The Palestine Chronology

Russian FM Primakov arrives in Amman for 3-day visit, meets with Jordanian FM Tarawnah, then leaves for unscheduled visit to Syria. (ITAR-TASS [Moscow], SANA 10/27, MBC, RMC 10/28 in WNC 10/29; WT 10/28; MM 10/29; RL 10/29 in WNC 10/30; MEI 11/7; JP 11/8)

PM Netanyahu gives address to opening of the Knesset's winter session, which is interrupted frequently by hecklers; calls for peace with Arabs based on firm security, self-defense; vows to prevent creation of Palestinian state or return of Golan and to build more settlements. Labor Chmn. Barak gives speech, urging Netanyahu's resignation. (ITV 10/27 in WNC 10/29; MM, NYT, WT 10/28; WJW 10/30)

Yemen announces plans to send low-level delegation to Doha economic summit; says it delegation will attend only to visit "a sisterly country . . . , not to hold talks with the Israeli government." (JTV 10/27 in WNC 10/29)

Israel warns Holland that it may expel diplomat Ferdinand Schmidt if he does not stop criticizing Israel in the media. (IDF Radio 10/28 in WNC 10/29)

In Beirut, 2 bombs, one at the American University of Beirut (AUB) and one at a newly completed bus station, explode, causing no injuries. The bombing at AUB, which occured just hrs. after a reception for AUB's new pres., marks the 1st attack on a foreign institution in Lebanon in 4 yrs. (NYT 10/28; MBC, RL, RMC, VOL 10/28 in WNC 10/29; MM 10/29; RL  10/29 in WNC 10/30; al-Quds al-`Arabi 10/29, RL 10/30 in WNC 11/3; WP 10/30)

IDF further eases restrictions on Gaza Strip as number of workers entering Israel grows substantially, still far short of normal 30,000/day. (MM 6/10)

Slain PLO leader Atif Basaysu is buried beside his mentor Salah Khalaf (Abu lyad) in Tunis, after Egypt reportedly turndown his mother's request that he be buried in Cairo. (MM 6/11)

Amid thousands of mourners, IDF troops force their way into Basaysu's home in Gaza, remove pictures from the walls. (MM 6/10)

U.S. amb. in Beirut Ryan Crocker announces U.S. will donate $3 million to help rebuild American University of Beirut's College Hall, which was destroyed ina car bomb attack 11/8/91. (MM 6/10)

Israel and China sign memo of understanding on economic relations in Beijing, prelude to a trade agreement to be signed when Chinese officials make reciprocal visit to Israel. (Qol Yisra'el 6/10 in FBIS 6/11)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: For past three days, Jerusalem municipal workers have prevented Palestinian farmers from selling their produce in Jerusalem market, giving advantage to Israeli growers (Fl 9/19).

Arab World: In West Beirut, Joseph Ciccippio, American deputy controller of American University of Beirut, is kidnapped, bringing to 18 the number of foreigners missing in Lebanon after being kidnapped (NYT, WP 9/13). In Alexandria, Egypt and Israel end summit, issue joint statement declaring 1987 "a year of negotiations and peace," but two sides fail to agree on Palestinian issue (NYT, WP 9/13). Israeli P.M. Peres says international conference should be convened and that Israel and Egypt agree to set up preparatory committee for this purpose (NYT 9/16). In Tunis, French F.M. Claude Cheysson meets PLO Chairman Arafat on marketing of Palestinian produce from occupied territories (Fl 9/19).

Other Countries: In Paris, bomb explodes in cafeteria in Paris suburb, wounding 41. "Committee in Solidarity with Arab and Middle Eastern Political Prisoners" claims responsibility (NYT, WP 9/13).

Military Action

Arab World: IDF aircraft bomb Palestinian checkpoint four miles south of Sidon and wound four (AFP 9/12; WP 9/13).

Military Action

Arab World: Masked gunmen kill 4 Christians on American University Hospital bus in Beirut, breaking cease-fire [MG 7/21].

SOCIAL/POLITICAL:

Arab World: Adjournment of Islamic Summit delayed over issue of Egypt's readmission to membership.

Other Countries: Israeli Pres. Chaim Herzog arrives in Kinshasa for 1st visit to a black African nation since Yom Kippur war.

MILITARY ACTION:

Arab World: Dr. Malcolm Kerr, President of American University of Beirut, gunned down near his office by unknown assailant. 

Military Action:

Syrian anti-aircraft downs Israeli RPV over eastern Beqaa, IDF denies report.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Fateh Central Council reportedly has dismissed 2 military commanders criticized for behavior during Lebanon invasion, appointed 5-member command for PLO forces in Lebanon.

US and Other Countries: Shultz meets Gemayel and Wazzan; White House announces that David Dodge, acting president of AUB, has been freed with help of Syria after being kidnapped in Beirut in July 1982.

Military Action:

Marines prevent IDF from entering Bourj-al-Barajneh for second time, but IDF moves into Lailaki using random anti-tank grenades and machine gun fire to search area; after fourth encounter between IDF and Marines in 1 week, US Embassy in Beirut expresses concern; truce in Tripoli policed by PLO because Lebanese security forces refuse to patrol area so long as opposing forces maintain positions.

Casualties:

1 PLO member killed, 3 wounded in Tripoli.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Israeli Government rejects US-proposed compromise on agenda for Lebanon negotiations; at Cabinet meeting Begin promises Deputy Premier David Levy and Communications Minister Mordechai Zipori, both Herut Party critics of Sharon, that Cabinet will hold special debate on Lebanon; Young Guards of Labor Party elects as chairman Moshe Cohen, a political centrist who will seek to end leftward lurch of party, to terminate Labor's alignment with Mapam and a rapprochement with religious parties; all police units launch anti-terrorist drive following attack on bus, reveal several bomb incidents since summer, including 280 kg bomb in car in Negev defused, bomb under bench in Herzliya which wounded 4, 4.5 kg bomb in Jerusalem defused, security forces played down and withheld information on incidents; Israeli trade with Lebanon valued at $8 million each for November and December; Peace Now group demonstrates outside Prime Minister Begin's office; dozens of Palestinians arrested in Tel Aviv after yesterday's grenade attck, 2 molotov cocktails thrown at police station in Dheisheh refugee camp, no injuries, security forces seal area, search but no arrests; 10 Najah University students arrested, charged with incitement; Kiryat Arba residents pull down Hebron municipality electricity poles for second time, and Acting Mayor Mustafa Natshe says he received threatening letter from Kiryat Arba council demanding removal of the utility poles; Elon Moreh settlers fire shots into Nablus Dal al-Tafel kindergarten and its bus, military authorities seal off Nablus market area.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Arafat holds talks with King Hussein in Amman, also attending are members of Joint Committee, as Hussein tells Arafat his talks with Reagan were positive and successful; Lebanese Director General of Internal Security Forces Hisham Shaar says conscription may be necessary to keep balance of Christians and Muslims in police force; reports circulating in Beirut that AUB President David Dodge, kidnapped during war, may be alive and held in Bekaa Valley; Internal Security Chief Hisham Shaar and Syrian Deputy Chief of Staff General Ali Aslan meet in Tripoli, agree to patrols there by Lebanese security forces.

Arab Governments: Egyptian President Mubarak calls on Hussein and Arafat to negotiate on the basis of the Reagan plan, before US presidential elections and more settlements make it too late to reach agreement, says that only thing that bothers him about US foreign policy is US Congress' decision to increase aid to Israel; Egyptian Foreign Minister Kamal Hassan Ali says Egyptian ambassador to Israel will return to his post as soon as agreement is reached on Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon; Saudi King Fahd holds series of meetings with Walid Jumblatt, Moroccan Foreign Minister Mohammed Boucetta, Fateh Executive Committee member Abu Mazen.

US and Other Countries: Senator Charles Percy (R-IL) states support for Israeli position that withdrawal from Lebanon should be accompanied by business-like relations; columnist Jack Anderson publishes opinion poll of the world's worst leaders with Menahem Begin ranking fifth after Khomeini, Qaddafi, Mobutu and Duvalier; 1,500 New York area Jews who have applied for aliya attend speech by Israeli President Navon in synagogue.

Military Action:

IDF warships pound PLO positions and residential areas in Manara, Ramlet el-Baida areas of West Beirut as cease-fire collapses (artillery duel between PLO units in southern suburbs and IDF units in hills); PLO prepares for worst, bolsters defenses.

Casualties:

IDF turns on water but continues to blockade other goods from West Beirut; gas selling for $30 per 20 liters; ICRC files official complaint with Israel over phosphorus shell which landed on roof of ICRC offices and continuing IDF artillery attacks on hospitals (PLO-run Gaza Hospital hit twice yesterday; Beirut police report 38 Palestinian and Lebanese civilians killed, 56 wounded); one IDF soldier killed, one wounded in eastern region.

Political Responses:

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Butros expects final negotiations on PLO withdrawal to begin within 24 hours; Butros, Wazzan, Sarkis and Habib meet; Salam claims Israel does not want PLO out of Beirut but desires to destroy it as military and political force; Arafat cables leaders of France, USSR, Cuba, Saudi Arabia and the UN, "stressing gravity of the situation"; Wazzan proposes to Habib that fuel, water, food be brought in from donor countries by ships escorted by the Sixth Fleet; Wazzan's wife heads sit-in at American University of Beirut by 20 women to protest continuing blockade.

US and Other Countries: "Grim-faced" Reagan says "bloodshed must be stopped" in Lebanon.

Military Action:

IDF jets attack in Bekaa (claims 3 Syrian SAM-8 batteries south of Chtaura, 1 F-4 destroyed; Syria claims IDF loses 24 tanks, 4 rocket launchers, admits it loses 16 tanks); jets also attack Palestinian targets in Beirut after mock air raids, reconnaissance flights (Fakhani, Bir Hassan, Ramlet el-Baida, Sabra, airport areas hit, 1 jet reportedly hit); shelling of airport, Burj al-Barajneh, Sabra, Shatila, as IDF warships shell Burj al-Chatila, as IDF wat ships shell Burj al-Barajneh and Ouazi (2 IDF armored cars, 1 tank, 1 mortar position reportedly knocked out) .

Casualties:

Four Syrian soldiers killed, 6 wounded in IDF raids; WAFA reports 51 wounded, killed in today's raids; Lebanese officials report 11 IDF soldiers killed in Wednesday's guerrilla attack in Sidon; PLO reports two IDF soldiers killed, four wounded last night near Sidon as halftrack hits landmine; 12 IDF casualties reported near Aley; IDF troops enter Karantina power station in East Beirut, turn off electricity to West Beirut at 11 PM (results in loss of all water to West Beirut as water pumps are halted; cutoff interrupts Bashir Gemayel TV address in which he nominates himself as Lebanese president); Sidon authorities begin bulldozing remains of Ain el-Hilweh (IDF disclaims any responsibility for plight of camps' refugees, refuses to allow tents to be brought in).

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Cabinet gives diplomatic process more time, is reportedly split over all-out attack on Beirut; Minister Yitzhak Moda'i says Israel rejects linking PLO-IDF withdrawals, accepts linking only Syrian-IDF withdrawals.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Bashir Gemayel nominates self as Lebanese president; PLO opposes withdrawal until safeguards arranged for 650,000 Palestinian civilians in Lebanon, acceptable host countries found, and Palestinian right to self-determination affirmed by US or UN; two-hour battle between Phalange and Druze flares in Aley (two killed; IDF separates forces); Sarkis and Cabinet hold emergency meeting to discuss IDF undermining of government authority in southern Lebanon using Haddad militia (Sarkis publicly condemns IDF occupation of southern Lebanon for first time); Wazzan says Lebanese government rejects proposals for interimpartial withdrawal of PLO from all of Lebanon.

Arab Governments: Syria threatens major response, with new weapons, if IDF continues attacks.

US and Other Countries: Habib meets Saudi leaders, then flies to Cairo; Habib's consultant status with Bechtel Corporation initiates call by Senator Pressler (R-SD) for him to resign (rejected strongly by White House); US AID says $850,000 in aid for American University Hospital to be flown to Cyprus for shipment.

UN: UN delays Security Council meeting sought by France, Egypt to discuss Lebanese situation.

Military Action:

IDF jets make repeated reconnaissance passes over Beirut as IDF armored units dig in around airport and trade small arms fire with PLO guerrillas in southern suburbs; PLO building ramparts at key intersections to impede IDF tank passage; Syria and PLO reinforcing units in Bekaa valley; IDF matches their efforts in adjacent zones.

Casualties:

IDF attack on Tyre resulted in losses of almost $75 m., loss of personal goods and autos may add another $10 m.; similar study of Sidon expected to show losses of around $100 m.; acting president of the American University of Beirut kidnapped, reportedly in return for kidnapping of Shiite in Phalange area; although food is entering Beirut, fuel is still cut, threatening hospital and sanitation services in W. Beirut; mounting piles of garbage reported in Beirut, as well as broken water mains; Palestinian refugees are returning to devastated camps for lack of other places to go; Lebanese farmers complain of Israeli imported fruit undercutting their market; Israeli Economy Minister Meridor, in US, says Israel is allowing food supplies from Saudi Arabia into Lebanon via Israel.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Economy Minister, in Washington, denies any limitations on supplying Beirut; debate erupts in Knesset on Lebanese situation; Knesset Foreign Affairs Committee told it will need to find winter shelter for about 20-30,000 Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Lebanese and PLO officials look to US for new initiative to stave off IDF assault on Beirut, pin hopes on Reagan meeting with Syrian and Saudi Foreign Ministers tomorrow; Hani al-Hassan and Salam both urge US to talk directly with PLO to speed negotiations; PLO leader Khalid al- Hassan travels to Washington as part of the Arab League delegation meeting Administration officials; Habib presents all parties with "final" proposals that call for a total Syrian/ Palestinian withdrawal from Lebanon and withdrawal of IDF to the port of Sidon.

Arab Governments: Syrian president Assad says Syrian troops will remain in Lebanon as long as IDF troops.

US and Other Countries: Habib meets with key Lebanese officials during day but makes little progress; Greece informs Lebanon it is willing to contribute 300 soldiers to a peace-keeping force; US, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Austria also have offered to participate; shipment of US cluster bombs halted to Israel until review of their use in Lebanon completed; Senator D'Amato of New York, in Jerusalem for talks, says Israel is prepared to use force to get PLO out of Beirut; Zaire's President Mobutu invites Begin to visit Zaire in August; Saudi foreign minister, on eve of meeting with Reagan, asks US to endorse Palestinian self-rule, negotiate directly with PLO.

Military Action:

IDF Deputy Chief of Staff says IDF is preparing to stay through the winter "if neces-sary" as IDF builds paved roads, moves bases to flat areas, installs water pumps for IDF; intermittent bombardment of W. Beirut by IDF continues as blockade maintained on food, bottled water (except for medicines).

Casualties:

President of American University of Beirut, Malcolm Kerr, launches $5 million fundraising drive to save AU Hospital from financial disaster as a result of the war (says 95 percent of wounded treated at hospital were civilians, 70-80 percent of them Lebanese; nursing staff now down to 50 percent of normal); ICRC for first time allowed to bring ambulances, medicines, blood, hospital equipment into W. Beirut; some food trucks let in; Catholic Relief Services said they were allowed to bring food into W. Beirut for first time in 4-5 days; ICRC supplies in Jounieh still being held up by IDF; four IDF soldiers killed when armored car hits mine in southern Lebanon.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories: Doubts reportedly emerging among IDF soldiers about how "defensive" this war is; Sharon meets with Habib; government reportedly opposes wide-spread expulsions of Palestinian refugees advocated by Bashir Gemayel; Bir Zeit University closed for 3 months by order of Sharon (400 students protest in Ramallah-30 arrested); 2 lecturers, 30 students arrested in Nablus at Al Najah College.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Habib expects agreement by end of the week; Salam reports PLO dropped insistence on UN approval of multinational force; Wazzan still refuses to go to E Beirut; Pierre and Bashir Gemayel advocate complete expulsion of all Palestinians from Lebanon, civilian and PLO alike; negotiations snagged on role of foreign troops in PLO withdrawal (Salam says what good are troops after the PLO leaves; Sarkis reported-ly wants foreign troops deployed throughout Lebanon, fears PLO and Syrians will otherwise stay in Bekaa); Arafat invites ICRC to visit W. Beirut to see IDF violations of Geneva Conventions.

Arab Governments: In formation Minister says Syria hasn't been consulted on any plan for PLO fighters to go to Syria or for Syrian troop withdrawal (raises fears that Syria will not be willing to take PLO fighters); Syria estimated to have 60,000 troops in Lebanon (30,000 more than before invasion-sent to defend approaches to Damascus); Indian Foreign Ministry asks Israeli consul in Bombay to leave in 48 hours because of "interference in internal affairs."

US and Other Countries: US Sixth Fleet 40 miles off Lebanese coast; Habib instructed to offer US troops only after PLO evacuation; 2 US Senators (Dodd and Levin), after meeting with Begin, claim he set no deadline for evacuation.

Military Action:

Syrians concede loss of Bhamdoun, evacuate Aley, accuse Israel of using nerve gas (Israel denies); Chtaura bombed by IDF jets, causing extensive damage; IDF artillery shells Syrian positions above town; 10 miles of Damascus highway reportedly in IDF hands; jets fly missions throughout the day before new 8 PM cease-fire called by IDF; Syrian brigade north of highway retreating eastward; IDF sources report Lebanese Phalangists join battle, capturing Jamhur; IDF jets, gunboats, artillery wage non-stop barrage of W. Beirut, heaviest since invasion; estimated 100,000 IDF troops inside Lebanon; Syria takes security measures around Palestinian refugee camps near Damascus; big IDF build-up on outskirts of Beirut (500 tanks, 1200 armored personnel carriers, 60 howitzers); Israeli and Phalangist forces coordinate actions via special phone system, as Israeli officers seen frequently visiting Phalangist headquarters; UK embassy, American University of Beirut hit by IDF fire.

Casualties:

ICRC looking after 12,000 refugees in Bekaa; Israel changes mind, says relief efforts will be for both Palestinians and Lebanese; thousands of refugees flee south along coastal road, creating huge traffic jams; Lebanese po-lice estimate 100 killed, 250 injured in day-long barrage; 30 Israelis killed, over 200 wounded in fighting along highway.

Political Responses:

Israel/ Occupied Territories:S haron says IDF coming close to total elimination of PLO and removal of Syrian troops from Lebanon; Israel bans satellite broadcast of all footage from Lebanon by 3 US TV networks; Jerusalem Post raises issue of what Israeli war aims are; Abba Eban questions why war was not ended when original 25-mile goal reached; Sharon predicts IDF will stay in Lebanon beyond 10 weeks.

Palestinians/ Lebanese: Wazzan, denouncing new fighting, resigns (calls IDF attacks a form of "blackmail," accuses Habib of collusion with Israel in attempting to force PLO into unconditional surrender); two other Muslim Cabinet ministers also resign as Lebanese government close to collapse; Jumblatt announces withdrawal from Council, says withdrawing from political life (accuses Sarkis of wanting to finish PLO, says there is a plan to install Bashir Gemayel as Lebanese President); Gemayel, Arafat speak by phone; PLO supports French proposals at UN.

Arab Governments: Saudis exert strong pressure on US to halt Israelis, reportedly considers oil shutoff, opening relations with USSR if W. Beirut attacked.

US and Other Countries: Several sources indicate US is sending somewhat contradictory diplomatic signals to Riyadh and to Habib, the Lebanese and PLO; General Haig resigns as US Secretary of State, replaced by George Shultz (disagreement within the Administration over Lebanon reportedly a major factor); Indians ransack US library in Calcutta to protest US support for Israel.

UN: Security Council debates French proposal; Secretary General appeals for cease-fire; General Assembly debates resolution condemning Israeli invasion.