The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Jewish underground defendants sentenced, ending thirteen-month trial: 3 get life sentences for murder, other 12 get terms ranging from 4 months to 7 years [NYT, WP 7/23]. Sentences include time already served and all convicted are likely to get one-third off for good behavior [JP 7/23]. Mayor Meir Nitzan of Rishon Lezion tells press conference his town has been targeting Palestinians for firing first over past 2 years, dismissing 71; he cites Jewish law as rationale [JP 7/23].

Arab World: Egyptian Prime Minister Kamal Hasan 'Ali states increased Soviet Jewish emigration to Israel could hamper peace process by contributing to settlement in the occupied territories [MG 7/23]. Foreign Min. Shamir pledges to continue contacts with Soviets [JTA 7/22].

Military Action

Arab World: Gunfire breaks out between Finnish UNIFIL soldiers and SLA troops when three SLA soldiers refuse to submit to searches at UNIFIL roadblock near Barajit [JP 7/23].

Other Countries: Bombs explode in Copenhagen synagogue and U.S. Northwest Orient airline office, injuring 27; Islamic Jihad claims responsibility, says was in retaliation for recent Israeli raid on Lebanese village of Qabrikha [NYT 7/23].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli High Court issues order nisi blocking deportation of ex-prisoner Khalid Muhammad Tantash until court hears his case. Tantash was released in the 5/20 prisoner exchange agreement. Last week Tantash was notified through the Red Cross of the Israelis' intention to deport him because he does not have an identity card [FJ 7/26]. Kiryat Arba local council concludes agreement to fire town's Palestinian employees, press institutions to hire only Jewish laborers, and work for total Sabbath observance. Kach party is represented in council [JP 7/21]. Thirteen American black leaders in govemment, civil rights, and the church arrive for ten-day "crash course on Israel" organized by the American-Israel Friendship League [JP 7/19].

Arab World: Egyptian Prime Minister Kamal Hasan 'Ali is quoted as urging U.S. to go ahead with preliminary peace talks with Jordanian-Palestinian delegation despite Israeli objections [JP 7/21].

Military Action

Arab World: Shi'ite militiamen capture 6 SLA soldiers in Markaba village in Israel's security zone, reportedly free 8 held prisoner there [LT 7/20].