The Palestine Chronology

At Helsinki summit, Pres. Bush and Pres. Gorbachev issue strongly-worded statement declaring unconditional support for economic and political sanctions against Iraq [LAT, NYT, WT, WP, CSM 9/10]; Pres. Bush drops longstanding opposition to Soviet involvement in Middle East peace process [NYT, WT, WP 9/11].

Israeli gov't is reported to have won court order temporarily blocking Canadian publication of Victor Ostrosky and Claire Hoy's book By Way of Deception: A Devastating Insider's Portrait of the Mossad [NYT 9/10; JPD 9/10 in FBIS 9/10].

Israeli police investigators recommend placing 9 police officers on trial for torturing Palestinians at Jerusalem's main jail, but high-ranking officials request review of evidence before charges are filed [NYT 9/10].

Saudi officials say their country will continue to support the Palestinians until they achieved an independent state, despite Palestinian support for Iraq [WT 9/10; MET 9/18].

More than 300 American women and children evacuated from Kuwait leave Amman to U.S. [WP 9/10; ADS 9/9 in FBIS 9/10].

'Abd-al-'Aziz Rantisi, a founder of Hamas, calls on Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait, urging Saddam to act according to Muslim law rather than according to personal likes and dislikes; Rantisi also calls for removal of U.S. troops from region [HAA 9/10 in FBIS 9/11].

Palestinians in O.T. observe general strike to mark beginning of 34th month of intifada [FJ 9/17].

After 3 days of fierce gun battles in S. Lebanon, Fateh troops loyal to Arafat over-run last stronghold of forces loyal to Abu Nidal; 18 people are reported dead [BDS 9/9 in FBIS 9/10; NYT, WP 9/10; WT 9/11; MET 9/18].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Commercial strike in E. Jerusalem continues [CSM 1/19]. Shops in W. Bank cities remain closed despite army attempts to break strike. In Balatah refugee camp, Palestinian shot by soldiers in December dies in hospital [FJ 1/24]. In Gaza Strip's Bayt Hanun village, 8 dunums of citrus trees are destroyed; Israeli officials claim stonethrowing youths hid in grove [FJ 1/24].

Other Countries: U.S. vetoes UN Security Council resolution condemning Israeli attack on Lebanon [WP, NYT 1/19]. In Helsinki, U.S.S.R. agrees to permit official Israeli visit [FBIS 1/20]. Canadian officials say they are investigating immigration case of Palestinian Mahmud Muhammad 'Isa Muhammad, convicted in 1970 of blowing up El Al plane [FJ 1/24].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Military imposes curfews on 'Askar and Balatah refugee camps [FJ 1/24]. Palestinian youth is shot, wounded in clash between demonstrators and IDF troops in Qabatiyyah [FJ 1/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: On 'Id al-Adha holiday, Palestinian families begin three day sit-in strike at International Committee of Red Cross in East Jerusalem they are refused permission to visit relatives in Hebron Prison, who began hunger strike today to protest inhumane treatment (FJ 8/22).

Other Countries: Soviet-Israeli meeting in Helsinki, first official contact in 19 years, ends after 90 minutes (CSM 8/19).