The Palestine Chronology

German PM Helmut Kohl notifies FM Levy that Germany cannot provide the amount of additional aid to resettle Soviet Jews which Israel had requested [among other items, Israel had requested $10 billion in loan guarantees and an increase in amount of loans annually provided by Germany to Israel]. Germany is reportedly ready to provide compromise figure of $1 billion in loan guarantees, but Israel refuses. (Yedi'ot Aharonot 4/17 in FBIS 4/17; Ha'Aretz 4/19 in FBIS 4/21)

Israel, Angola establish diplomatic relations. (Qol Yisra'el 4/16 in FBIS 4/17)

Commemoration of Khalil Wazir's death continues as Palestinians throughout o.t. stage marches, rallies [see 4/15]. Numerous demonstrators are injured in confrontations with security forces in Shati', Jabaliya, Burayj, and Dayr al-Balah refugee camps in Gaza. (MM 4/16)

Seminar on negotiating strategies ends in Cairo [see 4/10]. After arriving in Cairo for medical treatment, Chmn. Arafat meets with members of Palestinian delegation, steering committee who had been attending seminar. (MENA 4/15 in FBIS 4/16; MM 4/16)

Israeli atty. gen. is instructed to investigate whether or not members of Palestinian delegation violated Israeli law forbidding contact with PLO when they met with Arafat. (MM 4/16; Qol Yisra'el 4/16 in FBIS 4/16)

Israeli high court of justice postpones ruling on a petition submitted by the Public Committee Against Torture which calls for prohibiting Israel's internal security service (Shin Bet) from torturing prisoners [in 1987, govt.-appointed Landau Commission approved use of "moderate physical pressure" against prisoners. Petition is seeking to overturn commission's recommendations]. (MM 4/16)

Palestinians march in Ramallah to commemorate fourth anniversary of assassination of Khalil Wazir (Abu Jihad). IDF kills Palestinian youth in Nasariyya, near Nablus. In separate incident, undercover forces kill "wanted" activist. (MM 4/15)

On ABC television, Israeli Housing Min. Ariel Sharon defends construction of o.t. settlements, saying West Bank has to be settled to provide military "strategic depth." On same program, Nat. Sec. Advisor Brent Scowcroft disagrees, saying "land for peace" is only real solution that will provide Israel any strategic security (cf. 4/15) [WP, MEM 4/15].

Two Arabs, allegedly from Abu Nidal's faction, are killed by IDF gunfire in "security zone" in southern Lebanon [IDF 4/14 in FBIS 4/15; RFL, BVL 4/15 in FBIS 4/17].

More than 200 Palestinians demonstrate in Rafah camp, marking 3d anniversary of assassination of Abu Jihad [AFP 4/15 in FBIS 4/16; FJ 4/22].

Palestinian is shot dead after allegedly trying to run down IDF soldier with his car [MEM 4/15; JDS 4/14 in FBIS 4/16; FJ 4/22].

Despite opposition from U.S., Israeli F.M. Levy urges gov't. to push quietly ahead with settlements in o.t.: "Our right [to settlements] cannot be challenged. There is one difference-don't upset the whole world" [MEM 4/15].

Findings of poll conducted by Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies in Tel Aviv are released: 90% of Israeli public favors use of nuclear weapons under certain circumstances; 49% believes Arabs final goal is to destroy Israel and kill Jews [MEM 4/15]. 

Jerusalem District Court overturns lower court ruling, allows eviction of Jewish nationalists from Hospice of St. John (cf. 4/10) [WP, LAT, WT 4/18; NYT 4/ 19; JDS 4/17 in FBIS 4/18].

In Moscow, Faisal Husayni meets with Soviet F.M. officials to discuss Jewish emigration [YA 4/17 in FBIS 4/18].

Arafat arrives in Amman for official state visit [ADS 4/17 in FBIS 4/17].

Palestinians commemorate 2d anniversary of assassination Abu Jihad [Kahlil al-Wazir]; at least 30 Gazans are injured in marches [jDS 4/17 in FBIS 4/18].

Pres. Saddam Hussein says Iraqi military commanders have standing orders to attack Israel with chemical weapons in event Israel uses nuclear weapons against Iraq [LAT 4/18].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: A general strike is observed in the occupied territories. Several demonstrations areheld on 40-day anniversary of the death of Abu Jihad. Several refugee camps are placed under curfews [NYT 5/26, FJ 5/29].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Soldiers injure 58 Palestinians during clashes in jabalya. The military uproots 150 trees in the village of Bayt Iba [FJ 5/29].

Arab World: Israeli air power and artillery aid the South Lebanon Army's attack on a Hizballah stronghold in S. Lebanon. Israeli helicopter gunships attack Palestinian refugee camp near Sidon. Amal announces it will join Hizballah in the fight against the Israelis. Amal also claims to have shot down an Israeli helicopter over Lebanon [NYT 5/26]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinians in occupied territories strike in response to call for "day of confrontation" [WP 5/5]. Israel appoints 'Ali Jarrar acting mayor of Qabatiyyah, near Jenin [FJ 5/8].

Arab World: Baghdad sources report PLO Executive Com. has elected Mahmud 'Abbas (Abu Mazin) to replace Khalil al-Wazir (Abu Jihad) as chairman of Palestinian delegation to joint Palestinian-Jordanian com. on occupied territories affairs [FJ 5/8].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Gaza Strip, 2 Palestinians are shot dead, another dies from tear gas during fierce clashes in Beach and Jabalya camps. Demonstrations erupt during funerals in spite of curfews; many are injured by tear gas, iron bars. In Salim village, 2 Palestinians are shot, wounded. Balatah camp is put under curfew. Demonstrations are reported in Ramallah district village of Silwad, Am'ari camp, Jenin, Bani Na'im, Bethlehem, and Tulkarm [FJ 5/8]. Army blocks 5 entrances to 'Ayn Bayt al-Ma' refugee camp with concrete-filled barrels [FJ 5/8].

Arab World: Israeli troops attack Lebanese village of Maydun and nearby villages, killing more than 40 Hizballah fighters, before pulling back to S. Lebanon security zone to end "Operation Law and Order"; 3 Israeli soldiers are killed and 17 wounded in fighting [WP 5/5].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Def. Min. Rabin tells Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Com. that 4,912 people are being detained in Israeli jails [WP 4/27]. Israeli govemment suspends official accreditation of 2 American reporters for not submitting stories about assassination of Khalil al-Wazir (Abu Jihad) to military censor [WP 4/27]. Bulldozers uproot olive trees in Qatannah village, north of Jerusalem; village is under 2-day curfew [FJ 5/1]. In E. Jerusalem, shopowners strike to protest 4/25 arrest of 14 merchants [FJ 5/1].

Arab World: PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat leaves Damascus. PLO Pol. Dept. head Faruq al-Qaddumi remains in Syria for further talks with govemment officials [CSM 4/28]. In Damascus, DFLP leader Nayif Hawatmah threatens more attacks on Israel from S. Lebanon [NYT 5/1]. National Resistance Front also claims responsibility for attack on Israel [WP 4/27].

Other Countries: In The Hague, World Court rules U.S. must submit to arbitration over legislation ordering PLO to close its observer mission to UN [WP 4/27].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli patrol kills 3 Palestinian guerrillas who entered Israel across Lebanese border; 2 Israeli soldiers are killed [WP 4/27; NYT 4/28]. In Gaza Strip, student demonstrators stone soldiers in Gaza City and Jabalya, Beach, and Khan Yunis camps. Soldiers respond with tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition. In Sha'jiyyah quarter of Gaza City, authorities seal 6 rooms; 2 houses in Dayr al-Balah camp are also sealed [FJ 5/1].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In E. Jerusalem, Israeli riot police, supported by armored personnel carriers and water cannon, force 14 Palestinian merchants to close their shops; shopkeepers are arrested [WP 4/26]. In Gaza, army raids offices of lawyers', women's, and engineers' associations and Palestine Red Crescent Society [WP 4/26]. Israeli court sentences to death John Demjanjuk, convicted of being Treblinka death camp executioner [WP 4/26].

Arab World: Pres. Hafiz al-Asad holds 4-hour meeting with PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat [NYT 4/26; CSM 4/28].

Other Countries: UN Security Council approves resolution condemning assassination of PLO official Khalil al-Wazir; U.S. abstains [NYT 4/26].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Army bulldozers uproot trees on 5 acres of land in Hussan village; villagers demonstrate and soldiers respond with tear gas and rubber bullets. Several Palestinians are injured during clashes in Gaza Strip [FJ 5/1].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Jerusalem, hundreds of demonstrators throwing stones and carrying portraits of slain PLO official Khalil al-Wazir clash with border police near al-Aqsa Mosque; several are wounded, and at least 30 demonstrators are arrested [NYT, WP 4/23]. A

rab World: In Damascus PLO leaders, including Faruq al-Qaddumi, George Habash, and Nayif Hawatmah, meet with Syrian vice president 'Abd al-Halim Khaddam [LAT, WP 4/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Idna village, near Hebron, soldiers shoot, kill Palestinian who army says attacked patrol with nail-studded club. Palestinian demonstrator is killed by army gunfire inKhan Yunis refugee camp; another is shot dead in Gaza village of Bani Suhayla. At least 13 are shot, woundeduring clash with Israeli troops in Jabalya refugee camp [NYT, WP 4/23].

Arab World: Israeli warplanes attack 2 PFLP-General Command bases midway between Beirut and Sidon [NYT, WP 4/23].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel celebrates its fortieth anniversary [WP 4/22]. U.S. and Israel sign "memorandum of agreement" formalizing U.S.-Israel military, security, and economic relationships [CSM 4/22]. Palestinians in occupied territories observe general strike [WP 4/22]. Gaza Strip telephone lines are cut. Water is shut off in Beach refugee camp [FJ 4/24].

Other Countries: Washington Post reports Israeli cabinet approved assassination of Khalil al-Wazir during 4/13 meeting; operation was planned by Mossad, army, navy, and air force [WP 4/21].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF seals off most of territories; 23 camps are under curfew. Palestinians are barred from entering Israel. Soldiers use tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition after firebomb is thrown at military vehicle in Bethlehem [WP 4/22]. In Jerusalem-area village of 'Isawiyyah, soldiers use tear gas, rubber bullets in clash with villagers after Palestinians refuse to remove Palestinian flags and black banners. Scattered demonstrations continue in Hebron and Ramallah regions. Army uses bulldozer and graveler in fierce clash in village of Hussan, west of Bethlehem [FJ 4/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Military issues order preventing Palestinians from occupied territories from traveling to Israel and E. Jerusalem [FJ 4/24].

Arab World: Khalil al-Wazir is buried in Damascus' Yarmuk camp [WP 4/21].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Curfews are imposed on 15 W. Bank camps as well as Nablus and village of 'Azzun. In Gaza Strip, parts of Rafah, Abasan village, and Jabalya, Beach, Nusayrat, and Khan Yunis camps are under curfew. Gaza Strip is closed off. Demonstrators in Nusayrat camp defy curfew; troops respond with live ammunition, killing 1. In W. Bank town of 'Anabta, curfew is reimposed following violent demonstration. Israeli sources report soldier is injured by rock during Ramallah demonstration [FJ 4/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel expels 8 Palestinians, including 6 Bayta residents, to Lebanon. Cabinet minister Ezer Weizman denounces 4/16 assassination of PLO military leader Khalil al-Wazir [WP 4/20]. Palestinian wounded in 4/18 clash in Faqu'ah village, near Jenin, dies [WP 4/20; FJ 4/24]. General strike is observed in W. Bank and Gaza Strip [FJ 4/24]. Hafiz Tuqan, Israeli-appointed major of Nablus, resigns his post [FJ 4/24]. All Gaza Strip schools are ordered closed until 4/23 [FJ 4/24].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Military curfews are in effect in 17 towns and refugee camps [WP 4/20]. Scattered demonstrations and clashes continue in W. Bank [FJ 4/24]. Gaza Strip is declared closed military zone [FJ 4/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli court convicts John Demjanjuk of crimes against the Jewish people, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and crimes against a persecuted people [WP 4/19]. General strike continues in occupied territories [FJ 4/24]. Israeli officials confiscate al-Fajr, al-Quds, and al-Sha'b. Al-Fajr is banned from distribution in W. Bank and Gaza Strip for 2 weeks [FJ 4/24].

Arab World: PLO announces Khalil al-Wazir will be buried in Syria. Tunisian govemment officially blames Israel for assassination of Wazir [WP 4/19].

Other Countries: U.S. condemns murder of PLO military leader Khalil al-Wazir as "act of political assassination" [NYT 4/19].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Entire W. Bank, except Jericho, is declared closed military zone [FJ 4/24]. Palestinian is killed when soldiers open fire on demonstration in Rafah. Palestinian from Gaza's Zaytun quarter is shot dead in separate incident. In Jenin, protester is shot in head, seriously wounded. Curfews continue in 16 camps, Nablus, and 'Anabta. Village of 'Azzun is ordered under curfew [FJ 4/24]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Al-'Awdah Palestinian weekly is ordered closed within 15 days [WP 4/18]. Supreme Muslim Council declares 3 days of mouming for Khalil al-Wazir [NYT 4/18]. Youth from village of Yabid, near Jenin, dies from wounds sustained during 4/16 clash [FJ 4/24]. Israeli authorities ban distribution of al-Quds and al-Sha'b in W. Bank and Gaza Strip [FJ 4/24].

Arab World: PLO announces desire to bury Khalil al-Wazir (Abu Jihad) in Jordan within view of W. Bank [WP 4/18].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Military imposes curfews in 20 refugee camps and 2 cities in occupied territories; 5 W. Bank towns are declared closed military zones [CSM 4/18]. Widespread demonstrations and clashes continue. Soldiers wound 2 Palestinians in Nur Shams refugee camp [WP 4/18]. Palestinian is shot dead during demonstration in 'Ubaydiyyah [FJ 4/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike is observed in occupied territories [FJ 4/24].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Violent demonstrations break out in Gaza Strip and W. Bank following news reports of Abu Jihad's assassination. At least 14 are killed by army gunfire in occupied territories; many others are wounded. Military orders 10 refugee camps under curfew [WP 4/17, 4/18]. Nablus is declared a closed military area. Soldiers use tear gas, bullets against large demonstrations in al-Birah and Ramallah, injuring at least 2. Palestinians and Israeli troops also clash in Tulkarm, Jenin, and Duhayshah camp [FJ 4/24].

Arab World: PLO military leader Khalil al-Wazir (Abu Jihad) is gunned down in his Tunis home; chauffeur and 2 bodyguards are also killed [WP 4/17; NYT 4/18].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Negev desert, 3 Palestinian gunmen hijack Israeli commuter bus. Israeli troops storm bus, killing hijackers; 3 passengers are killed, 8 injured [WP 3/8]. Jewish settler whose van is halted by road block in W. Bank village of Mazra'ah al-Sharqiyyah opens fire, killing Palestinian bystander [WP 3/28].

Arab World: Fateh claims responsibility for Negev desert hijacking [WP 3/8]. PLO officials Khalil al-Wazir (Abu Jihad) and 'Abd al-Rahim Ahmad arrive in Amman for meetings of Palestinian-Jordanian Joint Com. [FJ 3/13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Paestinian attacks IDF patrol with gunfire and hand grenades, slightly wounding 1 soldier. Soldiers respond with live ammunition, wounding 7 [WP, LAT 3/8]. Palestinian is killed after being hit in face by tear gas canister. Soldiers impose curfew in Idna village after violent clashes in which at least 7 were injured. IDF uses half-tracks, live ammunition to disperse large demonstration in Nablus [FJ 3/13]. In Hebron-region village of Dura, protesters set fire to municipal building and car belonging to Israeli-appointed mayor. Army demolishes 2 houses in Biddu village near Ramallah [FJ 3/13]. Soldiers prevent faculty members and students from entering Bethlehem U. campus [FJ 3/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli military officials confirm more than 1,000 Palestinians have been arrested in connection with recent rioting. Yediot Aharonot poll shows 69% of Israelis favor using tougher measures against violent disturbances in Gaza Strip and W. Bank; 80% support deporting Palestinians responsible for the unrest; 47% say they are in "a tougher mood" as a result of the riots [NYT 12/26]. Balatah and 'Askar refugee camps are ordered under curfew after demonstrations [FJ 12/27]. Demonstrations are reported in Gaza following Friday prayers [FJ 12/27]. Israeli authorities extend closure of Islamic U. in Gaza and Palestine Religious Institute additional week to 1/3 [FJ 12/27].

Arab World: PLO official Khalil al-Wazir (Abu Jihad) leaves Libya following official visit [FJ 1/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 20 Israeli soldiers capture 3 Palestine Liberation Front guerrillas who crossed into Israel from Jordan [NYT 12/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Israeli F. M. Peres calls for dismantling existing settlements, demilitarizing Gaza Strip [CSM 12/8]. Jabalya preparatory school reopens after military-ordered closure [FJ 12/13]. Administration of Tulkarm's Khadduri College closes school indefinitely pending resolution of dispute between students and administration [FJ 12/13]. Palestinian American activist Mubarak 'Awad requests meeting with P. M. Shamir [CSM 12/8].

Other Countries: UN Sec. Gen. Javier Perez de Cuellar and Arab representatives protest U.S. congressional attempt to close PLO observer mission to UN [NYT 12/8]. PLO envoy Khalil al-Wazir arrives in Warsaw for 3-day visit [FJ 12/13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldiers open fire on Palestinian vehicle approaching check point near Dhahriyyah; 1 Palestinian is injured [FJ 12/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Qalqiliyyah is placed under curfew after firebombs are thrown at 2 Israeli vehicles. Armed settlers from nearby Alfei Menashe raid Qalqiliyyah, breaking windows and emptying garbage cans in streets; settlers also strike village of Hablah [FJ 5/10]. Arab local councils from 46 towns inside the green line hold one-day strike to protest government inaction on councils' financial difficulties [FJ 5/10].

Arab World: Khalil al-Wazir (Abu Jihad) holds talks with Libyan leader Mu'ammar Qadhdhafi [FJ 5/10].

Military Action

Arab World: PLO Chairman Yasir Arafat vows to launch more attacks against Israel from Lebanon [PI 5/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Knesset com. votes to deny Rabbi Kahane his free postal privileges after he sent "hate mail" to Israeli Arabs [WP 2/18].

Arab World: PLO delegation led by Khalil al-Wazir (Abu Jihad) ends talks with Minister of Occupied Territories Affairs Marwan Dudin and other Jordanian officials in Amman with agreement on how to distribute Saudi contribution to joint PLO-Jordanian fund [WP 2/18].

Other Countries: Israeli P. M. Shamir and U.S. Sec. of State Shultz meet in Washington, discuss disagreement over international Middle East peace conference [NYT, WP 2/18].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: One woman is shot by police during 9th day of demonstrations in Khan Yunis [BG 2/18]. Authorities order Bethlehem University closed for 4 days, Birzeit U. for 2 days following demonstrations at both campuses. Demonstrations are reported in Gaza City, Rafah, and several camps [FJ 2/20].

Arab World: Amal temporarily lifts siege of Shatila and Burj al-Barajinah camps after PLO fighters agree to withdraw from posts in Maghdushah [FJ 2/20].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Rafah, Israeli settler shoots at stone throwers, wounding construction worker. Israeli settlers injure 3 during attack on al-Maghazi refugee camp [FJ 2/6]. Israeli police raid office of Islamic magazine in Umm al-Fahm, confiscate magazines and books [FJ 2/6]. Head of Union of Charitable Societies for Nablus and Janin area says funds allocated by Jordan for several charities were never received, demands investigations [FJ 2/6]. Ya'acov Nimrodi says he gave list of 90 Iranian "pragmatists" to U.S. officials. List was originally drafted by deputy speaker of Iranian parliament [WT 2/5].

Arab World: Islamic Jihad warns it will kill American hostages and attack American targets if U.S. tries military attack against Muslims in the region. Jordan announces Khalil al-Wazir (Abu Jihad) will be allowed to attend meeting of Joint Palestinian-jordanian Com. in Amman [FJ 2/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: High level representatives of Fateh and PFLP meet in Prague to discuss reunifying the PLO. Fateh Central Committee member Abu Jihad leaves Prague for Moscow [FJ 11/21]. U.S. Pres. Reagan attempts to smooth relations with Arab countries angered by his shipment of arms to Iran [LAT 11/20].

Military Action

Arab World: A man apparently on a mission to bomb SLA post blows up his car killing 3 UN soldiers, a Lebanese woman, and himself [WP 11/21]. Israeli helicopters and navy ship shell Sidon port injuring 3 [FJ 11/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Jordan closes all 25 offices of Fateh while allowing 12 "PLO offices" to remain open; Arafat's military deputy and chief delegate in Amman, Khalil al-Wazir (Abu Jihad) given 48 hours to leave, movement of top Fateh officials restricted [NYT 7/8; WP 7/8, 7/9]. The New York Times cites reports that Jordan ispressuring 4 Palestinians to accept Israeli appointments to mayoralties of their towns: Khalil Musa for Ramallah; Walid Mustafa for al-Birah; Muhammad Ja'bari for Hebron; and 'Abd al-Fatah Dudin for Dura [FJ 7/4; NYT 7/8, 7/9].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli cabinet appoints Yosef Harish, a district court judge, as attorney general, removing Yitzhak Zamir, who had opposed cabinet by ordering investigation of Shin Bet Chief Avraham Shalom. Investigation order is suspended. Israel Radio says Zamir found evidence showing Shalom ordered 2 Palestinians clubbed to death after they were arrested for attack on Israeli bus [NYT 6/2]. Harish favors secret investigation into Shin Bet case [LT 6/3]. Jerusalem District Electric Company workers strike over nonpayment of salaries. The East Jerusalem utility owes $12 million to Israel Electric Corp., which has refused to approve payment of salaries; JDEC's property attached in court UP 6/2]. Three Palestinians and 1 Tunisian are formally charged with membership in Fateh organization in Israeli military court in Lydda; the 4 were captured on 3/29 when the Israeli navy intercepted their vessel heading from Syria to Lebanon [FJ 6/6].

Arab World: Four hundred Fateh dissidents elect 'Atallah 'Atallah, former Jordanian army officer also known as Abu Za'im, as commander in chief [MG 6/2]. PLO military deputy Khalil al-Wazir calls election "theatricals" and "illegal" [BG 6/2].

Military Action

Arab World: Cease-fire in south Beirut negotiated by Algeria and Iran fails after a few hours. Estimated dead by now 55, and 348 wounded since 5/19 [BG 6/2]. Israeli forces raid Habbaniyeh in Lebanese "security zone" and pound Nabatiyah-Arab Salim-Jarjuh axis [OJ 6/2].

Social/Economic/Political

Arab World: Radio Monte Carlo reports WAFA (the Palestine News Agency) offices in Amman were closed following King Hussein's suspension of joint peace efforts with the PLO; Khalil al-Wazir (Abu Jihad) states PLO office in Amman has remained open, PLO is no longer responsible for handling security and passport problems of PLO personnel, they are now being processed by Jordanian security services, like Jordanian nationals; Abu Jihad states 1 PLO official has been expelled from Jordan, another turned back at Amman airport 2 weeks ago [JP 4/3; FJ 4/4].

Other Countries: U.S. State Dept. spokesman Bernard Kalb confirms U.S. and Israel have begun discussion of "Marshall Plan" for the M.E.; Israeli govt. sources say Pres. Mubarak is interested in the idea, Israelis have also raised it with W. Germans; U.S. officials say priority isbeing given to interesting W. German and Japanese leaders in the plan [NYT, JP 4/3].

Military Action

Other Countries: Bomb explodes aboard TWA jet en route from Rome to Athens, killing 4 and wounding 9; group called Arab Revolutionary Cells claims responsibility, states attack was in retaliation for U.S. attacks on Libya [NYT, WP 4/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Peres tells group of senators Jordan should publicly state it is not formally at war with Israel, recognize Israel's right to exist [WP 10/4]. Def. Min. Yitzhak Rabin states Yasir Arafat was not intended as a target in the 10/1 raid on PLO headquarters in Tunis UTA 10/4]. Ethiopian Jewish immigrants to Israel end 4-week protest outside chief rabbinate offices in Jerusalem after P.M. Peres works out compromise whereby only certain couples whose Judaism is suspect will be required to undergo ritual conversion; the decision will be left to local rabbis [LAT, LT 10/4].

Arab World: Yasir Arafat's deputy Abu Jihad and Pres. Mubarak both vow to continue working for a M.E. peace despite Israel's 10/1 air raid on Tunis [CT 10/4]. PLO officials state they are certain the 3 Israelis killed 9/25 in Cyprus were Mossad agents working undercover [DT 10/4]. Armored vehicles and riot police protect U.S. embassy in Tunis after bomb threats and demonstrations against Reagan's announcement of approval for the Israeli raid [LAT, LT 10/4].

Other Countries: Senior State Dept. official says the U.S. has implicitly warned Israel against attacking PLO bases in Jordan [LAT 10/4].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In interview, US Ambassador Samuel Lewis states Cabinet Min. Ariel Sharon briefed US special envoy Philip Habib on IDF plans to drive PLO from Lebanon months before actual invasion [WP 5/24]. Police arrest Musa Adawi [released 5/20 during prisoner exchange] for "incitement" [JP 5/27].

Arab World: Syria accuses Chmn. Arafat of provoking Shi'ite-Palestinian battle in Beirut [NYT 5/23]. In Amman, Chmn. Arafat calls for intervention of UN Sec. Council in Beirut fighting [LT 5/23]. Fateh Deputy-in-Command Khalil al-Wazir (Abu Jihad) asserts Israel, PLO negotiating another release of Palestinian prisoners in return for bodies of IDF soldiers killed in Lebanon [FT 5/23].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in Lebanon: Palestinian fighters fire Katyusha rockets into Shi'ite areas S. of Beirut to relieve Amal's seige of Palestinian camps in Beirut; 34 killed in continuing battle [NYT 5/23, 24]. Shi'ite forces storm Gaza Hospital in Shatila camp, kill 25 patients [LT 5/26, NYT 5/27]. IDF evacuate Kafr Huna, Rihan, Mashghara, 'Aisheh, Farara [JP 5/23].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: US, Israel sign free trade agreements; all tariffs between the 2 countries to be eliminated within 10 yrs. [NYT 4/23].

Arab World: Chmn. Arafat indicates US must support PLO as legitimate representative of Palestinian people for negotiations to progress [JP 4/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF sink Fateh commando ship 100 miles off coast; 20 killed, 8 captured; Fateh Deputy-in-Command Khalil al-Wazir (Abu Jihad) claims several fighters seached shore [WP, MG 4/23]. IDF confiscate five and one-half dunums of land in Beit Wazan belonging to al-Najah U. [FJ 4/26].

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: Lebanese Forces announce unilateral ceasefire, plans to evacuate Sidon area; fighting continues [NYT 4/23]. Roadside bomb injures IDF soldier near Jwaiyeh [JP 4/23].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jewish Agency, World Zionist Org. Settlement Dept. announce 3 new settlements to be established in N. Galilee [JP 3/26]. More than 300 relatives of striking Palestinian political prisoners at Ashkelon prison demonstrate in front of Intl. Red Cross offices in E. Jerusalem [FJ 3/29].

Arab World: In Amman, Fateh Deputy-incommand Khalil al-Wazir (Abu Jihad) states PLO forces loyal to Chmn. Arafat have moved back into S. Lebanon and that over 60 have been killed fighting the IDF in past 5 mos. [JP 3/26]. In Damascus, "Palestine National Salvation Front" is created to obstruct 2/11 Arafat-Hussein accord, to work for greater "strategic alliance" with Syria; front includes PFLP, PFLP-GC, Sa'iqa, Popular Struggle Front, Palestinian National Front, and Abu Musa's Fateh dissidents [WP 3/26].

Military Action

Arab World: Action in S. Lebanon: IDF summon mukhtars from villages SE of Tyre to meeting in Bint Jbeil; are told 500 IDF advisors will remain in security zone subsequent to IDF withdrawal [LT 3/30].