The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers opened fire at 2 Palestinian children near Yatta; no injuries were reported. 5 Palestinians were arrested during late-night raids in and around Dura, Bayt Ula, Sa‘ir, and Dheisheh refugee camp; during the raid in Dheisheh refugee camp, Israeli forces shot and injured 3 Palestinians with live ammunition. In Gaza, Israeli forces opened fire at agricultural lands east of Johor al-Dik; no injuries were reported. (WAFA, WAFA 3/11; PCHR 3/18)

PA health minister Mai al-Kaila said that the PA will receive a donation of 100,000 doses of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine from China. Health Minister al-Kaila also said she had urged COVAX to stand by its initial promise of providing vaccines for Palestinians. According to al-Kaila, COVAX had originally promised vaccines to arrive in mid-February but now they are scheduled for May, and the number of vaccines earmarked for the PA is reduced to 168,000 down from 240,000. A shipment of 40,000 Sputnik V vaccine doses arrived in Gaza donated by the UAE. The former Fatah politician Mohammad Dahlan claimed responsibility for the shipment as he is a close advisor to the UAE crown prince Mohammed bin Zayed. (HA, REU, WAFA, WAFA 3/11)

Israeli authorities banned PA governor of Jerusalem Adnan Ghaith from communicating with 50 Palestinians in the West Bank, including PA president Mahmoud Abbas and all members of the Fatah Central Committee. (WAFA 3/11)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas, in his capacity as leader of Fatah, ejected Nasser al-Kidwa from the Fatah party because al-Kidwa had announced he would run on his own electoral list in the upcoming Palestinian elections. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, YNET, WAFA 3/11)

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly canceled a trip to the UAE, where he was to meet with UAE crown prince Mohammed bin Zayed, because his wife Sara Netanyahu was hospitalized with appendicitis. Other reports suggested that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s trip was canceled due to a political conflict with Jordan over the cancelation of the Jordanian crown prince Hussein bin Abdullah’s visit to the Haram al-Sharif compound on 3/10, which was canceled because Israel and Jordan could not agree on security arrangement. In turn, Jordan is said not to have allowed Netanyahu to use Jordanian air space to get to the UAE. It was later reported that Netanyahu had ordered Israeli air space closed to Jordan in retaliation, but that the Israeli transportation ministry had stalled the order, which was eventually canceled. (AJ, ALM, AP, HA, HA, HA, JP, REU, REU, REU 3/11; WAFA 3/12; HA 3/14)

Prime minister of the Czech Republic Andrej Babiš and prime minister of Hungary Viktor Orbán visited Israel to discuss cooperation in vaccine research and development with Prime Minister Netanyahu. During the trip, Prime Minister Babiš also opened a diplomatic office in Jerusalem. The Czech Republic received a donation of COVID-19 vaccines from Israel earlier this month. The PA and the Arab League condemned the Czech Republic’s decision to open the office in Jerusalem. (REU 3/9; HA, HA 3/11; ALM 3/12; AJ, HA, WAFA 3/13; HA, WAFA 3/14)

The Israeli state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries and the UAE state-owned weapons maker EDGE announced that they would develop an advanced drone defense system together. (ALM, REU 3/11; HA 3/12; JP 3/13)

Israel said it had concluded a military drill with Greece, Cyprus, and France in the Mediterranean Sea. (AJ, ALM, AP 3/12)

The Wall Street Journal reported that Israel has attacked at least 12 Iranian ships carrying oil and other goods en route to Syria since 2019, according to U.S. sources. 1 of the U.S. sources said that the Trump administration had tacitly supported the attacks. (HA, WSJ 3/11; ALM 3/15; HA 3/20)

Representatives from the UN, EU, Egypt, Jordan, Germany, and France met to discuss reviving talks between Israel and Palestine after the 2 countries’ elections this year. (AP 3/11)

A Los Angeles judge ruled to deny pro-Israeli lawyer David Abrams’s request to publicize the list of 64 presenters at a 2018 conference sponsored by Students for Justice in Palestine at the University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA). Abrams, who works for the Zionist Advocacy Center, claimed he was looking for information related to “anti-Israel terrorists” but was ultimately not allowed to dox the pro-Palestinian activists. The UCLA police had concluded that none of the speakers were “terrorists.” (PalLegal 3/11; LAT 3/17)

As Israeli-Palestinian clashes continue, UN Secy.-Gen. Annan announces that Arafat, Barak have dropped preconditions and agreed to meet with Pres. Clinton, Mubarak, King Abdallah, EU foreign policy dir. Solana on 10/16 in Sharm al-Shaykh. In Gaza, 1,000s of Hamas supporters urge Arafat not to attend. (NYT, WP, WT 10/15)

Anti-Israeli, anti-U.S. protests are reported in France, India, Indonesia, Scotland, South Africa, the UK. In U.S., rallies are held in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Pasadena, San Francisco. (Times [London; Internet] 10/14; AFP 10/14 in WNC 10/16; SAPA [Johannesburg; Internet], NYT, WP 10/15)

Israeli-Palestinian clashes escalate again. In Ramallah, 2 IDF reservists--"at least partially in uniform," driving a private vehicle, most likely armed--stray deep into area A, cross paths with a funeral procession. The crowd, assuming the soldiers are on an undercover operation, attack them and set their car afire. (Some reports say a body burned beyond recognition, possibly a 3d IDF soldier, is found in the vehicle.) PA police intervene and take the 2 reservists into protective custody, removing them to a nearby police station. When news of the incident spreads, 1,000s of Palestinians descend on the station (manned by 21 officers), break in, and kill the soldiers, injuring 15 policemen in the process. Declaring that the PA has "crossed the line," Barak seals borders with Egypt and Jordan, authorizes IDF air strikes against Arafat's headquarters in Ramallah and Gaza, the Palestinian Broadcasting Center in Ramallah, the Gaza port, various PA police stations, including those in Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah. When the strikes occur, Arafat is in his Gaza office waiting for CIA Dir. Tenet to arrive to discuss the possibility of convening the U.S.-Israeli-PA trilateral security comm. (formed in 1998) to explore ways of halting the violence. Neither Arafat nor Tenet is injured, but 43 Palestinians are wounded. In Gaza City, Palestinians pack belongings into cars, prepare to flee. In Jericho, Palestinians set fire to a 6th-century synagogue. Jewish settlers attack, fire on Palestinian cars nr. Bethlehem, Jinin. In retaliation, IDF helicopters fire rockets at the PA police academy in Jericho. During the Israeli air strikes, the PA releases around 60 Hamas, Islamic Jihad prisoners for their safety. (ADM, AP, LAW, MM, NYT 10/12; ATL, AYM, IRNA, LPA, MENA, XIN 10/12 in WNC 10/13; MENA, XIN 10/12, SA 10/13 in WNC 10/16; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/13; WP, WT 10/14; MENA 10/16 in WNC 10/17; WJW 10/19; JP 10/20; MEI 10/27; MA 11/6 in WNC 11/9)

In Yemen's port of Aden, a small, explosive-laden boat rams the USS Cole, an Aegis destroyer in port for refueling, killing 17 U.S. servicemen, injuring 35. (AP, MM 10/12; AFP [Internet], CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/13; NYT, WP, WT 10/14, 10/15, 10/16; MEI 10/27)

In the U.S., the primary concern of the public, government, and media is the attack on the USS Cole, while Israel's attacks on the Palestinian infrastructure, PA offices are viewed as a limited military response to the death of Israeli soldiers in PA custody, if not at the hands of the PA. Clinton, Albright express outrage over the murder, call on both sides to halt the violence. Clinton says he appreciates Palestinian frustration, but "there can be no possible justification for mob violence." 96 senators send Clinton a letter urging him to express solidarity with Israel "at this critical moment." (NYT, WP, WT 10/13; MEI, MM 10/27; MEI 11/10) (see Doc. D4)

Mubarak invites Arafat, Barak, Clinton to Sharm al-Shaykh for a summit. Mubarak also meets with King Abdallah of Jordan on the escalating crisis, upcoming Arab summit. (MENA 10/12 in WNC 10/13; MM, NYT, WP 10/13)

In Biarritz, France, Pres. Chirac convenes an emergency EU mtg. to discuss the escalation of Israeli-Palestinian violence, implores both sides to halt the fighting. (MM 10/13; AFP, EFE [Madrid] 10/13 in WNC 10/16; WP 10/14; SA 10/15 in WNC 10/17)

UN Secy.-Gen. Annan, in Lebanon to discuss the Hizballah kidnapping of 3 IDF soldiers, cuts short his visit, returns to Israel to try to calm the situation. (WP 10/13)

The Arab League denounces the Israel air strikes, warns that "all options" are open to the Arab world if the escalation continues. In Cairo, angry crowds march through the streets demanding Egypt take military action against Israel. In Beirut, demonstrations break out on university campuses. Elsewhere in Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria--including in the Palestinian camps--the streets are quiet; the governments release no official statements on events but heighten visibility of police, military. Anti-Israeli, anti-U.S. demonstrations are noted in Indonesia, South Africa. In the U.S., demonstrations are held in Boston, Dearborn, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, Raleigh, San Diego, Washington. In France, numerous acts of anti-Jewish vandalism, including attacks on synagogues, are noted in Lille, Paris, Rouen. (AP 10/12; AFP [Internet], WP 10/13; JT 10/13 in WNC 10/16; WP 10/14)

At the UN, U.S. Amb. Holbrooke warns Arab, nonaligned diplomats they may "jeopardize" relations with the U.S. if they push for a special session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) to censure Israel, for a UNSC res. calling on Israel to cease hostilities. (TT 10/12 in WNC 10/13; MM 10/13; NYT, WP 10/14)

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)

Despite another attempt to secure a cease-fire, Israeli-Palestinian clashes in Israel and throughout the West Bank and Gaza continue, leaving 10 Palestinians, 7 Israeli Arabs, 1 IDF soldier, 1 Jewish settler dead and some 300 Palestinians injured; 3 Israeli Arabs wounded on 10/1 also die. Israel closes roads in n. Israel, the West Bank, Gaza to civilian traffic. Around 30 exchanges of gunfire btwn. Israeli security forces and armed Palestinian civilians and police are reported. Nr. Tulkarm, Palestinians set afire an industrial plant owned by Jewish settlers. Nr. Hebron, Jewish settlers fatally shoot a Palestinian. The IDF dep. chief of staff Moshe Ya'alon warns that if Palestinians do not stop attacking troops guarding Joseph's Tomb in Nablus, the IDF will move in even though the area is under full PA control; the IDF has taken up positions around areas A but has not crossed into them. Barak authorizes his forces to use "all necessary means" to protect Israeli lives, quell riots. (AP, MM 10/2; AFP, ANSA, EFE [Madrid], Interfax, RL, XIN 10/2 in WNC 10/3; RL, SAPA [Johannesburg] 10/2, JT, HJ, al-Quds, SA 10/3 in WNC 10/6; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/3; HJ, al-Quds, Sabah 10/3, MA 10/6 in WNC 10/10; MM 10/9)

The IDF claims that Muhammad al-Dura, the 12-yr.-old killed at Netzarim Junction on 10/1, had been throwing stones at soldiers before he was shot, contradicting widely broadcast footage of the incident recorded by France 2 TV showing the boy and his father pinned down by gunfire for 45 minutes. The pair were returning from errands and had been dropped off by a taxi, which refused to take them across Netzarim Junction because of heavy IDF fire. (Age [Melbourne], HA [Internet], MM, WP 10/3; MA 10/6 in WNC 10/10)

U.S. secy. of state Albright announces that she will meet with Arafat, Barak in Paris on 10/4 to discuss the clashes, the peace process. All 3 will then meet with Mubarak in Sharm al-Shaykh on 10/5. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 10/3; Radio France International 10/3 in WNC 10/6)

In Amman, Arafat, King Abdallah discuss the Israeli-Palestinian clashes, call on Israel to pull back forces to restore calm, and urge Arab states to convene an emergency summit. In Cairo, Mubarak, Syrian pres. Asad also call for an Arab summit. Massive rallies protesting Israeli actions are held in Amman, Cairo, Damascus, refugee camps in Lebanon, Yemen. Protests are also held outside Israeli embassies and legations in many European and North American cities, including Ann Arbor, Austin, Brussels, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Montreal, New Haven, New York, Ottawa. (AP, BDL, UPI 10/2; MENA 10/2 in WNC 10/3; MENA 10/2, JT, MENA 10/3, JT 10/4 in WNC 10/6; NYT, WP, WT 10/3; AYM 10/3 in WNC 10/12; MM, WT 10/4; WJW 10/5; HJ 10/5, al-Quds 10/7 in WNC 10/10; JP 10/13)

In Paris, PA Planning M Shaath briefs French pres. Chirac on the ongoing clashes. Chirac calls on both sides to deescalate the violence, calls for an international inquiry into the clashes. (AFP 10/2, 10/3, Le Monde 10/4 in WNC 10/6)

In New York, the UNSC begins closed-door mtgs. on several draft resolutions regarding the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli clashes. Britain, the U.S. lobby against issuing a resolution, saying, at most, a statement should be read. (UPI 10/3; HA [Internet] 10/4; WJW 10/5)

Reps. of 13 West Bank Palestinian refugee camps reject the PA's order to surrender illegal weapons. The PA has reportedly arrested at least 17 residents of Balata camp for refusing to turn in their arms. (NYT 9/29; JP 10/8)

In Amman, Fatah, PFLP hold mtg. to discuss final status negotiations, democratic reform of the PLO. They do not reach an agmt. on participation in talks with Israel, but issue final statement urging all PLO factions to take part in an upcoming PLO Central Council session to discuss organizational matters, and "coming political challenges." (DUS, JT 9/29 in WNC 9/30; AYM 10/4 in WNC 10/8; AYM 10/28 in WNC 11/2) (see 9/23)

PA police in Ramallah, Gaza arrest 4 Palestinian journalists for writing stories "harmful to the PA." (AFP 9/29 in WNC 9/30; LAW 9/30; JP 10/8)

Jordanian police detain fmr. MP `Abd al-Munim Abu Zant, a Muslim Brotherhood mbr., for questioning regarding a Friday sermon and 2 articles in al-Arab al-Yam in which he condemned the government crackdown on Hamas. He is the 2d fmr. parliamentarian in a wk. to be arrested for a pro-Hamas sermon. (MM 9/30; MEI 10/15) (see 9/28)

In Los Angeles, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) settles out of court a class-action lawsuit filed by the Arab-American Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) and a coalition of 800 individuals and groups accusing the Jewish organization of illegally obtaining information on them. The ADL agrees to turn over information collected by questionable means, including criminal arrest records, mug shots, Social Security and license plate numbers, and to pay the plaintiffs' legal fees. (WJW 9/30)

In Cairo, PA delegation headed by Local Government M Erakat discusses means of salvaging the peace process with Egyptian FM `Amr Musa, pres. adviser Baz. (RE 6/16 in WNC 6/17)

In Los Angeles, special envoy Ross discusses the PA-Israeli impasse with Israeli DM Mordechai. (MA, YA 6/16 in WNC 6/17)

In Istanbul, the 1st D-8 summit opens. (IRNA 6/15 in WNC 6/17; MM 6/16+n18, 6/23) (see 6/12)

Israeli High Court rejects (4-1) a petition to prosecute PM Netanyahu, Justice M Tshai Hanegbi over the Bar-On affair. (MM, NYT, WP, WT 6/16; JP 6/21) (see 5/14)

Jewish settlers fr. Gush Qatif's Netzer Hazani settlement confiscate 70 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Dayr al-Balah. (MEI 6/27)

In Hebron, IDF fires rubber bullets at Palestinian protesters, injuring 28. For the 2d day in a row, PA police were absent. (MM, NYT, WT 6/16; CSM 6/18; MEI 6/27) (see 6/15)

Commander of Israeli Air Force, Maj. Gen. Avihu Bin-Nun, says U.S. and Israel still have no mechanisms in place to coordinate military activities, and that U.S. may not be able to give Israel advance warning of mis- sile launches [NYT 1/16]; Bin-Nun also warns Jordan that should Israel be drawn into war, there is no way for his planes to approach Iraq except through Jordanian airspace [LAT, WP 1/16].

PLO reports that Hamza Abu Said, a dissident from Abu Nidal's Fateh Revolutionary Council, killed Abu lyad and two others; 3 Palestinians are killed and 30 wounded in clashes between IDF and Palestinians an- gered over assassinations; curfews are imposed to prevent further clashes; Israel says it had nothing to do with assassinations [AFP, JDS, IDF 1/15 in FBIS 1/15; NYT, WT, WP 1/16].

Saddam Hussein visits Iraqi troops in Kuwait [BADS 1/15 in FBIS 1/16; LAT 1/16].

Tens of thousands of anti-war protestors take to streets in Washington, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York, as well as elsewhere [LAT, WT, WP 1/16].

In strongest appeal since crisis began, King Fahd urges Saddam to "prove to the world that you are worthy of the responsibility you are shouldering in ruling Iraq" and leave Kuwait [LAT 1/16]; Sec.-Gen. Perez de Cuellar also issues statement making final appeal to Saddam to leave Kuwait [NYT, LAT, WT, WP 1/16].

Pres. Mubarak sends last-minute proposal to Saddam Hussein, also asks Pres. Bush to delay military option [RMC 1/15 in FBI 1/16; WP 1/16].

British House of Commons votes 534-57 to endorse gov't. policy of waging war against Iraq [WP 1/16]. 

EC, meeting in Brussels and seeking to halt parade of self-appointed emissaries to Baghdad to gain release of hostages, urges Muslim and nonaligned nations of N. Africa to call on Saddam to release all hostages and agree to UN mediation in crisis [WP, NYT 11/13].

U.S. Roman Catholic bishops vote 249 to 15 to endorse letter sent last week to Sec. Baker by Los Angeles Archbishop Roger Mahony that appeals for restraint in use of force in Gulf [WP 11/13].

Israeli soldier is shot dread by infiltrator from Jordan in 2d clash between IDF and intruders in a week [JDS 11/13 in FBIS 11/13; WP 11/14].

Los Angeles immigration judge refuses to deport Palestinian student Bashar Amer, 1 of 7 Palestinians arrested in January 1987 for subversion. Justice dep't. maintains the 7 (and 1 Kenyan) should be deported because of their alleged association with PFLP. All 8 deny belonging to PFLP [LAT 7/17].

Amnesty Intermational issues its 1990 report detailing human rights abuses for 1989. Amnesty criticizes Israel for excessive force and deliberate killings; report mentions for first time killing of accused collaborators by Palestinians [WP, NYT 7/11]; report is criticized by Israeli Justice Ministry UDS 7/10 in FBIS 7/11].

Soviet ambassador in Tunis gives Yasir Arafat message from Mikhail Gorbachev [KUNA 7/11 in FBIS 7/11; AVP 7/11 in FBIS 7/12].

Due to illness, F.M. David Levy postpones planned Paris meeting with U.S. Sec. of State Baker [JTS 7/10 in FBIS 7/11; MEM 7/11].

Lebanese foreign ministry asks its UN mission to submit strongly-worded complaint against Israel for repeated air attacks in S.Lebanon [BDS 7/10 in FBIS 7/11].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: PLO defers bid to become full member of UNESCO [NYT 10/12; JP 10/ 21]. Syrian pilot flies Soviet MiG-23 to Israel and asks for political asylum [WP 10/12; MET 10/24].

Other Countries: Roman Catholic archbishops John Cardinal O'Connor of New York, Roger Mahoney of Los Angeles, and William Keeler of Baltimore, draft policy statement for the church hierarchy calling for Palestinian "territorial and political sovereignty" [NYT, WP 10/12].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Dahayshah camp near Bethlehem, soldiers close school indefinitely, arrest 20 students, impose camp-wide curfew after petrol bomb is thrown at IDF vehicle. Gazans end 5-day general strike. 4 villagers from Bayt Sahur are arrested for not paying taxes. 5 Palestinians are wounded in Gaza during clashes [FBIS 10/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Court sentences to 2 and a half months imprisonment 2 Israeli soldiers who plead guilty to shameful conduct for their part in burying 4 Palestinians alive [WP 3/18; NYT 3/19]. Charges were reduced from aggravated assault [FJ 3/20]. Trial opens in Jaffa of 2 soldiers and their superior officer in connection with 2/24 beating of 2 Palestinians that was filmed by CBS camera crew. Soldiers plead not guilty to assault charges; 2 others have already been convicted in connection with incident [WP, NYT 3/18]. Israeli is shot, wounded in legs near Gaza Strip's Jabalya camp. Curfew is imposed after attack [NYT 3/18]. In Ramallah, Israeli officials destroy olive grove along road where Jewish settlers' bus was bumed in firebomb attack [NYT 3/18; FJ 3/20]. Israeli authorities close shops and markets in Jericho; shops remain closed in Nablus, Jenin, and Tulkarm [FJ 3/20].

Other Countries: P.M. Shamir meets with Sec. of State Shultz and members of House of Representatives before leaving Washington for Los Angeles [WP 3/18].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In effort to break strike in occupied territories, soldiers order shops closed until noon and opened in afternoon [WP, NYT 3/18]. In Am'ari camp, demonstration erupts during funeral of Palestinian who died 3/16 from tear gas; 6 are injured in subsequent clash with Israeli troops. Qalqiliyyah, 'Azzun, and Jalazun camps are under curfew [FJ 3/20].

Arab World: IDF fighter planes raid DFLP base near Beirut; Palestinian fighter is killed [WP 3/18].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: U.S. immigration judge in Los Angeles orders hearing to determine whether there was obstruction of justice when government refused to produce witness in case of 7 Palestinians and 1 Kenyan charged with membership in PFLP [LAT 6/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: U.S. federal agents in Los Angeles arrest Jordanian student on immigration violations, charge youth is affiliated with PFLP [LAT 2/14].

Military Action

Arab World: Amal leader Nabih Berri reaches agreement with UN whereby Beirut's Palestinians and Shi'a will receive equal amounts of food. Shooting around Burj al-Barajinah prevents Iranian ambulances, UN food trucks from entering camp, kills Iranian embassy bodyguard. Amal and Palestinian fighters blame each other for starting today's fighting. Syrian military observers arrive in S. Lebanon in attempto arrange a cease-fire, relieve crisis in camps [NYT 2/13; WP 2/14]. Unidentified gunmen capture advisor to Lebanese Pres. Jumayyil [LAT 2/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P. M. Shamir reiterates his opposition to international Middle East peace conference [NYT 2/12]. Shamir also states U.S. should continue effortso reestablish contact with Iran, indicates disapproval of Israel's role in shipping U.S. arms to Iran [WP 2/12].

Other Countries: Two of the 6 Arabs arrested in Los Angeles 1/26 on charges of membership in PFLP claim prison officials are denying them basic rights [LAT 2/12].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops use tear gas and rubber bullets to break up group of approximately 120 women marching to Nablus. The women are relatives of Balatta camp youths arrested 1/20. Students at Nablus' al-Rawda College blockade campus-area roads, pelt Israeli soldiers with stones and empty bottles. Troops respond with tear gas and live ammunition; district military commander orders college closed for 2 weeks. Israeli troops arrest 30 Hebron University students after violent campus confrontation [FJ 2/13].

Arab World: Amal forces refuse to allow trucks of food to enter Burj al-Barajinah refugee camp in Beirut [IN 2/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Hundreds of W. Bank Jews and W. Bank Palestinians gather in Sur Bahir to protest Israeli government's plan to uproot Arab olive trees on government expropriated land [NYT 2/11; FJ 2/13]. Abba Eban, chair of Knesset panel investigating U.S.-Israel-Iran arms deals, acknowledges Israel first put U.S. in touch with Iranian radicals [WP 2/11]. Amal militia indicate negotiations with Israel are underway; P. M. Shamir says Israel would deal with terrorists in some cases if demands were made through official channels, not the media. Defense Minister Rabin indicates Israel may require the release of 6 Israeli servicemen missing in Lebanon [WP 2/11].

Other Countries: Christian Science Monitor reports W. Germany is likely to try Muhammad 'Ali Hamadi on explosives charges before formally deciding whether to extradite him to the U.S. [CSM 2/10]. Kenyan woman arrested in Los Angeles 15 days ago on charges of overstaying her visa is accused of subversive activities linked to PFLP [LAT 2/11].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Al-Najah U. students defy closure order, hold small demonstration on campus. Balatta curfew is lifted; residents gather to demonstrate but disperse peacefully when confronted by Israeli troops armed with tear gas and machine guns. Ramallah secondary school students march through city in support of those injured during 1/9 al-Najah and Balatta protests. Pres. of Hebron University receives official warning following student march outside campus. Secondary school students in Gaza City boycott classes, stone Israeli troops. Estimated 100 youths are taken into detention after late night raid by Israeli troops; military spokesman says youths are suspected of inciting demonstrations and threatening army collaborators [FJ 2/13]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Al-Fajr reports the Merkovitch Committee, formed to investigate issue of unlicensed construction in the occupied territories, recommends that, of 5,400 unlicensed Arab homes currently scheduled for demolition, 2,600 be given legal status, 300 be destroyed immediately, and 2,500 be scheduled for demolition at a later date [FJ 2/6]. Israeli military authorities order al-Najah University closed for 1 day to prevent possible campus protests [FJ 2/13].

Arab World: Starving residents of Beirut's Burj al-Barajinah refugee camp ask religious leaders for dispensation to eat human flesh [IN 2/7].

Other Countries: Arab-American groups charge 1/27 arrests of Palestinians in Los Angeles are beginning of U.S. plan to round up and deport Arabs [WP 2/7]. Amnesty International spokesman reports Arab prisoners held in S. Lebanon's SLArun al-Khiyam Detention Camp were tortured with electrical shockwaves [FJ 2/13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Two Israeli soldiers are injured by stones thrown at them while they patrolled Balatta refugee camp [FJ 2/13].

Arab World: Israeli navy stops Maria R., freighter enroute from Cyprus to Lebanon, arrests 8 Egyptian crewmen, 50 unarmed Palestinians [LM 2/10; WP 2/8]. SLA and Israeli forces engage in heavy fighting with Hizballah forces in Israel's "security zone" in S. Lebanon. At least 8 Hizballah, 1 SLA fighters are killed [IN 2/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Muhammad Shakir Dahlan is expelled to Jordan, setting off protests throughout the Gaza Strip [FJ 1/30].

Arab World: Fifth Islamic Summit opens in Kuwait. PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat meets with Jordan's King Hussein [LAT 1/27; FJ 1/30]. Kuwait officials say they would deny any request to release 17 convicted hostages in exchange for hostages held in Lebanon [LAT 1/27]. Anglican Church officials say Terry Waite's negotiations are continuing [WP 1/27].

Other Countries: U.S. FBI agents in Los Angeles arrest 8 Jordanians and one Kenyan, charging them with membership in PFLP [NYT 1/29; FJ 1/30]. U.S. Pres. Reagan testifies before Tower Commission that he has no memory of giving prior approval for Israeli sale of arms to Iran in 1985 [WP 1/27]. W. German officials in Frankfurt arrest 'Abbas 'Ali Hamadi, brother of Muhammad Hamadi who has been held since 1/13 [NYT 1/28].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli army recruits, firing at Balatta refugee camp youths to "scare away" stone throwers, wound a Palestinian inside the camp [F 1/30].

Military Action

Other Countries: Bomb left on steps of Los Angeles mosque is safely dismantled [NYT 12/1].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Peres calls for emergency meeting of cabinet to present letter calling for dismissal of Ariel Sharon following Sharon's accusation that Labor party has cost Israel "a great deal of blood" and implications Peres would negotiate with the PLO and return the Golan Heights. Peres rejects aletter of apology from Sharon for the remarks. Likud members threaten to pull out of the coalition if Peres carries out the dismissal [BG, PI, NYT 11/14; WP 11/15].

Arab World: Jordan and Syria conclude 2 days of reconciliation talks pledging to work towards "joint Arab action" in M.E. peace process [WP, BG 11/14]. Manchester Guardian reports Egypt agrees to renew negotiations with Israel over Taba dispute; Israeli officials state resumption of talks could have positive effect on attempts to hold direct negotiations between Israel and Jordan [MG 11/13].

Other Countries: Mayor Tom Bradley of Los Angeles leaves Jerusalem for 'Amman bearing special message from P.M. Peres to King Hussein [LT 11/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli officials state Egyptian responsible for killing Israelis in the Sinai was a soldier, not a police, man, and therefore was in the area in violation of the 1978 Camp David accords. Israelis also state Egyptians prevented medical help from reaching the victims in time [NYT, WP, LAT, 10/7]. Egyptian officials state the gunman will be court-martialed by the police force [BG 10/7]. Israelis demand a full report on the incident within 48 hours [FT 10/7]. Chicago Tribune reports Israel is quietly developing trade ties with China in hopes of establishing diplomatic relations with that country [CT 10/6].

Arab World: Egyptian students mark the 12th anniversary of the 1973 October War with demonstrations against the Israeli air raid on Tunis and calls for Pres. Mubarak to expel the Israeli ambassador [LT 10/7].

Other Countries: U.S. authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Califomia scientist Richard Smyth, 55, of Milco International Company in Huntington Beach, which, according to a Los Angeles grand jury indictment, illegally exported to Israel over a 2-year period 15 shipments of krytrons, tiny electronic triggering devices necessary in constructing nuclear warheads. Smyth and his wife Emilie jumped bail and disappeared before his trial was scheduled to begin; he is presumed to be in Israel [LT 10/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Hosting 8 Palestinian mayors, Ezer Weizman promises reforms & increased financial aid. 1984 West Bank olive harvest reported 50% below last year. Educ. Min. bans use of book Central Issues in Recent History of the State of the Nation by Amnon Haver for its reference to "Palestinian nation."

Other Countries: George Habash (PFLP) & Nayef Hawatmeh (DFLP) meet with Soviet officials in Moscow to discuss PLO reunification. US Senate Foreign Relations Com. publishes pessimistic report on Israeli economy, stating without current US aid (12% of GNP), balance of payment problem "unmanageable," and increased US aid will not "significantly ameliorate" these problems posing serious security threat to Israel. At Israel Bonds dinner in Los Angeles, American-Jewish oilman Armand Hammer announces project to search for oil in Israel. In New York libel trial, Sharon claims COS Eitan ordered Phalangists into Sabra & Shatila camps (9/82).

Military Action

Arab World: Pentagon orders US carrier Eisenhower totake position within range of Lebanon for possible "retaliatory strikes" there.

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied PalestinelIsrael: Police announce 4 JDL members arrested for attack on Arab bus (3/4/84) were under surveillance for past year, background information on suspects requested from Los Angeles and NY police. Labor's hawkish Ben Gurion Circle quits Rafael Eitan's Tzomet movement in party loyalty ultimatum.

Arab World: Pres. Mubarak on US television pledges not to abrogate Camp David peace treaty as condition for joining ArabLeague; reiterates Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon and progress on Palestinian autonomy conditions for returning Egypt's amb. to Tel Aviv. Syrian Pres. Assad names 3 vice-Presidents: Rifa'at Assad for defense and security, Abdul Halim Khaddam for political and foreign affairs, and Mohammed Masharqa for party affairs.

Military Action:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 7-yr.-old Palestinian boy shot and wounded by Israeli troops at Balata refugee camp demonstration.

Arab World: IDF soldier dies from wound sustained in Sidon harbor explosions (3/4/84).

Social/Economic/Political:

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel-sponsored Federation of Village Leagues formally dissolved.

Arab World: Lebanese rival leaders arrive in Lausanne for reconciliation talks. Soviet 1st dep. premier Aliyev begins 3- day talks with Syrian leaders in Damascus.

Other Countries: Arafat meets with Chinese Pres. Li Xiannian in Amman, accepting invitation to visit China in April. PLO sports and youth organization in Tunis announces hopes for Palestinian team participation in Los Angeles Olympics.

Military Action:

Arab World: Israeli public works engineer dies of injuries suffered in ambush while working for IDF in S. Lebanon.

Military Action:

Syrian and Israeli jets carry out reconnaissance flights over Bekaa Valley; PLO forces fire anti-aircraft guns at IDF planes in northern Lebanon.

Casualties:

About 100 Palestinian families in Sidon tell UNRWA officials that local residents have broken into their homes and threatened harm if they do not leave.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: 18 opposition MKs call Eitan's cockroach remark shocking and severe phenomenon that cannot be ignored, ask Arens to reprimand him, Arens refuses comment, says Eitan a national hero; Arens and Haddad meet in South Lebanon, Arens says Haddad is a great patriot; government investment in West Bank settlements and infrastructure estimated at $200m. a year; "No to Campaign Ribbons" group says thousands of reservists have refused to accept Lebanon ribbon; IDF lifts month long curfew on Dahariya; illegal publications confiscated at el-Bireh nurses' training college book fair, college closed; Interior Ministry bans publication and distribution of Palestine Press Services's daily newsletter on events in the West Bank, demands it be licensed like a newspaper and subjected to military censorship; southern district police commander accuses West Bank Waqf of interfering in politics and engaging in political activities.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: PLO Executive Committee meeting in Tunis postponed, Arafat travels to Bulgaria for 2 day visit.

Arab Governments: Egyptian Foreign Minister travels to Washington with message for Reagan; Mubarak meets Kissinger in Cairo; Egypt and Jordan agree to resume trade after 4-year interruption; Syrian President Assad meets DFLP's Naif Hawatmeh and PFLP-GC's Ahmed Jibril in Damascus.

US and Other Countries: US air and ground forces experts visit Israel to begin studying military data from Lebanon war; Albert Spiegel, Los Angeles businessman, quits as Reagan's Jewish affairs adviser.

Military Action:

In wake of Tyre blast, IDF and Syrian forces go on alert in Bekaa, IDF rounds up several hundred Palestinians and Lebanese, sets up new roadblocks; gunmen fire on Lebanese Parliament Deputy Speaker Abu Fadel's car.

Casualties:

Death toll in Tyre explosion reaches 47 (32 Israelis, 15 Arabs), rises to 60 later in day, 50-60 still unaccounted for.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Prime Minister Begin arrives in Los Angeles to address Council of Jewish Organizations, is welcomed by Governor Brown, Mayor Bradley; Jerusalem Post poll continues to show strong Likud lead over Labor Party; four years after their founding, Village Leagues hold first public rally in Hebron (organized jointly with Israeli occupation authorities, who impose virtual curfew over Hebron as soldiers patrol streets, IDF and border police cars are positioned in hilly suburbs behind school where meeting is held, soldier patrols roof and armed Village League members act as guards and ushers, former Civil Administration chief Menahem Milson is guest speaker; League founder and head Mustafa Dudin stresses closer relations with Jordan, despite its having passed a death penalty for belonging to the Leagues, and calls on Israel to negotiate with the Leagues on autonomy for the occupied territories, speakers also express concern over taxation, destruction of illegal buildings, need to combat communism).

Arab Govemments: Egyptian Foreign Minister Hassan Ali accuses Israel of plans to annex occupied territories, urges US to open discussions with PLO following meetings with Reagan and Shultz in Washington, claims he brought proposal from PLO concerning involving Palestinians in peace process, announces Mubarak may visit US next year, expresses concern over lack of momentum following Reagan's peace proposals in September.

US and Other Countries: Reagan says failure to freeze settlements on West Bank is hindrance to peace process, refuses to rule out economic sanctions but says their discussion not helpful; Princess Anne visits Beirut for 10 hours to see medical clinic in Burj al-Barajneh funded by Save the Children.

UN: Arab countries reopen campaign in Security Council to halt Israeli West Bank settlements, but propose no resolutions in response to US pressure.

Military Action:

IDF seals off Ein al-Hilweh camp near Sidon, detaining 70 Palestinians, after informer working for IDF ambushed; US Marines land M-60 tanks on beaches near airport after mine clearing activities completed.

Casualties:

1 US Marine killed, 3 wounded by US-made cluster bomb near airport; Beirut airport opens for first commercial flight since June 6; Israeli Minister of Economic Cooperation Dan Meridor says Israel may prepare Palestinian refugee camps in South Lebanon for winter if UNRWA doesn't act soon; although raw sewage and garbage remains in streets in some areas, roads are being repaved.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: "There is a Limit" group of anti-war reservists and soldiers call for IDF withdrawal from Lebanon and present a petition with 1,000 signatures which states "there is no military solution to the Palestinian problem"; Village League associate in Hebron attacked; heads of Israeli Druze community demand that IDF prevent Phalange assault on Lebanese Druze (claim 3 Druze abducted, new Phalange roadblocks in Druze villages set up since Gemayel assassination); Shamir addresses UN (will meet US Jewish leaders this week, travel to Chicago and Los Angeles before October 14 meeting with Shultz).

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Amin Gemayel declares end to Green Line, in ceremony celebrating Beirut as reunified capital (traffic surges across line following ceremony); Lebanese police deny receiving complaints of IDF soldiers looting Lebanese houses; 100,000 Palestinians led by Arafat mourn Abu Walid.

Arab Governments: Habib meets with Egyptian Foreign Minister Hassin Ali, assures him agreement on Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon will be concluded within a couple weeks; Syrian Foreign Minister Khaddam meets with Shultz in New York, explains Syrian withdrawal conditions.

US and Other Countries: Senator Percy says Marines need to be out of Lebanon within 90 days unless Congress approves an extension; White House denies US knew of massacre one day before Begin says he knew; Shultz, at UN, affirms heart of Reagan plan is Israeli return of occupied territories; British Labor Party says PLO represents Palestinian people; meeting of British, Israeli foreign ministers in New York ends with "basic disagreements"; West Germany, at UN, stresses its support for participation by all parties, including the PLO, in peace settlement; Simon Weisenthal, in Vienna, says those responsible for massacre were "las guilty as the Nazis" and should bear same punishment.