January 2, 1996

CEC declares campaign for Palestinian Council officially open. (NYT 1/4)

3 Hamas mbrs. withdraw their candidacy as independents under pressure fr. the organization. (CSM 1/4) (see 12/30)

In Gaza, Arafat briefs U.S. Senators Arlen Specter (R-PA), Richard Shelby (R-AL) on elections preparations. (VOP 1/2 in FBIS 1/3)

Force 17 detains Palestinian human rights activist Bassam Eid for 24 hrs. for criticizing PSF arrest of `Alami. (CSM, MM, NYT, WP, WT 1/4; NYT 1/19) (see 1/1)