The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Hundreds of W. Bank Jews and W. Bank Palestinians gather in Sur Bahir to protest Israeli government's plan to uproot Arab olive trees on government expropriated land [NYT 2/11; FJ 2/13]. Abba Eban, chair of Knesset panel investigating U.S.-Israel-Iran arms deals, acknowledges Israel first put U.S. in touch with Iranian radicals [WP 2/11]. Amal militia indicate negotiations with Israel are underway; P. M. Shamir says Israel would deal with terrorists in some cases if demands were made through official channels, not the media. Defense Minister Rabin indicates Israel may require the release of 6 Israeli servicemen missing in Lebanon [WP 2/11].

Other Countries: Christian Science Monitor reports W. Germany is likely to try Muhammad 'Ali Hamadi on explosives charges before formally deciding whether to extradite him to the U.S. [CSM 2/10]. Kenyan woman arrested in Los Angeles 15 days ago on charges of overstaying her visa is accused of subversive activities linked to PFLP [LAT 2/11].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Al-Najah U. students defy closure order, hold small demonstration on campus. Balatta curfew is lifted; residents gather to demonstrate but disperse peacefully when confronted by Israeli troops armed with tear gas and machine guns. Ramallah secondary school students march through city in support of those injured during 1/9 al-Najah and Balatta protests. Pres. of Hebron University receives official warning following student march outside campus. Secondary school students in Gaza City boycott classes, stone Israeli troops. Estimated 100 youths are taken into detention after late night raid by Israeli troops; military spokesman says youths are suspected of inciting demonstrations and threatening army collaborators [FJ 2/13]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: F. M. Peres indicates willingness to discuss exchange of 400 Palestinian prisoners for Israeli pilot but not publicly or under ultimatum. Kidnappers of 4 professors reiterate threat to kill their hostages if the Palestinians are not released by 2/9 [LAT, WP 2/9]. Four Israelis who met with PLO representatives in November are charged under controversial new law banning unofficial contacts with terrorist organizations [IN 2/9; FJ 2/13]. Israeli military court sentences 3 Palestinians to life imprisonment for October grenade attack on Israeli soldiers and their families in Jerusalem [IN, BG 2/9]. Estimated 150 landowners from 2 Tulkarm area villages file complaint with Israeli Military Objections Com. charging Arab dealers forged sales of their land [FJ 2/13]. Minister of Housing David Levy inaugurates new Jewish settlement in Hebron [FJ 2/13].

Arab World: Union of Palestinian Writers and Journalists opens 4-day unification conference in Algeria [FJ 2/13].

Other Countries: Report cites memos of meeting between U.S. Vice Pres. Bush and Amiram Nir, indicates U.S. knew arms deals were with Iranian radicals, Israel was "running the operation at the strategic, tactical, and logistic level" [WP 2/8]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Hebrew University suspends and fines 5 Arab and Jewish students for their roles in organizing demonstrations protesting December shooting of 2 Palestinian students [FJ 2/6]. Minister of Religious Affairs orders resumption of excavations under Jerusalem's Western Wall. Digging was halted by former minister because it threatens Arab houses in the area [FJ 2/6].

Arab World: Jordan bars head of W. Bank Dentists' Union from traveling to conference in Jordan [FJ 2/6].

Other Countries: Washington Post reports England, France, and W. Germany oppose U.S.-planned summit on terrorism and have warned U.S. against military attack on Lebanon [WP 2/5]. U.S. officials disclaim reports of imminent atack on Lebanon while U.S. naval force remains off Lebanon and Iran [WP 2/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Three Palestinians are wounded when Israeli troops fire at their car at military checkpost near Jizzin village, in Nablus region. Israeli army claims soldiers shot after car refused to stop [FJ 2/6].