The Palestine Chronology

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)

Israeli def. min. Moshe Arens allows al-Najah University in Nablus to reopen. Al-Najah would be the fourth of six Palestinian universities reopened since their closure at the beginning of the intifada. Bir Zeit, Islamic University of Gaza remain closed. (NYT, WP 8/22)

Jewish settlers expand settlement for seminary students in Hebron by moving ten mobile homes (caravans) to bus station behind Beit Romano building. Bus station had been used as army base since its expropriation in 1983 after murder of Jewish seminary student. (NYT, MEM 8/22)

PLO Exec. Comm. mbrs. Yasir 'Abd Rabbuh, Mahmud 'Abbas arrive in Cairo for talks with Egyptian leaders on peace conference. Move comes in wake of improved Egyptian-PLO relations. (MENA [Cairo] 8/21 in FBIS 8/22)

'Abd Rabbuh also expresses clarification of PLO position on Soviet coup in interview with Agence France Presse, stating PLO hopes Soviet crisis can be solved in such a way as to "preserve the democratic gains" made by the Soviet people under Pres. Mikhail Gorbachev and to work for peace and international legitimacy in the Middle East. Statement comes in wake of statements in support of Gorbachev's ouster throughout the Arab world. PFLP, PFLP-GC went on record as favoring Gorbachev's removal. (MEM. 8/21)

Israeli interior minister with 37 Arab mayor striking for budgetary parity between Arab, Jewish municipalities of similar size in Israel. (MEM 8/22)

U.S. troops begin leaving Gulf; Def. Sec. Cheney says U.S. will return average of 5,000 troops per day over next few weeks [LAT, WP, CSM 3/8; MET 3/19].

En route to Saudi Arabia as part of 11-day Middle East tour, Sec. Baker says he will propose series of "confidence-building measures" between Israel and Arab states to open path to broader peace talks [LAT, NYT, WP, WT 3/8].

In Kuwait, at least 2 Palestinians have been shot dead and 5 others hospitalized from beatings and shootings, as Palestinians raise concerns about reprisals against their community in Kuwait [LAT, NYT, WP 3/8].

Israeli gov't. rejects Pres. Bush's call for solution to Arab-Israeli conflict that includes trading land for peace; F.M. David Levy says attempts to pressure Israel are not welcome [LAT, WT 3/8; JDS, IDF, PDS 3/7, MAA 3/8 in FBIS 3/8]; in separate statements, PLO and Egypt welcome what they call "positive elements" in Pres. Bush's 3/6 speech [AVP, MENA 3/7 in FBIS 3/8; MEM 3/7].

Palestinian journalist Taher Shriteh, jailed without charge on 1/28/91, is freed on bail after international campaign to gain his release (cf. 3/11) [NYT, MEM 3/8; AFP 3/8 in FBIS 3/11; MET 3/19].

House of Representatives votes to authorize $15.8 billion to pay for Gulf war, and also $650 million for Israel, and warns other nations that Congress "may consider appropriate action" if promised payments are not made [NYT, WP, WT 3/8].

Sec.-Gen. Perez de Cuellar selects Switzerland's ambassador to Washington, Edouard Brunner, asspecial Middle East envoy to begin new high-priority search for solution to Arab-Israeli conflict [WP 3/8].

Palestinian leaders representing Fateh, PFLP, and DFLP, but not Hamas, meet in Jerusalem with visiting EC "troika" representatives including Italian F.M. Gianni de Michelis; EC ministers also meet with Israeli P.M. Shamir and D.M. Arens, then depart for Jordan [JDS 3/7 in FBIS 3/8; FJ 3/11; MET 3/19].

Border policeman in Nablus is stabbed, wounded; attacker escapes and army imposes curfew on Nablus and adjacent refugee camps [JDS 3/7 in FBIS 3/8]; 30 Palestinians are detained in Jerusalem after IDF opens fire on demonstrators [JDS 3/7 in FBIS 3/11].

Syria and Saudi Arabia sign wide-ranging cooperation agreement which both nations say was sign of desire to foster closer relations [MEM 3/8].

Italian F.M. de Michelis is quoted as calling for "internal revolt in the Palestinian [resistance] movement" now that PLO has "ruled itself out" of peace negotiations [MEM 3/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Ha'Aretz reports team of Israeli foreign ministry experts has begun formulating detailed plan for elections in O.T. in anticipation of possible Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. Moshe Arens tells Yedi'ot Aharonot "the elections in the territories will be conducted because we will conduct them with or withouthe U.S. initiative" [FBIS 1/9].

The Jerusalem Post names N. David Gross managing editor and Matt Nesvisky magazine editor to begin replacing about 30 senior editors and reporters who resigned in dispute with publisher [NYT 1/ 10; MET 1/23].

Arab World: PFLP-GC leader Ahmed jabril denies that his organization was involved in 1988 bombing of Pan Am flight 103 [NYT 1/10].

Yasir Arafat arrives in Cairo, meets with F.M. Abd al-Majid [FBIS 1/10].

Other Countries: U.S. sharply cuts its funding to UN Food and Agriculture Agency (FAO) in response to FAO's 11/ 29 resolution. U.S. will pay only $18 million of its $61.4 million obligation, just enough to keep its voting status [NYT 1/ 10].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 2 Palestinians from Nablus are wounded by IDF gunfire; 3 others in Tulkarm are wounded in separate incident [FBIS 1/10].

Michael Ben Horin, leader of State of Judea, an extreme right-wing Jewish settlers group, is arrested on charges of arson [MET 1/23].

Arab World: Israeli forces shell Lebanese villages of Lusi, al-Sultan Y'aqub, and Kamid al-Lawz, 2 people are wounded [FBIS 1/9, 1/10].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Ha'Aretz poll finds 52 percent of Israelis "are prepared to consider the deportation of Palestinians if a way is not found to make peace," compared to 38 percent who supported transfer 6 months ago [FBIS 11/14].

Arab World: PLO Executive Committee meeting in Tunis issues five additional points for Washington toclarify regarding Israeli-Palestinian negotiations [FBIS 11/ 13].

Other Countries: Japanese officials appeal to visiting F.M. Arens to open talks with the PLO; Arens rejects appeal [WP 11/12].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: A settler from Tulkarm area is stabbed, wounded; 13 Palestinians in Gaza are wounded in clashes with soldiers; army imposes curfew on Nablus and surrounding villages [FBIS 11/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Moshe Arens cables James Baker that Israel will accept Baker's 5-point plan if U.S. agrees to "minor" changes [NYT, WP 10/25]. Israeli officials claim having letter that shows PLO is hiring local Palestinians for assassinations and "terrorist actions" [NYT 10/ 24].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike in Nablus and Tulkarm; 1 Palestinian is shot, killed, another is wounded by IDF gunfire. 2 Israeli cars are torched in E. Jerusalem [FBIS 10/25]

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Defending decisions not to negotiate with PLO, P.M. Shamir says "were we to sit together, it would not be for negotiations but surrender talks" [NYT, LAT 9/27]. Moshe Arens urges President Mubarak to meet with Shamir [WP 9/27].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Nablus resident suspected of collaboration is killed [FBIS 9/26]. Soldier injured by rock in Gaza. General strike in Tulkarm [FBIS 9/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: Letter to Sec. of State Baker signed by 68 senators and drafted by Senators Mack (R-FL) and Lieberman (DCT), urges against granting a visa to Arafat [NYT 9/26]. President Bush meets with Labor leader Peres for an hour; then meets with Likud's Arens after latter's complaint conceming Peres meeting [NYT 9/26].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 17-year-old Palestinian from Nablus is shot, wounded in clash with troops. 12-year-old from Jenin is wounded in clash. Rafah man suspected of collaboration is killed, another beaten [FBIS 9/26]. At least 7 Palestinians are wounded in O.T. IDF soldier is injured by rock in Khan Yunis [FBIS 9/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel cuts medical spending in O.T. by 33% in response to tax strike [MET 2/28]. MK 'Abd alWahab Darawshah announces that he met with PLO leader Yasir Arafat in Cairo in January [FBIS 2/17].

Arab World: In Baghdad, Egypt, Jordan, North Yemen, Iraq form Arab Cooperation Council, an economic union [NYT 2/17].

Other Countries: U.S. sec of state James Baker says time is not right to push for Arab-Israeli negotiations [LAT, NYT 2/ 17]. F.M. Moshe Arens meets with British officials in London [FBIS 2/17].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops shoot, kill 25-year-old Palestinian in Nablus; 8 others are wounded. In Jerusalem 4-year-old Palestinian dies from burns received 2/13 from unknown device [LAT 2/17]. At least 6 other Palestinians are shot, wounded in Gaza [FBIS 2/17].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Reports of Defense and Foreign Relations Subcom. and Rotenstreich-Tsur commission argue government decision-making processes were faulty in handling of Pollard spy case, criticize P.M. Shamir, F.M. Peres, Defense Minister Rabin, and former Defense Minister Moshe Arens; do not recommend any action [BG, NYT 5/27]. Israeli troops use live ammunition to disperse crowd gathered in Nablus streets to celebratend of Ramadan; 1 Palestinian is killed [FJ 5/31]. Newly elected board members of 2 Gaza trade unions are ordered to suspend activities and cancel results of recent elections [FJ 5/31]. Lydda municipal workers destroy 9 Arab houses, charging the homes were uninhabitable [FJ 5/31]. Burned body of Jibril Ibrahim Husayn al-Darawish, former employee of United Nations Truce Supervision Organization headquarters inJerusalem, is found in Hebron [FJ 5/31]. During press conference in Amman, recently deported student leader Marwan Barghuthi condemns Israeli policy of expulsion [FJ 5/31]. Fadwa al-Labadi, grade school teacher from Abu Dis, is fired on security charges [FJ 6/14].

Arab World: Egypt's Revolution, group opposed to Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty, claims responsibility for attack on U.S. officials in Cairo [PI 5/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha. Renewed talks produce basic agreement on bipartisan Israeli government. High Court refuses to make public Zorea Com. report regarding killing of Palestinian commandos in Gaza (4/12/84). Shattah prison (Nazareth) inmates find worms in food, stage hunger strike. Jnaid prison (Nablus) inmates strike after guards attack prisoners with tear gas in their cells, hospitalizing 4. Bank Hapoalim announces $8.2 million profit for 1st half of 1984.

Other Countries: In New York pre-trial hearing in his $50 million suit against Time, Ariel Sharon castigates its 2/21/83 issue's implication that he encouraged Sabra & Shatila massacres (9/82) as "blood libel."

Military Action

Arab World: IDF transfers responsibility for security in Nabatiya to South Lebanon Army; sends patrols north of Awali River. Israeli DM Arens meets SLA Gen. Lahd, expresses satisfaction with SLA performance. Former Lebanese PM Selim al-Hoss escapes remote-control bomb blast; 4 killed, 25 wounded.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: ICRC reports Israel failing to report arrests within 10- day limit. Nablus and Bethlehem residents complain of water shortages as Mekorot diverts supplies to Israeli settlements. Israel-American Zionists Assoc. in conjunction with Compass-Peltours and Israel Assoc. of Real Estate Dealers announce plan to offer US Jews lots (60' x 60') in occupied territories for $3,600 (including Israeli passport and subsidized mortgage options). Items at Hebron Islamic exhibit confiscated by "civil administration" as "inciteful." 2-10 Golani Druze charged by Kiryat Shemona magistrate for incitement and participation in recent demonstration.

Arab World: DM Arens tells Tel Aviv engineers' club Israel will keep Awali River bridges closed until attacks on IDF in S. Lebanon end. Lebanese gov't. decides to close Israeli liaison office north of Beirut.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli bus used to transport Nablus labor to Israel burned at roadblock near Qabalan village.

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli authorities unfreeze $200,000 of $1 million seized from Gaza Islamic U. 1 year ago. Suspect in murder of Nablus girl (12/8/83) released for lack of evidence. DM Moshe Arens announces Israel will review policy of blowing up homes of Palestinians charged with actions against the state.

Arab World: Israel joins LAF and Red Cross in evacuating 2,000-2,500 Phalangist militiamen and other Christians from Deir al-Qamar from Druze forces.

Military Action:

Artillery shells fall near Beirut airport and port; fighting continues between LAF and PSP in Khaldeh and Kharroub areas.

Casualties:

1 Marine wounded at airport; 5 civilians injured in port area; PSP says 60 Druze killed by shellings in past 10 days.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Settler from recently established Upper Nablus settlement attacked and beaten in Nablus market, dozens of suspects rounded up; settler spokesman demands closure of Nablus market, accuses Shamir and Arens of not keeping promises to take tougher measures; 2 guards at al-Najah University attacked and beaten by unidentified persons; Arab-owned bus set afire in Nablus.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Karami, in Damascus, says Tripoli cease-fire requires disengagement of forces, fighters to return to their bases, both inside Lebanon and abroad; Gemayel, in Rome, meets Italian officials and Pope John Paul.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Talks on implementation of Tripoli cease-fire and withdrawal agreement begin in Damascus.

US and Other Countries: White House announces that US will resume delivery of cluster bombs to Israel, suspended since July 1982, and that military aid to Israel, reduced by 25%, will be entirely in grant form; Reagan, Shultz, Weinberger and senior US officials meet Shamir and Arens, begin 2 days of talks,agendas focus on Lebanon, Soviet military aid to Syria, and Israeli-US cooperation.

Casualties:

3 IDF border police injured in Sidon attack.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Masked gunmen enter Islamic college in Hebron, kill 3, wound 33 students and teachers with automatic weapon fire, grenade; no suspects held in Hebron attack, editorials speculate that Jewish settlers responsible; 1 woman killed, another wounded when settlers open fire in Nablus; curfews imposed on Hebron, Halhoul, Nablus.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Fighting between PLO factions continues in and around Jdita, 14 persons reportedly killed, 20 houses destroyed.

US and Other Countries: Shultz meets Shamir and Arens.

Military Action:

Bomb explodes as IDF vehicle passes in Beirut suburb of Baabda; IDF vehicle detonates mine near Ein Zahlata; IDF tank hits mine in Bekaa region.

Casualties:

6 IDF soldiers wounded in Baabda attack, 3 in Ein Zahlata; Lebanese police report 3 Palestinians killed in two attacks on IDF positions in South Lebanon; stray machine gun fire by IDF penetrates US Marine base after Baabda attack, no injuries; UNRWA officials report escalation in attacks on Palestinians in Sidon, said to coincide with arrival there of Phalange officer Elie Hobeika, armed and masked men of Guardians of Cedars threatening Palestinians, 4 killed, 2 wounded since April 28.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Shultz returns to Jerusalem, meets with Begin, Shamir, Arens; Begin says he will call Cabinet meeting to decide on draft troop withdrawal agreement; Ministry of Absorption reports that only 11 of the 114 Jews leaving the Soviet Union last month came to Israel; Elon Moreh settlers fire on Nablus youths when stones are thrown at their car, 13 students arrested, school closed; window of Israeli truck broken by stones near Kalandia camp; 400 students hold sit-in demonstration at Tireh UNRWA Training Center.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: President Gemayel says the danger of signing an agreement with Israel without obtaining the withdrawal of Syria, the PLO and some Iranians is that Israel will not withdraw and the agreement will have no value; PLO seeks guarantees for security of Palestinians in Lebanon as precondition for withdrawal of PLO forces, Saudi information minister to intervene with Lebanese officials this week on issues of murders of Palestinians, threats to refugees, bombings of shops, expulsions, detention, attacks by Lebanese Army on Palestinian women crossing into East Lebanon to visit husbands and fathers with PLO forces.

Arab Governments: Jordan considering limitations on export of West Bank produce to East Bank, restrictions on entry of West Bank students to University of Jordan, holding of elections on East Bank only.

US and Other Countries: Shultz continues talks in Beirut, then returns to Jerusalem; Reagan says PLO council was never elected by the Palestinian people, referendum on alternative leadership might not be practical; French foreign minister meets PLO official, asks PLO to cancel UN conference on Palestine scheduled for UNESCO's Paris headquarters in August.

Military Action:

2 122mm Katyusha rockets fired over residence of US ambassador while Secretary Shultz and other officials are sleeping there.

Casualties:

2 Israeli POWs held by PFLP-GC seen on videotape in Vienna, POWs to be turned over to PLO Executive Committee, visited by Red Cross.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Window of IDF vehicle smashed in Nablus; curfews on central Nablus, and Balata, al-Aza and Askar refugee camps; Jacobo Timerman's son Daniel jailed for second time for refusing military service in Lebanon.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat in Damascus for meetings with PLO military and political officials.

US and Other Countries: Shultz continues meetings in Beirut, then travels to Jerusalem, meets Shamir, Arens and Begin, also meets families of 4 Israeli POWs who ask him to intervene for their release; IDF marching band leads 19th Salute to Israel Parade down Fifth Avenue in New York.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: In special Knesset session, Defense Minister Arens says Upper Nablus settlement is of supreme strategic importance for defense, where Jews and Arabs live side by side in Israel they cooperate peacefully and progress together; Druze spiritual leader cancels annual Nabi Shueib celebration to protest tight security checks imposed on Lebanese Druze seeking to enter Israel to participate; Israel Broadcasting Authority empowers director-general to decide whether interviews with West Bank and Gaza personalities are anti-Israel propaganda; US Center for Disease Control doctors report illness in West Bank was induced by anxiety and spread by psychogenic factors, no evidence of poison, no evidence of fabricated symptoms, first cases may have been caused by low concentrations of hydrogen sulfide gas found in latrine in Arraba; teacher at al-Najah University released after 13 days detention on charges of incitement.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Fateh Central Committee meets in Tunis; tripartite talks suspended for duration of Shultz visit.

US and Other Countries: Secretary Shultz arrives in Cairo, meets Habib and US ambassadors to 9 Middle East countries.

Military Action:

PLO orders maximum alert for 8,000 men in Lebanon in expectation of Israeli attack.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Labor Party leaders Rabin and Peres call on government to cancel Independence Day ceremony dedicating new civilian settlement of Upper Nablus, say it is historic mistake; Habib meets Begin, Arens and Shamir in Jerusalem, reportedly to discuss role of Haddad; Histadrut contracting company Solel Boneh abandons plans for joint construction company with Gush Emunim; Deputy Foreign Minister says Israeli delegation will boycott Warsaw ghetto commemoration if PLO attends.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat, in Sofia for meetings with Bulgarian officials, says door is still open for talks between PLO and Jordan, efforts are underway to reduce obstacles between the two parties.

Casualties:

IDF reports one man killed when bomb he was trying to plant near IDF position in Sidon explodes.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Arens tells Likud Knesset faction that Israel and Lebanon will soon reach agreement, characterizes war as first one Israel fought which has been followed immediately by negotiations; Treasury increases export subsidy by $150m, adds 1% levy on foreign currency purchases; mother of IDF reservist (sentenced to third prison term for refusing to serve in occupied territories) begins protest at Defense Ministry; on orders from Defense Minister Arens, occupation authorities arrest more than 50 Palestinians, including 38 students from Ramallah, on suspicion of inciting an epidemic of psychosomatic illness; US medical team visits Hebron, WHO team visits Jenin; police arrest 10 suspects after 2 Israeli bus passengers injured by stones in Jerusalem; Qalqilya and Assoun under curfew after stone-throwing at settlers and vehicles; curfew on Tulkarm refugee camp continues; West Bank and Gaza settlers warn Defense Minister Arens they cannot prevent vigilante action if army does not stop stone-throwing; military court in Nablus sentences 3 Palestinians to 20-25 years for infiltrating from Jordan, attacking IDF patrol in January 1982.

Arab Governments: Moroccan envoys arrive in Tunisia, Sudan, Kuwait to explore prospect of Arab summit.

US and Other Countries: ICRC says purpose of its investigation into West Bank illnesses was to insure that hospitalized victims were receiving adequate medical treatment, not to conduct inquiry into causes; National Association of Arab Americans sues Justice Dept. for release of documents it says support allegation that Pentagon official passed secrets to Israel in 1978.

Military Action:

Syrians and Israelis exchange tank and mortar fire east of Beirut for first time in 4 months; gun battles in Tripoli between rival militias; Beirut offices of Arab Deterrent Force closed, premises handed over to Lebanese Army.

Casualties:

Lebanese doctor shot and killed at roadblock by Fiji UNIFIL soldier in South Lebanon; 3 killed, including Syrian soldier, 6 wounded in Tripoli.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Land Day demonstrations in Israel, West Bank, Gaza, 3,000 extra police on duty; 10-20,000 make Land Day march from Sakhnin to Deir Hanna; tear gas fired at demonstrators in Sakhnin; Peace Now demonstrates outside government exhibition in Tel Aviv of residential construction and housing finance opportunities for Jews on the West Bank; Labor Party chairman Peres says position of Haddad forces must not be infringed by troop withdrawal agreement, Israel should not submit to any preconditions, such as settlement freeze, prior to peace talks with Hussein; Habib meets Arens and Shamir who reject notion that Lebanese Army, without Haddad, can provide effective security on northern border; 7 year-old boy killed, 2 children wounded in Shefar Am when hand grenade they find explodes; commercial strike in East Jerusalem; IDF shoots, kills 18 year-old in Tarqumiya, near Hebron, during demonstration; curfews imposed in Nablus, 4 refugee camps; 2 molotov cocktails thrown at IDF vehicles in West Bank; 2 molotov cocktails thrown at IDF vehicles in West Bank; 2 grenades thrown at IDF vehicles in Gaza; 13 persons injured by stones; Al-Fajr editor-in-chief arrested; director of West Bank public health services says clinical symptoms of 53 girls from Arraba, taken ill on March 21, point to something more than a case of mass hysteria.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat, in Damascus, tells rally he rejects Reagan plan, and Fez summit resolutions are only basis for solution to Palestine problem.

US and Other Countries: Soviet Union accuses Israel of planning a piratic strike against Syria, warns it would be playing with fire.

Military Action:

Car bomb explodes near pro-Israel Voice of Hope television station studio on Lebanese side of border near Metulla.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Municipal park in Jerusalem dedicated to memory of Emil Grunzweig, Peace Now demonstrator killed by grenade on February 10; guarded by 850 police, 1000 supporters of Committee Against the War in Lebanon march in Jerusalem for freedom of expression and against political violence; Foreign Minister Shamir says Israel will do utmost to strengthen ties with African regimes, is grateful to Zaire for being first Black African nation to resume diplomatic ties with Israel; Likud MK Y. Hurwitz says Israel has no choice but to sell arms to any country willing to buy them; 9 yeshiva students arrested after windows of Arab-owned stores smashed in Jerusalem's Old City, 5 charged; police fire shots and teargas, arrest 94, during protests against Carter visit in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Hebron, Tulkarm, Yatta, Halhoul, BeitJala, Ramallah, Jenin and Nablus; 3 women soldiers, 1 settler injured by stones in Hebron during protests against Defense Minister Arens visit; bombs discovered in two Hebron schools; Halhoul girls' high school closed until April; Jewish settlers fire on stone-throwing youths at Dheisheh camp and in Bethlehem.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat has talks with King Hussein at New Delhi Non-Aligned summit.

Arab Governments: Mubarak says he is in no hurry to resume diplomatic relations with Arab states that cut ties after 1979 peace treaty with Israel; Information Minister Iskander says Syria has no objection to withdrawing its troops from Lebanon if Israel does so at same time and if Lebanese authority and sovereignty over all Lebanon are established.

Military Action:

Lebanese Army takes over Beirut Pier 5 from Phalange, estimated to have generated $250-$500m. a year in import duties since 1980; registration for compulsory military service begins, Lebanese Army expects 25,000 men to register.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Defense Minister Arens orders evacuation of Kach's El Nakam settlement near Hebron; police arrest 2 Kiryat Arba residents (in addition to 3 Americans) in connection with shootings in Hebron area; Arens tells Council of Jewish Settlements he favors expanding settlements in West Bank within the law, emphasizes that industrial enterprises there should be staffed only by Jews; settlers present Arens with list of demands for their security; Committee Against the War in Lebanon asks High Court to intervene over police refusal to grant march permit; government defeats 4 motions in Knesset critical of Sharon's appointment to 2 cabinet committees; Newsweek says secret annex to Kahan Commission Report contains evidence that IDF, alerted by Mossad, had prevented Phalange attack on Mieh Mieh camp prior to Sabra and Shatila massacre; Nazareth Mayor Tewfik Zayyad calls on government to include Arab villages in the Project Renewal scheme; bus passenger injured by stone near Dahariya camp; Jewish settlers demonstrate on road opposite Dheisheh camp; settlers enter Kalandia refugee camp, threaten to evict residents unless stone-throwing stops; curfews imposed on Nablus market, Jalazon camp, and on Aida camp in Bethlehem after fire bomb attack on border police patrol; Village League office in Hebron stoned by students at Hussein school; bomb found in Hebron elementary school.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat addresses Non-Aligned summit in New Delhi, calls for committee to work for Palestinian rights; Issam Sartawi, in London Times interview, says PLO should give priority to winning recognition from Western governments, especially US, should amend National Charter to conform to PNC resolutions, and should accept Reagan plan as basis for negotiation.

Arab Governments: Iraqi Embassy in London denies Guardian report that organizer of the attack on Israeli Ambassador Argov was an Iraqi intelligence officer; President Mubarak and King Hussein hold talks during Non-Aligned summit in New Delhi.

Casualties:

54 Palestinian middle class families from northeast Sidon, 15 families from central Sidon, 73 families of orchard workers in Adloun, 8 families from village of Kaddousieh have fled to Ain el-Hilweh camp in past week in response to Phalangist campaign of intimidation.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Sharon files IS 10m ($270,000) libel suit in Jerusalem against Time Inc. for magazine's February 21 allegation that he had urged Gemayel family to take revenge for murder of Bashir; Israeli forces fire tear gas at Nablus crowds protesting shooting of 4 year old girl in Hebron, one secondary school closed for a month, and curfew imposed; police find and release 14 year old brother of wounded girl after he is detained by Kiryat Arba resident for alleged stone throwing; police arrest three Kiryat Arba settlers on suspicion they fired shots at Arab vehicle; bomb explodes near bus carrying Arabs in Hebron; Kiryat Arba residents stone passing Arab vehicles after their bus is hit by stone near Dheisheh camp; Kiryat Arba local councillor says in TV interview that the shooting attack in Hebron was child's play and vows that more severe action will be taken; two settlers injured by stones thrown at bus traveling to settlements of Ofra and Bet-El; special police squad formed to investigate settler harassment of Palestinians, after Hebron's Acting Mayor Natshe sends telegram to Defense Minister Arens demanding and end to the attacks; ousted chairman of Hebron Village League charges that Israeli Civil Administration provided his replacement with bank account and IS 1 m to buy support in the Hebron area.

Arab Governments: Foreign Minister Khaddam says Syria will repulse any Israeli pre-emptive strike against SA-5 missiles, King Hussein will face internal difficulties if he tries to cooperate with the Reagan plan, Syrian troops won't leave Lebanon if Israel achieves even one of its present conditions for withdrawal.

US and Other Countries: Prior to his departure from Washington, Israeli Defense Minister Arens and Defense Secretary Weinberger reportedly agreed in principle to work out arrangement to share Israeli battlefield intelligence from Lebanon war; Weinberger rejects charge he is pro-Arab, Arens telephones Weinberger to deny reports he described Weinberger as being pro-Arab; Asst. Secretary of State Veliotes confirms House Foreign Affairs sub-committee formulation that Israel is currently undertaking de facto annexation process by its settlements on West Bank; Weinberger cails presence of SA-5 missiles (with 150 mile striking range) under command of Soviet personnel in Syria very serious and shows Syria is just another outpost of the Soviet empire; Shultz says US has warned Soviet Union that its military activity in Syria is dangerous to peace; New York Mayor Koch, on one week visit to Israel, meets Begin, says Israel's position on Lebanon makes eminent sense.

Military Action:

Syria reported to have East German and Cuban military advisers assisting with newly acquired Soviet equipment and upgrading military command and control structure; Haddad declares he has taken control of 25-mile zone of South Lebanon, establishes garrison post in Sidon, says purpose is to help legitimate authorities to restore sovereignty throughout the country; 150 French soldiers added to French MNF contingent, now numbers 2,200; Lebanese Cabinet decree places police at disposal of military commander, gives army right to arrest and try people threatening national security; IDF says it will increase patrols in Sidon in response to requests from Wazzan.

Casualties:

45 thefts of autos from Palestinians in South Lebanon reported by police.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Begin tells visiting members of European Parliament that their support for Reagan plan is destructive; Begin announces appointment of Moshe Arens to replace Sharon as Defense Minister; Parliament votes 61 to 56, with 1 abstention, to approve Sharon remaining in Cabinet without portfolio; Sharon receives ceremonial farewell with full military honors at Tel Aviv Defense Ministry; Israel reportedly plans to increase air force strength from 19 to 24 combat squadrons, deploying 600 high performance aircraft, by mid-1990s; Kalandia refugee camp and its UNRWA school, al-Amari camp, and the old Nablus market are placed under curfews; bus window smashed near Dheisheh camp, windows of Israeli cars broken in Ramallah; tires burned near Ramallah; one IDF soldier, one civil administrator injured by stones in Ramallah; Bethlehem Mayor Freij says Palestinians have only two months to prevent Israeli takeover of West Bank and Gaza from becoming an established fact.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: 16th session of Palestine National Council opens in Algiers, 360 members from 90 countries present, 180 from West Bank and Gaza absent; PLO Executive Committee reportedly will make following recommendations: Reagan plan is insufficient but not rejected, closer ties with progressive and democratic elements in Egypt, special link with King Hussein, confederation between independent Palestinian state and Jordan, PLO members to participate with Jordanians in any negotiations, endorsement of Arab League resolution at Fez, PNC to decide on question of contacts between PLO leaders and Israelis; Lebanese-Israeli-US negotiators at Khalde end 15th round of talks, announce they are putting into writing points of agreement reached so far.

US and Other Countries: Austrian Chancellor Kreisky says Reagan plan represents a change of attitude but as for solving the concrete questions, he is doubtful; US aerospace companies such as Northrop oppose use of Foreign Military Sales credits by Israel for development of the Lavie fighter, expected to compete in export market with such aircraft as General Dynamics F-16 and Northrop F-20; Defense Secretary Weinberger has talks with outgoing Israeli Ambassador Arens; Habib travels to Israel from Beirut; State Dept. expresses concern over murders of Palestinians in Sidon area.