Palestinian workers waiting to enter Israel riot at Erez checkpoint, Gaza Strip. Palestinian police, IDF exchange fire in 1st such incident since 5/4 Gaza-Jericho agreement. 2 Palestinians killed, 98 wounded, including 5 police officers; 17 Israelis also wounded, including 1 Border Guard in critical condition. Gas station, 120 Israeli buses destroyed. Each side blames other for incident; PLO Chmn. Arafat calls for deployment in Gaza of international observers. Secy of State Christopher, en route to region, calls riot a "tragedy." Clashes occur in Ramallah, Hebron as news of riot spreads. (CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WSJ, WT 7/18)
Secy of State Christopher starts tour of Middle East to prepare for 7/25 White House summit of Jordan's King Hussein, Israel's PM Rabin. Trip will include mtgs. in Syria. (NYT 7/18)