Some 3,000 Israelis, Palestinians demonstrate against 12/12 occupation of six homes in Silwan by settlers. (NYT 12/21)
Press reports, citing Palestinian and Israeli sources, claim Fateh has...
Some 3,000 Israelis, Palestinians demonstrate against 12/12 occupation of six homes in Silwan by settlers. (NYT 12/21)
Press reports, citing Palestinian and Israeli sources, claim Fateh has...
Jerusalem civil court orders family to leave their house in Silwan, but police once again refuse to evict the family [see 12/16]. (MM 12/20)
Settlers block traffic on Nablus-Jerusalem road...
After several days of talks with Syrian, Lebanese delegations but stand-off with Palestinian, Jordanian delegates, Israeli negotiators end current round of talks and leave Washington. New round...
Israeli aircraft destroy PFLP-GC base near Sultan Ya'qub, S. Lebanon. (NYT 12/18)
UN Gen. Assembly votes to repeal resolution 3379, passed in 1975, which characterized Zionism as a "form of racism and racial discrimination." Vote was 111 in favor, 25 against, 13 abstentions (...
IDF bans W. Bank Palestinians from approaching within 150 meters of roads lying outside towns and villages at night. IDF ends round-the-clock curfew of Ramallah, al-Bira, but nighttime curfew [...
Settlers in Kiryat Arba decide to create self defense patrols to chase Palestinian suspects after attacks on Jewish targets. (LAT 12/16)
Police evict settlers from one of the homes they occupy in Silwan following Jerusalem court ruling. (MM 12/16)
Palestinian, Israeli delegates continue meeting in corridor at State Dept. (MM 12/12)
Following recent decisions allowing them to move into disputed homes in Silwan, settlers from El Ad...
Israeli-Syrian, Israeli-Lebanese talks continue in Washington, but Israelis, Palestinians still disagree over whether they will meet separately from Jordanians. While both sides agreed to a "two-...
Bilateral Israeli-Syrian, Israeli-Lebanese peace talks resume in Washington. But talks between Israel, Jordanians, Palestinians fail to take place when Israel rejects 2-track approach of meeting...
Israel releases videotape interview of Shaykh 'Abd al-Karim 'Ubayd, Shiite cleric kidnapped by Israeli commandos in July 1989. Move seen as attempt to keep issue of Israel-Lebanese prisoner...
Israeli govt. states settlers can move into Silwan, despite recommendations from atty. gen. and police to the contrary. (MM 12/9)
HaAretz reports Israel has told U.S. it will not negotiate with Palestinian delegation if Sa'ib 'Urayqat is a member. Israel objects to 'Urayqat's presence after his statement last fall that he...
U.S. refuses Arab demand to reschedule negotiations due to Israeli refusal to attend 12/4 talks in Washington. (WP 12/6)
Islamic Resistance Movement fires rockets into Marjayun, S. Lebanon...
Syrian, Lebanese, and joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegations arrive at State Dept. in Washington for peace talks; Israel holds fast to its decision not to attend. (NYT 12/5)
U.S. State...
Islamic Jihad releases American hostage Alann Steen in Beirut. (NYT 12/4)
After meeting Syr. Pres. Asad, PLO Chmn. Arafat meets with Palestine National Salvation Front (PNSF) head Khalid al...
Palestinian delegates finally join Jordanians in leaving for peace talks in Washington after 10-hour delay at Amman airport during which negotiations continued between Palestinians and U.S....
Israeli cabinet reaffirms refusal to attend beginning of bilateral talks in Washington 12/4. (WP 12/2)
Arafat holds talks with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo, later flies to Jordan. (Jordan TV 12/1...
PFLP, DFLP activists issue communique in o.t. calling for 12/4 strike to protest reconvening of peace talks. (AFP 11/30 in FBIS 12/2)
Some 50 anti-nuclear activists demonstrate outside...
IDF issues order closing Birzeit University for another three months. (MM 12/3)
Chinese FM Qian Qichen indicates China and Israel will eventually establish diplomatic ties, also noting that speed with which ties are established will depend upon progress of peace talks. (NYT...
Israel says it won't attend 12/4 peace talks, but offers to attend one or two meetings beginning 12/9 to move talks to the Middle East. Syria accepts invitation, and PLO authorizes Palestinian...
U.S. declares State Dept. will not issue visas to PLO officials to travel to Washington during peace talks, in accordance with prior U.S. policy. (MM 11/28)
26th International Red Cross...
Hanan Ashrawi informs U.S. consul in E. Jerusalem that Palestinians will attend 12/4 talks in Washington. Lebanon also accepts. (Qol Yisra'el 11/25 in FBIS 11/26; MM 11/25)
Israeli attorney...
Unified National Leadership of the Uprising (UNLU) issues leaflet no. 77 in o.t. on eve of 4th anniversary of beginning of the intifada. Pamphlet calls for end to settlement activity, calls on UN...
U.S. extends invitations for second round, bilateral peace negotiations to convene 12/4 in Washington. Neither Israel nor Palestinians immediately accept, Israel because it favors holding talks in...
In Washington, PM Shamir discusses upcoming bilateral peace talks with Secy. of State Baker, expresses reservations about holding talks in Washington. Israel continues to push for holding talks in...
Israeli police investigatory board determines police acted properly upon a report that armed men were present in building housing the Islamic court of E. Jerusalem, other offices shortly before...
Israeli state attorney recommends that Israel take no action against Hanan Ashrawi for her alleged contacts with PLO officials, as had been recommended by Israeli police. Israeli attorney general...
Islamic Jihad releases British hostage Terry Waite and American hostage Thomas Sutherland in Beirut. Israel states it will not release any more Arab prisoners until it receives word about airman...
Faisal Husseini and other Palestinian delegates arrive in Amman for talks with Jordanian officials. (Radio Jordan 11/17 in FBIS 11/19)
PFLP Gen. Secy. George Habash escalates PFLP's estrangement from PLO, threatening to withdraw from PLO should it continue "on its present course." (MBC Television 11/16 in FBIS 11/18)
...
PM Shamir arrives in U.S. for private tour, although he plans to meet with Pres. Bush later in the trip. (MEM 11/15)
Israeli police recommends that attorney general prosecute Hanan Ashrawi...
E. Jerusalem newspapers list names of some 30 new members of the political committees in the o.t. The committees already count some 150 members, reportedly largely Fateh activists but some from...
Some 3,000 Israelis, Palestinians demonstrate against 12/12 occupation of six homes in Silwan by settlers. (NYT 12/21)
Press reports, citing Palestinian and Israeli sources, claim Fateh has decided to dissolve its military forces in Lebanon. (al-Hayat 12/20 in FBIS 12/24)
Israeli commandos seize three men near Jibshit, S. Lebanon, take them to Israel for questioning. One of the detainees works part-time for Reuters. (MM 12/20)
Jerusalem civil court orders family to leave their house in Silwan, but police once again refuse to evict the family [see 12/16]. (MM 12/20)
Settlers block traffic on Nablus-Jerusalem road to protest recent attacks on Israeli cars. Settlers later damage Palestinian cars in Halhul, Hebron in reprisal for stoning of Israeli bus in Hebron. IDF clamps curfew on area of Hebron where stone attack occurred, declares other areas "closed military zones" to curb settler violence. (MEM 12/20)
After several days of talks with Syrian, Lebanese delegations but stand-off with Palestinian, Jordanian delegates, Israeli negotiators end current round of talks and leave Washington. New round scheduled for January. (MM 12/19)
As friction between IDF, settlers escalates over how to respond to Palestinian attacks on settlers, DM Arens meets with settlement leaders in Jerusalem, calls for halt to violent responses to such attacks. In a separate incident, representatives from settlements meet and decide to defy IDF roadblocks recently established to forestall intercommunal violence. Meeting also decided to establish "security patrols" to guard settlers. (Qol Yisra'el, HaAretz 12/18 in FBIS 12/18)
IDF troops encounter masked suspect amid large gathering of demonstrators in Gaza. Ensuing chase leaves one IDF officer, at least 10 Palestinians wounded. (NYT 12/19)
Turkey announces intent to improve diplomatic relations with Israel by replacing its charge d'affaires with an ambassador. Turkey also states intent to exchange ambassadors with Palestine. (MM 12/19)
Israeli aircraft destroy PFLP-GC base near Sultan Ya'qub, S. Lebanon. (NYT 12/18)
UN Gen. Assembly votes to repeal resolution 3379, passed in 1975, which characterized Zionism as a "form of racism and racial discrimination." Vote was 111 in favor, 25 against, 13 abstentions (six Arab countries-Egypt, Kuwait, Morocco, Tunisia, Oman, Bahrain-did not vote). (NYT, WP 12/17)
Stand-off between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators continues in Washington. (MM 12/17)
Israeli court allows Palestinian family to move back into Silwan shortly before a second court ruling overturns the decision and orders the family re-evicted. Police, however, decide to allow family to stay pending clarification. Courts are currently hearing five cases involving title to homes in Silwan. (MM 12/17)
U.S. State Dept. urges Israel to halt provocative actions by settlers [see 12/15]. (MM 12/17)
Knesset mbr. Yossi Sand presents reply by state attorney's office to high court of justice which implies that legal status of settlements is temporary. Court had requested state's opinion in response to appeal on settlements question lodged before court by Peace Now movement. (Qol Yisra'el 12/16 in FBIS 12/17)
Israel, EC sign agreement by which Israel will receive 7-year, $205 mill. loan. Israel will receive a further $36 mill. in interest subsidies. (Davar 12/18 in FBIS 12/18)
Israeli authorities claim two infiltrators were found drowned off the Gaza coast. (NYT 12/18)
Kuwaiti immigration dept. announces that Palestinian, Jordanian residents can renew their residency permits if they prove they did not collaborate with Iraqi forces during occupation of Kuwait. (MM 12/16)
IDF bans W. Bank Palestinians from approaching within 150 meters of roads lying outside towns and villages at night. IDF ends round-the-clock curfew of Ramallah, al-Bira, but nighttime curfew [after 5:00 P.M.] still applies. Settlers enter Ramallah, al-Bira, Halhul, Hebron and break shop windows, damage automobiles. (Qol Yisra'el 12/15 in FBIS 12 16; WP, MM 12/16)
Israeli state prosecutor indicts 10 Jerusalem police officers for "abusing" Palestinian detainees. (Qol Yisra'el 12/15 in FBIS 12/16)
Kuwait orders top PLO official Khalid al-Hasan and his family stripped of Kuwaiti citizenship. Kuwait News Agency states this was done because al-Hasan, although known for opposing Iraqi invasion, had not condemned the invasion "at the time" it occurred. (MM 12/16)
Settlers in Kiryat Arba decide to create self defense patrols to chase Palestinian suspects after attacks on Jewish targets. (LAT 12/16)
Police evict settlers from one of the homes they occupy in Silwan following Jerusalem court ruling. (MM 12/16)
Palestinian, Israeli delegates continue meeting in corridor at State Dept. (MM 12/12)
Following recent decisions allowing them to move into disputed homes in Silwan, settlers from El Ad group move into six homes under police escort. Settlers evict Palestinian family from one of the houses, but are later removed themselves by police. (MM 12/12)
81 international banks sign agreement extending $5.5 billion loan to Kuwait, largest loan ever borrowed by a country. (MM 12/12)
Israeli-Syrian, Israeli-Lebanese talks continue in Washington, but Israelis, Palestinians still disagree over whether they will meet separately from Jordanians. While both sides agreed to a "two-track" approach which would allow Israel to talk with Palestinian component of joint delegation about Israeli-Palestinian issues and with Jordanians about issues of Israeli-Jordanian concern, Israel insists on negotiating with joint delegation to avoid appearances of recognizing separate Palestinian delegation. Both parties have been meeting in a corridor at State Dept. during talks. (WP 12/12)
Israeli atty. gen. rules settlers hold legal title to disputed homes in Silwan. (MM 12/12)
ICO meeting ends in Dakar. For first time in years, call for jihad against Israel is omitted from resolution. Chmn. Arafat walks out in anger when gathering passes resolution but later returned. (WP, MM 12/12)
Jordan protests Israel's 12/10 decision to establish direct dial telephone service to Jordan, other Arab countries, claiming one-way service violates International Telecommunications Union agreements. Jordan asks foreign communications companies not to connect calls originating from Israel. (MM 12/11, 12/13)
UNRWA announces European Commission will donate $16.7 million to build 232- bed hospital in Gaza, to open in 1994. (MM 12/11)
Bilateral Israeli-Syrian, Israeli-Lebanese peace talks resume in Washington. But talks between Israel, Jordanians, Palestinians fail to take place when Israel rejects 2-track approach of meeting separately with Palestinian and Jordanian components of joint J-P delegation and insists on meeting only with combined delegation in one room. (WP 12/11)
At Islamic Conference Organization (ICO) meeting in Dakar, Senegal, Saudi Crown Prince 'Abdallah bin 'Abd al-'Aziz underscores continued Saudi anger at PLO and Jordan by shaking hands but refusing to embrace Chmn. Arafat in traditional Arab greeting of friendship, and avoiding greeting King Hussein altogether. (WP 12/1 1)
Israel decides to establish direct dialing telephone service to 11 Arab countries (Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Lebanon, Kuwait, Yemen, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates) [see 12/5]. Calls will be completed by satellite connection which routes them through U.S. (MM 12/11)
Israel releases videotape interview of Shaykh 'Abd al-Karim 'Ubayd, Shiite cleric kidnapped by Israeli commandos in July 1989. Move seen as attempt to keep issue of Israel-Lebanese prisoner exchange alive after release of all American, British hostages. (WP 12/10)
IDF imposes curfew on 800,000 Palestinians in o.t. to prepare for demonstrations associated with fourth anniversary of intifada. (MM 12/10)
Israeli govt. states settlers can move into Silwan, despite recommendations from atty. gen. and police to the contrary. (MM 12/9)
HaAretz reports Israel has told U.S. it will not negotiate with Palestinian delegation if Sa'ib 'Urayqat is a member. Israel objects to 'Urayqat's presence after his statement last fall that he and delegation were representing the PLO. (Ha'Aretz 12/6 in FBIS 12/6)
U.S. refuses Arab demand to reschedule negotiations due to Israeli refusal to attend 12/4 talks in Washington. (WP 12/6)
Islamic Resistance Movement fires rockets into Marjayun, S. Lebanon in retaliation for Israeli, SLA shelling of Shiite villages. (NYT 12/9)
Israeli communications ministry and telephone company Bezek end several days' experiment by which selected customers were allowed to call unnamed Arab countries directly through American installations. Experiment came in order to prepare Israel in the event that peace talks lead to agreement on direct communications between Israel, Arab world. Palestinian negotiator Faisal Husseini was among those who called, speaking to his brother in Jordan. (MM 12/5, 12/6)
Syrian, Lebanese, and joint Palestinian-Jordanian delegations arrive at State Dept. in Washington for peace talks; Israel holds fast to its decision not to attend. (NYT 12/5)
U.S. State Dept. criticizes 12/2 establishment of new settlement in W. Bank. (MM 12/5)
IDF lifts round-the-clock curfew of Ramallah-Bira region [see 12/1] for four hours to allow residents to buy supplies. IDF officials tell Knesset it has seized homes it claims from which gunmen killed settler. (MM 12/5)
Undercover Israeli agents kill resident of Zawiya, W. Bank, after entering village looking for another man. (MM 12/5)
Islamic Jihad releases Terry Anderson, last and longest-held American hostage in Lebanon. Since escalation of UN-brokered negotiations for comprehensive hostage-prisoner exchange in August, 91 Arab prisoners have been released by Israel or the SLA in return for 10 Western hostages, body of one Israeli soldier, confirmation of deaths of two other Israelis. (NYT 12/6)
Islamic Jihad releases American hostage Alann Steen in Beirut. (NYT 12/4)
After meeting Syr. Pres. Asad, PLO Chmn. Arafat meets with Palestine National Salvation Front (PNSF) head Khalid al-Fahum in Damascus. (Radio Monte Carlo, SANA 12/3 in FBIS 12/4)
Palestinian delegates finally join Jordanians in leaving for peace talks in Washington after 10-hour delay at Amman airport during which negotiations continued between Palestinians and U.S. officials over whether or not certain PLO officials would be allowed visas to enter U.S. along with delegation. Palestinians eventually dropped the matter and left for Washington. (Jordan Times 12/3 in FBIS 12/3)
American hostage Joseph Cicippio released in Beirut by Revolutionary Justice Organization. (NYT 12/3)
Arafat holds talks with King Hussein in Amman. Usama Baz, advisor to Pres. Mubarak and most senior Egyptian leader to visit Jordan since Gulf war, also arrives for talks. Arafat later flies to Damascus. (MM 12/2)
IDF establishes Rachelim, a paramilitary Nahal camp, at site where two settlers were ambushed and killed 10/28. (MM 12/5)
UN Secy. Gen. Perez de Cuellar calls for UNIFIL troops to replace Israeli, SLA forces at certain locations in S. Lebanon to avoid future clashes like 11/15 incident in which Irish UNIFIL soldier died in a clash between UNIFIL, SLA. (MM 12/3)
Israeli cabinet reaffirms refusal to attend beginning of bilateral talks in Washington 12/4. (WP 12/2)
Arafat holds talks with Pres. Mubarak in Cairo, later flies to Jordan. (Jordan TV 12/1 in FBIS 12/2; MM 12/2)
Shots fired at Israeli car near al-Bira wound two settlers; one later dies of his injuries. IDF imposes round-the-clock curfew on 70,000 residents of Ramallah-Bira region. (Qol Yisra'el 12/1 in FBIS 12/3; Israel TV 12/3 in FBIS 12/4; MM 12/5)
SLA releases 25 Lebanese prisoners as moves toward comprehensive hostage-prisoner release intensify. (NYT 12/3)
PFLP, DFLP activists issue communique in o.t. calling for 12/4 strike to protest reconvening of peace talks. (AFP 11/30 in FBIS 12/2)
Some 50 anti-nuclear activists demonstrate outside Israeli nuclear reactor at Dimona. Demonstration, organized by supporters of Mordechai Vanunu, Israeli nuclear technician imprisoned five years ago after he leaked details of the top-secret plant to European press, was first such demonstration ever held at site. (MM 12/2)
Iranian sources claim UN convenes secret, multilateral meeting in Damascus to discuss comprehensive hostage-prisoner exchange. (NYT 12/4)
IDF issues order closing Birzeit University for another three months. (MM 12/3)
Chinese FM Qian Qichen indicates China and Israel will eventually establish diplomatic ties, also noting that speed with which ties are established will depend upon progress of peace talks. (NYT 11/29)
Villagers in Tayr Diba, S. Lebanon, demonstrate against plans to remove Lebanese army troops from village [see 11/27]. (MM 11/29)
U.S. agrees to pay Iran $278 million in compensation for undelivered military equipment bought by Iran before 1979 hostage crisis. Both Iran and U.S. deny connection between agreement and current efforts to reach comprehensive prisoner-hostage exchange in Middle East. (WP, MM 11/29)
Israel says it won't attend 12/4 peace talks, but offers to attend one or two meetings beginning 12/9 to move talks to the Middle East. Syria accepts invitation, and PLO authorizes Palestinian participation but urges U.S. to reconsider its decision not to grant PLO officials visas to attend talks. (NYT, MM 11/28)
Lebanon decides to withdraw troops from Tayr Diba, inside UNIFIL zone, and replace them with policemen [see 11/18, 11/21]. (MM 11/28, 11/29)
U.S. declares State Dept. will not issue visas to PLO officials to travel to Washington during peace talks, in accordance with prior U.S. policy. (MM 11/28)
26th International Red Cross Conference, scheduled to begin 11/29 in Budapest, is postponed because of disagreement between U.S., Israel, and PLO, Arab states on whether representatives of PLO-affiliated Palestinian Red Crescent Society can attend. (WP 11/28)
DM Arens declares Lebanon and not Israel responsible for 11/25 deaths of three Lebanese soldiers, faulting Lebanon for not restraining Hizballah forces. (MM 11/26)
Islamic Resistance Movement detonates two roadside bombs near Tallusa, S. Lebanon, wounding two IDF soldiers. (MM 11/26, IDF Radio 11/26 in FBIS 11/27)
Hanan Ashrawi informs U.S. consul in E. Jerusalem that Palestinians will attend 12/4 talks in Washington. Lebanon also accepts. (Qol Yisra'el 11/25 in FBIS 11/26; MM 11/25)
Israeli attorney general notifies Israeli supreme court that he believes Jewish settlers still occupying eight Arab homes in Silwan [see 10/9] should be evicted. (MM 11/26)
Israeli finance minister proposes compromise in U.S. loan guarantee controversy whereby U.S. would phase out economic aid to Israel by end of decade in return for the guarantees. Spokesman for PM Shamir states Shamir is unaware of proposal. (WP 11/26)
Rocket fired from Israeli-SLA position kills three Lebanese army troops, wounds two in Iqlim al-Tuffah region of S. Lebanon; Lebanese forces return fire. Israel later claims rocket was aimed at Hizballah positions and regrets deaths of Lebanese troops. (MM 11/26)
Unified National Leadership of the Uprising (UNLU) issues leaflet no. 77 in o.t. on eve of 4th anniversary of beginning of the intifada. Pamphlet calls for end to settlement activity, calls on UN to adopt resolutions supervising o.t. (Tunisian Republic Radio 11/24 in FBIS 11/25; MM 11/26)
U.S. extends invitations for second round, bilateral peace negotiations to convene 12/4 in Washington. Neither Israel nor Palestinians immediately accept, Israel because it favors holding talks in the Middle East and is angered that U.S. has pressed ahead with holding them in Washington, Palestinians because certain persons associated with their delegation might not be granted U.S. visas. Syria and Lebanon did not respond; Jordan immediately accepts. Invitations include U.S. suggestions on overcoming differences, an indication that U.S. intends to continue playing an active role in the peace making process. (NYT 11/23, 11/26; LAT 11/25)
Chief Palestinian negotiator Haydar 'Abd al-Shafi joins Faisal Husseini and PLO exec. comm. mbrs. Yasir 'Abd Rabbuh and Mahmud Abbas in Moscow for talks with FM Shevardnadze. Palestinians will push USSR to insist on direct PLO participation in multilateral discussions. (MM 11/22)
Israeli attorney general announces Israel will not prosecute Hanan Ashrawi on charges she met with PLO officials. (MM 11/22)
Fighting in S. Lebanon continues as SLA artillery bombards villages in Iqlim al-Tuffah region. (MM 11/22
In Washington, PM Shamir discusses upcoming bilateral peace talks with Secy. of State Baker, expresses reservations about holding talks in Washington. Israel continues to push for holding talks in the Middle Est. (LAT 11/22)
Labor party adopts new party platform at its convention, dropping opposition to negotiations with PLO [see 11/19]. Platform also calls for one-year freeze on settlement building, recognizes Palestinian "national rights." But document states that Labor opposes creation of an independent Palestinian state, affirms that party does not oppose expansion of existing settlements. (MM 11/12; NYT 11/22)
Shamir, referring to creation of a Palestinian state, tells annual gathering of Council of Jewish Federations in Baltimore that there is "no room for two states in such a small area." Poll of Council members indicates 85% disagree with Shamir's policy of not surrendering any territory at all to Arabs as part of peace negotiations. (MM 11/21)
Debate breaks out in Lebanese parliament over UNIFIL's request that Lebanon withdraw army units deployed 11/18 in Tayr Diba, S. Lebanon. Most ministers argue army should remain to reestablish control over country. UNIFIL spokesman insists UNIFIL does not oppose this policy but merely seeks an orderly transfer of power. (MM 11/22)
Israeli police investigatory board determines police acted properly upon a report that armed men were present in building housing the Islamic court of E. Jerusalem, other offices shortly before police forces raided the site. Report also claims no documents were taken in 11/18 action. (MM 11/21)
EC announces appointment of its first representative to o.t., to be based in Brussels under terms of compromise recently reached between EC, Israel. EC sought to place delegate in the o.t.; Israel objected, fearing this would imply that the o.t. constitutes adiplomatic entity, and sought to attach the representative to EC mission in Tel Aviv. (MM 11/21)
Hizballah leader 'Abbas Musawi states that fate of Western hostages is separate from that of Arab prisoners held by Israel. (MM 11/20; NYT 11/21)
Girl is killed, five others wounded as SLA blows up two houses of suspected Hizballah guerrillas in Majd al-Sahm, S. Lebanon. Raid comes in midst of increased tension in S. Lebanon. (MM 11/20)
Israeli state attorney recommends that Israel take no action against Hanan Ashrawi for her alleged contacts with PLO officials, as had been recommended by Israeli police. Israeli attorney general must now decide Ashrawi's fate. (MM 11/19)
Jerusalem chief of police apologizes for 11/18 raid on Islamic court offices in E. Jerusalem (but does not return documents) as some 100 Palestinians, including members of the Islamic Higher Council, demonstrate against the raid in E. Jerusalem. Merchants in Hebron joined with those in the old city in strike to protest the raid. (MM 11/19)
E. Jerusalem, Hebron merchants strike ends. Nablus merchants strike 11/18 death of imam shot by IDF. (MM 11/19)
Labor party opens national convention in Jerusalem, struggles to develop a new election program to attract voters. (MM 11/19, 11/20)
European Commission announces EC will donate $61 million in aid to Palestinians in o.t. to help overcome economic effects of Gulf war. Grant is first expenditure from a $280- million assistance package established by EC in March 1991. (MM 11/19)
PM Shamir declares Israel will not release more Lebanese prisoners until it receives its missing servicemen. FM Levy calls on UN, Western countries to avoid "discrimination" during prisoner-hostage release negotiations, a reference to increased Israeli concern that such talks are focusing solely on Western hostages and ignoring Israeli demands for information on its servicemen missing in Lebanon. Israeli negotiator Uri Lubrani travels to New York for talks with UN Secy. Gen. Perez de Cuellar to push for progress on releasing airman Ron Arad, only Israeli hostage believed to be alive. Reversing earlier UN policy seeking a multilateral release, Perez de Cuellar states that he now accepts separating question of Western hostages from that of Israeli captives. (Qol Yisra'el 11/19 in FBIS 11/19; WP 11/21)
Lebanese Pres. al-Hirawi states that as long as Israel refuses to implement UN Sec. Council Resolution 425, calling for Israeli withdrawal from S. Lebanon, he cannot stop attacks by anti-Israeli resistance forces. (MM 11/19)
Islamic Jihad releases British hostage Terry Waite and American hostage Thomas Sutherland in Beirut. Israel states it will not release any more Arab prisoners until it receives word about airman Ron Arad. (NYT 11/19)
Israeli police and border guards raid offices of Islamic court in E. Jerusalem, reportedly seizing hundreds of documents in search of "subversive" literature. Documents allegedly include court records documenting Palestinian land and property rights, some of which date from 12th century. (MM 11/19, 11/20)
Palestinian sources claim families of 350 Palestinians detained at Ansar-3 detention camp will be allowed to visit their relatives today, first time Israel has allowed such visits since Ansar-3 was established in March 1988. Visits will be coordinated by the Red Cross. (MM 11/18)
70-year-old Shaykh Radi Anis Bustami, imam of Jabal al-Shimali area mosque in Nablus, dies of wounds suffered 11/15 when Israeli troops fired on worshippers leaving the mosque. (MM 11/19)
Occupation authorities announce plan to encourage Palestinians inside o.t. and abroad to invest in development projects in o.t. The plan, which includes tax relief for new industries established and infrastructural development at government expense, will begin 1/1/92. (MM 11/19)
PLO exec. comm. mbrs. Mahmud Abbas, Yasir 'Abd Rabbuh, Sulayman al-Najab arrive in Amman for talks with Jordanian officials. Syrian delegates to peace talks also arrive to coordinate positions prior to second stage, bilateral negotiations. (Radio Monte Carlo, al-Ray, Radio Jordan 11/18 in FBIS 11/19)
Saudi Ambassador to U.S. Prince Bandar bin Sultan meets with some 60 American Jewish leaders in New York in first public meeting between American Jews and a Saudi official. Bandar states that if Israel freezes settlement building, Palestinians will halt intifada, Arab states will lift boycott of Israel. (MM 11/19)
Lebanese army deploys in village of Tayr Diba, S. Lebanon, to intervene inclashes between Amal, Hizballah fighters; first time in a decade Lebanese army has taken up positions within an area patrolled by UNIFIL troops. (MM 11/22)
Faisal Husseini and other Palestinian delegates arrive in Amman for talks with Jordanian officials. (Radio Jordan 11/17 in FBIS 11/19)
PFLP Gen. Secy. George Habash escalates PFLP's estrangement from PLO, threatening to withdraw from PLO should it continue "on its present course." (MBC Television 11/16 in FBIS 11/18)
Activists in Gaza City announce formation of municipal council for first time in 11 years and that negotiations among factions are underway concerning composition of the 17-mbr. council. Council will reportedly be headed by Fayiz Abu Rahma and funded by Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Islamic countries, and European Community. (Qol Yisra'el 11/16, IDF Radio 11/17, Ha'Aretz 11/18 in FBIS 11/18; MM 11/18)
UN protests to Israel the death of Irish UNIFIL member killed night of 11/15-16 when SLA forces ambushed UNIFIL patrol near al-Tiri, S. Lebanon. Another Irish soldier was wounded; one SLA fighter died. (Qol Yisra'el 11/16 in FBIS 11/18; MM 11/18)
PM Shamir arrives in U.S. for private tour, although he plans to meet with Pres. Bush later in the trip. (MEM 11/15)
Israeli police recommends that attorney general prosecute Hanan Ashrawi, for allegedly meeting with PLO officials during peace conference. (NYT 11/16)
Large pro-PLO rallies held throughout o.t. to commemorate third anniversary of Palestinian "declaration of independence." Israeli border guards shoot, kill Musa Ghazi Muhammad Abu 'Id as he spray paints slogans on a wall inside E. Jerusalem's old city. (MEM 11/15)
E. Jerusalem newspapers list names of some 30 new members of the political committees in the o.t. The committees already count some 150 members, reportedly largely Fateh activists but some from the Palestine Communist Party, DFLP-'Abd Rabbuh faction. (Qol Yisra'el 11/12, 11/14 in FBIS 11/14)
Fateh leaflet circulated in o.t. orders political committees to disband after receiving orders to this effect from Yasir Arafat. The order stated that the committees should be reorganized by a special committee made up of seven representatives from both the West Bank and Gaza, plus a president. Fateh leaflet asserts that the underground committees of the intifada, not the political committees, should form the basis for the future Palestinian state. (Qol Yisra'el 11/12, Al Ha'mishmar 11/15 in FBIS 11/15)
Some 200 supporters of Hamas, leftist factions demonstrate against peace talks at a gathering ofsome 500 supporters ofthe peace process who were listening to a presentation made by Faisal Husseini in Hebron. (MEM 11/14)
Celebrations marking the third anniversary of Palestinian "declaration of independence" [11/15/89] begin in the occupied territories. (MEM 11/15)
Two alleged Palestinian collaborators are found dead in Gaza. (MEM 11/15)
Fighting continues in S. Lebanon as SLA artillery shells Iqlim al-Tuffah, Nabatiyya areas of S. Lebanon. Israeli helicopters attack PFLP office in Rashidiyya cmp, S. Lebanon. Aircraft later bomb Hizbullah bases in Malita village, Jabal Safi area of S. Lebanon. (MEM 11/14)