The Palestine Chronology

PLO official Nabil Shaath says Israel-PLO talks in Cairo getting to detailed level, reports progress and exchange of drafts on security arrangements. (WP 1/27)

King Hussein meets Secy. of State Christopher in Washington, D.C. At news conference marking end of U.S. visit Jordanian ruler calls for "interfaith dialogue" on Jerusalem's holy places, reiterates that East Jerusalem should be restored to Arab rule. Hussein also says he hopes to meet Israeli PM Rabin "before too long." (NYT, WP, WT 1/27)

Qatari FM Shaykh Hamad bin Jassim alThani, visiting U.S., says Arab states have "been discussing" boycott of Israel and "are ready to take some action" on phasing it out. Al-Thani also confirms Israel and Qatar discussing supply of Qatari natural gas to Israel. (MM, NYT 1/27)

Resident of Jabaliya camp, Gaza, killed, presumably for collaboration with occupation. (Qol Yisra'el 1/27 in FBIS 1/28)

Company for Developing Old Jaffa announces agreement with Vatican on setting up Vatican embassy in Franciscan church in Jaffa, 1st embassy in Israel in historically Arab city. (MM 1/26)

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: With order nisi, High Court blocks demolition of 7 Jabaliya camp houses as "unlicensed." PM Peres presents options to cabinet for partial or total troop withdrawal from S. Lebanon. In Tel Aviv, US Defense Sec. Weinberger pledges US will buy $100 million more in Israeli products in 1984 to offset large Israeli purchases of American military equipment. Al-Bireh Arab Nursing College students begin slowdown strike to protest administrative measures. Abu Dis Science and Technology College students strike over newly required English proficiency & minimum passing grade requirements.

Arab World: Lebanese parliament elects (Shi'ite) Hussein al-Husseini as speaker. King Hussein meets Pres. Sadam Hussein in Baghdad.

Military Action

Arab World: IDF imposes new prohibition against travelers crossing Awali without permit.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel gov't. rejects King Hussein's UN peace negotiations proposal. Finance Ministry refuses income tax amendment protecting workers from inflation.

Arab World: Representatives of Fateh and Palestinian Democratic Alliance (PDA) issue joint statement in Algiers proposing to convene 1 7th National Council session before mid-Sept.

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF shoot Jabaliya camp (Gaza) resident on suspicion of stone-throwing, wounding him in leg.

Arab World: 3 IDF troops wounded by roadside bomb near Jezzine. Lebanese resistance fighters ambush IDF vehicle S. of Lake Karoun. Katyushas fired on IDF position near Tyre.