The Palestine Chronology

In advance of the PLO Central Comm. (PLOCC) mtg. 9/9 and 10, 10s of Palestinian refugees in Beirut, Sidon attend demonstrations calling for the right of return. (Daily Star [Internet] 9/9)

In Bayt Furik in the West Bank, reps. of the Arab Liberation Front (ALF), Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), Fatah, Hamas, the Palestinian Popular Struggle Front discuss the final status of Jerusalem; unanimously call on the PA to uphold the demand for Palestinian sovereignty over all of East Jerusalem. (AYM 9/9 in WNC 9/14)

In New York, Egyptian FM Musa holds a 2d 4-way mtg. on the final status of Jerusalem and inter-Islamic coordination with the FMs of Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia. Musa also discusses Jerusalem separately with FM Shara` of Syria, Pres. `Abd al-Rahman Wahid of Indonesia. (MENA 9/8 in WNC 9/12)

At Camp David, PA, Israeli teams break into smaller groups to discuss core issues. The White House says discussions are tense at times. Pres. Clinton meets separately with PM Barak, Arafat. Secy. of State Albright goes to Emmitsburg, MD, to meet with reps. of the DFLP, PPP, PPSF, who had requested to meet with Arafat; the U.S. said allowing them access to Camp David would be a violation of the ground rules. (White House press briefing 7/14; AYM 7/14, SA 7/22 in WNC 7/24; NYT, WP, WT 7/15; WP 7/16; SA 7/17, 7/18 in WNC 7/19; JP 7/21; MEI 7/28; SA 8/1 in WNC 8/3)

Reps. of SLA refugees Israel meet with Israeli DMin. officials to demand permanent housing, schooling for their children, health services. Separately, in Kiryat Shimona and Kiryat Gat, 100s SLA refugees protest their "terrible absorption" and "humiliation" by Israel, demand to return to Lebanon. (YA [Internet] 7/16)

Pres. Clinton announces that Arafat, Barak will come to Camp David, MD, on 7/11 to hold 3-way summit on final status issues. Talks are expected to end before Clinton leaves for a G-8 mtg. in Japan on 7/19. U.S. officials say that the PLOCC's 7/3 "threat" to declare a state as of 9/13 influenced Clinton's decision to hold the summit now. (MM 7/5; MENA 7/5 in WNC 7/6; XIN 7/5, ITAR-TASS, al-Quds, XIN 7/6 in WNC 7/7; NYT, WP, WT 7/6; AYM, XIN 7/6, ITAR-TASS, Le Monde, al-Quds, SA 7/7, DUS 7/8, JT, SA 7/9 in WNC 7/10; CSM, MM, NYT, WP 7/7; MEI 7/14)

In London, PM Barak urges British PM Tony Blair to press Arafat not to declare unilaterally a Palestinian state. Barak then leaves for Paris to hold similar talks with French pres. Chirac. (CNN [Internet], MM 7/5; MM 7/6)

Arafat invites the Palestinian opposition parties to accompany the PA delegation to the Camp David summit, participate on the sidelines. Hamas, the PFLP decline. DFLP, Palestinian People's Party (PPP), Palestinian Popular Struggle Front (PPSF) accept. (AYM 7/8, 7/9, DUS 7/11 in WNC 7/17; SA 7/9 in WNC 7/11 al-Quds 7/14 in WNC 7/18)

The Knesset lifts the immunity of MK Yitzhak Mordechai so he may face sexually assault charges. (NYT 7/6) (see 5/25)

In Washington, King Abdallah, Pres. Clinton hold talks on the peace process, bilateral economic ties. Previously, Abdallah said he would bring with him a message for Clinton fr. Iraqi pres. Saddam Hussein (see 10/4); the U.S. says Abdallah brought no message, though one might exist. Some reports maintain that U.S. officials told Jordan that Abdallah should not pass the message to Clinton, since the U.S. was not interested in a dialogue with Iraq. (WP 10/13; DUS 10/13 in WNC 10/15; MEI 10/15; AYM 10/18 in WNC 10/19; WT 10/20; SA 10/20 in WNC 10/21)

Barak orders 15 of the 42 unauthorized settlements constructed after the Wye accord to be dismantled; allows 11 others to stay; says remaining 16 may remain for now, but new building is forbidden. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/13; JT, MENA 10/13 in WNC 10/15; CSM 10/14; AYM, al-Quds 10/14 in WNC 10/18; JP 10/22) (see 10/10)

Israel says it will let DFLP head Hawatimah into the occupied territories now that he has expressed support for the peace process. (WP 10/13; MEI 10/29)

The Israeli High Court rules that Muhammad Abbas, head of the Palestine Liberation Front, is immune from trial in Israel for the 1985 Achille Lauro hijacking during which hijackers shot dead U.S. citizen Leon Klinghoffer. (WP 10/13)

In Ramallah, Palestinian nationalist and Islamist organizations (including, ALF, DFLP, Fatah, FIDA, Hamas, the Palestine Liberation Front, PFLP, PPP, PPSF) hold unity talks aimed at drawing up a list of principles for resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Participants call on Arafat to approve the PC's law on the independence of the judiciary, release political detainees fr. PA prisons. (al-Quds 10/14 in WNC 10/18)

PM Barak tours Ma'ale Adumim, which he vows will remain "forever part of Israel"; vows to "strengthen" the settlement. (Qol Yisra'el 9/14 in WNC 9/15; MM, NYT 9/15)

In Aqaba, Jordanian, Israeli transportation Ms discuss Aqaba airport expansion project, transportation of goods across their common border. (JT 9/15 in WNC 9/16) (see 9/6)

In Ramallah, FIDA, PPP, PPSF meet to discuss final status negotiations, call on PA to press Israel to halt arbitrary measures against Palestinians, Judaization efforts in Jerusalem; end all settlement activity; release Palestinian prisoners. (HJ 9/16 in WNC 9/21)

An Israeli truck driver is stabbed, wounded nr. Tapuah junction in the West Bank. IDF suspects assailants are Palestinians, imposes curfew on the area but captures no suspects. (IDF Radio 9/14 in WNC 9/15)

Arab Liberation Front, Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), Fatah, FIDA, Palestinian Liberation Front, Palestinian People' Party (PPP), Palestinian Popular Struggle Front (PPSF), Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) hold unity mtg. in Ramallah, call on PA to hold municipal elections before the end of the yr., urge Palestinians to confront Israeli settlement construction. (HJ 6/10 in WNC 6/14)

Israeli mayor of Jerusalem Ehud Olmert announces bid to lead the Likud party. Other contenders to replace Netanyahu as party head are outgoing FM Sharon, outgoing Finance M Meir Shitreet. (WP, WT 6/9; MM 6/10; JP 6/18; MM 6/30)

Israel, the U.S. call on Iran to immediate release of 13 Iranian Jews who have been jailed since 4/99 on charges of spying for Israel. (MM 6/8; MM, NYT, WT 6/9; IRIB Television, IRNA, TT 6/9 in WNC 6/10; NYT 6/10; WT 6/11, 6/13; JP, MEI, NYT 6/18; GIU, WP 6/22; WP 6/23, 6/29; IRNA 6/30 in WNC 7/1; WJW 7/1; WP 7/3)

In an unprecedented attack, unidentified gunmen open fire on a Lebanese courtroom in Sidon, killing 3 judges, a prosecutor, wounding 5 others, but not freeing any of the defendants in the room. (NYT, WP, WT 6/9; RL, al-Safir 6/9 in WNC 6/10; NYT 6/11; RL 6/11 in WNC 6/14; al-Riyad, Tishrin 6/12 in WNC 6/15; al-Thawra 6/12 in WNC 6/16; MM 6/14; MEI 6/18, 7/16) (see 5/24)

Fmr. IDF Chief of Staff Ehud Barak wins Labor party elections for party leader, defeating MKs Yossi Beilin, Shlomo Ben-Ami, Ephrahim Sneh; says he would not join a unity government with Likud. Fmr. PM Shimon Peres did not run or endorse any of the candidates, though he is considered Beilin's mentor. (MM, WT 6/3; MM, WP, WT 6/4; ITV 6/4 in WNC 6/9; IDF Radio, YA 6/4 in WNC 6/5; MEI 6/13) (see 5/13)

Unnamed Palestinian sources say that the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) have not received any money fr. Libya since 1982; Fatah Uprising, Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command (PFLP-GC), Popular Struggle Front still receive approximately $50 m./yr., which is less than what they received in the 1980s. (al-Dustur 6/3 in WNC 6/5)

DFLP, Fatah, PFLP, PPSF, FIDA, PPP, Arab Liberation Front form permanent committee on Jerusalem to pressure Pres. Clinton to block embassy move. (VOP 11/1 in FBIS 11/2)

In Ramallah, settler rabbi is shot, seriously wounded when his car is ambushed. DFLP claims responsibility. IDF closes Jericho area. (AFP, QY, VOP 11/1 in FBIS 11/2; CSM 11/2)

In retaliation for Islamic Jihad leader Shiqaqi's assassination 10/26, Hizballah strikes IDF, SLA convoy in s. Lebanon, killing 2 SLA mbrs, wounding 3 SLA mbrs and 5 IDF soldiers. Meanwhile, 40,000 mourners attend Shiqaqi's funeral in Damascus; 1,000s more hold memorial rally in Tehran. (MM 11/1; QY 11/1 in FBIS 11/1; QPAR, RMC, SANA, SARR 11/1 in FBIS 11/2; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 11/2)

3-day UN 50th anniversary celebration begins in New York. Over 130 world leaders, incl. Arafat, PM Rabin, King Hussein, Pres. Mubarak attend. On sidelines, Arafat meets with King Hussein, Pres. Mubarak, Saudi Arabian Prince Sultan Bin `Abd al-`Aziz. PM Rabin meets with King Hussein. (NYT, WP 10/22; JTV, VOP 10/22 in FBIS 10/25; NYT, WP 10/23; MM 10/24; WJW 10/26)

Israeli Industry and Trade M Mikha Harish says he will encourage the business sector to significantly increase imports fr. the U.S. while cutting back on imports fr. the EU because of the large trade deficit Israel has with the EU. EC representative to Israel Albert Maes accuses Israel of "applying a discriminatory economic policy that harms the trade agmt. with Europe." (MA 10/22 in FBIS 10/23) (see 7/5)

Palestinian Popular Struggle Front (PPSF) says it will participate in January elections. (VOP 10/22 in FBIS 10/23)

IDF shells Hizballah positions in s. Lebanon, killing 1 Lebanese boy. (CSM 10/23)

PLO Central Council opens meeting in Tunis to debate approval of PLO-Israel DoP. PFLP and DFLP (Hawatmah faction) boycott meeting, as do PPSF and PLF. (SARR 10/10 in FBIS 10/13; WP 10/11)

Israeli PM Rabin departs for China, says he will stick by agreement with PLO despite upsurge in violence. (NYT 10/11)

Fateh delegation led by 'Abbas Zaki meets with 7 Palestinian factions opposed to peace process in Damascus. Organizations represented are PPSF, PLF, PFLP, DFLP, PFLPGC, al-Sa'iqah, and Islamic Jihad. Delegation is to proceed to Amman for meeting with Hamas. (Algiers VOP, al-Rayv 7/14 in FBIS 7/15)

FM Peres proposes opening negotiations on final status based on Palestinian-Jordanian confederation in meeting with U.S. envoy Ross. (Ha Aretz 7/15 in FBIS 7/15)

U.S. delegation holds 2d meeting with Israeli leadership. Official statements are terse, but it is speculated discussions included tensions between Israel and Syria following escalation of violence in southern Lebanon. (MM 7/13)

2d U.S.-Palestinian meeting held at U.S. consulate in Jerusalem. (Qol Yisra'el 7/13 in FBIS 7/14)

Israeli rights group B'Tselem says 232 Palestinians under 17 killed by IDF since start of intifada, 38 in last 6 months. IDF calls such deaths "unavoidable," claims intifada casualties have declined, saying 166 Israelis, 1,859 Palestinians killed since outbreak of uprising. Report also states 100,000 Palestinians detained, 60,000 incarcerated over same period. (MM 7/13; Qol Yisra'el 7/13 in FBIS 7/15; WT 7/14)

Israeli police arrest 4 teenage members of "Kahane Lives" for the 11/92 grenade murder of a Palestinian in Jerusalem. (NYT 7/14)

Palestinian motorist shot dead by Border Police, second wounded in Hebron. (ITV 7/14 in FBIS 7/15)

PLO reconciliation meeting held in Damascus grouping representatives of Fateh, PFLP, and DFLP (Hawatmah faction). (al-Dustur 7/13 in FBIS 7/13)

PLO joins with Bangladesh, Iran, Malaysia, Pakistan, Tunisia, and Turkey in offer to send peacekeepers to Bosnia. (WP 7/14)

Israel offers to allow back 10 Palestinians mistakenly deported. The 10 say they would like to return immediately, but that the only crossing point has been mined by Israel. Israel offers to allow an intl. org. to escort them back through 1 of 3 Lebanese-controlled crossing points. (NYT 1/1; Qol Yisra'el 12/31 in FBIS 12/31, 1/4)

Lebanon rejects 12/30 French proposal to place the deported Palestinians under the provisional care of UNIFIL in Lebanese-controlled territory. PM Rafiq al-Hariri meets with Russian then U.S. amb. to Lebanon. (NYT 12/31; VOL 12/31 in FBIS 1/4)

Al-Quds reports that the Palestinian delegation to peace talks has unanimously rejected PM Rabin's 12/27 invitation to an informal meeting. (al-Quds 12/31 in FBIS 1/5)

Four Palestinian factions (PFLP, DFLP-Hawatima faction, PPSF, PLF) issue statement criticizing Palestinian leadership's 12/27 statement for its lack of a plan of political action to counter the 12/17 deportations. (QPAR 1/2 in FBIS 1/4)

PLO advisor and Palestinian delegation steering comm. head Nabil Shaath says the deportations and the peace process are "two battles which have to be led separately," and the Palestinians may have to "bring it [the deportations] to the table of negotiations." (AFP 12/31 in FBIS 1/4)

Ha'Aretz reports that the o.t. security service Shin Bet initially gave PM Rabin a list of 6 Hamas leaders to be deported, and came up with 1 more name when asked to expand the list. Shin Bet was later surprised at the scope of expulsions the IDF was then ordered to carry out. (WP 1/1; Ha'Aretz 12/31 in FBIS 1/4)

PLO Central Council meeting ends in Tunis, issues statement giving "green light" to peace delegates. Unity prevailed as opposition figures either did not attend, or did not voice proposals made earlier in public. Only the DFLP (Hawatima wing) rejected the majority recommendations, and withdrew from the final sessions. The PFLP voiced reservations but signed the final statement. (MM 10/19; Sawt al-Sha'b 10/20 in FBIS 10/20)

Four Palestinian factions participating in PLO Cent. Council meeting-DFLP (Hawatima wing), PFLP, PLF, PPSF-submit memorandum to Cent. Council rejecting all self-rule proposals and urging a pullout from peace talks. (QPAR 10/17 in FBIS 10/19)

Chmn. Arafat conveys condolences to Pres. Mubarak over recent earthquake in Cairo, then meets with Egyptian FM 'Amr Musa and PLO officials. Musa tells them he has received an Israeli "promise" to work toward finding an interpretation of UNSC 242 "satisfactory to all parties." (MENA 10/17 in FBIS 10/19; Sawt al-Sha'b 10/19 in FBIS 10/19)

One Israelis killed and 9 injured in roadside bomb attack outside a settlement near Ramallah, W. Bank. (Qol Yisra'el 10/18 in FBIS 10/19; WP 10/18; MM 10/19)

Three suspected collaborators shot dead in Nablus, W. Bank, reportedly by the Black Panthers. (NYT 10/18)

Funeral in E. Jerusalem for Palestinian prisoner who died after hunger strike, and a cousin shot at a protest supporting the hunger strike turns into multi-factional nationalist demonstration. (NYT 10/18)

Settlers stone Arab cars during second day of demonstrations iouthern Galilee after death of Israeli farmer 10/15. (MM 10/17)

IDF and Border Police clash with Palestinian demonstrators throughout o.t., wounding 62 and killing 1 (in Bayta, W. Bank). Thousands march from Red Cross headquarters to the Civad building in Gaza City in solidarity with prison hunger strikers; ensuing clash wounds 41. Similar clashes erupt in Janin and E. Jerusalem. (MM 10/12; Qol Yisra'el 10/11 in FBIS 10/13)

Chmn. Arafat meets with King Hussein in Amman. (Radio Jordan 10/10 in FBIS 10/13)

The PFLP, DFLP, Popular Struggle Front, and Arab Liberation Front call for postponement of PLO Central Council meeting, scheduled to convene 10/15 in Tunis. (Algiers VOP 10/11 in FBIS 10/13

PM Rabin implies Israel is willing to return part of the Golan Heights to Syria, expresses tacit acceptance of "land-for-peace" regarding Golan in speech to Knesset. (NYT 9/10)

PFLP, PLF, DFLP (Nayif Hawatima wing), and Palestinian Popular Struggle Front reiterate 9/5 rejection of Palestinian autonomy plan in Damascus. (RMC 9/10 in FBIS 9/10)

Israeli undercover forces open fire on group of Palestinians near Janin, kill masked youth reading nationalist statement over a loudspeaker. (MM 9/9)

Gulf Cooperation Council ends 2-day meeting in Jidda, issues final statement strongly condemning Iranian claim of sovereignty over island of Abu Musa, which is UAE property. Statement also criticizes Iraq, offering tacit support of Western imposed "no-fly zone." The 6 GCC members then meet in Doha, Qatar, with FMs from Egypt and Syria to discuss their March 1991 Damascus Declaration. Egypt is taking the lead in calling for an Arab joint military command and rapid deployment force for the Gulf war coalition members. (MM 9/9; SPA 9/9 in FBIS 9/10)

Palestinian spokeswoman Hanan Ashrawi announces that the Palestinian delegation has protested to the U.S. consul in Jerusalem over the U.S.'s granting of loan guarantees to Israel. (MENA 8/15 in FBIS 8/17)

Seven Palestinian factions-Islamic Jihad, PFLP-GC, Fateh Uprising, Sa'iqa, Palestinian communists, Popular Struggle Front, and Hizballah-Palestine-call for general strike in o.t. on 8/24. (Al-Quds Palestinian Arab Radio 8/16 in FBIS 8/17)

King Hussein is admitted to the Hussein Medical Center to undergo tests and treatment of a urinary tract hemorrhage. (Radio Jordan 8/15 in FBIS 8/17)

Fifth round of Arab-Israeli peace talks open in Washington. Israeli proposes agreement for municipal elections in selected o.t. localities. Israel insists such a plan is not a substitute for continued negotiations regarding Palestinian autonomy. Israeli-Jordanian talks center on water use. (MM 4/28; WP 4/29; NYT, MM 4/30; Jordan Television 4/28 in FBIS 4/29)

U.S., Russia issue invitations for upcoming third round, multilateral talks. Meetings dealing with five different topics are scheduled to be held in May in different world capitals: arms control, 5/11 in Washington; economic development, 5/11 in Brussels; water, 5/12 in Vienna; refugee problems, 5/13 in Ottawa; environmental issues, 5/18 in Tokyo. (NYT 4/29)

State Dept. announces Syria has informed U.S. it has lifted travel ban and restrictions on purchase and sale of property formerly applied to Syrian Jews [see 4/13]. (NYT, MM 4/28)

Israeli state comptroller issues report criticizing mismanagement, waste, and corruption in numerous government agencies. Report recommended criminal investigations in several instances of corruption within housing ministry, headed by Ariel Sharon [atty. gen. began investigating housing ministry 4/26 after comptroller informed him in advance of report's findings]. (NYT, MM 4/28)

Supporters of Hamas win all 10 seats in elections for student council of a teachers' academy in Ramallah. Hamas also calls on merchants in o.t. to observe strike in protest of resumption of peace talks. Strike observed in some localities in Gaza; in W. Bank, only shops in Hebron were closed. (MM 4/27, 4/29)

IDF states it has apologized for disturbing church services in Ramallah 4/24, but continues to dispute priests' account of what happened [see 4/24]. (MM 4/27)

Palestinian Popular Struggle Front's Central Committee ends meeting in Damascus [begun 4/25] in which it deposed Secy. Gen. Samir Ghawsha and replaced him with Khalid 'Abd al-Majid. (Radio Free Lebanon 4/28 in FBIS 4/29; al-Quds Palestinian Arab Radio 4/29 in FBIS 4/30; Sawt al-Kuwait 5/1, al-Hayat 5/2 in FBIS 5/8; INA 5/3 in FBIS 5/4)

State Dept. announces Secy. of State Baker has sent letters to Israel, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and the Palestinians inviting them to resume fifth round of peace talks 4/27 in Washington and to make a commitment to moving the negotiations to a venue closer to Middle East. (WP 3/31)

Israel's Palestinian citizens mark annual commemoration of Land Day with a "national holiday" instead of the traditional protests and strikes. Rally is staged in Ramiya, a village which the government does not officially recognize and whose inhabitants face eviction [see 3/22]. Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) organizes Land Day strikes in Gaza, but security forces curfew most areas. (MM 3/30)

EC "troika" arrives in Amman for discussions with Jordanian, PLO officials on peace talks, upcoming multilateral economic talks. (Radio Jordan 3/31 in FBIS 4/1)

PFLP, DFLP-Hawatima faction, Palestine Liberation Front, and Palestinian Popular Struggle Front issue statement in Damascus confirming their support for 1988 Palestine National Council decision calling for confederation between Jordan and an independent Palestinian state. (Radio Monte Carlo 3/30 in FBIS 3/31)

Israeli peace activist Abie Nathan is released from prison [see 3/291. (MM 3/31)

PLO issues statement authorizing participation in multilateral talks in Moscow but only if Palestinians from E. Jerusalem, diaspora are included in delegation. (Radio Monte Carlo 1/26 in FBIS 1/30; MM 1/27)

PFLP-GC, DFLP, PPSF, PLF, Fateh-Uprising [Abu Musa], al-Sa'iqa, Hamas, Islamic Jihad in Palestine, Palestinian Revolutionary Communist Party meet in Damascus to urge Arab boycott of Moscow talks. PFLP was reported ready to attend, but decided not to. DFLP abstains from signing communique issued by the meeting. (al-Quds Palestinian Arab Radio 1/26 in FBIS 1/27; MM 1/27)

PM Shamir rules out any freeze on settlement activity aspart of compromise to obtain U.S. loan guarantees. (WP 1/27)

Delegation of American Jewish leaders which has been touring Middle East holds press conference in Israel, states that U.S. decision to provide loan guarantees to Israel is dependent upon freeze in settlement activity. (MM 1/27)

Seven-hour battle near Bayt Layf, inside "security zone," leaves one IDF soldier, two Islamic Resistance Movement fighters dead. IDF artillery afterwards shells numerous villages in s. Lebanon. (NYT, MM 1/27; Ha'Aretz 1/27 in FBIS 1/29)

In Damascus, Arab foreign ministers agree to coordinate stands during peace conference, not to strike separate deals with Israel. Syria failed to garner support for proposal that none of the delegations would attend the third-stage talks on regional issues until Israel returned occupied Arab territories. (MEM 10/24; NYT 10/25)

In another move toward Saudi-PLO reconciliation, PLO Pol. Dept. Head Faruq al-Qaddumi meets with Saudi FM Prince Sa'ud al-Faysal while both attend Damascus foreign ministers meeting. The meeting, brokered by Egyptian pres. Husni Mubarak, was their first since the Gulf war, and reportedly led to Sa'ud pledging to restore Saudi ties with PLO. (MEM 10/25)

Palestinian delegate Sa'ib 'Urayqat creates an uproar in Israel by declaring to the press that "we are the PLO delegation." Palestinian negotiator Faisal Husseini later states that 'Urayqat was speaking for himself. (NYT 10/2)

Faisal Husseini announces seven Palestinians will form an advisory committee to work with the steering committee attached to the Palestinian delegation to the peace conference. They are: Radwan Abu 'Ayyash, Ziyad Abu Zayyad, Ahmad al-Yazji, Jamil Tarifi, Radi Jara'i, Salih Abu Laban, 'Abd al-Hadi Abu Khawsh. (MEM 10/25; Voice of Palestine 10/26 in FBIS 10/28)

Some 300 Palestinian fighters opposed participation in the peace talks occupy the offices of Fateh in the 'Ayn al-Hilwa refugee camp near Sidon, S. Lebanon, and overrun much of the rest of the camp. Action was reportedly led by Maj. Munir Makda, commander of Force 17, Fateh's security force. (NYT 10/25)

Ten Palestinian groups which had been attending Tehran-based conference on Palestine sign 13-point statement denouncing Madrid peace conference, calling for escalation of intifada. Among signatories were PFLP, DFLP [Hawatma faction], Palestinian Popular Struggle Front, al-Sa'iqa. (Radio Monte Carlo 10/24 in FBIS 10/25)

Israel re-opens its embassy in Moscow, closed since the USSR broke diplomatic relations with Israel in 1967. (NYT 10/25)

Lebanese Pres. al-Hirawi states Ta'if accord calls for "redeployment-not a withdrawal-of Syrian forces," but suggests that if Israel withdrew from S. Lebanon, Syria would withdraw its forces from Lebanon. (MEM 10/24)

Iraq's Revolutionary Command Council agrees to Bush-Aziz and Saddam-Baker meetings intended to avert war; U.S. admin. officials rebuff Iraqi suggestion that talks deal also with Palestine question [NYT, WP 12/2; BDS 12/1, PAT 12/2 in FBIS 12/3; MEM 12/3; MET 12/11].

Israeli air force planes bomb Palestinian Popular Struggle Front base in S. Lebanon, wounding at least 5 people [NYT 12/2; BDS 12/1 in FBIS 12/3; JDS 12/1 in FBIS 12/4].

Egypt, PLO, and Gulf states welcome Pres. Bush's overture toward Iraq, PLO's Yasir Abd Rabbo calls it "a step in the right direction" [MENA 12/1, WAKH, RTS 12/2 in FBIS 12/3; NYT 12/2; MEM 12/3].

Israeli police shoot dead middle-aged Palestinian woman after she tries to stab Jerusalem policeman; policeman is not hurt [NYT 12/2].

Def. Sec. Richard Cheney signs order raising to 189,250 the maximum number of military reservists who can be ordered to active duty in Gulf; previous limit was 125,000 [NYT, LAT 12/4].

129th Israeli reservist is jailed for refusing to serve in o.t. [JPD 12/2 in FBIS 12/3].

In Boston, estimated 8,000 to 10,000 people protest against U.S. military involvement in Gulf [MEM 12/3].

45 Democratic lawmakers file suit in Washington to try to force Pres. Bush to seek authority from Congress before ordering U.S. military attack in Gulf [LAT, NYT, MEM 11/21].

New York Times/CBS News poll finds 47% of respondents are increasingly worried Pres. Bush has been too quick to commit troops to Gulf, 51% expect U.S. to go to war, and 51% say Pres. has not explained clearly enough why troops are in Gulf [NYT 11/20].

In Paris, Sec. Baker meets with Soviet F.M. Shevardnadze; U.S. and USSR agree further UN action is needed to force Iraq out of Kuwait, but disagree on exact steps [NYT, WT, WP 11/21].

Israeli F.M. David Levy informs UN Sec.- Gen. Javier Perez de Cuellar that Israel will receive UN envoy Jean-Claude Aime if Amie's mission is not connected to 10/8 Haram al-Sharif killings [JDS 11/20 in FBIS 11/20; WT 11/21].

Israeli officer and 4 Palestinian guerrillas are killed in 8-hour firefight in S. Lebanon after Israelis ambush guerrilla squad [JDS 11/20 in FBIS 11/20; MEM 11/20; NYT, WP 11/21; MET 11/27]; Palestinian Popular Struggle Front (PPSF) claims responsibility for operation [QUD 11/20 in FBIS 11/21; MEM 11/20].

General strike called for by UNLU is observed throughout o.t. [MEM 11/20; FJ 11/26; MET 12/4].

Iraqi gov't. announces it will free all German hostages, acknowledging that move is meant to divide international coalition against Baghdad [BADS 11/20 in FBIS 11/20; NYT, WT, WP, CSM 11/21].

Chrmn. of Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Colin Powell says Iraq's decision to send 250,000 additional troops to Kuwait might create "new vulnerabilities" for Baghdad "rather than added strength" [NYT, WT, WP 11/21].

New York grand jury indicts Sayyid Nosair, Egyptian-born maintenance worker, on charges of assassinating Meir Kahane on 11/5 [WP 11/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF conducts search and closes the Association for Family Welfare, a women's organization in al-Birah [WP 6/21, NYT 6/21].

Arab World: Al-Safir, Beirut daily, carries attacks on PLO political advisor Abu Sharif's peace proposals circulated at the recent Arab Summit. Groups attacking statement are: PFLP, Fateh-Uprising, Popular Struggle Front, the PFLP-General Command, and Partisans of the Islamic Revolution in Palestine [NYT 6/22].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli is found beaten and stabbed to death near Moshav Shaked [WP 6/21, NYT 6/21]. In Jalazun refugee camp 120 residents are arrested during demonstrations [FJ 6/26]. In Ramallah troops use tear gas to break up demonstrations [FJ 6/26].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Taba agreement, condition for Egyptian-Israeli talks, incomplete, jeopardizing Peres-Mubarak talks, scheduled for 9/11 (WP 9/10). Spanish F.M. Francisco Ordonez visits Israel, stresses Spain's commitment to Palestinian right to self-determination during dinner hosted by F.M. Shamir; calls for international conference on Mideast (FBIS 9/11).

Arab World: Frank Reed, American director of private West Beirut school, is kidnapped by Islamic Jihad in West Beirut (WP 9/10).

Other Countries: U.S. Sec. of Defense Weinberger says Karachi Pan Am hijack-massacre looks like work of Abu Nidal, but Defense Department says there is "no connection to Syria or Lebanon here" (WP 9/10).

Military Action

Arab World: IDF warplanes again strike at alleged headquarters of Palestinian Popular Struggle Front near Sidon; at least three are killed (MEI 9/12).

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jewish Agency, World Zionist Org. Settlement Dept. announce 3 new settlements to be established in N. Galilee [JP 3/26]. More than 300 relatives of striking Palestinian political prisoners at Ashkelon prison demonstrate in front of Intl. Red Cross offices in E. Jerusalem [FJ 3/29].

Arab World: In Amman, Fateh Deputy-incommand Khalil al-Wazir (Abu Jihad) states PLO forces loyal to Chmn. Arafat have moved back into S. Lebanon and that over 60 have been killed fighting the IDF in past 5 mos. [JP 3/26]. In Damascus, "Palestine National Salvation Front" is created to obstruct 2/11 Arafat-Hussein accord, to work for greater "strategic alliance" with Syria; front includes PFLP, PFLP-GC, Sa'iqa, Popular Struggle Front, Palestinian National Front, and Abu Musa's Fateh dissidents [WP 3/26].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: IDF summon mukhtars from villages SE of Tyre to meeting in Bint Jbeil; are told 500 IDF advisors will remain in security zone subsequent to IDF withdrawal [LT 3/30].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Govt. gives no official response to news of 2/11 Arafat-Hussein accord, but PM Peres skeptical [JTA 2/13]. Tel Aviv contractor Avner Ehrlich urges Fed. of Contractors & Builders in Israel to boycott Dheisheh camp construction workers; refers to camp as "terror base" [JP 2/13]. 25 women prisoners at Neve Tertza begin hunger strike for better conditions [Fl 2/22].

Arab World: Arafat-Hussein agreement (2/11) condemned by DFLP, PFLP, Popular Struggle Front, al-Sa'iqa in Damascus. Chrmn. Arafat leaves Amman for Tunis to convene meeting of Fateh Central Committee [LAT 2/13].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: IDF raid Toura; 1 villager killed, 2 wounded, 5 arrested UP 2/13]. RPG's, shots fired at IDF post near Ruman; 6 wounded. Gunfire wounds SLA officer at roadblock in Sila [JP 2/14]. SLA withdraws from Sidon [FT 2/14].

Social/Economic/Political Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel releases 2 more passengers of ferry boat hijacked 6/29, including school-boy Mazen Masri kidnapped by IDF while returning home from school in Britain. Central Elections Com. censors Meir Kahane campaign broadcast.

Arab World: National Alliance [PFLPGC, Popular Struggle Front, Saiqa & the dissidents] issues statement criticizing Democratic Alliance for not publicizing ongoing dialogue. Lebanese cabinet appoints commission to investigate fate of missing persons. Other Countries: In Cairo, French and Egyptian presidents Mitterrand &Mubarak announce agreement that Reagan plan offers best chance for peace, but int'l. conference proposed by King Hussein is possible alternative. France authorizes assembly of Mirage 2000 warplanes in Egypt, and agrees in principle to their sale to other Arab states.

Military Action:

IDF patrol attacked northeast of Tyre; 2 APCs and checkpoint near Sidon attacked.

Casualties:

3 IDF soldiers killed, 7 wounded, 1 captured in Lebanese National Resistance Front (LNRF) attack near Tyre, 250 suspects held; IDF releases some Lebanese civilians arrested during past 2 weeks; explosion in Baalbek kills Lebanese security chief of Popular Struggle Front, support- ing anti-Arafat forces in PLO; PLO places 6 IDF prisoners in solitary confinement after 3 prisoners at Ansar killed by guards, IDF denies deaths.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Sharon calls for commission to investigate Cabinet activity and decisions during Lebanon war.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Jumblatt says there can be no reconciliation with Christians unless major constitutional changes occur.

Arab Governments: Qadhafi meets King Hussein in Amman.

US and Other Countries: Reagan tells ADL meeting US will be rock of support for Israel, calls on American Jewish leaders to support his Central American policy against same forces that are destabilizing the Middle East: the Soviet Union, Libya and the PLO, working hand in glove with Cuba.

Military Action:

IDF in West Beirut coming under sporadic sniper fire, 1 Israeli officer is killed, 2 soldiers wounded; 6 IDF APCs close off street and interrogated suspects; 350 French troops disembark, take positions in port area and near Green Line (French officer asks Israeli unit at port to withdraw); Italian troops return to Cyprus from Beirut to protest IDF presence in Beirut.

Casualties:

Relief workers uncover another mass grave at Shatila containing 19 victims, all from one family, raising ICRC total to 317; Lebanese Prosecutor General Camille Geagea, heading an investigation, says 597 bodies found, 2,000 people still missing; unknown number of Palestinians arrested in Beirut sent to Israeli-run prison; accounts of IDF looting of houses belonging to Palestinians and Lebanese (including Saeb Salam's sister); Red Cross warns of danger of epidemics at Sabra and Shatila.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Habib meets Begin and Sharon, presses them on IDF withdrawal; head of IDF's Staff and Command College and director of the Israeli government Press Office resign to protest refusal to set up independent inquiry; Haaretz reports US intelligence survey received by Israeli officials estimates those killed in West Beirut alone at 4,000, another 22,500 wounded; head of Israeli Supreme Court refuses government request to undertake investigation; Sharon severely criticized, asked to resign at meeting of top army commanders and Eitan (officers reportedly fear government will blame army for massacre).

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Prime Minister Wazzan submits his resignation, but Gemayel asks him to stay on as caretaker until new Prime Minister appointed; virtually all Muslim leaders but Murabitun greet Gemayel; Lebanese Army prosecutor Jermanos begins investigation into massacre, visits Sabra and Shatila; Fatah's Abu Saleh joins PFLP, PFLP-GC, Saiqa, and PPSF in rejecting the Fez plan's implicit recognition of Israel.

US and Other Countries: US says Britain and Netherlands may contribute to peacekeeping force; Jeane Kirkpatrick says UN should investigate massacre, and US is indirectly responsible; West Germany willing to consider Arafat visit to Bonn.

UN: UN-related International Atomic Energy Agency votes 41-39 to reject Israeli delegation's credentials (US says it will reassess US participation in agency, downgrades participation in meeting to "observer").