The Palestine Chronology

U.S. special envoy Ross arrives in the Middle East; holds talks in Gaza with Arafat, in Jerusalem with Netanyahu. (WP 4/15; CSM, WP 4/16)

EU-Mediterranean business conference opens in Malta. Arafat, Israeli FM Levy meet on the sidelines in the highest level contact since talks broke down in 3/97. (CSM, MM, WT 4/15; Radio France Internationale [Paris] 4/15 in WNC 4/16; CSM, MM 4/16; De Volkskrank [Amsterdam], SANA 4/16 in WNC 4/17; CSM, NYT, WP 4/17; MEI, PR 4/18)

On the sidelines of the Malta conference, Jordanian FM Tarawnah, Syrian FM Shara` discuss improving bilateral relations. (al-Dustur 4/23 in WNC 4/24)

In Surif, 3 critically ill Palestinians die when IDF troops enforcing curfew deny them access to medical treatment. (NYT 4/16)

Israeli police recommend felony indictments in the Bar-On affair be sought against Justice M Hanegbi, chief of staff Avigdor Lieberman, Netanyahu political ally and Shas head Arye Deri. (ITV 4/15 in WNC 4/16; MM, WP, WT 4/16; YA 4/16 in WNC 4/17) (see 2/28)

In Mina, Saudi Arabia, an estimated 210 Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani pilgrims participating in the Hajj are killed, 800 are injured when canisters of cooking fuel ignite tents. At least 70,000 tents are destroyed, leaving 100,000s of pilgrims temporarily without shelter. (CSM, NYT, WP, WT 4/16; MM 4/22, 4/24; MEI 5/2)

SLA releases 7 detainees fr. al-Khiyam prison in s. Lebanon to mark the end of Ramadan. (RL 4/15 in WNC 4/16)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli authorities bar Palestinian leader Faisal Husayni from O.T. for 6 months, calling him threat to Israeli security [NYT, WP 12/7].

Five Palestinians living on Egyptian side of Canada district, divided in half by Israeli border, crossed into Gaza Strip as first of 5,000 Arabs to be reunited with their families over next 5 years [NYT 12/ 8; JP 12/16].

The return of Palestinians prompts angry demonstrations by Israeli settlers [JP 12/16; FJ 12/25].

Israel and Egypt sign a new agreement on agricultural cooperation [FBIS 12/13].

Arab World: Egypt, speaking for PLO, formally accepts in principle the 5-point formula of Sec. Baker, adds 3 conditions [NYT, WP, FBIS 12/7; FBIS 12/14].

New Jordanian P.M. Mudar Badran announces formation of 23-member Cabinet that excludes Muslim Brotherhood, largest bloc in new Parliament [NYT, FBIS 12/7].

Other Countries: Under U.S. and international pressure, Arab nations at UN withdraw resolution that recognizes Palestinian state [NYT, WP 12/7].

U.S. State Dep't. releases official version of Baker's 5-point framework for an Israeli-Palestinian dialogue [NYT, WP 12/ 7].

Undersec. Kelly arrives in Amman, briefs Husayn on Malta summit [FBIS 12/ 7]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: Arab nations decide to defer action on UN resolution recognizing Palestinian state, yielding to U.S. warnings it would withhold funds if resolution was passed [NYT 12/6].

U.S. undersecretary for Near Eastern and South Asian affairs John Kelly meets with Shamir, Arens, and Peres to brief them on Malta summit. Later Kelly flies to Cairo to brief Mubarak [FBIS 12/5, 12/6].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli army shoots, kills 5 Arabs crossing into southern Israel from Egypt through the Sinai [NYT, WP, FBIS 12/6; JP 12/16].

Ha'aretz reports IDF plans to build prison in Gush 'Ezyon area. The jail would hold 4,000 inmates [FBIS 12/5].

Arab World: 5 Palestinians are killed in Ayn al-Hulwah camp near Sidon when masked man opens fire in street [FBIS 12/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Israel reserves "freedom of action" for its troops in Lebanon if Israel's security is deemed threatened [NYT 12/1].

'Al Hamishmar reports Israel has decided to renew activities of W. Bank village leagues [FBIS 11/30].

Arab World: Arab League foreign ministers conclude meetings in Tunis [FBIS 12/4].

Foreign ministers petition Bush, Gorbachev to give top priority to Palestinian question during Malta summit [NYT, WP 12/1].

Other Countries: Arab nations introduce into UN General Assembly resolution to upgrade PLO status from observer group to observer state [NYT 12/1].

U.S. urges Israel, Syria, others to show restraint in Lebanon [NYT 12/1].

Scottish police find further evidence linking Palestinian "Abu Talb" to bombing of Pan Am flight 103 [NYT 12/1].