The Palestine Chronology

U.S. special envoy Ross arrives in Jerusalem for talks with PA, Israel aimed at easing tensions, resuming security contacts that would pave way for visit by Secy. of State Albright, resumption of negotiations. (NYT 8/9; Radio France Internationale 8/9 in WNC 8/12; NYT, WT 8/10; JP 8/16)

Arafat calls emergency session of the PC to discuss conditions in the territories since the 7/30 bombings. (NYT, WT 8/10)

Nearly 2 wks. after the 7/30 bombings, Israel is still unable to identify the bombers. While some Israeli news reports claim that unnamed government officials have determined that the bombers were Palestinians fr. Nablus or Surif, other unnamed Israeli, PA officials claim that several indicators (the labels on the bombers clothing had been cut off, their finger prints are not on file, their bombs left no chemical residue, they carried Jordanian dinars) suggest that the bombers came fr. abroad, perhaps fr. Lebanon. Lebanese FM Faris Buwayz says that Israel is propagating these rumors to justify its recent intensification of attacks on Lebanon. (RL 8/9, al-Hayat al-Jadida 8/10 in WNC 8/12; WP 8/11, WT 8/18)

Israel eases the "inner closure" to allow Palestinian movement btwn. Janin, Qalqilya, Tulkarm. Bethlehem, H1 in Hebron, Ramallah are still sealed. Palestinians are permitted to cross the border into Jordan, but the overall ban on Palestinians entering Israel remains in effect. (WT 8/10, 8/13)

PA police uncover a cache of weapons, explosives in Qalqilya, arrest several Palestinians. (NYT 8/10; YA 8/10 in WNC 8/12; NYT 8/11; LAW 8/20)

Israeli Air Force (IAF) stages 2 attacks targeting Hizballah, PFLP-GC training camps in the Biqa` Valley, killing 1 Hizballah mbr. and 1 PFLP-GC mbr., wounding 4 Hizballah mbrs. 1 SLA mbr. is wounded in a separate clash with Hizballah. (RL 8/9 in WNC 8/12; NYT, WT 8/10; MM 8/11)

German FM Kinkel meets with Arafat in Gaza. On his return to Israel, IDF soldiers at Erez checkpoint demand to search his car to ascertain that no "extremist elements" are "using" his entourage to carry out attacks inside Israel, delay car for half hr. before letting it pass unchecked. Kinkel protests to the Israeli FMin. Israeli officials complain the diplomats "failed to show understanding for Israel's security problems." (QY 3/9 in FBIS 3/11)

PA security forces expand crackdown on Hamas, raiding Islamic organization, clubs, welfare organizations; confiscating equipment; detaining anyone on hand. PA says it has arrested over 600 individuals in Gaza alone over the last wk. (NYT 3/10)

Hamas spokesman in Lebanon says Qassam Brigades will not disarm or halt attacks on Israel. (AFP 3/9 in FBIS 3/11) (see 3/5)

In Qalqilya, IDF delays ambulance at checkpoint for 1 hr., allowing Palestinian infant to die. IDF officials say officer in charge will be tried. (NYT 3/14)

Hizballah attacks IDF, SLA positions in s. Lebanon, killing 1 IDF soldier, 1 SLA soldier; wounding 2 IDF soldiers. IDF, SLA fire back, killing 2 Hizballah mbrs. (NYT 3/11)

Arafat is sworn in as pres. of the PA; takes his oath on the Qur'an in front of PNC head Salim Za'nun, while PA police band plays Palestinian national anthem. (CSM, NYT, WT 2/13; WJW 2/15)

U.S. State Dept. says start date of next round of Syrian-Israeli talks has been moved to 2/28 because of scheduling conflicts. (MM 2/13)

After 1st banning Palestinians fr. Qalqilya, Ramallah fr. entering Israel, the IDF seals the West Bank, Gaza until further notice, citing security concerns related to the end of the 40-day mourning period for Ayyash, coming end of Ramadan. (QY, VOP 2/12 in FBIS 2/12; VOP 2/12, 2/13 in FBIS 2/13; CSM, MM 2/13; NYT 2/14)

200 Palestinians protests IDF construction at Rachel's Tomb in Bethlehem. (WT 2/13)

2 SLA soldiers are killed, 1 wounded in roadside bombing in s. Lebanon. (QY, VOL 2/12 in FBIS 2/13)

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: 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]. 

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli bus stoned in N. Jerusalem; no injuries. Pipe bomb thrown at bus near Qalqiliya; no injuries [JP 5/7].

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: IDF, SLA organizing local militias in "security zone" villages [MG 5/3, JP 5/6]. Travel restrictions in zone include: cars must travel in pairs at night; all cars must contain at least 2 persons; walking outside villages at night forbidden; hunting forbidden; residents will be held responsible for behavior of family members, visitors [LAT, JP 5/7, LT 5/8].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Deposed Ramallah Mayor Karim Khalaf dies of heart attack in Jericho [JP 3/31]. E. Jerusalem merchants observe strike in commemoration of Land Day [JTA 4/2]. Land Day rallies held in Rahat, Sakhnin [JP 3/31].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 2 Dheisheh residents shot, injured by authorities in Bethlehem during Land Day demonstration [FJ 4/5]. Stones thrown at Israeli car in Qalqiliya injures woman [JTA 4/2]. IDF erect roadblocks around al-Najah U. [FJ 4/5].

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: Lebanese Forces militia, SLA continue shelling of Mieh Mieh camp; also attack 'Ain al-Hilweh; 40 killed; 30,000 flee 'Ain al-Hilweh [NYT 3/31, FT 4/2]. IDF raid 'Ain Qana, Kafr Malki, Kafr Hatta, Kafr Fila, Jabaa, 'Ain Bou Souwar, 'Arab Salim; 4 killed [WP, CT 3/31]. Resistance kills 1 IDF soldier, wounds 2nd, in Douer; 2 fighters killed [JP 3/31].

SociallEconomic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Some of IDF telephones disconnected 1/25 due to non-payment of bills reconnected; dispute over exact amount of debt to tele-communications company continues [JP 1/28]. W. Galilee Police Cmdr. Sadeh warns Sakhnin council head Muhammad Ghanayem not to enter olive orchards in al-Mill (Area 9), scene of 1/9 and 1/25 vandalizing by IDF [attempts toconfiscate land in Area 9 led to 6 deaths during Land Day in 1976]; Ghanayem later holds press conference [FJ 2/1].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli bus attacked near Qalqiliya; no injuries [FJ 2/1, JWP 2/8].

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: IDF convoy attacked near al-Buliya. Shots fired at IDF position, bomb explodes near IDF convoy near Tyre [JP 1/28]. RPGs, shots fired at SLA position in Sidon [JTA 1/29].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel govt. publicizes conditions for complete withdrawal from S. Lebanon: Syrian commitment not to advance into area and to prevent guerrilla infiltration into area; continued deployment of SLA in undefined area adjacent to Israel-Lebanon border; and redeployment of UN troops north of SLA from sea coast to Syrian border. DM Rabin rejects Peace Now appeal to ban Gush Emunim Simhat Torah celebration & parade in al-Khalil (Hebron) planned as support for Jewish terror suspects now on trial. Mayors of Bethlehem, Beit Jala, Jericho, Qalqilya, Rafah & Khan Younis, and Hebron's education dep't. and village league heads attend cocktail reception for US Defense Sec. Weinberger given by DM Rabin.

Arab World: Lebanese gov't. announces readiness to talk directly with Israel on IDF pullout (before Israel publicizes its terms same day). In al-Siyasa (Kuwait) interview, Egypt's Pres. Mubarak says he rejects Israeli PM's offer for summit because Israel has not moved toward "comprehensive peace. "

Other Countries: US Defense Sec. Weinberger announces Reagan admin. will grant Israel access to latest US technology for Lavi fighter. American Federation of Ramallah (Palestine) endorses Reagan-Bush reelection. UN General Assembly votes (80-41, 22 abst.) to reject Irani challenge of Israel's credentials.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 2-yr. town arrest ends for Qalqilya elected mayor Haj Amin Nasser. New settlement Yitzhar, SE of Nablus inaugurated. Settler Yehuda Cohen sentenced to 18 mos. (with 2 yrs. suspended) for plot to blow up Dome of the Rock. Nablus court issues 2nd order to halt destruction of Arab-owned land in Bidya by Israeli construction companies.

Arab World: Israel stops issuing permits to Lebanese to cross into occupied South.

Other Countries: US State Dep't. says it will regret any move to close Israel's liaison office in Lebanon.

Military Action

Arab World: IDF kill 1 resistance fighter in clash in Amiq village, S. Lebanon. Resistance fighters open fire on Israeli-backed "South Lebanon Army" checkpoint.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: League for Human and Civil Rights in Israel charges IDF detention center at Fara'a (West Bank) is factory for torture of inmates (mostly minors). 2 prisoners to be freed in Nov. 1983 prisoner exchange still held in Atlit prison, appeal to High Court for release. Haifa U.'s Arab Student Union pres. suspended for semester on charges of disturbing MK Sharon lecture (1/19/84), at which he and student companions were tear gassed while attempting to enter lecture hall. Pres. Herzog rejects pardon request by Uri Adiv. [See JPS (Winter 1984) pp. 176-178.] Naturei Karta's Rabbi Hirsch says on US television PLO is sole & democratically-chosen representative of Palestinian people.

Other Countries: Israeli DM Arens reportedly calls US Sec. of Defense Weinberger "a prime candidate for psychoanalysis."

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF uses tear gas against Arab students demonstrating near yeshiva at Joseph's Tomb, Nablus. Egged bus traveling between Kafr Saba and Qalqilya, and IDF patrol near Balata refugee camp stoned. IDF soldier wounded while forcing dispersal of demonstrators at Nur Shams refugee camp. Beitunia students protest Egypt-Israel treaty and moves by local mayor to normalize relations with "civil administration. "

Arab World: In S. Lebanon, Israeli-backed South Lebanon Army invades Jibsheet village, kills 2 women, 1 man; IDF searches village, rounding up about 100 "suspects of hostility to Israel." IDF patrol ambushed south of Zahrani River, 1 assailant killed.