The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli military authorities ban fishing off Gaza Strip indefinitely [FJ 8/12].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli fighter jets attack Biqa' Valley villa owned by Lebanese Information Minister Joseph Skaf; 13 are wounded; villa houses families of Syrian Social Nationalist party fighters [LAT 7/4]. SLA troops kill 2 frogmen allegedly trying to infiltrate Israel; 3d member of team is picked up by Amal militiamen near Tyre coast; Hebrew-language pamphlets carried by the frogmen identified them as members of al-Sa'iqah [BG 7/5; FJ 7/12]. Amal militias detain more than 100 Palestinians in raid near Tyre [FJ 7/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Trial of 4 Israelis who met with PLO representatives in November 1986 in Romania opens in Ramle [PI 6/18]. 'Abd al-Sattar Qasim, al-Najah U. professor, isamong those arresteduring military search for banned publications in Dayr al-Ghusun village [FJ 6/28].

Military Action

Arab World: At least 5 are killed, 9 wounded in several incidents between combined Israeli Air Force and SLA forces and Hizballah militiamen in S. Lebanon village of Qabrikhah and near 'Ayn al-Hilwah refugee camp; raid is the 18th Israeli attack into Lebanon this year [WP 6/17; JP 6/18].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Striking waqf teachers hold sit-in at al-Fatah al-Laji'ah Girls School in Jerusalem. Union of Workers in Private Schools in Jerusalem has stated support for the strike [FJ 4/3]. Former U.S. Pres. Carter and his wife travel to Hebron area village of Bayt Ummar to observe projects sponsored by Catholic Relief Services and U.S. government [FJ 4/3].

Military Action

Arab World: Explosion near Syrian command post in Beirut kills 8, injures at least 10. In Kafr Hazir, village in N. Lebanon, unidentified gunmen ambush an army jeep, killing 1 Syrian officer, wounding 5 soldiers [WP 3/29]. Amal snipershoot at Shatila refugees protesting Amal siege, kill 5 [WP 3/30]. Hizballah and SLA forces clash inside Israeli security zone; Israeli military claims 5 SLA soldiers are wounded, 3 Hizballah fighters killed [FJ 4/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Nablus schools, businesses, and city government close for day; 2 peaceful marches commemorate late mayor Zafir al-Masri [FJ 3/6].

Arab World: The Times (London) cites reports of torture of Lebanese Shi'i prisoners held at SLA-controlled al-Khiyam prison inside Israel's security zone [LT 3/2].

Other Countries: Los Angeles Times reports evidence gathered by U.S. government in case against 7 Palestinians and 1 Kenyan includes photos of defendants picking up cartons of pro-PFLP magazines at L.A. airport [LAT 3/2].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops shoot and kill Palestinian, wound another in Nablus [FJ 3/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jerusalem Post reports IDF have increased wages and extended basic training for SLA recruits to "boost efficiency and bolster morale"; 35 SLA soldiers have been killed in last 6 months UPI 2/28].

Other Countries: French court finds Lebanese Georges 'Abdallah guilty of complicity in the murders of American and Israeli diplomats, sentences him to life imprisonment [BS 3/1].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Student demonstrators in Gaza throw stones, bum tires before protest is broken up by military water canon; authorities close Islamic University until 3/4. After stone-throwing demonstration, Hebron U. is closed until 3/15 [JPI 3/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Two Muslim Americans in Beirut to negotiate for release of American hostages leave country after militiamen ransack, rob their hotel rooms [NYT 2/20]. SLA commander Lahad rejects plan to swap Arab prisoners for foreign hostages, states willingness to swap them for Israeli soldiers [WP 2/20].

Other Countries: Israeli P. M. Shamir, on visit to U.S., says he will accept an international Middle East peace conference if U.S.S.R. and "militant" Arab states are excluded [PI 2/20].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Troops use tear gas to break up group of stone-throwing demonstrators in Ramallah; use tear gas and live ammunition against protestors blockading streets in Rafah, Khan Yunis, and refugee camps in the Gaza Strip, wounding at least 3 [FJ 2/27].

Arab World: Police in S. Beirut report "de facto truce" around Burj al-Barajinah and Shatila refugee camps [LAT 2/20].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Defense Minister Rabin defends Israel's involvement in Iran arm shipments, states Israel participated with U.S. encouragement and approval [WP 2/16].

Arab World: Representatives of PLO and Jordan meet in Amman to discuss reactivating joint committee for W. Bank and Gaza development [WP 2/16]. Kidnappers release advisor to Lebanese Pres. Jumayyil after 4days as hostage [BG 2/16].

Other Countries: Washington Post reports Jonathan Pollard supplied U.S. reconnaissance data on PLO headquarters in Tunisia, assessments of operations planned by the PLO, and related information to Israel [WP 2/15]. Jerusalem Post cites reports that Israel has doubled forces in Lebanon to nearly 3,000 in effort to support SLA [JP 2/15].

Military Action

Arab World: Police report at least 8 injured, 1 killed in heavy fighting near Beirut's Burj al-Barajinah and Shatila refugee camps. In W. Beirut, 4 are killed, 9 wounded in clash between Amal and Lebanese Communist party [BG 2/16]. Amal allows 30 families to leave Burj al-Barajinah; UN still unable to bring supplies into camp. Amal also allows some refugees to leave Tyre's Rashidiyyah camp and return with food and medicine [WP 2/16].

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

Occupied Palestine/Israel: John Cardinal O'Connor meets with F.M. Peres, visits Gaza Strip, and stresses poverty and statelessness of Palestinians before ending visit to Jordan and Israel [NYT, WP 1/6]. Two Arab houses in Yatta are demolished by Israeli authorities, leaving 15 homeless. Authorities charge the owners did not obtain proper construction permits. In the last week, 6 Arab houses have been demolished by Israeli authorities on similar charges [FJ 1/9].

Arab World: UN Undersec. Gen. for Special Political Affairs meets with Lebanese Pres. Jumayyil and P.M. Karami to discuss renewal of mandate for UN peace-keeping force in Lebanon [WP 1/6].

Military Action

Arab World: Bomb explodes under SLA armored personnel carrier, kills 4, wounds 6 near Markaba, in the "security zone." Police report Israeli helicopters attack Hizballah strongholds in retaliation; Israel denies carrying out such an attack [WP, NYT 1/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: P. M.-designate Shamir asks U.S. Sec. of State Shultz to close PLO offices in U.S. because PLO claimed responsibility for grenade attack in Jerusalem (WP 10/19).

Military Action

Arab World: Amal hints at willingness to exchange captured Israeli pilot for Lebanese and Palestinian captives held by Israel and SLA (WP, NYT 10/19).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Peres states in keynote speech opening Labor party convention that Israel recognizes the Palestinians "as a nation," states Israel is trying to "create interim conditions for an interim arrangement" in the occupied territories until their final status is resolved [DT 4/10]. Egyptian delegation headed by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Butrus-Ghali attends the convention, as well as delegations from 20 other countries [JP 4/9].

Arab World: Former chief of intelligence for the PLO, 'Atallah 'Atallah (Abu Za'im), is reported to have been touring Palestinian refugee camps in Jordan delivering speeches critical of policies of Yasir Arafat and blaming him for the collapse of dialogue with King Hussein; Abu Za'im's statements have been given front-page coverage in Amman [JP 4/8; NYT 4/9]. Chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Abba Eban arrives in Cairo for a visit [JP 4/9].

Other Countries: U.S. Asst. Sec. of State Richard Murphy, originally scheduled to accompany Vice Pres. George Bush on his M.E. tour, stops instead in Cairo and then proceeds to Israel; Bush tells press conference Murphy is investigating a new peace initiative [LAT, BG 4/9].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Firebomb is thrown at bus on northern edge of Jerusalem, injuring 9 Israeli passengers; police detain 17 Palestinians for questioning [LAT, WP 4/9]. A bomb explodes in Afula, injuring a soldier; WAFA, the Palestine News Agency, states the PLO is responsible for placing the bomb [WP, LAT 4/9].

Arab World: Suicide bomber drives car into checkpoint near Hasbayya, at edge of Israeli-declared "security zone," killing himself and injuring 3 SLA militiamen and 3 civilians; the pro-Syrian Lebanese Ba'th party claims responsibility [WP, NYT 4/9]. Car bomb in Christian port city of Juniyah kills 10, injures over 100; no one claims responsibility [WP, NYT 4/9]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Thousands attend Land Day protests held in Taybah village, Dayr Hanna, Kafr Saba, and Tel Sheva, in the Negev; rallies were organized by Rakah Communist party, National Committee of Arab Mayors, and the National Committee for the Protection of the Land [MG 3/31; JTA 4/1]. Palestinian shopkeepers in East Jerusalem close shops to commemorate 10th anniversary of Land Day, which coincided with Easter this year [LAT, TS 3/31].

Military Action

Arab World: Fighting continues for 3rd day between Palestinian and Shi'ite gunmen around Sabra and Shatila refugee camps; 6 Palestinians and 4 Shi'ites have been killed, and 40 people wounded [TS, NYT, BG 3/3 1]. Two UNIFIL, 1 SLA soldier die in 3 separate clashes over the weekend [JP 3/30; JTA 3/31]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli authorities have arrested scores of West Bankers and 1 Gazan on charges of committing attacks that have wounded at least 8 Israelis; most of the suspects are said to belong to Fateh cells active in the Jerusalem and Ramallah areas, to have been responsible for series of bombings since last September [JP, JTA 3/24].

Arab World: Yasir Arafat repeats PLO offer to trade acceptance of UN resolutions 242 and 338, and therefore acceptance of Israel, in return for guarantees by the 5 permanent members of the UN Security Council of the Palestinians' rights to selfdetermination [BG 3/25]. Morocco's King Hasan proposes a summit conference between a chosen Arab leader and P.M. Peres to hear Israel's views on the Fez peace plan [JP 3/25].

Other Countries: U.S. is reportedly pressuring Israel to sell arms to Iraq, including Israeli "drone" reconnaissance aircraft and Soviet weapons captured by Israel during past wars with Arab neighbors [DT 3/24].

Military Action

Arab World: Lebanese state radio reports Israeli forces shelled Nabatiyyah, killing 3 civilians and wounding 22 [NYT 3/25]. Jerusalem Post reports the SLA shelled Nabatiyyah in response to 12 katyusha rockets that landed in "security zone" in early morning [JP 3/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli security authorities seal 1 house and 3 rooms belonging to 4 residents of Tulkarm accused of throwing fire bombs at Israeli vehicles [JP 3/7].

Arab World: Israeli journalist Uri Avneri is expelled from Jordan to Egypt after reportedly holding contacts with Jordanian and PLO officials in Amman; Avneri retums to Israel, states he met with senior Jordanian and Palestinian personalities, including at least 1 cabinet minister and PNC members, denies he was expelled. (Avneri's trip was approved by P.M. Peres, Foreign Minister Shamir, and Defense Minister Rabin) [JP 3/7; WP 3/8]. Syrian Foreign Minister Faruq al-Shar' concludes 2 days of apparently unproductive talks in England with senior British officials; he states in press conference that Israel is main obstacle to peace in the M.E., that Syria allows Abu Nidal group to maintain political press office in Damascus but it "has nothing to do with violence" [WP, MG, LT 3/6].

Military Action

Arab World: SLA soldier is killed by roadside bomb; Israelis kill 2 Arab guerrillas in S. Lebanon "security zone"; Lebanese security sources say Israeli troops kill 1 farmer, injure another in raid outside "security zone" [MG 3/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Al-Fajr reports 30 West Bank residents have been arrested over past weeks in connection with land fraud investigation [FJ 1/17].

Arab World: W. German Nazi-hunter Beate Klarsfeld arrives in W. Beirut, offers to substitute herself for 5 missing Lebanese Jews held hostage by Shi'ite Organization of the Oppressed of the Earth until SLA, Israel release Shi'ite prisoners from Khiam detention center in S. Lebanon [JP 1/19].

Other Countries: U.S. Asst. Sec. of State Richard Murphy leaves for London for meetings with King Hussein, later with P.M. Peres [LAT 1/18; NYT 1/19]. Spain formally recognizes Israel [NYT, PI 1/18; NYT 1/19]. Govt. statement issued in Madrid states PLO should be included in M.E. peace talks, Spain does not recognize "any measures directed toward the annexation of Arab territories occupied since 1967" [CT, LT 1/18]. U.S. vetos UN Security Council resolution offered by Lebanon 'strongly deploring" Israeli violence in S. Lebanon, asking again all Israeli troops leave the area; vote is 11-1, with 3 abstentions [LAT, NYT 1/18; JTA 1/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Al-Fajr reports Iraeli troops destroyed or sealed homes of 10 Bethlehem and Hebron families in past week because members of the families were arrested on charges of membership in the PLO; none of the detainees had been tried [FJ 1/3]. Phone caller claims responsibility for 1/2 murder of Israeli taxi driver on behalf of Fateh's Force 17, states driver was Mossad agent [LT 1/4].

Arab World: Al-Fajr reports Jordan will permit daughter of Nablus Mayor Bassam Shaka'a to travel only one-way into the West Bank from Amman; she is refusing the condition [FJ 1/3].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli and SLA troops trade fire with Shi'ite, Sunni, leftist militias in S. Lebanon; SLA kills 2 [JP 1/5].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli military court orders journalist Hamdi Farraj, 11 other Dheisheh refugee camp residents held since 2/1/85 without trial released on grounds general prosecutor failed to prove charges against them [FJ 1/10].

Arab World: Christian Science Monitor reports King Hussein and Pres. Asad agree to restore diplomatic relations between their countries at ambassadorial level [CSM 1/2]. Egypt and U.S. sign agreement on $140 million in U.S. aid to Egypt, the second installment of $500 million grant approved by Congress last year [JP 1/2]. SLA releases 20 Shi'ite prisoners from Khiam detention center in S. Lebanon as New Year's gesture. (Red Cross has not been allowed to visithe Khiam center) [JP 1/3].

Other Countries: Austrian Interior Ministry states 3 Palestinians who attacked Vienna airport had instructions to take Israeli hostages, hijack El Al plane to Tel Aviv, blow up plane "in or over Tel Aviv" [DT, FT 1/3]. Peter Goldman, director of Americans for a Safe Israel, and Rabbi Avraham Weiss, coordinator of Americans Against Terrorism, announce start of nationwide campaign to remove PLO offices from U.S. [JTA 1/3]. Nadav Safran, director of Harvard U.'s Center for Middle Eastern Studies, will resign post in wake of discovery he accepted $152,000 from CIA for writing book, sponsoring conference on Islamic fundamentalism [DT, LT 1/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Rocket fired from S. Lebanon damages property in Kiryat Shmona [BG 1/3]. Israeli taxi driver is found shot twice in head near Lod (second such incident in 2 days); 4 Palestinians are detained for questioning [FJ 1/10].

Arab World: Israeli and SLA troops shell targets in S. Lebanon in retaliation for shelling of Kiryat Shmona [TS 1/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Electric Co. official announces Israel will build first nuclear power plant in Negev [JP 1/1].

Arab World: King Hussein and Pres. Asad end two days of talks; no official statement is issued [NYT, TS 1/1]. Yasir Arafat issues statement blaming unnamed Arab intelligence services for backing renegade Palestinian groups, denounces terrorism [WP 1/1], vows to continue legitimate armed struggle against Israeli occupation [TS 1/1].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Ha'Aretz reports attacks on Israeli military have increased in past 10 days (leading up to 21st anniversary of founding of Fateh), cites 4 grenade and arson attacks, including 12/22 arson of Egged buses in Gaza [FJ 1/3]. Israeli troops and SLA militia raid S. Lebanese Shi'ite village of Kunin, arrest 32 men, force 2,000 residents to leave, blow up and burn houses, according to witnesses quoted by Lebanese police; Israeli military state SLA searched Kunin for gunmen who attacked SLA patrol night before, killing 4 [NYT 1/1].

Arab World: Unidentified gunmen ambush Pres. Jumayyil's empty limousine, in apparent assassination attempt [WP, TS 1/1]. Asad Shaftari, intelligence head of the Lebanese Forces (Christian) also narrowly escapes death when his car is attacked [LAT 1/1].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Arab local councils inside the green line end strike following agreement with Israeli officials over $6 million in owed funds; P.M. Peres acknowledges Arab councils receive smaller budgets than Jewish ones, states inequity should be righted [JP 12/26; FJ 1/3].

Arab World: PLO rep. in Cairo Tayyib 'Abd al-Rahim states PLO seeks Arab summit conference to adopt unified peace policy [BG 12/26].

Military Action

Arab World: Body of Lebanese Jew Chaim Cohen Halala is found with 3 gunshot wounds in head; Organization for the Op, pressed of the Earth claims responsibility, says he was killed in retaliation for 12/22 SLA shelling of Shi'ite villages in S. Lebanon which killed 5, wounded 8. Organization holds 3 other Lebanese Jews hostage, warns against further shelling [WP, BG 12/26; WP 12/23]. 2 SLA militiamen are killed by Lebanese guerrillas in S. Lebanon security zone [PI 1/2].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: International Center for Peace in the Middle East holds simulated intl. peace conference, filmed for TV; Hanna Siniora, Iliyas Furayj, Harold Saunders, Abba Eban, Moshe Ma'oz, among others, participate [JP 12/16; FJ 12/20]. Israel states Syrian missiles stationed along border with Lebanon in past 3 weeks threaten reconnaissance flights over Lebanon, must be withdrawn [NYT, WP 12/16].

Military Action

Arab World: SLA militia shell 5 villages in S. Lebanon security zone; Israeli tanks shell 4 villages southeast of Tyre [BG 12/16].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Paestinian political prisoner Jibril Rajub, from West Bank, enters third week of hunger strike to protest his detention without charge or trial [FJ 12/6]. Pres. Chaim Herzog pardons 2 members of Jewish underground convicted of conspiring to blow up Dome of the Rock [NYT, WP, JP 12/9].

Arab World: National Catholic Reporter reports SLA and Israeli army hold hundreds of prisoners-mostly Shi'a, but including some Palestinians-in S. Lebanon detention center at Khiam; detainees are tortured, held without charge, denied access to lawyers [NCR 12/6].

Other Countries: Sec. of State Shultz describes Syria as being of "key importance," indicates U.S. is trying to persuade Damascus to join M.E. peace process [JP 12/8].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli authorities appoint Palestinian Zafir al-Masri mayor of Nablus, the first new West Bank mayor since elections were held in 1976. (Nablus has been run by Israeli mayor since dismissal of elected council in 1982.) Al-Masri is chairman of Nablus Chamber of Commerce [CSM, NYT 11/27; FJ 11/29]. Two leading Israeli newspapers name Rafael Eitan, former adviser on terrorism to P.M. Menachem Begin, as the man who purportedly handled Jonathan Pollard's spying for Israel [NYT, LAT 11/27].

Other Countries: The Guardian reports Pres. Reagan signs into law a compromise Senate resolution postponing $1.9 billion in arms sales to Jordan until 3/1/86 unless King Hussein starts directalks with Israel [MG 11/27].

Military Action

Arab World: Suicide bomber Hamziyyah Mustafa drives car with explosives into SLA checkpost, killing herself. Pro-Syrian Arab Socialist Ba'th party claims responsibility [LAT 11/27].

SociaL/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Tel Aviv court sentences 16-year-old Palestinian to 7 years for hiding bodies of 2 Israeli teachers slain near Jerusalem [LT 11/20]. Boston Globe reports over 70 military operations have been carried out against Israeli and SLA troops in S. Lebanon security zone in first 2 weeks of November; Israel recently staged 10-day blockade on port of Tyre, shelled Tyre and 6 other villages north of security zone with heavy artillery and tank fire on 11/18 [BG 11/19; WP 11/21].

Other Countries: U.S. officials deny U.S. has changed position on PLO recognition of Israel's right to exist before it may participate in M.E. peace talks [JP 11/20]. Italian magistrates identify 16 Palestinians sought in hijacking of Achille Lauro [NYT 11/20].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli fighter jets on routine flight over Lebanon shoot down 2 Syrian MIG-23s in Syrian air space after they try to approach the Israeli aircraft, according to commander of Israeli air force [NYT, WP, JP 11/20].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli military destroys house in Jaba village of alleged member of guerrilla cell responsible for several attacks in Hebron area, according to military sources [JP 11/18]. Military seals homes of 3 Palestinians in Sa'ir village who allegedly fired at civilian and military vehicles in the West Bank, according to military sources [JP 11/19]. 9 Palestinians are arrested in Aylut village, near Nazareth, in confrontation with Israeli authorities over attempt to confiscate their land [FJ 11/22]. Israeli Cabinet sends message to Reagan-Gorbachev summit meeting asking them to agree on allowing Soviet Jews to emigrate [LT, CT 11/18].

Arab World: King Hussein and Pres. Mubarak arrive in Oman for talks [FT 11/18]. Syrian Vice Pres. Abd al-Halim Khaddam states the Jordanian-PLO peace plan of last February is "dead" [JP 11/17]. Toronto Star reports Yasir Arafat has appealed to Syria to join the Jordanian-Palestinian M.E. peace initiative, welcomed Syria's rapprochement with Jordan [TS 11/17; WP 11/18]. Shi'ite Muslim group the "Organization of the Oppressed of the Earth" states it will hold 4 Lebanese Jews hostage until more than 300 Arab prisoners held at Khiam prison camp in S. Lebanon are released [PI 11/18]. Israeli military states SLA maintains Khiam camp, not Israel [JP 11/19]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Arafat deputy Salah Khalaf (Abu Iyad) states Cairo Declaration means PLO retains right to use violence in all territories occupied by Israel, including Israel proper [FT 11/12].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian is killed when bomb he is making explodes in his hands; military refuse to release name of victim, from Nakhlin village near Bethlehem [NYT 11/12]. Palestinian student, 17, is shot and wounded in confrontation with Israeli settler after students stone his car in Nablus; Israeli military close Qadri Tuqan school in Nablus and arrest 17 Palestinian students [NYT 11/12; JTA 11/13].

Other Countries: Newsweek reports combined unit of Israeli and SLA troops last week forced their way through Norwegian UNIFIL roadblock, exchanged gunfire and seized a jeep and machine gun. Norway filed an official protest with Israeli ambassador in Oslo, sent fact-finding team to Israel to investigate [NWK 11/11].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Council of Jewish Settlers in Judea, Samaria and Gaza issue statement saying any govt. decision to cede even part of Israel's "sovereignty" over those areas would be illegal, "ought not to be obeyed," and should be met with campaign of civil disobedience, including refusal to pay taxes or to serve in the military [JP 11/6].

Arab World: Mubarak and Arafat hold 4 hours of talks; Egyptian officials report Mubarak is pressing Arafat to rectify the "ambiguous stand" of the PLO toward the Hussein-Arafat agreement, take clear steps to show PLO can be a responsible partner in negotiations [WP, BG 11/6]. SLA Commander Antoine Lahad states he hopes all Israeli units, apart from logistical support, will be out of security zone in near future, stresses relations are good with Israel but SLA intends to manage own affairs [JP 11/6].

Other Countries: Three hundred delegates from Latin American countries meet in Cartagena in the 7th Congress of the Federation of American Arab Organizations (FEARAB), adopt program of advancing PLO's cause in the continent [JTA 11/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Ovadia Baruchi, 60, is stabbed in East Jerusalem near Damascus Gate; condition is reported to be improving. A number of Palestinians are arrested [JP 11/6; JTA 11/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jerusalem Post reports settler magazine Aleph Yud carries call for settlers to "prepare for civil war" [JP 11/4; JTA 11/6]. Knesset House Committee unanimously agrees to continue preparing amendment to house rules which would prevent introduction of racist or discriminatory legislation [JP 11/5]. Education Ministry orders youth weekly Hamtzan be barred from distribution in high schools after attorney general rules an article in it may constitute call to insurrection; article argues for need for "civil war for the sake of peace" [JP 11/10]. Two thousand demonstrators outside Knesset rally in favor of bill against racism [JP 11/5].

Arab World: Yasir Arafat arrives in Cairo for talks with Pres. Mubarak [NYT 11/5]. Saudi Arabia denies Israeli claims made before UN that Saudi Arabia exports oil to S. Africa, states Saudi Arabia is firmly committed to total embargo against S. Africa [JC 11/4].

Other Countries: Washington Post reports pro-Israel PACs in U.S. gave more money to Republicans than Democrats in first 6 months of this year, a sharp break from previous contribution pattems [WP 11/4].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bomb explodes in Haifa; no injuries [JTA 11/5]. Another bomb goes off in Ashkelon; no casualties [JTA 11/5].

Arab World: Suicide bomber 'Amir al-Aathar, 24, drives into SLA post in security zone, killing at least 3 in 2nd such attack in 24 hours; Syrian Social Nationalist party claims responsibility [BG 11/5].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli official states U.S. involvement in secret diplomatic contacts between Jordan, Egypt, and Israel is intensifying daily [WP, CSM 11/4].

Arab World: Jerusalem Post reports Israeli military expels 4 leading Druze shaykhs from village of Hasbaya in security zone in S. Lebanon [JP 11/3]. Israeli settlers in the Golan Heights block bridges leading there, stage demonstrations against their poor financial situation; settlements there owe $20 million to Northern Moshavim Purchasing Association [JP 11/3; JTA 11/4]. Institute for Strategic Studies in London annual report, Survey of Military Balances, states that Syria has almost 3 times as many troops in regular army as Israel [JP 11/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bomb explodes in Afula (5th in recent weeks); no injuries. Palestinians are rounded up for questioning [JP 11/4]. Bomb goes off at bus stop near French Hill; no injuries [JP 11/4]. Katyusha rockets land in Galilee; no casualties [JTA 11/4].

Arab World: Three people trying to smuggle explosives into 'Aysha village in S. Lebanon using a donkey are killed when SLA militiamen open fire on them, detonating the explosives [JP 11/4]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli Cabinet holds 6-hour debate on P.M. Peres' recent overtures to Jordan; unity govt. appears in no danger, but Likud members charge Peres violated basic agreement in formation of unity govt. whereby peace efforts were to adhere to the 1979 Camp David framework [NYT, LAT 10/28]. Washington Post reports W. Bank Palestinians oppose Peres' proposals because they attempt to exclude the PLO [WP 10/27]. The Observer reports P.M. Shimon Peres met secretly earlier in the month with King Hussein in Paris, urged Hussein to come out publicly in favor of direct talks with Israel [OB 10/27].

Arab World: Jordanian Min. of Info. Muhammad Khatib states bilateral talks with Israel outside international conference and without the PLO are unacceptable to Jordan [WP 10/28].

Other Countries: Red Cross officials state Israeli and SLA troops have prevented them from seeing scores of prisoners being held in S. Lebanon since June. Over 100 families await word of missing relatives who have disappeared inside the security zone [TS 10/28]. French Pres. Francois Mitterrand supports Shimon Peres' offer to negotiate directly with Jordan, pledges French assistance in the process [JTA 10/28].

Military Action

Arab World: Israeli planes raid alleged guerrilla bases in Lebanon's Biqa' Valley, the 13th such raid this year. Planes are said to have made direct hits on PFLP-GC bases. Christian radio station Voice of Lebanon reports base belonging to proSyrian al-Sa'iqa faction is also hit. No casualties are reported; tanks and ammunition dumps are reportedly hit [NYT, TS 10/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Five Palestinians are sentenced to life imprisonment for alleged kidnap, torture, and murder of Dani Katz, 15, in December 1983 [LT 10/15]. Israeli military asks SLA to stop harassing UNIFIL troops in Lebanon following reports of serious incidents involving the SLA [JP 10/15].

Arab World: The Times quotes senior PLO official as saying the organization is near bankruptcy because Arab countries have not met their financial commitments [LT, MG 10/14]. U.S. State Dept. spokesman says body of man washed up near Syrian port of Tartus may be that of Leon Klinghoffer [NYT 10/15]. Tunis branch of the Palestine Liberation Front issues statement acknowledging the real target of the hijackers of the Achille Lauro was the Israeli port of Ashdod [WP 10/15]. Pres. Mubarak demands public apology from the U.S. to "all Egyptians" for interception of Egyptian plane carrying 4 hijackers [WP, LAT 10/15].

Other Countries: Britain calls off talks with joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation on M.E. peace process, saying the Palestinian members of the delegation refused to sign a previously agreed upon statement renouncing "terrorism" and explicitly recognizing Israel's right to exist. The Palestinians state they had not seen the statement before and could not sign it unless it had already been approved by the entire PLO Executive Committee. British For. Sec. Geoffrey Howe states he is "very disappointed and surprised" by the PLO delegates' refusal to do so [NYT, WP, DT 10/15]. The EEC announces its decision to cancel scheduled talks with the joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation following Britain's decision [DT 10/15]. UN General Assembly averts U.S. boycott by dropping invitation to Yasir Arafat to attend 40th anniversary commemoration [NYT, WP 10/15]. The Times reports China and North Korea have denied entry to Kozo Okamoto, only survivor of the Japanese Red Army attack on Lod airport in 1972, who was released in the 5/20 prisoner exchange [LT 10/14]. The Guardian reports Spanish police are nearly positive the corpses of 2 Israelis found in Barcelona were members of Mossad [MG 10/14]. President of Ivory Coast announces his country is prepared to renew ties with Israel [JP 10/15].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gasoline bomb thrown at Israeli bus near Ramallah slightly injures 1 passenger [JP 10/15].

Arab World: Israeli fighter bombers fly deep into Jordanian territory at dawn; no attacks reported [NYT 10/15]. Syria states a shoulder-held missile was recently fired at an Israeli jet near the Golan Heights but missed its target. Syria sent a formal apology to Israel for the attack, saying it was ordered by a junior-level commander and did not reflect a change in Syria's adherence to the cease-fire. Israel reportedly accepted the explanation [NYT, WP 10/15].