The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Dir.Gen. of For. Min. David Kimche states in press briefing that Israeli intelligence has "absolute, complete and irrefutable proof' that Yasir Arafat "knew about this [the Achille Lauro] operation before it was to begin" [WP, LAT 10/11]. Jerusalem Post reports arrest of members of alleged Fateh cell said to be responsible for recent spate of bombings in and around Jerusalem [JP 10/10]. Jerusalem Post cites report in al-Mithaq stating some Palestinian ex-prisoners released in the 5/20 prisoner exchange are asking for special consideration in their applications to West Bank universities; Najah U. has agreed to admit some despite low grades, while other universities have agreed to give them special entrance exams [JP 10/11]. Jerusalem shops close in general strike to protest "iron fist" policy in occupied territories which since its imposition in August has resulted in over 6 deaths, 21 deportations, over 80 administrative detentions without trial. Similar strike in Ramallah is forcibly ended by Israeli troops. Students at Birzeit and Bethlehem U. also strike [FJ 10/11].

Other Countries: Pres. Reagan tells reporters it would be "all right" for the PLO to try the 4 hijackers if Arafat has "kind of a national court set up, like a nation that they can bring them to justice." Later in the day, Nat. Sec. Adv. Robert McFarlane tells reporters Reagan "meant that he wants the PLO to tum these hijackers over to competent authorities for trial" [WP 10/11]. Sec. of St. George Shultz appeals to Senate Foreign Relations Committee to approve the proposed $1.9 billion arms sale to Jordan, calling it an "absolute necessity" for success in the M.E. peace process [CT, TS 10/1 1].

Military Action

Other Countries: U.S. Navy F-14 fighter jets intercept Egyptian plane carrying 4 hijackers and force it to land in Sicily; Italian authorities arrest the 4. White House spokesman Larry Speakes says the Egyptian plane was destined for Tunisia, but Tunisia had denied it landing rights. Speakes "categorically denies any deal" between the U.S. and Egypt on the interception. Speakes says the hijackers are in Italian custody but the U.S. will seek extradition [NYT, LAT 10/11]. Bodies of 2 men believed to be missing Israeli soldiers are found in Barcelona, Spain. Anonymous caller to Westem news agency claims the 2 were "Zionist sailors from the Zionist ship California" and that Fateh's Force 17 executed them on 10/5 [NYT 10/11].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Three Palestinians are deported to Jordan: Amin Ramzi Dawish Maqbul, of Nablus; Walid Ahmad Mahmud Nazzal, of Jenin district; and Bahjat Mustafa Hasan al-Biyadi Jayyusi, of Tulkarm district. Nazzal is accused of being a senior leader in the DFLP, Maqbul of being a Fateh leader for the Nablus area, and Jayyusi of incitement and stone throwing [JP 10/3]. Students in Gaza, W. Bank demonstrate in support of PLO, against Tunis raid; Palestinian flag raised, Arafat's photo raised, tires bumed, stones thrown. Soldiers shoot to disperse crowds. Passenger on Israeli bus injured by breaking glass [NYT 10/3]. Israeli settler Yosef Hamoi, from Elon Moreh settlement, is convicted of manslaughter in the 1983 killing of an 8-year-old Nablus girl, and of causing grievous bodily harm to her sister. Settler Ephraim Segal, with Hamoi at the time, is convicted of trying to subom witnesses, and Pinhas Mahrabis convicted of destroying evidence. Sentencing will follow [JP 10/3].

Arab World: PLO officials estimate 67 dead, over 100 wounded in Tunis attack; hospital reports 47 dead, 65 wounded [NYT 10/3]. Anti-American demonstration in Tunis draws 7,000 [LAT 10/3].

Other Countries: Pres. Reagan expresses his "sincere condolences" to Tunisia for Israel's 10/1 raid on PLO headquarters there. White House spokesman Larry Speakes says the Israeli attack is "understandable as an expression of self-defense," but "cannot be condoned" [CT, NYT 10/3; TI 10/14].

Military Action

Arab World: SLA patrol is attacked by gunfire in the security zone. SLA troops later direct mortar and tank fire at Shi'ite village of Kafra north of security zone [JP 10/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Order closing 5- month-old al-Darb newspaper takes effect. Attomey for the paper's publisher is able to schedule High Court hearing for case for 10/6 [FJ 10/4].

Arab World: King Hussein meets with key U.S. congressmen to discuss proposed U.S. arms sale to Jordan [WP 10/2].

Other Countries: Pentagon officials meet Israeli diplomats, ask for list of U.S. weapons used in Tunis air raid [DT 10/4]. EEC countries empower their president to meet a joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegation, following Britain's decision to invite the delegation, including 2 prominent PLO members, to London for talks [JP 10/2].

Military Action

Arab World: Israel bombs PLO headquarters in Tunis, claiming retaliation for Lamaca killings and W. Bank violence; 61 Palestinians and 12 Tunisians killed, over 100 injured. 8 U.S.-made F-15s and 8 F- 16s used in the attack, raising speculation Israel may have violated U.S. Arms Export Control Act. White House spokesman Larry Speakes describes attack as a "legitimate response" to "terrorist atacks" [NYT, JP 10/2]. Jordan and Egypt condemn raid, vow to continue peace process. Egypt suspends Taba discussions in protest [NYT 10/2]. Saudi Arabia calls for UN sanctions against Israel. England, Greece, Czechoslovakia, China, Rumania, France, Kuwait, UAE, Turkey, Jewish leaders condemn raid [NYT 10/2; MG, LT 10/3]. Washington claims no advance knowledge of the attack [NYT 10/2]. Three SLA soldiers killed by unidentified gunmen in the security zone [JP 10/2].