (MM 7/25; CSM, NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/26)

Israeli, Palestinian negotiators meet in Norway to discuss sharing of water resources.  (Qol Yisra'el 7/26 in FBIS 7/26; WT 7/26)

PLO Chmn. Arafat swears in Judge Qusay al-Abadlah as PNA chief justice and head of supreme court.  (Algiers VOP 7/26 in FBIS 7/27)

Kach movement holds paramilitary summer camp for youths at Qiryat Arba, including prayer at grave of Hebron killer Baruch Goldstein.  Organizers avoid direct connection to Kach, outlawed after 2/25 massacre.  (JP 7/25 in FBIS 7/27; WT 7/26)

Hizballah ambushes IDF patrol in southern Lebanon, killing 1 officer and wounding 13 soldiers.  IDF tank unit pursues guerrillas to Yuhmur village.  (RL 7/25, Qol Yisra'el 7/26 in FBIS 7/26; MM 7/26; WT 7/27)

UNSG Butrus Butrus-Ghali, in report to UNSC on renewal of UNIFIL mandate, orders study of how to reduce UNIFIL's 5,244-mbr. force.  (WT 7/27)

Argentine officials blame Iran for 7/18 bombing of Buenos Aires Jewish center as confirmed death toll reaches 80.  (NYT 7/26)

Israeli High Court of Justice accepts petition fr. Tsomet party to bar Yi'ud party fr. joining cabinet.  Yi'ud made up of frmr. Tsomet mbrs.  (MM 7/25)(see 7/12)

PLO Chmn. Arafat chairs PNA mtg. to discuss 3-point, 100-day master plan, 7/17 Erez crossing riot.  (Jericho VOP 7/23 in FBIS 7/25)

"Partisans of God" claims 7/18, 7/19 Argentina, Panama bombings in statement published in Beirut newspaper.  Group says attacks "will continue wherever Zionism is found until it is crushed and justice rules the world."  Argentine police say same method used in 7/18 bombing, 3/92 bombing of Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires.  (WP 7/24)

IDF announces 7/22 abduction of Hizballah leader Qasim Rihan fr. southern Lebanon.  IDF claims Rihan responsible for attacks on IDF.  (WP, WT 7/24)

Israel seals off Gaza Strip after previous day's riot at Erez checkpoint until "further notice."  Israeli cabinet mbrs. accuse Palestinian police of "gross irresponsibility" in incident.  (NYT 7/19)

Israel-Jordan peace talks open in tent on border 10 mi. north of Aqaba/Eilat.  Israeli delegation headed by Elyakim Rubenstein, Jordanian by Amb. to U.S. Fayiz Tarawnah.  Tarawnah expresses hope talks "will culminate in a treaty of peace," but PM and FM `Abd al-Salam Majali says Jordan "will not make a separate settlement with Israel by any means."  Talks break into working comm. sessions on borders, security, and water, energy, and environment issues.  (RJ, JTV 7/18 in FBIS 7/18; MM 7/18; CSM, NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/19)

Palestinian-Israeli talks resume in Cairo, agenda focusing on transfer of education authority to PNA.  (MENA 7/18 in FBIS 7/18)

Secy of State Christopher meets Israeli PM Rabin, FM Peres in Jerusalem, says Arab-Israeli conflict "drawing to an end."  (MM 7/18; NYT, WT 7/19)

Israeli govt. proposes legislation to bar PLO political activity in Israel and Jerusalem unless special approval given.  (MM 7/19; TJT 7/22; JP 7/30)

FM Peres announces Casablanca will host international Middle East economic conference 10/30, with over 2,000 companies participating.  (MM 7/19)

Bomb destroys Buenos Aires building housing Jewish organizations, files on Nazi war criminals in Argentina, killing at least 26, wounding over 100.  Iraqi detained in case; German, Iranian also reported arrested.  Argentine Pres. Menem says Mossad, Spanish intelligence will help in investigation.  Israeli PM Rabin denounces attack as "cowardly, criminal and evil act," vows to "chase perpetrators of terrorism to the end."  PLO official in Argentina says "we deeply lament this attack against peace."  Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires destroyed by bomb 3/92.  (MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/19; WJW 7/21)

IDF helicopters (4), IAF fighter-bombers (6) attack Hizballah base at `Ayn Kawkab, nr. Ba`albak, killing at least 26, as many as 45, and wounding 30 (up to 80), most teenagers in their beds.  Hizballah fires 20 katyusha rockets at Israel in retaliation, 7 landing nr. Nahariya.  Lebanon, Syria denounce attack.  UN S.G. Butrus Butrus-Ghali expresses "concern" over attack. (RL 6/2 in FBIS 6/2; MM 6/2, 6/3; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 6/3; JP 6/11)

PLO Chmn. Arafat cancels appointments, reportedly suffering fr. "mild angina."  (MENA, RL, MBC TV 6/2 in FBIS 6/3; NYT, WP 6/3)

Protests continue in Ramallah, 2 Palestinians wounded as Justice M David Liba'i visits.  (JP 6/11)

Mtg. of UNRWA donors grouping 24 countries, European Union (EU) concludes in Amman.  (UNRWA News 6/15)

Israeli FM Peres meets Morocco's King Hassan during stopover in Rabat on return fr. visit to Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina.  (MM 6/3)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops curfew Balata refugee camp, conduct house-to-house searches, arrest dozens of Palestinians [JP 11/24; FJ 11/29]. Army stops group of 50 would-be settlers who attempt to squat in Jericho [JP 11/24].

Arab World: Israeli forces patrolling in S. Lebanon security zone kill 2 armed Palestinian gunmen; 2 Israelis are wounded [JP 11/24]. President Mubarak states Egypt is urging PLO to reconsider position on UN resolutions 242 and 338 to ease way for intl. M. E. peace conference; comments follow 3 hours of talks with U.S. Asst. Sec. of State Richard Murphy [JP 11/24].

Military Action

Arab World: Syria begins placing longer-range SAM-2 anti-aircraft missiles along Syrian border with Lebanon, withdrawing shorter-range SAM-6 and SAM-8 missiles from Lebanese territory [JP 12/18; MEP 12/20; NYT 12/26]. Egyptian airliner carrying nearly 100 passengers is hijacked over the Mediterranean by Arabs identifying themselves as "Egypt's Revolution." After landing in Malta, several bodies are thrown out of the plane [WP, BG, TS 11/24].

Other Countries: Israel and Argentina pledge to increase volume of bilateral trade at conclusion of visit to Argentina by Trade Min. Ariel Sharon [JP 11/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Fifteen Jewish underground defendants found guilty, ending thirteen-monthrial in Jerusalem District Court. Group leader Menachem Livni, Shaul Nir, Uzi Sharabaf are convicted of murder, will receive mandatory life sentences; 12 others convicted of charges including attempted murder, manslaughter, attempted sabotage, illegal possession and transport of arms and explosives, damage to military property, membership in a terrorist organization, conspiracy to blow up the Dome of the Rock Mosque, and failure to prevent acrime [LT, NYT, WP 7/1 1].

Other Countries: Argentina will not let PLO open office in Buenos Aires, nor move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, Deputy Foreign Minister Jorge Sabato says [JTA 7/11].

Military Action

Arab World: IDF jets and helicopter gunships attack Nahr al-Barid and al-Baddawi Palestinian refugee camps near Tripoli, killing at least 24 and wounding 90. Refugee camps said to be bases for Abu Musa faction and PFLP-GC [LAT, PI, NYT, WP, AP 7/11].

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: 12 men in al-Arub refugee camp near Hebron arrested under suspicion of stone-throwing. Shamir denies any military commitments to US as quid pro quo for aid received during recent visit to Washington. Jerusalem mayor Kollek calls Birkat Avraham students troublemakers, urges their removal from Old City.

Other Countries: US Securities and Exchange Commission cites Development Corporation for Israel for failing to report to IRS large sums received in exchange for Israel Bonds from 1/82 to 4/83. Antonio Tricolli, Argentine Interior Minister describes anti-Semitism as "barbaric attitude" to be eliminated from the country; Argentine FM Dante Caputo states new constitutional gov't. would recognize PLO as legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.

MILITARY ACTION:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 4 killed and 46 wounded in bomb explosion on #18 bus in West Jerusalem; 41 detained for interrogation; anonymous caller from Israeli terror group, "TNT", (Terror Neged Terror), claims responsibility.

Military Action:

Joint Druze-Phalange committee does not meet as tensions in Chouf run high over kidnappings by both sides; large IDF force patrols area; cease-fire broken near Bhamdoun but reestablished after IDF arrives; IDF truck carrying ammunition goes up in flames near Deir al-Qamar; Syrian Foreign Minister Khaddam visits Tripoli, negotiates immediate cease-fire after 4 hour meeting with local leaders.

Casualties:

IDF planning to reopen former PLO school at el-Mahshuk, near Tyre (many refugees still live in other schools, preventing reopening); students on strike in Chouf area; 2 killed, 25 wounded in Chouf; 3 IDF soldiers wounded in truck explosion.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Sharon declines to testify again before Commisison of Inquiry; Chief of Staff Eitan, Director of Military Intelligence Saguy, head of Mossad, and Sharon's civilian aide Dudai all decide to give additional evidence or to cross-examine witnesses; Shamir meets with Argentine president and foreign minister to discuss Lebanese war, Malvinas, "disappeared" Israeli citizens, ends visit amid indications Argentina will seek large arms purchases; majority of World Zionist Congress vote for resolution, proposed by Labor Party, calling for peace settlement based on "territorial compromise," but parliamentary maneuvering blocks formal adoption.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat meets with former World Jewish Congress president Philip Klutznik in Tunis; Lebanese Foreign Minister Salem meets with Reagan, asks for more troops, also says Colombia, Brazil and Portugal have been asked to donate troops; Gemayel and Wazzan meet with Draper to discuss US proposal of partial withdrawal as first step to create momentum; to seek solution to disagreement on venue of peace talks; Draper departs to join Habib in Israel; Gemayel telephones Assad following meeting.

Arab Governments: Syria sends two high-level delegates to Tripoli port to try to end fighting.

US and Other Countries: Presidential adviser Edwin Meese says US will sell arms to Jordan without demanding its participation in peace talks, says issues unrelated; Honduran foreign minister denies arms deal with Israel but expects agreement on economic and technical assistance; Habib arrives in Israel; Britain postpones trade envoy's visit to Saudi Arabia in wake of tensions from postponing visit by Arab League delegation including PLO representative.

Military Action:

Fierce fighting erupts in Tripoli within hours of arrival of Gemayel aide, most of city in state of siege.

Casualties:

10 killed, 25 wounded in Tripoli; 2 IDF soldiers wounded in grenade attack near Nabatiyeh.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Shamir leaves for 12 day trip to Argentina and Uruguay, claims he will not talk about arms sales; Sharon, returning from US and Honduras, says Israeli military mission will go to Honduras next month to strengthen military cooperation; Bethlehem Mayor Freij asserts most West Bank Palestinians support confederation with Jordan, urges simultaneous mutual recognition between PLO and Israel; Israeli High Court temporarily bans demolition of Arab houses in Hebron.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat arrives in Amman for third round of talks with Jordanian officials aimed at developing a joint strategy on recent Arab and US peace plans; Gemayel sends internal security forces chief Hisham Shaar to Tripoli to negotiate cease-fire.

Arab Governments: Syrian commander for North Lebanon gives Gemayel aide a letter from Syrian Defense Minister Tlas pledging Syrian support in ending fighting; Saudi radio says British relations with Arab world could be severely affected by London's post-ponement of delegation including PLO representative; President Mubarak accuses Syria of blocking solution to Palestinian problem, asserts Syria influenced PLO to reject Reagan proposals.

US and Other Countries: France and Israel to reconvene cultural and educational commission suspended unilaterally by France after invasion.

Military Action:

4 IDF jets hit Syrian and PLO targets in Bekaa for first time since September 13 (1 SAM-9 missile battery destroyed at Dar el-Baideh along Beirut-Damascus Highway, targets at Ain Dara and Dhour Shweir hit; Syrian jets do not engage IDF jets); IDF sets up roadblocks near Aley, tightens regulation enforcement (cars may no longer drive alone through capital's suburbs), places forces on high alert.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Cabinet meets in emergency session, discusses military options, disagreement continues concerning withdrawal; US Jewish leaders in New York criticize Shamir for rejecting Reagan plan; "crisis of confidence" reported between army high command and Sharon; Draper arrives in Israel for talks with Begin on recent Habib visit to Syria; Daniel Timmerman, son of Argentine dissident and exile Jacobo Timmerman, goes to prison rather than do reserve duty in Lebanon.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Gemayel names Wazzan to head new government (seen as concession to Muslim leaders after secret weekend talk with Saeb Salam); Wazzan says all militias will be disbanded, favors "special status" for remaining Palestinian civilians but will take up issue with PLO.

US and Other Countries: US deplores Israeli attack on Bekaa; US vows to leave International Telegraph Union (meeting in Nairobi) if Algerian proposal to expel Israel from 157-member body is passed; for first time in over 20 years, China allows 2 Israeli professors with Israeli passports to enter the People's Republic.