The Palestine Chronology

Israeli naval vessels fire on and detain a Palestinian fishing boat off the coast of n. Gaza, ordering 3 fishermen to strip naked and swim to the gunboat and the 4th fisherman to accompany the gunboat to Ashdod port; the fishermen are released in the evening. IDF troops on the s. Gaza border fire on residential areas of al-Shuka, moderately wounding a Palestinian woman. In the West Bank, an IDF soldier is killed in a friendly fire incident nr. Ramallah. The IDF conducts late-night arrest raids, house searches in Bethlehem. (OCHA 5/13; PCHR 5/14)

At an emergency session in Cairo, the Arab League states unanimously reject the Obama admin.’s request as relayed by King Abdallah (see 4/21) to amend the 2002 Arab League initiative by dropping demands for the Palestinian right of return as a means of jumpstarting comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace talks. (Irish Times 5/8; NYT 5/12; see also AP, UPI 5/6)

Islamic Jihad mbrs. fire 2 rockets fr. n. Gaza towards an IDF base nr. Ashkelon, injuring 5 IDF soldiers; the IDF retaliates with artillery fire on the launch site, killing 1 Palestinian bystander in adjacent Jabaliya r.c.; Israel warns that it could send ground forces back into Gaza. The IDF also raids Nablus, assassinates local PFLP cmdr. Bashar Hanani (also reported as Bashar Khalani), AMB mbrs. Ahmad Jayyusi and Anas Hamad; shells areas northwest of Bayt Lahiya, wounding a farmer working his land; sends troops into Qabatya, fires on stone-throwing youths who confront them, wounding 5 Palestinians; raids, searches a building in Qiffin nr. Tulkarm, confiscating files fr. and sealing the offices of the Loans Association, Palestinian Peoples Party, Popular Campaign against the Wall, and Union of Agricultural Relief Comms.; conducts arrest raids, house searches in Bethlehem, Nablus, Ramallah and nr. Hebron, Jenin; uproots 200 Palestinian olive trees northwest of Hebron to erect a gate cutting al-Jaba village off fr. a nearby Jewish settlement. In the evening, the Israeli security cabinet approves new measures, known as Operation Blue Skies, aimed at curbing Palestinian rocket fire fr. Gaza, including using artillery, helicopter, and gunboat fire to enforce a new n. Gaza buffer zone; more stringent monitoring of the Gaza Strip by air; “other steps we have not taken until now,” but does not immediately give orders for the IDF to implement the plan. (BBC, IMEMC, JTA, PCHR, PM, XIN, YA 12/22; BBC, HA, IMEMC, JTA, NYT, WP, WT 12/23; PCHR 12/29)

The IDF conducts arrest raids, house searches in Bayt Laqia; bars an ailing Palestinian fr. crossing a checkpoint nr. Nablus to reach a waiting ambulance for 40 mins., allowing him to die. For the 2d day, an Israeli navy gunboat fires on several Palestinian fishing boats, orders fishermen to leave their catch and return to shore. In Yanun, 2 Jewish settlers burn 20 d. of Palestinian crops. (IMEMC 5/27; VOP 5/28 in WNC 5/29; XIN 5/29; PR 6/1; PCHR 6/2)

IDF soldiers break into, occupy a Palestinian home in Hebron to watch a soccer championship on the family’s satellite TV; the IDF confirms the incident took place, says the cmdr. of the squad has been suspended. The IDF also completes a segment of the separation wall n. of Bethlehem; fires on residential areas of Rafah, wounding 1 Palestinian; conducts arrest raids, apartment searches in Abu Dis, targeting al-Quds University students. An Israeli navy gunboat fires on 2 Palestinian fishing vessels off the coast of Gaza, seriously damaging them. Mbrs. of rival PA security forces exchange gunfire for several hrs. in Ramallah, causing no injuries; a similar incident occurs in Rafah, leaving 1 officer wounded. Jewish settlers fr. Kiryat Arba set fire to Palestinian olive groves, vandalize 2 Palestinian homes in Hebron; the IDF observes but does not intervene. Jewish settlers fr. Tal Rumayda stone Palestinian homes in Hebron; the IDF observes but does not intervene. Late in the evening, Jewish settlers fr. Avraham Avino in Hebron throw Molotov cocktails at a market storage area where Palestinian keep their carts and goods, causing moderate damage. (HA 5/27; OCHA, PR 6/1; PCHR 6/2)

Retaliating for the assassination of Islamic Jihad’s Abu Rub on 12/26, 2 Islamic Jihad gunmen infiltrate Otniel settlement nr. Hebron, fatally shooting 2 Jewish settlers, 2 IDF soldiers, wounding 9 (mostly soldiers), before being shot dead by the IDF; the IDF imposes a curfew on Hebron, surrounding area; angry Jewish settlers rampage through Palestinian areas of Hebron, attacking cars, houses. The IDF arrests an Israeli Jewish truck driver at Qarni checkpoint, attempting to smuggle weapons, ammunition into Gaza; fires on residential areas of Khan Yunis, setting fire to a farm, killing several sheep, chickens; conducts arrest raids in Askar r.c., Tubas. An IDF gunboat opens fire on Palestinian fishing vessels off the Gaza coast, severely damaging 3 boats. Up to 40,000 Hamas supporters attend a Hamas rally in Gaza City, marking the 15^th anniversary of the movement. (HA 12/27; HA, NYT, WP, WT 12/28; HA 12/30; LAW, PCHR 1/1)

White House sends warning to 3 Democratic senators (Daniel Inouye, cosponsor of Dole bill, D. Patrick Moynihan, Joseph Lieberman) that moving U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem  would have "a devastating impact on the peace process." (WT 5/15)

Frmr. Secy. of State James Baker calls on Clinton administration to take "more assertive role" in peace process to break impasses, says U.S. should commit now to stationing troops in Golan, opposes moving embassy to Jerusalem. (MM 5/11)

Jerusalem's Waqf authorities say site leased by U.S. as possible embassy location has been Waqf land for 200 yrs. U.S. officials say they doubt documentation supporting claim exists. (NYT 5/11; JP 5/20)

Final vote on NPT is postponed hours before it is to be held because of proposal submitted by Egypt, Algeria, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, Yemen to single out Israel's undeclared nuclear program for mention. U.S. counters by threatening to call open vote on Egyptian proposal which would surely be defeated. Egypt, U.S. reach agmt. to include general appeal to all nations with undeclared nuclear programs to adhere to NPT. (MM 5/10; NYT, WP, WT 5/11)

Israeli gunboat fires at, detains, searches Lebanese civilian cargo ship of coast of Tyre, s. Lebanon, as naval blockade continues. (RL 5/10 in FBIS 5/10)

IDF soldier is killed by friendly fire during night operation in s. Lebanon. (QY 5/11 in FBIS 5/12)

PM Rabin, Arafat meet at Erez, agree to speed up talks on expanding Palestinian self-rule to deflect opposition's criticism of Arafat; says 10,000 new work permits will be issued to Palestinians (meaning 23,000 workers will now be allowed into Israel versus 60,000 before 10/19); promises health, taxation, welfare, tourism will be given to PNA by end of month. (MM 11/8; IDF Radio, ITV, VOP 11/8 in FBIS 11/9; MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/9; CSM 11/10; JP 11/19)

Arms Control and Regional Security Group opens mtg. at Dead Sea Hotel. Working groups fr. 22 countries (inc. Israel, the Palestinians, U.S., Russia) to discuss regional communication on security, military issues; exchange of military data; advance notice of military maneuvers; confidence building. (RJ 11/8 in FBIS 11/9; RJ 11/9 in FBIS 11/10; AFP 11/9, JTV 101/10, QY 11/11 in FBIS 11/14)

PM Rabin counters IDF official's public statement made 11/9 that Syrian Pres. al-Asad cannot be trusted, saying Syria has not abrogated an agmt. since 1973 war. (QY 11/8 in FBIS 11/9)

Pres. Clinton sends letter to Lebanese Pres. Hrawi expressing hope for progress on Israel-Lebanon track, but omitting reference to UN Res. 425. Hrawi upset. (RL 11/8 in FBIS 11/9; MM 11/9)

King Hussein announces he will make 1st open visit to Israel 11/10 to exchange treaty ratification documents with PM Rabin. (WP, WT 11/9)

Cholera kills 1, sickens 29 in Gaza. Israel bans indefinitely all food imports fr. Gaza. Farmers expect $300,000 losses per day. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/9; MM 11/16; JP 11/19)

Israeli gunboat stops, searches German ship off Tyre, Lebanon. (RL 11/8 in FBIS 11/9)

Israeli FM Peres says Israel will sign NPT once comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace agmt. is reached and accord ridding region of nuclear weapons, weapons of mass destruction is signed. (WT 11/9)

Knesset defeats motions of no-confidence against gov't. by 60-55 margin, 4 MKs abstain and 1 is absent. Motions were brought by Labor and 3 small parties over immigrants' housing problems [JDS 8/1 in FBIS 8/2].

Washington Times reports that growing internal problems have caused USSR to cut back its Middle East role, pulling advisers out of Syria and cooling relations with PLO [WT 8/1].

5-member committee concludes arrangements for moving Arab League headquarters to Cairo; transfer to take place from October 1990 to June 1991 [MENA 8/1 in FBIS 8/2].

Israeli gunboat shoots, sinks rubber dinghy off Lebanese coast, 2 Arabs are killed; Israeli military states "terrorists" were heading towards waters off Israel's "security zone" when intercepted [JDS 8/ 1 in FBIS 8/1; WP 8/2; JPI 8/11].

10 people are killed, 50 wounded as Fateh-backed Amal forces clash with Hizballah troops in S.Lebanon [NYT 8/ 2]; intra-Palestinian fighting between 2 wings of Fateh takes place in 'Ayn al-Hulwah, S.Lebanon; at least 7 are killed [IHD 8/1 in FBIS 8/2; WT 8/2].

Cypriot police seal off Larnaca airport grounds in response to threat of attack by extremist groups against Aeroflot plane carrying Soviet Jews to Israel via Cyprus. Passengers are taken from plane and continue to Israel via ferry [TASS 4/13].

In television interview, Senator Bob Dole says he will work to repeal Senate's 3/22 resolution recognizing Jerusalem as capital of Israel [LAT 4/14].

Israeli gunboat fires upon, reportedly sinks, dinghy carrying Palestinians off Lebanese coast [NYT, LAT 4/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinians observe general strike in O.T. [FJ 4/17].

Military Action Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Hebron soldier shoots, kills Palestinian. In Jabalya troops open fire, killing 13-year-old Palestinian, wounding 3others [FBIS 4/10, FJ 4/17]. In Gaza, at least 11 Palestinians are injured [FJ 4/17].

Arab World: Israeli gunboat, helicopters kill 4 Palestinian guerrillas attempting to cross into Israel via Mediterranean; Amal anti-aircraft batteries, artillery join battle firing on Israeli forces [FBIS 4/10].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Following inner cabinet meeting, 3 Likud ministers call for barring media from W. Bank and Gaza Strip [LAT 2/29]. In Tel Aviv, Sec. of State Shultz meets separately with P.M. Shamir and F.M. Peres [WP 2/29]. Group of 300-400 Israeli Arabs and Jews begins march from Lebanese border to Jerusalem in call for end to occupation of W. Bank, Gaza Strip; march is organized by group called "Red Line" [NYT 3/1].

Arab World: Sec. Shultz holds 3 hours of talks with Egypt's Pres. Husni Mubarak in Cairo [CSM 2/29]. Mubarak voices support for Shultz plan [WP 2/29].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jewish settlers from Neve Zuf join IDF forces against stonethrowing Palestinian protesters in 'Abbud village, near Ramallah; 2 Palestinians are shot dead; settler is arrested in connection with the shootings [WP 2/29; FJ 3/6]. Army intervenes after settlers from Tekon and el-David settlements open fire in Bethlehem-area village of Faradis [FJ 3/6].

Arab World: Off coast of Tyre, Israeli gunboat attacks small boat, killing 2; 3 others escape. Reports from Lebanon indicate the 5 were Fateh fighters en route to attack Nahariya military base [WP 2/29].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli gunboat stops the Empress, a Cypriot ferry, bound for Lebanon. The ship is allowed to continue to Juniyah because it had no passengers. Lebanese Pres. Jumayyil asks U.S. assistance to prevent Israel from blocking sea route between Cyprus and Lebanon [LAT 1/4].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Authorities lift curfew imposed on Balatta refugee camp 1/1 [FJ 1/9].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli gunboat intercepts the Sunny Boat, a Cypriot passenger ferry bound for Lebanon, in international waters and orders the ship to return to Lamaca. Israeli navy claims ship's passengers included Palestinian "terrorists" [LAT 1/3; NYT 1/4]. Hizballah fighters attack 2 SLA posts near Barashit, killing 6 [FJ 1/9].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: In Genoa, Achille Lauro trial ends; 11 are convicted, 3 given life terms [WP 7/11].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli gunboat intercepts vessel carrying 4 armed Arab guerrillas off S. Lebanon; 2 Israeli soldiers and all 4 guerrillas are killed, 9 other Israeli soldiers wounded in ensuingun battle on land; PFLP and Syrian-backed National Syrian Social party claim responsibility [WP 7/14; NYT 7/15; FJ 7/18]. Hours later Israeli helicopter gunships attack 'Ain al-Hilwah refugee camp, near Sidon, killing 1 and wounding 8 [WP 7/14; NYT 7/15].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: New campus at Bir Zeit U. reopened (closed 3/8 after IDF raid) [NYT 5/9]. Knesset no-confidence motion based upon allegations that Min. Ezer Weizman leaked secret information to US sources during Carter administration fails [JP 5/9]. Gush Emunim settlers erect tent settlement of Hadar Beitar near Palestinian village of Hussan [JP 5/10]. Palestinian students at Haifa U. protest 3/6 disciplinary action against colleagues [JP 5/90].

Arab World: Chmn. Arafat states he and King Hussein agreed on composition of joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation [BG 5/9]. In Tunis, PLO spokesman Ahmad 'Abd al-Rahman, PLO Pol. Dept. Head Faruq al-Qaddumi, Fateh Second-in-Command Salah Khalaf (Abu lyad) indicate only PLO Central Committee members may participate in joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation's talks with US officials [NYT, CSM 5/9]. 5 leaders of Palestine National Salvation Front, incl. Sec. Gen. Ahmad Yamani (Abu Mahir), meet with Lebanese PM Rashid Karami, Nabih Berri concerning bringing 13 Palestinian camps in Lebanon under PNSF control; are informed Palestinians cannot use S. Lebanon for rocket attacks against Israel [NYT, LT 5/9].

Military Action

Arab World: Off Lebanese coast near Tyre IDF gunboat sinks rubber dinghy carrying 5 Palestinian fighters [PI, NYT 5/9]. RPG wounds IDF soldier in Kantara, S. Lebanon [JP 5/9].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: E. Jerusalem merchants strike in support of better prison conditions for Palestinian prisoners in Ashkelon prison [WP 4/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Poice arrest 132 after stones thrown, road blocked during protest at Ibrahimiya College, Jerusalem; demonstrators were protesting conditions for Palestinians in Ashkelon prison [NYT 4/5]. After protest by Association for Civil Rights in Israel, IDF reduces area in Ramallah under 24-hr. curfew (imposed after 3/31 killing of IDF soldier); central market area remains closed [LAT 4/6].

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: IDF raid Kawthariyat al-Siyad across front lines; 8 killed. 2 IDF soldiers injured by roadside bomb near Tyre; 3rd wounded by similar bomb near Qasmiya. IDF gunboat shells Rashidiya camp; 3 killed, 12 wounded [PI 4/5].

Other Countries: Rocket fired at Alia Royal Jordanian Airlines plane at Athens airport; no injuries; Black September suspected of attack [WP 4/5].

Military Action:

IDF armored units, under artillery cover, invade West Beirut in apparent effort to cut off Palestinian areas south of city (tanks cross Green Line at Museum, head toward Hippodrome; IDF gunboat shelling sets fires in Palestinian areas south of city; IDF ground assault against PLO positions in Ouzai area; shelling of Ouzai, Jnah, Burj al-Barajneh; IDF jets make low-level passes over besieged city); two UN officers cross into West Beirut despite IDF opposition (one officer is American).

Casualties:

UN health officials warn of imminent danger of epidemic in West Beirut because of inadequate water supplies; two IDF officers killed; IDF casualties up to this week put at 295 dead, 1,800 wounded; fresh fruit and vegetables unobtainable in streets of West Beirut; ICRC reports 80 percent of hospital patients suffering from contagious diseases; many hospitals lack water, all using generators for electricity; eight of nine orphanages in Beirut destroyed by IDF shelling, bombs.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israeli Druze meet Lebanese counterparts near Tiberias; Shamir, in Washington, rejects linking PLO withdrawal to wider accord on Palestinian problem.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese Muslim leaders back PLO in pressing Habib to consider plan to allow simultaneous PLO evacuation as international peacekeeping forces are deployed; Wazzan meets with French ambassador over use of French troops; PLO, Lebanese military leaders meet with Wazzan to plan PLO evacuation details; Habib meets with Sarkis, Wazzan on withdrawal plans.

Arab Governments: Egyptian official says Egypt is abandoning aspects of Camp David accords dealing with Palestinian autonomy.

US and Other Countries: Habib reportedly sends "blistering" messages to Reagan warning negotiations may be scuttled by IDF undermining of cease-fire; Reagan again urges Israel not to enter West Beirut (Reagan later says escalating violence in Lebanon unacceptable); Shamir meets with members of Congress, tells them only IDF pressure will ensure PLO withdrawal from Beirut.

UN: UN announces cease-fire observer group formed from UN personnel in Beirut area, ordered to take up stations in areas "under Lebanese control" (this follows IDF refusal to let 30 soldiers of UN Truce Supervisory Organization-who had driven up from Israel-deploy inside Beirut).