The Palestine Chronology

In Gaza, the IDF continues operations in al-Maghazi r.c., engaging in heavy clashes with local gunmen, killing 4 armed Palestinians and 1 bystander, wounding at least 32 (in addition, 1 Palestinian child wounded in al-Maghazi on 7/19 dies of her injuries); drops leaflets across Gaza warning that “anyone who has . . . an arsenal, ammunition, or weapons in their house must destroy them or will face dangerous consequences.” The IDF also continues to shell n. and s. Gaza to prevent rocket fire; makes air strikes on 2 groups of Palestinians allegedly laying roadside bombs (no injuries are reported); fires warning shots fr. gunboats to keep Palestinian fishermen fr. going out to sea. Palestinians fire at least 1 rocket fr. Gaza into Israel, lightly wounding 1 Israeli. In the West Bank, the IDF continues major operations in Nablus, surrounding the local PA headquarters where a number of wanted Palestinians have taken refuge since fighting began on 7/19; 15 give themselves up during the day, but 10 remain inside, as IDF tanks shell the building and bulldozers begin to demolish the structure, troops fire on stone-throwing Palestinians who confront them (wounding 5). Also in Nablus, some 4,000 Palestinians demonstrate in support of Hizballah. The IDF also conducts arrest raids, house searches nr. Hebron; clears Palestinian trees nr. Har Homa settlement. (NYT, WP 7/21; IFM 7/22; PCHR 7/27)

Israel warns Lebanese s. of the Litani River that they have 24 hrs. to evacuate to the north. The IDF increases pinpoint ground operations in s. Lebanon, engaging in fierce clashes with Hizballah, leaving at least 2 IDF soldiers, 2 Hizballah mbrs. dead and 6 IDF soldiers injured; sends tanks, bulldozers across the n. border to destroy tunnels, bunkers, posts used by Hizballah (Hizballah claims to destroy 2 tanks; the IDF does not comment); continues air and artillery strikes on 150 targets across Lebanon, including Baalbek, Hermel, and al-Khiyam (destroying the infamous jail there, formerly run by Israel’s proxy, the South Lebanon Army). Late in the evening, 2 IDF helicopters collide over n. Israel nr. the Lebanese border, killing at least 4 IDF soldiers. Hizballah fires some 40 rockets at n. Israel, hitting Carmiel, Kiryat Shimona, Safad, Tiberias; there are no reported injuries. Syria reports that more than 140,000 people have crossed over fr. Lebanon since the violence began. Some 10,000 foreigners are evacuated by sea fr. Beirut and Tyre (including some 2,250 Americans and many Southeast Asian laborers evacuated by the Indian navy); UNIFIL evacuates its post at Naqura. Lebanese report that the cost of basic goods has risen 500% in some areas. (BBC, UNIS, WP 7/20; AP, NYT, WP, WT 7/21; WP 7/22)

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) says it will resume full participation in the PLO Executive Comm. and Central Council, which it has boycotted since the singing of the 1993 Oslo Accord. (NYT 2/18; AYM 2/21 in WNC 2/28)

At an American Comm. on Jerusalem briefing on Capitol Hill, eminent Palestinian historian Walid Khalidi reveals findings of a 3-yr. investigation, proving that the ownership of the proposed site for a U.S. emb. in Jerusalem, as mandated by Congress's 1995 Jerusalem Emb. Act, is largely private property (some of which can be claimed by U.S. citizens) and Waqf land that have been illegally confiscated by Israel. (ACJ press release 2/17)

PA teachers go on strike to protest their low salaries. Arafat had promised pay raises as part of the civil service law but the salary increases were not worked into the FY 2000 budget approved on 1/26. (MENL 2/18; LAW 2/22; MEI 2/25)

Demonstrations continue in Beirut, where 2,000 Lebanese hold protest outside the U.S. emb.; several are injured when army, police units break them up. (MM 2/17; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 2/18; MM 2/21)

In s. Lebanon, an IDF soldier is killed by Hizballah shelling. In a separate incident, a roadside bomb planted by Hizballah explodes injuring 1 South Lebanon Army (SLA) mbr. Israel does not stage major retaliatory attacks. (RL 2/17 in WNC 2/18; MM 2/21)

In Gaza, the PLO Central Council (PCC) opens debate on statehood declaration, with 96 of 124 mbrs. attending. Arafat opens the mtg. by affirming Palestinians' right to independence, but recommending against declaring a state on 5/4. Hamas sends a 4 mbr. observer group led by Shaykh Ahmad Yasin, marking 1st time it has participated in a PLO mtg.; the move is criticized by Hamas political leaders in Jordan. Islamic Jihad, Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine boycott. (MM 4/27; AFP, IDF Radio, JT 4/27 in WNC 4/28; MM, NYT, WP, WT 4/28; IDF Radio, MBC 4/28 in WNC 4/29; al-Ayyam 4/28, 4/29 in WNC 5/3; PR 4/30; MEI 5/7; al-Istiqlal 5/7 in WNC 5/17; CSM 5/17)

In Nablus, 1,000 Fatah mbrs. march in support of a statehood declaration on 5/4. (WT 4/28)

A Palestinian arrested by Israeli police on burglary charges on 4/27 is admitted to a Tel Aviv hospital having been beaten so severely that one of his kidneys stopped functioning. (Reuters [Internet] 5/6)

Without explanation, the GIS orders the Hamas weekly newspaper al-Risala closed "until further notice." Under pressure fr. unnamed PA officials, the paper is allowed to reopen several hrs. later. (AFP 4/27 in WNC 4/28; al-Hayat al-Jadida 4/29 in WNC 5/3; PR 4/30)

In Geneva, the UN Human Rights Commission passes (52-1) a resolution reaffirming the Palestinians' right to self-determination, right to return. The U.S. votes against. (ADC press release 4/28; Xinhua 4/28 in WNC 4/29; Prime Minister's Report 4/30) (see 4/23)

Israel claims that the PA has released 3 Hamas prisoners involved in attacks in which Israelis were killed. PA, Hamas deny the story. (IDF Radio 4/27 in WNC 4/28; NYT, WP 4/28; al-Ayyam 4/28 in WNC 4/29; PR 4/30; JP 5/7)

In Washington, Israeli DM Moshe Arens meets with Secy. of State Albright, NSA Berger, Secy. of Defense Cohen for talks on Arrow missile program, Israeli receipt of 60 new F-16D fighters, regional issues. Albright, Berger criticize Israeli settlement policy. (USIS Washington File 4/27; MM 4/28; IDF Radio, MA 5/3 in WNC 5/4; WJW 5/6; JP, MEI 5/7)

Lebanese security personnel arrest an Israeli woman, Mary Vizeman, on suspicion of spying after she is found in Tyre without a passport. Vizeman, who speaks Arabic well, claims that she came fr. Nazareth to visit a friend in Beirut. (VOL 4/28 in WNC 4/29; JP 5/7)

Hizballah attempts to capture 2 IDF/SLA posts in s. Lebanon, wounding 8 IDF soldiers, 3 SLA mbrs. IDF shells Hizballah targets in response, wounding 2 civilians. (VOL 4/27 in WNC 4/28; MM 4/28)

Arafat, Pres. Mubarak hold talks on the peace process in Alexandria. (RE 8/25 in WNC 8/26; RE 8/26 in WNC 8/27)

PM Netanyahu arrives in Japan. (IDF Radio, Kyodo [Tokyo] 8/25 in WNC 8/26; MM 8/26; MM, WP, WT 8/27, CSM 9/3, JP 9/6) (see 8/24)

Saying that the Oslo process must be "redefined," Israeli mayor of Jerusalem Ehud Olmert promises to build additional housing projects, including some in disputed territories. (WT 8/26)

In Bethlehem, the IDF fires tear gas, rubber bullets at Palestinians protesting the continued internal closure. When troops move closer to the PA-controlled area, PA police take up postitions behind walls, baracades. Only when troops pull back, do they intervene to disperse the protesters. (WP, WT 8/26)

IDF demolishes 2 Palestinian homes nr. Bethlehem, 2 nr. Jerusalem for allegedly being built without permits. (LAW 8/25; WP, WT 8/26; IDF Radio 8/26 in WNC 8/27; PR 8/29)

Israeli police, Shabak agents break into the Golan Heights home of Ilham Abu Salih--a Druze who heads a student organization at Damascus University, representing 400 Golani Druze students; arrest her on suspicion of being a Syrian spy. Druze in Majdal Shams stage protests, burning tires, waving Syrian flags. Syria complains to the UN. (al-Anwar 8/29 in WNC 9/4; NYT, WP 9/4; JP 9/6)

After much critism, Labor Chmn. Barak reverses the dismissal of Labor party personnel announced 8/21, saying he erred in abruptly laying off the workers. (MA 8/29 in WNC 9/2; JP 9/6)

As fighting continues in Lebanon, IAF fires rockets at PFLP-GC targets s. of Beirut, causing no injuries. Hizballah detonates a roadside bomb in s. Lebanon, injuring 1 SLA mbr. (QPAR 8/25 in WNC 8/26; CSM, WP 8/26)

Israel decides to release 1/3 of the tax revenues ($12 m.) that it has withheld fr. the PA as a nod to the PA's cooperation on the trilateral security panel 8/18. (MM 8/18; IDF Radio, IGPO 8/18 in WNC 8/20; CSM, NYT, WP, WT 8/19; PR 8/22)

PA police begin inforcing a boycott on the import of certain Israeli goods to the occupied territories, halting and searching commercial vehicles. (JT 8/18 in WNC 8/20; MM 8/21; CSM, NYT, PR 8/22) (see 8/16)

Citing the deadlock in the peace process, Indonesia rejects an Israeli request for PM Netanyahu to visit the country during a trip to Japan, South Korea next wk. (YA 8/19 in WNC 8/20)

IDF demolishes 4 Palestinian homes nr. Hebron. (PR 9/5)

Jordan arrests 6 people, including an Israeli, who were trying to smuggle guns into the West Bank via the Dead Sea tourist area. (JT 8/27 in WNC 8/28; Shihan 9/6 in WNC 9/10; JP 10/11)

3 Lebanese civilians are killed by a roadside explosion in Jazzin, which is controlled by the South Lebanon Army (SLA). In response, the SLA shells the largely pro-Hizballah city of Sidon, killing at least 6 civilians, wounding 38--the highest civilian toll since the 4/96 understanding. Hizballah, supported by Lebanese army artillery, then shells source of SLA fire (a village nr. Jazzin), killing 1 civilian, wounding 2. Israel files a complaint with the Israel-Lebanon Monitoring Group (ILMG), blaming Hizballah for the initial roadside bombing; reprimands the "rogue commander" of the SLA who allegedly ordered the Sidon attack. (MM 8/18; RL, VOL 8/18 in WNC 8/20; MM, NYT, WP, WT 8/19; VOL 8/19 in WNC 8/21; CSM, WP 8/20; NYT 8/21; MM 8/22) (see 8/12)

Iraq announces plans to permit Iranian pilgrims to visit Shi`ite holy sites at Najaf, Karbala for the 1st time in 17 yrs. beginning 9/4. (MM 8/19)

At the invitiation of the Lebanese Soccer Federation, the Iraqi national soccer team arrives in Beirut to play match against Lebanon's team. (INA 8/18 in WNC 8/20) (see 7/11)

At dusk, Israel begins releasing Palestinian female prisoners. The Victims of Terror group files another last-minute challenge with the High Court (see 2/9), forcing the Israeli authorities to recall some of the women, prompting the rest of them to say they would not go home until all were freed. All 31 women are released by midnight. (MM 2/11; NYT, WP, WT 2/12; JP 2/22)

French DM Charles Millon arrives in Israel for 2-day visit to discuss furthering bilateral defense relations, which began in 1993. (AFP 2/11 in WNC 2/13; MM 2/13; Les Echos [Paris] 2/17 in WNC 2/20; JP 2/22)

IDF continues forced transfer of Jahalin bedouin. 17 families remain at the old site. To date 150 bedouin have been transferred. (WP 2/12; NYT 2/18; JP 2/22) (see 1/27)

To avoid any reprisal attacks, Israeli defense officials tell Netanyahu that they would prefer the U.S. deport Hamas's Abu Marzuq to Jordan, rather than extradite him to Israel. (IDF Radio 2/11 in WNC 2/12; YA 2/12 in WNC 2/13) (see 2/2)

In response to Hizballah's 2/9 attack, Israeli Air Force (IAF) bombs Hizballah's radio station in Baalbek, PFLP-GC bases Beirut's suburbs and nr. the border with Syria (wounding 6). This is Israel's 1st major sortie outside the self-declared security zone since the 4/96 campaign. 3 PFLP-GC mbrs., 1 civilian are injured. (MM 2/11; AFP, QPAR, RL 2/11 in WNC 2/12; NYT, WP 2/12)

SLA expels Lebanese citizen fr. the Israeli self-declared security zone to n. Lebanon. (RL 2/11 in WNC 2/13) (see 12/23)

PM Netanyahu visits Israeli self-declared security zone in s. Lebanon; warns that continued attacks by Hizballah could trigger strong Israeli retaliation. Hrs. later, 1 SLA mbr. is killed by roadside bomb. (MM 8/20; RL 8/20 in WNC 8/23; WT 8/21; RMC 8/21 in WNC 8/27) (see 8/16)

In Beirut, Pres. Ilyas Hrawi, Kuwait's Shaykh Sabah discuss peace process, Arab unity. (RL 8/19 in WNC 8/22)

After receiving notices that their land lies in area C and has been designated a military area, Israel demolishes 4 50-yr.-old Palestinian homes nr. Nablus. (LAWE 8/21)

Israeli Housing Min. drafts plan to approve construction of 5,000 new housing units in the West Bank, along the Green Line, over next 2 yrs.; increase West Bank settler population by 70,000 over next 5 yrs. (IDF Radio 8/19 in WNC 8/22; WT 8/21; MM 8/28; JP 8/31)

In the Golan, Israeli police arrest Human Rights Watch worker Bashar Tarabiyya, a U.S. resident, on suspicion that he threatened national security, engaged in pro-Syrian activity. (MM 9/23, 9/27; JP 9/7)

Jordanian security forces round up 100s of people around the country following 3 days of bread riots. 500 have been arrested in Karak alone. Opposition leaders call on PM `Abd al-Karim Kabariti to resign. (JTV, RJ, RMC 8/19, al-Ra`i 8/20 in WNC 8/22; MM, WP 8/20; MEI 9/6) (see 9/18)

Iraq calls on Turkey, Syria to resume as soon as possible tripartite talks on distribution of the Euphrates, Tigris waters, halted since 1992. (Mother of Battles Radio [Baghdad] 8/19 in WNC 8/22) (see 6/30)

FBI announces plans to open 23 new offices around the world--incl. in Ankara, Cairo, Riyadh, Tel Aviv--that will focus on combatting terrorism, drug trafficking that affects the U.S. (WP 8/20)

Israeli-PLO security, civilian affairs comm. negotiations continue in Taba.  Security comm. discusses release of Palestinian prisoners, establishment of Palestinian police.  Israeli negotiator Gen. Amnon Shahak says draft paper on Palestinian police force "almost achieved."   Civilian Affairs comm. divides into subcoms. on electricity and civil planning, communications.  Palestinian negotiator Radwan Abu-Ayyash estimates cost of Palestinian broadcast network at $30 m.-$50 m. (MENA 2/16 in FBIS 2/16, 2/17; MM 2/16)

Bilateral Arab-Israeli talks resume in Washington. (Qol Yisra'el 2/16 in FBIS 2/16)

Egyptian State Broadcasting Authority renews official contact with Israeli Broadcasting Authority, broken during 1982 Lebanon war.  (MM 2/17; JP 2/26)

Higher Jordanian-Palestinian Comm. completes 2 days of mtgs. in Amman.  Jordanian Information M. Jawad al-Anani says PLO and Jordan have agreed on joint strategy in economic talks with Israel set for Paris.  Israel-Jordan joint economic comm. meets in Washington with U.S. participation. (RJ 2/16 in FBIS 2/16, 2/17; MM 2/16, 2/17)

AFP reports 1st all-Palestinian bank in o.t., "Commercial Bank of Palestine," will start operations 3/15 in Ramallah.  Bank, with capital of $14 m., is headed by businessman Suhail Jad`awn.  (AFP 2/16 in FBIS 2/17)

U.S. State Dept. announces Secy. of State Christopher will visit Middle East during 3/94. (MM 2/17)

PLO Chmn. Arafat accuses "Israeli officers" of condoning arms trade in o.t., warning flow of weapons "could lead to another Afghanistan among the Palestinians." (NYT 2/17)

IDF kills purported PFLP mbr. Najwan Mahmud Muhammad al-`Izza, 21, in Halhul, West Bank.  (MM 2/17) [CHALLENGE--2/15]

122-mm. katyusha rocket fired on northern Israel fr. southern Lebanon in 1st incident in 6 mos.  IDF blames attack on Palestinian opposition groups.  IDF tanks, artillery come to aid of SLA patrol ambushed by Hizballah.  Hizballah claims 12 SLA mbrs. killed or wounded.  (NYT, MM, WT 2/17; MM 2/18)

Israeli cabinet extends term of IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Ehud Barak to 1/95.  Barak had been set to retire 4/94.  (MM 2/16)

PM Rabin's spokesman Oded Ben-Ami defends allowing 30 elite IDF veterans to serve in Congo as advisers, denying soldiers are mercenaries.  Opponents cite Congolese civil war as reason to bar Israeli support of Brazzaville regime.  Press reports say over 2,000 IDF veterans have served in Africa since 1960s.  (NYT 2/17)

FRC mbrs. Yusuf Sha`ban, Salim Mahyub confess to killing Jordanian diplomat Na'ib al-Ma'aytah in Beirut 1/29.  Bassam Atiya, also arrested, denies involvement.  (RL 2/16 in FBIS 2/17; MM 2/17)

Israeli court convicts 4 banks--Leumi, Hapoalim, Discount, and Mizrahi--and 9 bank executives in connection with 10/83 stock market crash precipitated by news of banks propping up own stocks.  Crash cost $7 b. in Israeli govt. payments to investors.  (CSM 2/17)

U.S. Pres. Clinton, Saudi amb. Prince Bandar announce Saudia Airlines will purchase 50 U.S.-made Boeing 747 and McDonnell-Douglas MD-11, MD-80, and MD-90 commercial aircraft worth $6 b.  Deal will be financed in part through U.S. Export-Import Bank loan guarantees.  (CSM, NYT, MM, WT 2/17)

Meeting with EC delegation in Jerusalem, Faisal Husseini says Israel has created a new obstacle to resuming talks by turning the o.t. into a "massive collective prison" (sealed 3/31). EC reps. then meet with Israeli officials. (ITV 4/1 in FBIS 4/2; NYT 4/2)

Responding to an agricul. min. request, IDF orders 1,500 soldiers to work on farms hit hard by lack of Palestinian workers from o.t. (MM 4/2)

IDF gunboats, helicopters attack PFLP-GC, Islamic Jihad bases in Nahr al-Bared refugee camp, Tripoli, Lebanon, wounding 3. Palestinians repel Israeli troop landing at the coastal bases with heavy gunfire. Bomb inside "security zone" kills 2 SLA soldiers; Israel shells targets north. Fateh blames Israel for assassination of its top security official in Beirut. (AFP, RFL 4/1 in FBIS 4/1; IDF Radio 4/1 in FBIS 4/2; Algiers VOP 4/3 in FBIS 4/7; MM 4/1)

Four Palestinian suspected Abu Nidal mbrs. living in the U.S. are indicted on charges of conspiracy to smuggle money and weapons, and plan attacks on Jews and the Israeli embassy. (MM, NYT 4/2)

Middle East peace conference opens in the royal palace in Madrid with delegations from Israel, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, and the joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation present. Conference begins with short speech by Spanish PM Felipe Gonzalez, followed by addresses by conference co-conveners Presidents Bush and Gorbachev, and Dutch FM Hans van den Broek, representating the European Community. Soviet FM Boris Pankin and Secy. of State Baker were also present at the negotiating table. Saudi ambassador to the U.S. Prince Bandar bin Sultan and 'Abdullah Bishara, secy. gen. of the Gulf Cooperation Council, also attend the conference, but are not seated at the table. Egyptian FM 'Amr Musa delivers the first address by one of the negotiating delegations. Secy. of State Baker confirms that it was not certain whether or not second phase bilateral talks between Israel and the Arab delegations would commence 11/2 as scheduled due to disagreement between Israel, Arab delegations over venue of such talks. Israel is pushing for holding the negotiations in the Middle East, while Arab delegations seek to continue to hold such talks in Madrid. (NYT 10/31)

Hamas calls for a general strike to protest the peace conference. But 2,000 Palestinian supporters of Fateh, some armed with clubs and knives and waving Palestinian flags, march in favor of the peace talks in Gaza as Israeli troops follow them but make no effort to disperse the gathering. The marchers clashed with supporters of Hamas, injuring four. Five thousand other PLO supporters march in Khan Yunis. Pro-peace conference activists in Qalqiliya, Jenin force shopkeepers to open their shops which had been closed following orders by Hamas to observe ageneral strike. Elsewhere, Israeli security forces kill one Palestinian in Hebron, wound at least 24 in Gaza and 11 in Nablus during clashes. (NYT, WP, MEM 10/31)

Iraqi National Assembly condemns peace conference, attacks Syria, Egypt for their participation. (MEM 10/31)

Some 10,000 Lebanese march in Beirut against peace conference. (WP 10/31)

Israeli, South Lebanon Army forces bombard villages near Nabatiyya, S. Lebanon, in retaliation for 10/29 attacks on Israeli troops. (NYT 10/31)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 24 MKs denounce as racist Ariel's decision to make Arab workers wear badges [NYT 6/1]. Knesset Finance Committee approves NIS (new Israeli shekels) 30 million for settlements, roads in O.T., NIS 10 million for Jewish Agency's settlement department [FBIS 6/ 1]. Bank of Israel reports that intifadah cost Israel's economy $650 million in 1988; Israel's trade surplus with O.T. dropped 76% to $42 million; overall exports fell 4.2%; tourism fell 15% [FBIS 6/2].

Other Countries: Amnesty International reports that Israel has detained 5,000 Palestinians without charge or trial since beginning of uprising [NYT 6/1].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops open fire, kill 20-year-old Palestinian, wound 3 in Khan Yunis [LAT, NYT 6/1]. In Tel Aviv 18-year-old Palestinian from Nusayrat dies from wounds received 5/30; 15-year-old Palestinian dies from wounds received 2 weeks earlier [FBIS 5/31, NYT 6/1]. An additional 13 Palestinians are injured in Gaza; at least 4 Palestinians in W. Bank [FBIS 6/1]. Arab World: Israeli warplanes bomb Hizballah, Abu Nidal bases near Beirut; 5 guerrillas are killed, 3 injured [LAT 6/1]. IDF troops shoot, kill 3 guerrillas in south Lebanon, several members SLA reported killed [FBIS 5/31, MET 6/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: More than 80 leading Palestinians from O.T. issue statement rejecting Shamir's call for elections in territories, calling on Israel to negotiate with PLO, attend international peace conference [NYT, LAT 4/27]. General strike is observed throughout O.T. [FJ 5/1].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Tulkarm camp troops shoot, kill 8-year-old Palestinian; 7 Palestinians are wounded at funeral. In Sabra troops open fire, kill 16-year-old Palestinian, wound 9 during demonstration. Troops shoot, kill 14-year-old Palestinian in Beach camp. In al-Shaja'iyah 14 Palestinians are wounded during protests [FBIS 4/27, FJ 5/1]. At Ansar 3 guards open fire with rubber bullets, tear gas and wound 5 during protest [FBIS 4/27].

Arab World: According to Beirut radio, IDF, SLA kill 8 Arabs in al-Qawzah [FBIS 4/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Al-Fajr reports the Merkovitch Committee, formed to investigate issue of unlicensed construction in the occupied territories, recommends that, of 5,400 unlicensed Arab homes currently scheduled for demolition, 2,600 be given legal status, 300 be destroyed immediately, and 2,500 be scheduled for demolition at a later date [FJ 2/6]. Israeli military authorities order al-Najah University closed for 1 day to prevent possible campus protests [FJ 2/13].

Arab World: Starving residents of Beirut's Burj al-Barajinah refugee camp ask religious leaders for dispensation to eat human flesh [IN 2/7].

Other Countries: Arab-American groups charge 1/27 arrests of Palestinians in Los Angeles are beginning of U.S. plan to round up and deport Arabs [WP 2/7]. Amnesty International spokesman reports Arab prisoners held in S. Lebanon's SLArun al-Khiyam Detention Camp were tortured with electrical shockwaves [FJ 2/13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Two Israeli soldiers are injured by stones thrown at them while they patrolled Balatta refugee camp [FJ 2/13].

Arab World: Israeli navy stops Maria R., freighter enroute from Cyprus to Lebanon, arrests 8 Egyptian crewmen, 50 unarmed Palestinians [LM 2/10; WP 2/8]. SLA and Israeli forces engage in heavy fighting with Hizballah forces in Israel's "security zone" in S. Lebanon. At least 8 Hizballah, 1 SLA fighters are killed [IN 2/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Egyptian Pres. Mubarak and Israeli P.M. Peres meet in Alexandria (first time in five years Egyptian and Israeli leaders have met); Egypt returns ambassador to Israel, withdrawn after 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon; two states agree on arbitration over Taba; discuss Palestinian issue (NYT, WP 9/12). In Tunis, PLO Chairman Arafat meets EC representative Claude Cheysson (FBIS 9/14). Islamic Jihad denies it kidnapped American Frank Reed in West Beirut (CSM 9/12).

Other Countries: French government rejects demands for release of convicted terrorists in exchange for ending bomb campaign (WP 9/12). Washington Post reports Israeli Trade Minister Ariel Sharon visited Istanbul secretly for three days in July (WP 9/11).

Military Action

Arab World: IDF and SLA fight Shi'i guerrillas in south Lebanon; five UNIFIL soldiers wounded in crossfire; IDF use helicopter gunships and artillery against Shi'a who attacked SLA outpost.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Farmers from Surif and Jib'a villages near Hebron claim settlers have recently prevented them from entering 2,000 dunums of their land planted with olive and other trees [JP 9/4].

Arab World: Yasir Arafat arrives in Cairo for talks with 'Usama al-Baz, Pres. Mubarak's chief political advisor UP 9/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldier Avraham Sorek, 37, stabbed to death, another soldier seriously wounded by two unidentified men in Hebron's old marketplace. Hebron declared "closed military area"; many arrests reported. Sorek is 15th Israeli killed this year, allegedly by Palestinian guerrillas [NYT, WP, LAT, FT 9/4; LT 9/5].

Arab World: Fighting breaks out between Palestinian and Shi'ite militiamen around Burj al-Barajinah refugee camp in southem Beirut [MG 9/12]. Car bomb explodes at a South Lebanon Army checkpost; Israeli sources say only the driver, Ahmad Husayn Khadr, 24, is killed. Pro-Syrian Lebanese Ba'th party claims responsibility, states 30 SLA militiamen died in attack [WP, NYT, PI 9/4]. Beirut radio states SLA gunners shell 10 villages in retaliation [WP 9/4].

Other Countries: Attacker believed to be linked to Black September organization throws two hand grenades into Greek hotel, injuring 18 British tourists. Woman telephones Greek newspaper threatening Black September will "fill Athens with bombs" unless Greek police release Palestinian arrested 8/31 near Jordanian embassy with suitcase full of weapons [PI 9/4].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: U.S.envoy Richard Murphy arrives in Israel without having met with Palestinian delegation; briefs Israeli leaders on his discussions with King Hussein [NYT 8/16]. Three MKs from Tehiya party-Geula Cohen, Eliezer Waldman, and Gershon Shafat-lock themselves inside empty apartment in central Hebron; say they will remain until Cabinet discusses question of expanding Israeli presence in Hebron. Their action follows two previous attempts by Kiryat Arba settlers to occupy same apartment [JTA 8/16]. Al-Tali'a weekly reports Jordanian authorities have demanded dismissal of George Hazboun as secretary of Union of Public Institutions Workers in Bethlehem as precondition for release of funds to the union. Palestinian unionists denounce the demand as blatant interference in union affairs [FJ 8/16]. The Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics announces July's inflation rate, 27.5 percent, arecord level for a single month [FT 8/16].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Qalqilya is declared closed military zone following ambush of Israeli bus. Area was searched and a number of arrests made [FJ 8/23]. Land mine explodes as Israeli car passes on its way to Kiryat Arba; windshield is shattered [FJ 8/23]. Israeli soldiers surround group of farmers from Sakhnin village, fire guns over their heads, and beat them. Two children and 3 women are injured [FJ 8/23].

Arab World: Suicide car bomber kills himself and a SLA militiaman when he tries to ram SLA post on the edge of security zone. The Syrian Arab Ba'th party claims responsibility [LT 8/16]. Fighting continues in Beirut, killing 10. Shells strike presidential palace [NYT 8/16]. 

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].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Under military authority, Israeli Electric Co. annexes western section of Nablus Electric Co.'s concession. Central Bureau of Statistics reports July inflation rate 12.4%.

Arab World: In S. Lebanon, hundreds of Palestinians in 'Ain al-Hilweh camp protest continued shooting and abduction of camp residents [2 killed by IDF gunfire this week, and camp raided daily by IDF and/or Israeli-trained "South Lebanon Army"]. IDF storm and seal off Maarake village E. of Tyre, arresting residents after stone-throwing incident. Beirut Jewish community leader Salim Jamus kidnapped by 3 unidentified gunmen.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: "Civil Guards" attack Palestinians randomly during night patrols in Jaffa.