The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers assaulted 1 man and damaged his vehicle in Husan. Israeli settlers also vandalized 70 olive trees in the Masafer Yatta area. Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Beit Umar, injuring 1 with live ammunition. Israeli forces also violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Kafr Qaddum, injuring 2 Palestinians and 1 international activist with baton rounds and others with tear gas. Elsewhere, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinian protesters in Tuqu’, leading to tear-gas related injuries. 17 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in ‘Anata, Huwwara, Hebron, and Beit Umar. In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian was arrested during a late-night raid in Silwan. Off the coast of Gaza, Israeli naval forces opened fire at Palestinian fishermen west of al-Waha; no injuries were reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting Israel’s treatment of Palestinian prisoners east of Gaza City, injuring 1 with live ammunition, 3 with baton rounds, and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also opened fire at Palestinians herders east of al-Maghazi and al-Bureij; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 2/17; PCHR 2/23; UNOCHA 3/4)

Bloomberg reported that Israel and Saudi Arabia have intensified talks on developing a closer military and intelligence sharing relationship. According to Bloomberg sources, the two countries held talks on the sidelines of the U.S.-Gulf Cooperation Council Working Group meeting in Riyadh and are expected to continue talks at the Munich Security Conference in Prague in the coming days. (BB 2/17; HA 2/18)

Anticipating protests following Friday prayers, Israel seals the West Bank and Gaza, allows plain clothes PA police to deploy in the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount to form a cordon to prevent Palestinians fr. throwing stones. The PA police, Waqf officials largely succeed in restraining the crowd, but when a handful of the 8,000 Palestinian worshipers do throw rocks, Israeli forces open fire, killing 2 Palestinians, wounding 60. At sundown IDF troops raid the Haram al-Sharif to chase off Palestinians, lower a Palestinian flag. In total, 9 Palestinians are killed, 450 injured during the day; a 10th dies of wounds received earlier. (AP, JP [Internet], LAW, MM 10/6; MENA 10/6, IRNA, TT 10/7 in WNC 10/10; NYT, WP, WT 10/7; AYM 10/7 in WNC 10/12)

The largest rally in support of the Palestinians is held in Amman, where 30,000 Jordanians, Palestinians attempt to march on the Israeli emb. but are dispersed by Jordanian police firing tear gas. In Baqa` camp, Jordanian police fire on 2,000 Palestinian demonstrators, killing 1, injuring at least 50. The incidents prompt the government to ban public protests. In Damascus, Syrian police use tear gas to disperse protesters attempting to march to the U.S. emb. In Tunis, Arafat, Pres. Zine Abidine Ben Ali participate in a rally attended by 10,000 Tunisians. Crowds also demonstrate in Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mauritania, Oman, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Yemen, as well as in Berlin, Canberra, Geneva, the Hague, London, Prague, Reykjavik, and Vienna. In Canada, rallies are held in Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Toronto, Waterloo, and Windsor. In the U.S., protests are staged in Atlanta, Baton Rouge, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Dearborn, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Memphis, Miami, New York, Oklahoma City, Orlando, Ottawa, Phoenix, Raleigh, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Tampa, Washington. (BBC, MM, REU, UPI 10/6; AFP, CTK [Prague], EFE [Madrid] 10/6, JT 10/8 in WNC 10/10; Toronto Star, WP, WT 10/7; al-Quds 10/7, AFP 10/11 in WNC 10/12; REU 10/8; WP 10/10; MM 10/11; Daily Star 10/12 in WNC 10/13; MEI 10/13; SA 10/16 in WNC 10/18; Le Monde 11/7 in WNC 11/8)

Syrian pres. Hafiz al-Asad dies of heart failure. The Syrian government quickly initiates a transfer of power to his son, Bashar al-Asad VP 'Abd al-Halim Khadd, the acting pres., assembles parliament to vote to reduce the minimum age to be pres. fr. 40 to 34. (ATL, Interfax, ITAR-TASS, LPA, MENA 6/10, ATL, CNA, DUS, Interfax, IRNA, ITARTASS, LPA, MENA, RIA [Moscow], XIN 6/11 in WNC 6/12; NYT, WP, WT 6/11; AYM 6/11, ATL, CTK [Prague], Hatzofe, IRNA, Interfax, ITAR-TASS, Tanjug [Belgrade], Turan [Baku], XIN 6/12 in WNC 6/13; CSM, MM, WP 6/12; al-Quds 6/12 in WNC 6/14; MM, WJW 6/15; JP, MEI 6/16; MEI 6/30; Le Monde Diplomatique 7/00)

Israel withdraws its last troops fr. s. Lebanon, marking the end of 18 yrs. of occupation. The IDF blows up each of its remaining posts and destroys major roads leading north as it pulls out. Just before the pullout is complete, 4 Hizbaliah mbrs. are killed in an IDF air raid. (MM 5/23; DUS, IRNA, MENA 5/23 in WNC 5/24; IRNA 5/23, CTK [Prague], IRNA, ITAR-TASS, MENA, XIN 5/24 in WNC 5/25; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 5/24; AYM, DUS 5/24 in WNC 5/26; CSM, WJW, WP 5/25; AYM, DUS 5/25, CNA, IRNA, MENA 5/26, ATh 4/27 in WNC 5/30; AYM 5/25 in WNC 5/31; NYT 5/26; CSM 5/30; AYM, DUS 5/30 in WNC 6/1; DUS 5/30 in WNC 6/2; JP, MEI 6/2)

The UN Security Council (UNSC) "strongly endorses" Secy.-Gen. Annan's 5/22 recommendations. (USIS Washington File 5/23; NYT 5/24; Interfax 5/24 in WNC 5/25)

Czechoslovakia announces plans to open a permanent mission to the PA in Ramallah in the coming mos. (CTK [Prague], Noviny [Prague] 3/10 in WNC 3/13)

Pres. Bush accepts offer from Baghdad to speak on Iraqi television, says 10-15 minute speech would provide "real opportunity" to explain why he has sent U.S. troops to Saudi Arabia [LAT, WP 9/7].

Iraq acquiesces to U.S. demand that U.S. consular be given access to American wounded by Iraqi gunfire in Kuwait [LAT, WP 9/7].

Jewish and Roman Catholic leaders, meeting in Prague, agree to forge closer relationship and combat anti-Semitism in E. Europe [LAT 9/7].

UN acknowledges shortcomings in its relief efforts for tens of thousands of refugees who fled Kuwait and Iraq for Jordan [LAT 9/7].

Saudi Arabia announces it will cover virtually all of the hundreds of millions of dollars in monthly operating costs of U.S. forces; Saudis will also contribute several billion dollars in aid to Middle East nations that have joined the coalition against Iraq [NYT, WP 9/7; MET 9/18].

Several nations, including China, India, and Tunisia, say they are considering sending emergency food and medicine to Iraq despite embargo [NYT 9/7].

Britain announces it will send additional forces to the Gulf region, and will provide about $4 million in aid to refugee relief organizations [NYT, WP 9/7].

Pres. Bush telephones Pres. Asad to discuss Gulf crisis; Asad also meets with delegation from European Parliament [DDS 9/6 in FBIS 9/7].

Qatar deports 15 additional Palestinians; this is 3d group of deportees [RAY 9/9 in FBIS 9/10].

Sec. Baker meets in Jeddah with King Fahd to discuss Gulf crisis [WP 9/7; RTS 9/7 in FBIS 9/10].

Ending 2-day meeting in Saudi Arabia to discuss crisis, foreign ministers of 6-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) demand immediate Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait [SPA, RIDS 9/5 in FBIS 9/6; MET 9/18].

General strike called by Hamas is observed in Gaza Strip; commercial strike is observed in parts of W. Bank [FJ 9/10].

Ariel Sharon, new housing minister, promises Israel will make no special effort to settle Soviet Jewish emigrants in O.T.: "We do not divert and we do not send any Russian immigrants or any Jew who comes from Russia" to O.T. (cf. 6/25) [IDF 6/24 in FBIS 6/25; WP, LAT, NYT 6/25; CSM 6/27].

Knesset announces plans to allow armed civilian units to patrol perimeters of O.T. settlements; creation of settlers' Civil Guard comes under fire [MEM 6/ 25].

East German president of parliament Sabine Bergmann-Pohl and her West German counterpart Rita Suessmuth visit Israel apparently to allay Israeli concerns about a unified Germany. Bergmann-Pohl says she hopes she "will be able to assist in speeding up the creation of diplomatic relations between the two countries" [WT 6/26].

Israeli transport minister Moshe Qatzav suspends inauguration of direct commercial flights between Tel Aviv and Prague because of dispute over security arrangements in Czech capital UPD 6/25 in FBIS 6/28].

Inspector general of Israeli police, Yaakov Turner, warns Palestinian residents of E. Jerusalem that more of them would be killed if they continue demonstrations that began on 6/20 [JDS 6/24 in FBIS 6/28; NYT 6/25].

Hanna Siniora, editor of Al-Fajr, says of U.S. decision to suspend dialogue with PLO that "the whole area is slipping toward a bottomless pit of hatred and suspicion." Editorials say suspension of dialogue has "put the whole region on a powder keg" and amount to reward for Shamir's intransigence [CSM 6/25].

King Hussein calls on U.S. to reassess its Middle East policy and open door for Soviet Jews who wish to settle in U.S. rather than Israel [WSJ 6/25]

Egyptian F.M. Esmat Abdel Meguid flies to Washington hoping to avert crisis in U.S.-Arab relations and reassert Egypt's role in peace process [LAT 6/25].

Hadashot reports since Arye Bibi, commander of Jerusalem district police, assumed his post, 5 Arabs have been killed by police or border guard fire in the district. Under Bibi's predecessor Yosef Yehuday, no one was killed by police gunfire; due to relative quiet in O.T., Jerusalem is becoming intifada's frontline [HAD 6/25 in FBIS 6/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: High level representatives of Fateh and PFLP meet in Prague to discuss reunifying the PLO. Fateh Central Committee member Abu Jihad leaves Prague for Moscow [FJ 11/21]. U.S. Pres. Reagan attempts to smooth relations with Arab countries angered by his shipment of arms to Iran [LAT 11/20].

Military Action

Arab World: A man apparently on a mission to bomb SLA post blows up his car killing 3 UN soldiers, a Lebanese woman, and himself [WP 11/21]. Israeli helicopters and navy ship shell Sidon port injuring 3 [FJ 11/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jerusalem Post reports F.M. Shamir knew that Shin Bet chief approved killing of two men arrested in April 1984 bus attack (JP 9/6).

Other Countries: Two gunmen kill 22 during prayers in Istanbul's Neve Shalom synagogue, wound three, then kill themselves (NYT 9/6). In Prague, DFLP, Fateh, and PCP publicly announce PLO withdrawal from 11 February 1985 pact with Jordan (FJ 9/12).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: F. M. Shamir's office denies Shamir is to be questioned in connection with Shin Bet investigation (FBIS 9/1).

Other Countries: Representatives of DFLP, Palestinian Communist party, and Fateh meet in Prague to repair differences (FBIS 9/3). PLO Deputy Chairman Salah Khalaf (Abu lyad) tells al-Qabas (Kuwait) joint Soviet-Algerian mediation effort with Palestinian factions to hold PNC meeting was a success (FBIS 9/3). Eighth nonaligned movement conference opens in Harare, with representatives of 101 nations participating. PLO is represented by Chairman Arafat, who speaks at opening session (Fl 9/5).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Different lists begin to compete for appointment to municipal committees in Ramallah and al-Birah, opposition has begun to surface [FJ 2/21].

Arab World: General Secretary of the DFLP Nayif Hawatmah issues public appeal to Yasir Arafat to abrogate 11 February agreement reached last year with King Hussein; representatives of DFLP and Arafat's Fateh organization are reported to have met in Prague during past week to discuss healing rift in PLO [NYT 2/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Thirteen Israelis, including 5 soldiers, were wounded in at least 7 bombing incidents in the occupied territories and Israel last week [FJ 2/21].

Arab World: Israel calls off 6-day military operation north of its "security zone" in S. Lebanon, states it will still try to find 2 missing soldiers [BG 2/22].

Casualties:

Bomb explodes in Sidon shop, 1 killed; 2 explosions reported in Ain al-Hilweh camp.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat travels to Prague, condemns attempts by Arabs and non-Arabs to put up violent opposition to the PLO and its independent national decisions.

Arab Governments: Jordan condemns Arafat expulsion as attempt to destroy independence of legitimate Palestinian institutions.

Military Action:

Car bomb destroys central section of US embassy in Beirut, pro-Iranian Islamic Jihad Organization and 2 other groups claim responsibility.

Casualties:

At least 32 killed, more than 100 injured in attack on US embassy.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Jewish immigration to Israel in 1982 was 13,260 (12,000 in 1981), of whom 2,601 were Ahmerican; Jewish emigration from Israel during 1981 and 1982 was 18,000; of 2,670 Jews leaving Soviet Union in 1982, 756 settled in Israel; government inaugurates Upper Nablus settlement of 1 5 families, several thousand from Peace Now hold peaceful protest during ceremony; curfews imposed in central Nablus and 3 refugee camps.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat and PLO officials hold talks in Prague with Czech officials and with delegation from Israeli Communist Party.

US and Other Countries: Reagan Administration reportedly promised $2b. in advanced weapons to King Hussein in return for participation in negotiations; largest British film and television union adopts resolution condemning Israel's genocidal attempts in Lebanon and calls on its members to boycott Israeli-financed projects and to refuse to work in Israel except on news and current affairs assignments.