The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Ma'ariv survey of 1,152 Israelis reveals support for Likud party has risen from 33% in January to 39% in April, while support for Labor party has fallen from 46% in January to 38% in April [NYT 5/8]. Military renews order closing W. Bank schools [FJ 5/8].

Other Countries: U.S. protests Mubarak 'Awad's deportationrder [WP 5/7].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In W. Bank and Gaza Strip, Israeli authorities prevent shops from opening in morning. Large demonstration breaks out at al-Aqsa Mosque following prayers. At least 3 Palestinians are wounded by army gunfire in Gaza Strip. Curfews are in force in Qalqiliyyah, Jabalya camp, Beach camp, and parts of Rafah camp [FJ 5/8].

Arab World: In Shatila refugee camp, south of Beirut, fighting continues between Fateh and dissident commandos; PLO spokesman reports at least 5 are killed and 25 wounded [WP 5/7; MET 5/19]. Fateh fighters defeat dissidents in 'Ayn al-Hilwah refugee camp [WP 5/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Elderly Palestinian wounded in earlier clash dies [FJ 5/8]. Israeli authorities uproot olive trees in villages of Ras Karkar and al-Janiyyah, west of Ramallah [FJ 5/8]. Physicians at Shifa Hospital in Gaza protest the arrest of Dr. Zakariya al-Agha [FJ 5/8].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Bani Na'im village, near Hebron, 2 Palestinians are shot dead after protesters allegedly attacked army patrol. Palestinian is killed by army gunfire in Balatah refugee camp [WP 5/4]. Soldiers raid houses in Duhayshah refugee camp, clash with residents. In Beach camp, protesters block roads, bum tires. Protests erupt in Jabalya, Maghazi, and Dayr al-Balah camps [FJ 5/8].

Arab World: Syrian forces in Lebanon's Biqa' Valley are put on alert as Israeli troops continue house-to-house search for Palestinian commandos in S. Lebanon; UN officials estimate between 1,500 and 2,000 Israeli soldiers are in S. Lebanon [WP 5/4].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Yamun, near Jenin, 3 houses are demolished by Israeli authorities; owners are suspected of participating in demonstrations [FJ 4/10]. In Bethlehem, 10 stores are welded shut and owners' IDs confiscated because shops had opened during morning [FJ 4/10].

Arab World: Sec. of State George Shultz meets with King Hussein in Amman, flies to Damascus for talks with Pres. Hafiz al-Asad, and returns to Jerusalem [WP 4/6].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Demonstrations are reported in several W. Bank and Gaza Strip villages and camps. In Zayat, in Tulkarm district, soldiers use live ammunition to disperse protesters, injuring 8. Curfews are in force in 6 W. Bank villages and cities as well as Qabatiyyah and Jenin camp. Balatah is under curfew for 14th consecutive day. Dayr Ghassana and Bayt Rima villages, near Ramallah, are among 6 sealed villages. Soldiers raid Sura village, near Nablus, and uproot olive trees. In Gaza Strip, curfew in Jalazun is lifted for 3 hours. In Dayr al-Balah camp, protesters stone car of settlers from Kiryat Arba; settlers flee and Palestinians burn car; camp is placed under curfew [FJ 4/10].

Arab World: In Israel's S. Lebanon security zone, Israeli soldiers kill 2 Palestinian commandos attempting to cross border. Palestine Liberation Front claims responsibility [WP 4/6].

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: At news conference, Sheikh Saad al-Din al-Alami urges authorities to remove Israeli guards from al-Haram al-Sharif as they cannot offer security of the shrines in light of latest Israeli sabotage attempts.

Other Countries: Pennsylvania gubernatorial hopeful Lt. Gov. Scranton leaves on junket to Israel paid by its gov't.

Military Action:

Arab World: Just after midnight, IDF troops storm Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp near Sidon with tanks and armored vehicles, set off explosion, wound 20 residents, demolish 8 to 20 homes, shoot 2 residents, arrest about 150 people. Lebanese Nationalist commandos attack Israeli-backed South Lebanon Army near Yater village, 1 SLA soldier killed, 1 wounded.

Other Countries: Confirming longstanding Iraqi claims, MK Sharon tells Connecticut synogogue audience Israel has been supplying Iran arms with US knowledge.