The Palestine Chronology

In the West Bank, Israeli settlers vandalized electricity poles between Qusra and Jalud. Israeli forces demolished 1 house under construction and 1 shack in an-Nuway’imah near Jericho. In East Jerusalem, Israeli settlers toured the Haram al-Sharif compound. In Gaza, Israeli forces violently dispersed Palestinians protesting near the Gaza fence east of Gaza City, injuring 11 with live ammunition, 1 minor with a tear-gas canister, and others with tear gas. Israeli forces also conducted airstrikes by drones and helicopters, striking 3 sites near the Rafah and Karni crossings and causing damage. (AP, HA, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/26; PCHR 9/27)

PA president Mahmoud Abbas met with Saudi non-resident ambassador to Palestine and consul general in Jerusalem Nayef al-Sudairi, receiving his credentials. Ambassador al-Sudairi also met with PA foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki, saying at a press conference that “the Arab Peace Initiative is the main point in any upcoming agreement” to normalize relations with Israel. Al-Sudairi also said Saudi Arabia “is working to establish a Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its capital.” (AJ, AJ, AP, HA, HA, MEE, QDS, TOI, WAFA, WAFA, WAFA 9/26; GDN, HA, NYT 9/27)

UN envoy for the Middle East peace process Tor Wennesland met with Hamas officials in Gaza. (HA, HA 9/28)

Palestinian Americans and Arab American civil rights organizations filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government, stating that the government is endorsing discrimination against Palestinian Americans by admitting Israel into its Visa Waiver Program. American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee national executive director Abed Ayoub said the organization will hold the government “accountable for any actions that create separate classes of U.S. citizens.” The other plaintiffs were 3 Palestinian Americans and the organization Democracy for the Arab World Now. The plaintiffs argued that the U.S.-Israeli memorandum, which was kept secret, for the creation of the trial period “differentiate treatment to U.S. citizens who are ‘residents’ of the occupied West Bank, no including East Jerusalem; U.S. citizens who are residents of the occupied Gaza Strip; U.S. citizens who are registered on the [Palestinian Population Registry] but not residents in either the West Bank or Gaza Strip; and U.S. citizens who are not of Palestinian nationality.” Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen announced that Israel had been admitted to the program on 9/25 2 days before the U.S. made an official announcement on 9/27. (AJ, REU 9/25; HA, MDW 9/26; HA, MDW 9/27)

The Israeli Justice Ministry’s police misconduct unit indicted an Israeli soldier for shooting a 16-year-old Palestinian girl in the back with a baton round while she was in her yard in Sheikh Jarrah in 2021. The unnamed soldier was charged with shooting with a firearm, severe injury under aggravated circumstances, and common assault. (HA 9/26)

Israeli tourism minister Haim Katz visited Saudi Arabia in the first public visit to the country by an Israeli minister. Katz was attending a conference of the UN World Tourism Organization. Israeli communications minister Shlomo Karhi and MK David Bitan are scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia on 10/2 for a Universal Postal Union conference in Riyadh. (AJ, ALM, HA, MEE 9/26; NYT 9/27; ALM 10/2)

Japan contributed $20 million to a project improving drinking water in Jenin. (WAFA 9/26)

In East Jerusalem, 1 Palestinian under house arrest was arrested in his home in Issawiyya. In Gaza, Israeli forces fired missiles at southern Gaza, causing damage after Israeli authorities claimed that incendiary balloons launched from Gaza toward Israel ignited 25 fires. Hamas authorities extended the COVID-19 related lockdown until 8/31 after the number of positive COVID-19 cases rose to 182. (HA, WAFA 8/29; HA 8/30; PCHR 9/3)

In Israel, some 20,000 people protested outside of prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence calling for his resignation over his corruption charges, the Israeli economy, and his COVID-19 response. This was the 10th Saturday in a row that protesters called for Netanyahu’s resignation. (AJ, HA, WAFA 8/30)

The president of the UAE Shaykh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan issued a decree formalizing an end to the UAE’s boycott of Israel as part of the normalization deal between the 2 countries. (HA 8/29)

The Joe Biden campaign revised its platform for the Arab American community, saying that a Biden administration would “protect the constitutional right of our citizens to free speech . . . However, Biden has been unequivocal in condemning calls in the United States to boycott, divest from, and sanction Israel.” (HA 8/31)

Pres. Clinton returns fr. Japan in the afternoon and goes straight to Camp David, where he meets with the U.S. peace team and then talks separately with Arafat, Barak to decide how to proceed. He then goes into talks with PA, Israeli negotiators that continue overnight, focusing on Jerusalem. (XIN 7/23 in WNC 7/24; CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/24; XIN 7/24 in WNC 7/26; MM 7/26)

Egyptian pres. Mubarak travels to Riyadh to discuss the final status talks on Jerusalem with Saudi Arabia's King Fahd, Crown Prince Abdallah. (NYT 7/23; MENA 7/23 in WNC 7/24; MM, NYT, WP, WT 7/24; al-Quds 7/24 in WNC 7/26; MM, NYT 7/27)

Pope John Paul calls for Jerusalem to be granted "international status" under a permanent arrangement. (MM, NYT, WT 7/24; al-Quds 7/24 in WNC 7/26; ANSA 8/2 in WNC 8/4)

In Okinawa, EU leaders say the G-8 states have agreed to Pres. Clinton's request share the cost of any Camp David peace agmt.; no figures were discussed. (WT 7/24)

Amid rumors that Arafat has conceded the refugees' right of return at talks in Camp David, PLOEC mbr. As`ad `Abd al-Rahman resigns his position as PLO refugee affairs coordinator. (HA [Internet], MENL 7/23; SA 7/25 in WNC 7/27)

In Gaza, Hamas spiritual leader Shaykh Ahmad Yasin says he would declare a truce with Israel if Barak agreed to withdraw completely to the 1967 borders fr. Gaza, the West Bank, East Jerusalem. (NYT 7/24; WJW 7/17)

In Hebron, Jewish settlers assault a delegation of Arab Americans who arrived in the town on a solidarity visit. (MEI 7/28)

Without prior notice, the IDF seals off and begins leveling 4,000 dunams of Palestinian land nr. Bethlehem. When the owner, Ali Mahameed, and his family attempt to stop them, IDF soldiers assault them. (LAW 8/10)

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)

Donors' Joint Liaison Comm. meets in Gaza. (AYM 9/16 in WNC 9/21)

PA gives Israel a list of names of its 30,000 police officers, fulfilling a Wye obligation. Israel wanted the list to make sure that none of the security forces are involved in anti-Israeli acts. (MM, WP 9/16; JP 9/24)

Arafat appoints Local Government M Erakat to head the team to oversee Wye II implementation and issues arising fr. the interim agmts., passing him over for the job of chief negotiator for final status talks. (AFP 9/16 in WNC 9/17)

The new PA Administrative Reform and Development Comm. (ARDC) sets up 5 technical comms. to investigate PA ministries and government offices for duplication of duties, impediments to independent and efficient functioning. (HJ 9/16 in WNC 9/21)

Israeli police question fmr. PM Benjamin Netanyahu in connection with allegations that a contractor carried out private work for him, billed the government. (MM 9/15; MM, NYT, WP, WT 9/16; JP 9/24; MM 9/28)

PA Preventive Security Force (PSF) arrests popular television talk show host Maher al-Disouqi on incitement charges after a guests on his show, the mothers of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, criticize the PA, denounce Arafat for failing to secure their sons' release. (LAW 9/16, 9/20; JP 10/1; NYT 10/14)

Walt Disney Corp. meets with reps. of the Arab League, officials fr. the UAE, Morocco, and Arab American groups to discuss Israel's plans to host an exhibition entitled "Jerusalem, Capital of Israel" at Disney's Epcot Center. Arab states have threatened to boycott Disney products if the exhibition takes place. (NYT, WT 9/18; al-Quds 9/18, IRNA, Tehran Times 9/19 in WNC 9/21) (see 8/12)

In Washington, Israeli FM Sharon informs Pres. Clinton, Secy. Albright that Israel will not carry out the 2d stage of the FRD by 2/18, claiming PA has violated "every paragraph" of Wye; warns Clinton not to raise Palestinian expectations during his upcoming visit. Sharon asks CIA Dir. George Tenet to reconsider his opposition to spy for Israel Jonathan Pollard's release. (MM 12/8; WJW 12/10)

Knesset postpones no-confidence vote on Netanyahu to 12/21 in light of Pres. Clinton's trip to the region this weekend. (MM 12/7; MM, NYT, WT 12/8; MA 12/8, IDF Radio 12/9 in WNC 12/11; WJW 12/10; MEI 12/11)

In Nablus, PA police clash with 100s of Palestinians demonstrating against Israel's refusal to release political prisoners, injuring 19. Demonstrators set fire to 2 police cars, a bus. 50 Palestinians are injured, 1 is killed in other West Bank clashes with the IDF. 4 Israeli border policemen, 2 settlers are also injured. (NYT, WP, WT 12/8; MM 12/9; PR 12/11)

U.S. Health Secy. Donna Shalala arrives in Lebanon on an official visit. Shalala, the highest ranking Arab American in the U.S. government, is also the highest ranking U.S. official to visit Lebanon in yrs. (MM 12/9)

The U.S. drops Iran fr. list of major drug-producing countries, saying it has largely eliminated the illegal opium trade. (WT 12/8)

3-day Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) mtg. opens in Abu Dhabi. FMs fr. Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE discuss recent mtgs. with U.S. Secy. of State Albright in Washington, where Albright asked them to come up with new ideas on how to deal with the Iraqi government, how the Iraqi opposition could be used. (MM 12/7, 12/8, 12/10, 12/16) (see 11/24)

In Jericho, the Palestinian-Israeli Steering and Monitoring Comm. (PISMC) discusses disputes over prisoner release, settlement expansion, confiscation of Palestinian land for bypass roads. (NYT 11/30; MEI 12/11)

In Washington, Arafat meets with Pres. Clinton, Commerce Secy. William Daley, Arab American business leaders. (NYT, WT 11/30)

On the eve of the Washington donor mtg., the Sunday Times of London reports that $20 m. in EU aid earmarked for housing projects for needy Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza has been used to build luxury apartments for Arafat supporters. (WT 11/30; PR 12/4; MEI 12/11; JP 12/14)

PM Netanyahu convenes special cabinet session to reassess Israel's occupation of s. Lebanon amid public outcry over increasing number of IDF casualties there. (20 soldiers have been killed in s. Lebanon this year, including 7 in the past 2 wks., compared to 39 last yr.) U.S. Amb. Edward Walker warns Netanyahu against harsh retaliation against Lebanon. Lebanese pres. Lahoud says Israel is only testing the new regime, he will not submit to Israeli blackmail. (WP, WT 11/29; ITV, RL 11/29 in WNC 12/1; MM 11/30; MM, WT 12/1; MM 12/2; WJW 12/3; JP 12/7; MEI 12/11)

In Gaza, PA police block Israeli trucks carrying building supplies to Netzarim settlement. IDF counters by blocking VIP entrance to Gaza to PA officials, while settlers block road nr. Netzarim to Palestinian traffic. (NYT 11/30)

IDF demolishes Palestinian home in East Jerusalem. (LAW 11/30; PR 1/8)

IDF soldiers shoot, kill 4 Palestinian policemen after crossing into Gaza nr. Erez checkpoint, searching for Palestinians who had fired on their patrol. (QY, VOP 1/3 in FBIS 1/3; MM, WP, WT 1/3; FT, WP 1/4; CSM, MEI 1/6; JP 1/14)

PM Rabin halts construction at Efrat but allows settlers to build 500 units at site closer to center of Efrat. PA denounces decision. (QY, Yedi'ot Aharonot 1/1, ITV, QY, VOP 1/2, QY 1/3 in FBIS 1/3; MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/3; CSM 1/4; WJW 1/5; CSM 1/6; JP 1/14) (see 12/31)

Hamas, West Bank Fateh Higher Comm. call on PA to suspend negotiations with Israel as protest over Israeli settlement activity. (Al-Manar, Al-Quds 1/2 in FBIS 1/5)

Israeli military court convicts Muhammad Salah, Arab American arrested by Israelis 1/31/93, of channeling funds to Hamas, sentences him to 5 yrs. in prison. (QY 1/3 in FBIS 1/3; WP 1/4)

IDF kills 3 Palestinians, wounds 1 in 2 clashes in West Bank; accuses victims of being pro-Hamas. (WP, WT 1/3; NYT 1/5)

Israeli and Palestinian negotiators resume in Cairo talks to implement 9/13 agreement. Talks center on size of IDF force around Gaza settlements, extent of Palestinian authority in Jericho, and control of border crossings. (NYT 11/16)

Multilateral talks Environment Comm. holds session attended by delegates fr. over 40 countries in Cairo. (MENA 11/15 in FBIS 11/16)

Hebron settler kills Palestinian attacking him with hatchet; 2d attacker flees with settler's rifle. PFLP claims responsibility for attack fr. Beirut, names dead Palestinian as Muhammad Badawi Burkan, 26, of Hebron. Settlers riot, burning Palestinian vegetable stands and stoning Palestinian cars. In separate incident, Palestinian badly wounded in attack by Beit El settlers. (MM 11/15)

Hamas issues statement condemning PLO Chmn. Arafat's condemnation of 10/29 killing of settler Haim Mizrachi, calling it evidence of his "disgraceful submissiveness" and of his "readiness to liquidate the cause of our people." (MM 11/15)

Israeli Econ. Min. Shimon Shitreet says scope of support [for DoP] has diminished" due to recent killings of settlers. (CSM 11/16)

Qatar announces establishment of direct phone service to o.t., 1st Gulf state to do so. (MM 11/15)

U.S. Pres. Clinton assures Syrian Pres. al-Asad that U.S. and Israel support continued efforts for Syrian-Israeli agreement. Assurance transmitted in letter given Syrian FM al-Shara' by U.S. coordinator Dennis Ross, which also states Secy. of State Christopher will tour Middle East in early Dec. to pursue Arab-Israeli talks. (NYT, WP 11/16)

U.S. Dept. of Defense offers to sell Israel 20 modified F-15E (F-151) fighter-bombers, valued at $1.8 b. Israeli PM Rabin, after meeting with Secy. of Defense Les Aspin, says offer under consideration. (NYT, WP 11/16)

At meeting with journalists in Washington, Israeli PM Rabin identifies Ilam as major threat to Middle East peace, accuses Iran of supporting Somali militia leader Mohamed Farah Aideed. (WP 11/16)

Lt. Col. Muin Shabaita, 2d in command of Fateh militia in 'Ayn al-Hilwah refugee camp, Sidon, Lebanon, killed by unknown gunmen. Fateh security chief at 'Ayn al-Hilwah, Abi Husayn Farhud, blames FRC ("Abu Nidal" faction) for killing. (NYT, WP 11/16)

Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith (ADL) agrees to San Francisco court injunction not to use illegal means to gather information. ADL was found to have access to police files on Arab Americans, among other groups, and was accused in criminal investigation of providing information to South Africa and Israel. Civil suits by targets of ADL investigations remain open. (WP 11/16)

Israeli Police Min. Moshe Shahal announces easing of closure of Jerusalem to Palestinians, allowing all women, men over 40, and accompanied children under 16, as well as physicians, attorneys, and students to enter the city as of 10/26. FM Peres announces "several hundred" Palestinian prisoners will be released soon, "more" as PLO-Israel talks proceed. (NYT, WP, WT 10/23)

Thousands attend funeral in Gaza of Fateh official As'ad Saftawi, murdered 10/21. (NYT 10/23)

Israeli military prosecutors announce indictment of Arab-American Muhammad Salah, 39, on charges of being Hamas's military commander. Salah was arrested 1/93 while on visit to West Bank. (WT 10/23

Strikes break out in o.t. in protest of Israeli plans to deport 12 Palestinians. One Palestinian is killed, more than 25 others injured in confrontation with IDF in Gaza. (MM 1/8)

U.S. State Dept. confirms it has granted a visa to Nabil Sha'th, top advisor to Chmn. Arafat. Sha'th is officially visiting to address a meeting of Arab-Americans, but his visit coincides with upcoming peace talks. (MM 1/8)

Opposition MKs Zucker and Oron release documents indicating government has begun 18,000 new homes in W. Bank during past 18 months. (WP 1/9)

Forces loyal to Saddam Hussein have effectively crushed 3-week-old armed rebellion in southern Iraq; refugees reaching American lines say reprisals and executions are occurring now that Saddam's forces are back in control. Refugees also flee toward Turkish and Iranian borders. Anti-gov't. Kurdish rebels say they still control much of northern Iraq [LAT 3/25].

American officials say the number of Iraqi tanks and armored vehicles that survived Gulf war is much greater than originally thought, and many of the weapons have been used by Iraqi troops against insurgents [NYT 3/25].

Gen. Schwarzkopf says U.S. is near agreement on establishing permanent military headquarters in Bahrain [NYT, LAT 3/25].

Acting on request from U.S. officials, Israeli police arrest American-born Jewish couple, Robert and Rochelle Manning, for 1985 bombing that killed Arab-American Anti-Discrimination Committee director Alex Odeh. The Mannings, who emigrated to Israel in 1973, have ties with Kach party [LAT 3/25; NYT 3/26; MET 4/2].

Israel retaliates for wave of Arab knife attacks by issuing deportation notices to 4 Palestinians allegedly tied to Fateh; 4 Palestinians are wounded in clashes touched off in response to deportation orders (cf. 3/25, 3/27) [NYT, LAT, WP, WT, CSM 3/25; AVP, JDS 3/24, HAA 3/25 in FBIS 3/25; FJ 4/1; MET 4/2].

16-year-old Palestinian dies of head wound suffered on 3/22 when IDF opened fire on stone throwers in Gaza Strip [LAT 3/25].

Israeli soldiers kill 3 Arab guerrillas inside S. Lebanon "heading towards Israel" [NYT 3/25; JDS 3/24 in FBIS 3/25].

More than 80 Iraqi planes have now sought refuge in Iran, according to U.S. officials [LAT, WT 1/29].

In television interview with CNN, Saddam Hussein says Iraq has won "the admiration of the world" for employing only conventional arms in war; Saddam warns that SCUD missiles can still be fitted with nonconventional warheads [BADS 1/28 in FBIS 1/29; LAT, WT 1/29].

Military officials say U.S. bombing raids at oil facilities in Kuwait have stopped oil spilling into Gulf, but not before 11 million barrels had entered the water [LAT, WT 1/29].

For 1st time in 20 years, no one protests outside Soviet embassy in Washington, demonstrating on behalf on Jews trying to emigrate from USSR; Kremlin's relaxed policies lead Jewish Community Council of Greater Washington to suspend daily 15-minute protests that began in December 1970 [LAT, WT 1/29].

Patriot missiles destroy incoming SCUD missiles aimed at Saudi Arabia; parts of SCUD land in Palestinian villages in West Bank; additional Patriot missile systems arrive in Saudi Arabia [SPA, IDF 1/28 in FBIS 1/29; LAT, WT 1/29].

Baghdad claims that some captured pilots have been injured in air raids by allied planes; in letter to UN leader Perez de Cuellar, Iraq says 345 civilians have been killed, 450 wounded, in air raids [LAT 1/29].

Prominent Israeli authors and peace activists Amos Oz, A.B. Yehoshua, Yoram Kaniuk, and Yael Dayan speak out in favor of war in Gulf, saying anti-war protests amount to appeasing Saddam Hussein [LAT 1/29].

One-day strike called in support of Iraq by Morocco's 3 major trade unions shuts down most economic activity [LAT 1/29].

UN Sec. Council rebuffs calls by several Arab nations for open debate on Gulf war; Council elects to continue informal consultations behind closed doors [LAT 1/29].

Bombs explode in Greece and Turkey, no one is injured in attacks that may be linked to U.S. role in war [LAT 1/29].

American Civil Liberties Union assails FBI assertion that Arab-American civic and business leaders will suffer no consequences if they refuse to be interviewed about potential terrorism [LAT 1/29]. 

France issues 6-point 11th-hour initiative calling for Saddam to leave Kuwait; similar appeal is made by Yemen, Algeria, Tunis, and Libya. EC gov'ts., frustrated by seeing diplomatic efforts rebuffed by Baghdad, say they plan no new initiatives before the deadline [TDS, AFP, AES 1/14 in FBIS 1/15; NYT, LAT, WT, WP 1/15]; touting French plan, Algeria's Pres. Benjedid leaves for Baghdad [AGS 1/14 in FBIS 1/15].

Revolutionary Command Council votes unanimously to follow Saddam Hussein in defying UN resolutions; measure also authorizes Saddam to undertake last-minute political settlement [ADS 1/14 in FBIS 1/14; INA 1/15 in FBIS 1/15; MEM 1/14; NYT, WP 1/15]; Saddam sends "open message" to King Fahd decrying Saudi's Gulf stance [BADS 1/14 in FBIS 1/15].

PLO's second-ranking official, Abu lyad [Salah Khalaf] is assassinated in Tunis; Abu al-Hol [Hayel Abdel Hamid] and aid Fakhri al-Omari are also killed (cf. 1/15) [TDS, AFP, SPA 1/15 in FBIS 1/15; NYT, LAT, WT, WP, MEM 1/15].

UN Sec.-Gen. Perez de Cuellar arrives back in New York from Baghdad, having failed to secure any concessions from Saddam Hussein [NYT, LAT 1/15].

Kuwaiti Crown Prince and P.M. warns that multinational forces would strike at civilian as well as military targets in Iraq: "If he [Saddam] bombs Kuwait cities, we'll do the same to Iraqi cities" [NYT, WP 1/15].

Allied officials agree that U.S. and British troops will conduct all offensive military operations while French and Arab troops will remain in defensive positions in war [LAT 1/15].

FBI rejects requests to stop interviewing Arab-American leaders about potential terrorist plans, but agrees to discontinue certain political questions such as "How do you feel about the Gulf situation?" and "How do you feel about Saddam Hussein?" [LAT 1/15].

Saddam Hussein orders the phrase "Allahu Akbar" ["God is great"] be added to Iraq flag [INA 1/14 in FBIS 1/14].

Israeli High Court orders defense establishment to distribute gas masks to Palestinians in o.t.; since only limited number are available, Palestinians in Jerusalem area and those closest to Israel will receive masks [JDS, IDF 1/14 in FBIS 1/15; WP, MEM 1/15].

King Hussein and Chrmn. Arafat discuss Gulf crisis at meeting in Amman [ADS 1/15 in FBIS 1/15].

U.S. officials say 6 Iraqi helicopter pilots flew to Saudi Arabia in one of most significant defections since crisis began; Iraq denies defections occurred (cf. 1/8) [INA 1/7 in FBIS 1/8; NYT, LAT, WT, WP 1/8].

Sec. Baker meets with F.M.s of Britain, Spain, Luxembourg, and Sec.-Gen. of NATO; says that coalition will hold firm even in event of war [LAT, WP 1/8]; adds that UN deadline will not be extended [WT 1/8].

White House says it will work with Congress to draft measure on use of force that can be passed before 1/15 deadline [LAT 1/8].

In Baghdad, Yasir Arafat says PLO would side with Iraq in event of Gulf war, and that idea of linking Gulf crisis to Palestinian issue was his and not Saddam's [MEM, LAT 1/8]; PLO says in event of war, o.t. Palestinians would create internal disruption for Israel if Jewish state becomes involved [WT 1/8].

FBI agents, seeking to deter possible terrorist attacks resulting from any allied military action against Iraq, begin interviewing Arab-American business leaders (cf. 1/11, 1/14) [LAT 1/8; WP 1/9].

Israeli gov't. votes down 3 motions of noconfidence brought about by decision to resume deportations. Vote is 56 to 21 with 12 abstentions [JPD 1/8 in FBIS 1/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Hani al-Hasan, adviser to Arafat, states that Algerian delegation is currently visiting Damascus to prepare for reconciliation between Syria, PLO [FBIS 4/5].

Other Countries: U.S. calls Soviet sale of SU-24 aircraft to Libya "dangerous" [WP 4/6]. U.S. trade policy committee rejects appeal made by Arab-Americans to strip Israel of preferential trade privileges [NYT 4/6].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Soldiers shoot, wound 2 Palestinians in O.T., including 13-year-old boy in Balata camp [LAT 4/6]. In "humanitarian gesture" Israel releases 450 Palestinian prisoners [WP, LAT 4/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Gaza Strip's Union of Workers in Commerce and Public Service defy Israeli ban and hold union elections in Red Cross offices [FJ 4/12].

Other Countries: American Civil Liberties Union files lawsuit charging that McCarran-Walter Act, under which 7 Palestinians and 1 Kenyan were arrested 1/26, is unconstitutional and that Immigration and Naturalization Service plans "sweeping arrests and deportation" of Arabs living in U.S. [BS 4/4].

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: Tehiya convention unanimously calls for government aid to West Bank and Gaza Strip Palestinians willing to emigrate; for the expulsion of anyone found guilty of subversive activities; and for the annexation of the occupied territories [JP 4/16]. Over 250 Palestinian political prisoners in Hebron prison begin hunger strike [FJ 4/25].

Other Countries: U.S. State Department has protested to Israel the alleged torture, in Israeli-supervised detention center in S. Lebanon, of Ghazi Dabaja, an Arab-American; Israel states the charges are "completely baseless" [WP 4/15; NYT 4/16].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli police forensic experts are "reasonably sure" al-Fajr journalist Hasan 'Abd al-Halim was killed by a bomb [JP 12/24].

Arab World: Pres. Mubarak warns that Yasir Arafat has "one or two months" to accept UN resolutions 242 and 338, otherwise King Hussein may lose patience and negotiate separate peace with Israel [WP 12/24]. Arafat deputy Salah Khalaf (Abu lyad) confirms PLO has been given 2 months to accept 242 and 338, says PLO will never do so [MG 12/24].

Other Countries: National Assoc. of Arab-Americans (NAAA) calls for investigation into U.S. justice Dept. handling of espionage allegations made 7 years ago against former Senate aide Stephen D. Bryen, now asst. defense secretary with top-secret security clearance [LAT, JTA 12/24].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli is shot, wounded in Hebron market; soldiers shoot 2 Palestinians in aftermath, curfew city, arrest 3 dozen Palestinians [FJ 1/3]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Kach-member Yehuda Richter gets 5-yr. prison term for attack on Palestinian bus (3/4/84). Jerusalem Mayor Kollek & police chief Bar Lev attempt compromise with Supreme Muslim Council to avoid strike in protest at presence of unruly border guards at al-Haram al-Sharif. Davar reports Israel negotiating to buy 1st nuclear reactor for energy use. [Israel already has at least 2 reactors; uses are not publicized.] Govt. bars 5 witnesses named by Time magazine from testifying in imminent Sharon libel case.

Arab World: Voice of PLO (Baghdad) condemns US policy, raps Arab-Americans for misguidedness inbelieving they can effect neutral US role in Arab-Zionist conflict.

Other Countries: US federal jury awards Vanessa Redgrave $100,000 in suit against Bostom Symphony canceling her performance on basis of her support for PLO.

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).