The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Estimated 300 Arabs and Jews demonstrate in Haifa in solidarity with the residents of the occupied territories [FJ 12/25].

Other Countries: White House Chief of Staff Donald Regan publicly denies Pres. Reagan approved August 1985 Israeli arms shipment to Iran, contradicting testimony from former National Security Adviser Robert McFarlane [LAT 12/19]. Britain pledges aid for Jordan's W. Bank and Gaza Strip development project UP 12/19].

Military Action

Arab World: Syrian troops take Sami Turk, a commander of Sunni fundamentalist group known as Tawhid (Islamic Unification Movement), into custody. Tawhid members kill 15 Syrian soldiers in protest. Leftist Lebanese parties join with Syrian forces in 36-hour battle, which leaves over 200 dead [WP 1/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jerusalem Electric Company (JEC) and Ministry of Energy reach initial agreement whereby JEC gives up concession for Jewish settlements in the occupied territories to Israeli National Electric (IEC). JEC will continue to serve its Palestinian customers [FJ 12/19]. Senior Israeli officials dispute White House Chief of Staff Donald Regan's reported testimony that Israelacked Pres. Reagan's approval for August 1985 arms shipment to Iran [NYT 12/18]. Finance Minister Moshe Nissim announces plan for major reform that would "desocialize" Israel's economy. Histadrut threatens strike if program is implemented [WT 12/18]. Palestinians held in converted Gaza army camp protest conditions and treatment at detention center [FE 12/19]. Jerusalem police arrest 5 Jewish men accused of violence against Palestinians in the last 3 weeks. Charges range from illegal demonstration to stone throwing and battering a small child [F 12/25].

Arab World: Director of PLO Political Department 'Abd al-Latif Abu Hijlah meets with British Foreign Ministry representative Patrick Nixon in Tunis [FJ 12/25].