The Palestine Chronology

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)

Secretary of State Baker, beginning 6th visit to Middle East since Gulf war, meets P.M. Shamir, F.M. Levy and D.M. Arens in Jerusalem. Following meeting, Shamir commits Israel to attend peace conference provided no Palestinians associated with PLO or from E. Jerusalem are included in talks. Shamir will seek approval from Israeli cabinet for move. Shamir states U.S. assured Israel that Palestinian participants meet Israeli criteria. (NYT, WP, LAT 8/2)

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].

Facing rising congressional opposition, White House backs off from plan to sell Saudi Arabia over $20 billion in military hardware; legislative support appears possible for fraction of total sale (cf. 9/20) [WP 9/20].

Bush admin. promises to deliver additional F-15 fighters and Patriot missiles to Israel, but defers action on Israel's request for more than $1 billion in new military aid [WP 9/20]; Israeli D.M. Moshe Arens raises questions about whether U.S. is honoring its commitment to maintain Israel's military advantage in Middle East [NYT 9/20].

Bush admin. officials say they are satisfied with Soviet cooperation in isolating Iraq; note with enthusiasm Soviet overtures toward Israel, Saudi Arabia [NYT 9/20].

In move reflecting impatience with stance of newly-unified Yemen, Saudi Arabia abolishes "exemptions" governing residence requests for expatriates, a move affecting 2.2 million Yemenis in Saudi Arabia hitherto exempted form many tight restrictions affecting other foreign workers [MEM 9/20; MET 10/2].

Jordanian gov't makes strong public plea for international financial aid, warning that unless it is compensated for enforcing embargo against Iraq, its economy may collapse [NYT 9/20].

Argentina becomes 1st Latin American nation to join U.S.-led multinational force in Middle East, sending 2 warships [NYT, CSM 9/20; WP 9/23].

Iraq announces it has impounded assets of nations that had frozen Iraqi money and property abroad and is withholding payments on its debts; Revolutionary Command Council decrees says order applies to gov'ts, companies, banks, and institutions [MEM 9/19; LAT, WP, CSM 9/20].

Searching for "Arab solution" to Gulf crisis, King Hussein, King Hassan, and Pres. Benjedid meet in Rabat [NYT 9/21].

Hamas and Fateh issue joint communique calling for end to conflict between the 2 groups and for future coordination in activities [FT 9/24; QUD 9/22 in FBIS 9/24; MET 10/2].

Pres. Asad is quoted as saying a return to 1973 Geneva conference, which Syria did not attend, would provide "an adequate opportunity to achieve ajust peace in the Middle East" [MEM 7/2].

P.M. Shamir appeals to Pres. Mubarak to work with Israel towards Middle East peace, and calls for meeting of Israeli, Egyptian, and U.S. foreign ministers [WT 7/3].

8 Palestinians were killed during June, the lowest total since intifada began; Palestinian and Israeli sources attribute tally in part to new policy of army restraint under D.M. Moshe Arens [NYT 7/3].

UN envoy Jean-Claude Amrie leaves Jerusalem for New York after having extended his visit "a number of days" for additional meetings [JPD 7/3 in FBIS 7/3].

D.M. Moshe Arens authorizes use of new punitive measure that permits "conditional deportation" of intifada leaders from their homes to supervised locations elsewhere in O.T. [HAA 7/2 in FBIS 7/ 3].

Arab poet Shafiq Habib is released from house arrest, where he was confined 2 weeks ago for inciting violence in his writings [JDS 7/2 in FBIS 7/3].

Israeli Arab and Communist Party member Tewfik Toubi resigns from his Knesset seat; he was Israel's longest-serving MK [MET 7/10].

Heads of state of 12 EC countries end 2-day summit in Dublin, issue statement on Middle East opposing Israeli settlement policy, calling for international conference, and for strengthening trade links with O.T. [TDS 6/27 in FBIS 6/28; MEM 6/28].

Jean-Claude Amrie meets with 5 Palestinian academicians, is presented with 12- point memorandum outlining situation in O.T. [RMC 6/26 in FBIS 6/27].

Internal IDF paper recommends that chief of staff and defense establishment change criteria for reporting incidents in O.T. so that daily occurrences are more accurately portrayed [HAA 6/26 in FBIS 6/26].

Egypt's F.M. Esmat Abdel Meguid meets with Pres. Bush in Washington, no "breakthroughs" on peace process are reported, but U.S. interest in reviving process is affirmed [WP 6/28].

Bethlehem Mayor Elias Frayj meets with D.M. Moshe Arens to discuss situation in O.T. [JAA 6/26 in FBIS 6/28].

F.M. David Levy rejects Sec. Baker's formula for Israeli-Palestinian negotiation, echoes Shamir in saying talks cannot include deportees or E. Jerusalem residents [JPD 6/27 in FBIS 6/27].

B'Tselem issues report "Violence against Minors in Police Detention," which claims teenagers interrogated by police and Shin Bet agents are routinely beaten, chained in awkward positions or in "punishment cells" for hours at a time [JPD 6/26 in FBIS 6/27].

Syria rejects invitation from P.M. Shamir for Pres. Asad to go to Jerusalem for peace talks, calls the offer "a trick" [NYT 6/27].

Interim P.M. Shamir endorses $1 billion plan to absorb another 150,000 Jewish immigrants into Israel [WT 5/10].

Abdullah Omar Nasif, sec. gen. of World Islamic League sends messages to Mikhail Gorbachev and Pres. Bush appealing for help to stop Soviet Jewish emigration to Israel [WT 5/10].

U.S. House Foreign Affairs subcommittees on Europe and the Middle East and on human rights hold first ever hearing on intifada [WP 5/10].

Israel accuses U.S. of working with Arab nations to draft resolution at UN against immigration toIsrael, interim F.M. Moshe Arens summons U.S. ambassador William Brown for meeting to discuss alleged U.S.-Arab collusion [WT 5/10; NYT 5/11].

UN Sec. Council puts off a vote on a resolution terming Jewish settlement in O.T. and E. Jerusalem illegal [WT 5/ 10].

Meeting with Moshe Arens, Sec. Baker says it is time for Israel to accept his compromise formula for opening talks between Israelis and Palestinians [NYT, WP, LAT 2/24].

In letter to Jerusalem's International Center for Peace in the Middle East, Yasir Arafat writes PLO has "once more leaned over backward and approves the idea of a dialogue between representatives of the Israeli government and representatives of the Palestinian people" [NYT 2/ 23; LAT 2/24]; message also states emigrating Jews should be allowed to choose their destination, providing they do not displace another people [JTS 2/23, HAA 2/25 in FBIS 2/26].

Unnamed Capitol Hill sources say USSR's decision to bar direct commercial flights to Israel may spark congressional effort to maintain U.S.-Soviet trade restrictions [WP 2/24].

W. Bank Civil Admin. recently issued new regulation forbidding camp residents to build two or more stories on any house among first 3 rows adjacent to main Israeli highways. Several injunctions banning construction are issued, including one halting UNRWA's $250,000 community center in Duhayshah [HAA 2/23 in FBIS 2/23].

Israeli jets bomb PFLP base in Kfar Jara, S. Lebanon; no injuries [JDS 2/23 in FBIS 2/23; MET 3/6-12].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: PLO Executive Committee member Salah Khalaf (Abu lyad) addresses (via videotape) Jerusalem-based International Center for Peace in the Middle East, urges direct PLO-Israeli talks [FBIS WP 2/23].

Arab World: In Cairo Israeli F.M. Arens meets with Soviet F.M. Shevardnadze [NYT 2/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Israeli soldiers, disguised as Arabs, shoot, kill 57-year-old Palestinian shopkeeper. In Gaza suspected collaborator is shot, killed [MET 3/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Body of stabbed Palestinian policeman is found in refugee camp north of Jericho [WP 3/9]. In Biddu village, Israeli authorities demolish houses belonging to 2 Palestinians allegedly involved in December murder of collaborator [FJ 3/13].

Arab World: Fateh Revolutionary Council [Abu Nidal organization] releases 2 Oxfam officials "taken into custody" 3/4 in 'Ayn al-Hilwah refugee camp in Sidon [WP 3/9]. Syrian pres. al-Asad voices opposition to U.S. peace proposals but says he will not interfere with Arab governments wanting to support plan [WP 3/9].

Other Countries: Sec. of State Shultz meets with former Israeli ambassador to U.S. Moshe Arens. Asst. Sec. of State Richard Murphy leaves for Moscow to discuss Middle East peace plan with Soviet F. M. Eduard Shevardnadze [WP 3/9].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian shopkeeper from Mazra'ah al-Sharqiyyah is shot, killed [WP 3/9]. Army sentences 4 officers whose car was seized 3/7 by Palestinian hijackers to 35 days imprisonment for not carrying weapons while traveling off base [WP 3/9]. Military Court of Appeals releases 2 soldiers charged with burying alive 4 Salim village residents [FJ 3/13]. According to Palestinian reports, 3 babies died from effects of tear gas in Dayr al-Balah refugee camp. Israeli troops use tear gas, rubber bullets to disperse women marchers marking Intemational Women's Day in several cities; many are arrested [FJ 3/13]. Army imposes curfew on al-Mazra'ah; curfews remain in force in 'Arrub camp, Bani Na'im village, Idna village, Qabatiyyah village, Habla village, and Saylat al-Harthiyyah village [FJ 3/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Attomey for 'Izzat Nafsu, former IDF officer convicted of espionage in 1981, petitions High Court to order military to lift secrecy order on Nafsu's appeal [JPI 5/2]. Israel Radio reports Israeli authorities have recently discovered several military cells on the W. Bank [FJ 5/3]. Residents of Bayt 'Ula village in Hebron area hold Friday prayers on land scheduled for confiscation to protest government's plan [FJ 5/17].

Arab World: Egyptian delegation walks out of PNC session in Algiers [NYT 4/28]. Abu al-'Abbas says his future attacks will be aimed at Israel, not "innocents" [LAT 4/25].

Other Countries: Israeli Minister Moshe Arens meets with U.S. Sec. of State Shultz in Washington, reiterates Likud opposition to international peace conference [JPI 5/2]. Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, speaking at dinner for visiting Syrian Pres. al-Asad, calls for international peace conference, blames U.S. and Israel for continuing conflict in Middle East [LAT 4/25].

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 21 women inmates begin new hunger strike to protest rights violations at Neve Terza prison.

Arab World: Gemayel announces plan to meet opposition representatives at Lausanne. Syrian cabinet resigns at Pres. Assad's request.

Other Countries: From Brussels, Spain's PM Felipe Gonzalez Marquez expresses interest in diplomatic relations with Israel, and hope it might contribute to peaceful solution in Middle East; reveals that, on recent visit to Riyadh, Saudi gov't. applied no pressure not to recognize Israel. US Federal Communications Commission rejects petition by "Americans for a Safe Israel" to deny license renewal of 7 NBC stations in New England for "distorting" news of Israeli invasion of Lebanon.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Bullet-filled petrol bomb thrown at Israeli patrol near Ramallah; no injuries. Petrol bomb thrown at home of Kalandiya village mukhtar. 1 passenger slightly wounded on Egged bus stoned near Eizariya near Jerusalem.

Arab World: Lebanese man shot dead by IDF invaders, forcing way into Qana, S. Lebanon [HQ of Fijian UNIFIL battalion] amidst villager's protests. Israeli DM Arens inspects Sidon harbor area. IDF convoy carrying MK Sharon ambushed near Sidon; Sharon narrowly escapes injury as remote control device explodes.

Military Action:

IDF hands over checkpoint at Monteverde, east of Beirut, to Lebanese Army; anti-aircraft missile fired at IDF transport plane preparing for takeoff near Damour.

Casualties:

IDF disperses women demonstrating near Sidon for release of detainees at Ansar.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Soldiers and police fire bullets, tear gas, to break up demonstration near Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque, 40 arrested; Arens says cycle of violence on West Bank is initiated generally by some elements of the Arab population, refuses requests from 40 leading West Bank and Gaza Palestinians for permission to travel to Tunis to convey support for Arafat; Shlomo Argov, Israeli ambassador to UK whose attempted assassination in 1982 was pretext for invasion, says the war was unjustified.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Fateh rebels refuse Arafat's offer to withdraw PLO loyalist forces from Beqaa to Tripoli; Arafat says crisis in PLO serves Israel, has reduced attacks against IDF from one or two a day to 2 or 3 in past 15 days.

US and Other Countries: Shultz reports to Reagan on Middle East tour.

Military Action:

IDF vehicle damaged by mine north of Sidon; IDF tank sets off mine south of Beirut; light weapons fire at IDF position in Bekaa; time bomb explodes in Tyre; IDF reported to have established 30 militias in South Lebanon villages.

Casualties:

1 IDF soldier killed, 3 injured near Sidon; shops in Tyre badly damaged by time bomb.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Windows of 22 vehicles smashed during night in Beit Jala, no suspects; curfews at Balata and al-Aza camps after stone-throwing; Israeli delegation visiting Zaire this week signs agreement granting El Al and Air Zaire flying rights between the two countries.

US and Other Countries: Shultz meets Begin, Arens, Shamir in Jerusalem; State Dept. alters official maps of the Middle East to show West Bank as territory whose status has yet to be determined rather than as a part of Jordan.

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:

Lebanese military says that explosive device at US embassy was hexogene, equivalent to 1,320 lbs. TNT.

Casualties:

Rescue workers continue to clear rubble at US embassy, casualty figures rise to 47 dead or missing, including CIA's chief Middle East analyst; police arrest nearly 100 suspects in bombing, mostly from neighborhoods around Sabra and Shatila camps.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Minsterial settlement committee approves 3 new West Bank settlements; General Moshe Levy takes over as chief of staff; Arens says Beirut embassy bombing justifies Israel's demands for security arrangements in Lebanon; Muslim leaders demand full control over all Waqf properties, administered since 1948 by Israeli Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Negotiations in Netanya; PLO representative to Poland lays wreath at monument to Jewish heroes of Warsaw Ghetto uprising.

US and Other Countries: House Foreign Affairs Committee approves $251m. in military loan and economic aid for Lebanon, links it with requirement of Congressional approval for use of US troops in any new and more permanent multinational peacekeeping force; head of American delegation to Warsaw Ghetto commemoration calls PLO wreath laying an obscenity that makes a mockery of the event.