December 27, 1985

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Al-Fajr reports ultra-Orthodox, anti-Zionist Neturei Karta sect is issuing travel documents they hope will replace their Israeli passports [FJ 12/27].

Military Action

Other Countries: Gunmen hurl grenades, fire submachine guns at crowds of travelers near El Al counters in Rome and Vienna airports, killing 16, wounding 118. Four gunmen are killed, 3 wounded and captured [NYT, WP, LAT 12/28]. One tells police he is "Palestinian freedom fighter" born in Shatila camp [WP 12/28; OB 12/29]. PLO officials deny organization is responsible [NYT 12/28]. Israeli officials blame attacks on Palestinians, vow revenge "in every place and at any time [Israel] sees fit" [LAT, MG 12/28].