The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Def. Min. Rabin tours Gaza, says more troops are being deployed in occupied territories. According to Palestine Press Service, 2 Palestinians wounded in jenin clash 12/21 die in hospital. Military bans distribution of al-Quds in W. Bank for 1 month [NYT, LAT 12/23]. Israel orders 4 Palestinian teachers colleges closed for 1 month: Abu Dis College of Science and Technology in Bethlehem, al-Tirah Teachers College, al-Shuyukhi College, and Ramallah's al- 'Asriyyah Community College; closure of W. Bank government schools is extended until 12/27 [FBIS 12/22; FJ 12/27]. Full commercial strike shuts down Nablus [FJ 12/27]. Hebron Polytechnic College is ordered closed for 1 month [FJ 12/27].

Other Countries: Reagan administration statement criticizes Israel's "harsh security measures and excessive use of live ammunition" in the occupied territories. U.S. abstains in UN Security Council vote, allowing passage of resolution strongly deploring Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip and W. Bank [LAT, NYT 12/23]. U.S. Jewish leaders express concern over violence in territories [WP 12/23]. U.S. Pres. Ronald Reagan signs State Dept. spending bill, which includes provision requiring closure of PLO observer mission to UN [NYT 12/24]. Jordan's King Hussein arrives in Moscow, meets with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev [CSM, LAT 12/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: At Gaza's Jabalya refugee camp, Palestinian youth is shot dead, at least 3 are wounded by Israeli troops; camp is placed under curfew. At least 3 Palestinians are wounded by Israeli gunfire during clashes in Jenin and Hebron villages of Yatta and Idna [LAT 12/23; WP 12/23, 12/24]. Scattered demonstrations are reported in W. Bank [NYT 12/23]. Israeli troops arrest at least 150 people in night raid on Burayj refugee camp [FJ 12/27]. Curfew is imposed on Qalqiliyyah after demonstrators bum Israeli military govemor's car [FJ 12/27]. Military erects cement barrier at Duhayshah refugee camp's main entrance in effort to prevent rock attacks on Israeli cars [FJ 12/27

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Commercial strike continues in E. Jerusalem, Nablus, and Ramallah [FJ 12/20]. Police use tear gas to break up demonstration by Arab and Jewish Hebrew U. students outside P. M. Shamir's residence [FBIS 12/17; FJ 12/20]. Group of 12 Balatah refugee camp residents file complaint against defense minister and military commander of occupied territories in Israeli High Court charging border guards used excessive force in controlling demonstrations [FJ 12/20].

Other Countries: U.S. Senate passes measure temporarily prohibiting denial of visas to and expulsion of foreigners because of their political beliefs; bill also includes provision to close PLO observer mission to UN and PIO in Washington, D.C. [NYT 12/17].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli army sends reinforcements into Gaza Strip. In Jabalya refugee camp, at least 3 Palestinians are shot, wounded when troops open fire on crowd demonstrating atfuneral of youth killed 12/15; about 20 others are arrested. Israeli soldier is stabbed in Rafah; members of patrol open fire, wounding at least 3. Army fails to break general strike [NYT 12/17]. Israel begins using water canons to control demonstrating crowds in occupied territories. Widespread arrests are reported [WP 12/17]. Tire-burning, bottle-throwing demonstrators clash with soldiers in Jerusalem [FJ 12/20].

Arab World: Israeli troops enter eastern Lebanon, battle Lebanese militias, killing 1 [FJ 12/20]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Minister of Industry and Trade Ariel Sharon moves into apartment in Muslim quarter of Jerusalem's Old City; merchants close shops in protest [LAT 12/16]. Complete commercial strike closes stores in E. Jerusalem, Nablus, Jenin, Ramallah, al-Birah, and other W. Bank towns [FJ 12/20]. Israel bans distribution of al-Sha'b in W. Bank and Gaza Strip for 12 days [FJ 12/20]. Khan Yunis youth shot 12/12 by Israeli soldiers dies in Barzali Hospital [FJ 12/20]. Palestinian journalists from occupied territories hold sit-in at Arab Journalists' Association's Jerusalem office to protest administrative detention of Radwan Abu 'Ayyash [FJ 12/20]. Israeli police announce capture of 2 Palestinians charged with murder of Israeli soldier [FJ 12/20].

Arab World: Arab League calls for emergency session to discuss Israeli actions in occupied territories [CSM 12/16].

Other Countries: Trial of Ibrahim Khalid, only survivor of 4-man team that attacked Leonardo da Vinci Airport in 1985, opens in Rome. Abu Nidal and Rashid Hamida are being tried in absentia [LAT 12/16]. U.S. calls for Israeli restraint in handling disturbances in W. Bank and Gaza Strip [NYT 12/16]. Israeli Def. Min. Rabin meets with U.S. congressional leaders in Washington [WP 12/19].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF soldiers fire on Palestinian demonstrators at Gaza's Shifa Hospital, killing at least 2, wounding more than 11. Dozens are arrested. Palestinians at hospital attack Western journalists. UN reports 2 Palestinians are shot, killed: 1 at Bayt Hanun, in northern Gaza Strip, and 1 at Dayr al-Balah refugee camp. Palestine Press Service reports another demonstrator is killed by soldiers during protest march from Beach refugee camp to Shifa Hospital [LAT, NYT 12/16]. In W. Bank, demonstrations are reported in Nablus, Bir Zeit, Abu Dis village near Jerusalem, and Qalandiya, Am'ari, and Jalazun refugee camps [FJ 12/20].

Arab World: With tank and helicopter support, Israeli troops move north of S. Lebanon security zone, raid Shi'i villages of Maydun and Kafr Hunah. Lebanese sources report 6 fighters are wounded, 20 captured [NYT 12/16].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Merchants in Ramallah, al-Birah, and Nablus observe commercial strike [FJ 12/20]. In Golan Heights, 1-day strike protests 6th anniversary of Israeli annexation [FJ 12/20]. Hebron U. administration closes university for 2 days because of recent demonstrations in occupied territories [FJ 12/20]. Palestinian wounded by Israeli gunfire 12/9 dies at Tel Hashomer Hospital [FJ 12/20]. Administration of Gaza's Islamic U. extends university closure for 2 days because of recent violence [FJ 12/20].

Other Countries: U.S., Israel sign new arms agreement that allows Israel to sell its weapons to U.S. Israeli Def. Min. Rabin meets with U.S. State Dept. officials [WP 12/15].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In clash near Khan Yunis refugee camp, Israeli soldiers shoot, kill Palestinian demonstrator; 4 other demonstrators are wounded. Troops later clash with Palestinians protesting earlier shooting death, killing at least 1, wounding 4. Gazan wounded in 12/9 clash with IDF troops dies in Israeli hospital [NYT, LAT 12/15]. Demonstrator is shot, wounded by soldiers in Jalazun refugee camp. Clashes between students and Israeli military are reported in Halhul [FJ 12/20].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Al-Haq calls for international intervention, protests Israel's "uncensured and indiscriminate use of live ammunition" against Palestinian demonstrators in occupied territories [LAT 12/14]. No one is injured by Molotov cocktails thrown into courtyard of U.S. consulate in E. Jerusalem; more than 20 Palestinians are arrested in connection with the incident. Israeli cabinet discusses violence in occupied territories [WP 12/14; FJ 12/20]. Israel orders 1-month closure of Graduate Association's high school in Hebron because of recent protests [FJ 12/20]. Lydda military court sentences 4th Palestinian captured in international waters aboard the Maria R. to 6 years imprisonment on charges of Fateh membership. [FJ 12/20].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: At least 5 Palestinians are wounded when Israeli forces open fire on rock-throwing demonstrators in several clashes in Gaza Strip. Palestine Press Service reports 24 wounded in Gaza violence [CSM, WP 12/14]. In Hebron, 2 Islamic College students are wounded after bus-stoning incident. Israel reports 6 soldiers wounded in the clashes [LAT, NYT 12/14]. Demonstrations are reported in Jerusalem. Commercial strike is observed in Nablus. Curfew is imposed on 'Askar and Balatah refugee camps after demonstrations, clashes with Israeli soldiers [FJ 12/20].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Plestinians call for total commercial strike in E. Jerusalem, Ramallah, Nablus, and other W. Bank towns [FJ 12/13].

Arab World: Egypt condemns Israel's use of live ammunition in occupied territories [NYT 12/13].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel reports 5 Palestinians wounded by gunfire, 2 critically, in Gaza Strip clashes; Palestine Press Service estimates at least 25 shot in the day's disturbances. Army imposes curfews on Balatah and 'Askar refugee camps in the West Bank. Rock-throwing, tirebombing crowds are reported throughout the territories; a Palestinian is shot, wounded in Hebron [NYT 12/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Jerusalem, 31st World Zionist Congress ends 5-day meeting after fight between American Jews and Likud supporters over control of Jewish Agency [WP 12/13]. Israel imposes 10-day distribution ban on al-Fajr in Gaza Strip and W. Bank, charging newspaper violated censorship rules. Newspaper's editorial board votes to cease publication until ban is lifted [FJ 12/13].

Arab World: Hizballah claims responsibility for attack on Israeli patrol boat 12/10, says Israeli boat was sunk, 35 sailors killed [NYT 12/12].

Other Countries: UN General Assembly's Com. on International Legal Matters votes 100 to 1 on resolution affirming PLO's right to maintain observer mission [NYT 12/12].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: During demonstrations after noon prayers at Balatah refugee camp, at least 3 Palestinians are shot dead by Israeli troops; at least 7 others shot, wounded. Palestine Press Service reports 4 dead, at least 11 injured. Israel reports 3 police injured in day's fighting. Balatah sources charge Druze border guards have been harrassing, beating camp residents and today shot at Palestinians leaving mosque. Demonstrations are also reported in 'Askar and 'Ayn Bitilma refugee camps, Nablus, and Bayt Furik village. Balatah and 'Askar refugee camps are placed under curfew [WP 12/12; FJ 12/13]. In Gaza Strip's Jabalya refugee camp, 3 Palestinians are wounded by army gunfire [LAT 12/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: MK Abba Eban testifies in Mordechai Vanunu's trial for espionage and treason. Trial is adjourned for 2 weeks [WP 12/11]. Palestinian wounded in Gaza clash with Israeli troops 12/9 dies [FJ 12/13]. In Nablus, Ahmad 'Ali Abu Jabir receives life sentence for killing Israeli soldier [FJ 12/13]. In Dhahriyyahrea, Israeli officials demolish 5 houses alleging they were built without permits [FJ 12/13]. Islamic U. in Gaza suspends classes for 3 days because of tension in the Strip [FJ 12/13]. Israeli High Court denies Faysal Husayni's appeal for early release [FJ 12/13]. Com. to Protect Journalists, non-partisan, New York-based group, protests administrative detention of Radwan Abu 'Ayyash to Def. Min. Yitzhaq Rabin [FJ 12/27].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Palestinians bum tires, block roads, throw stones in demonstrations throughout Gaza Strip. In Khan Yunis, at least 8 Palestinians are wounded when soldiers open fire on crowd throwing Molotov cocktails; 2 others are wounded in Gaza. In Nablus soldiers use live ammunition against youths throwing rocks, iron bars; 1 Palestinian is killed. In Qalandiya refugee camp, north of Jerusalem, Israeli police clash with Palestinian students; 6 policemen, 6 students are reported injured [NYT 12/11]. Israeli troops fire tear gas, bullets at demonstrators in Balatah refugee camp, wounding 3. Curfew is imposed on Balatah; shopkeepers strike [FJ 12/13]. Demonstrators in Rafah raze gate dividing Egyptian and Israeli-occupied sections; Israeli soldiers open fire, injuring 1 [FJ 12/13].

Arab World: Lebanese militiamen attack Israeli patrol boat off coast of S. Lebanon; 1 Israeli naval officer is killed before Arab fishing boat is sunk [WP 12/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Hilal jaradat, Palestinian from Yamun village, is sentenced to life imprisonment for fatal stabbing of Israeli reserve soldier [FJ 12/6]. Jerusalem district court sentences 2 Palestinians to 18 years and 7 years imprisonment for 1986 stabbing of Jewish settler [FJ 12/6]. Israeli High Court orders Jewish settlers to return 10 of 18 rooms in Jerusalem house leased by Zurba family [FJ 12/6]. Near Duhayshah refugee camp, 2 Israelis are injured when their car is stoned [FJ 12/6].

Arab World: PLO office in Cairo reopens [FJ 12/6].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus, 3 Palestinians are shot, wounded when Israeli soldiers open fire on demonstrators marking International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Balatah refugee camp is placed under curfew after violent demonstrations. In Hebron, many students are reported arrested after stone-throwing incident near the university. Military authorities order Agricultural Institute in Tulkarm closed for 1 week after student demonstration. In Rafah, teacher and 2 students are injured by Israeli army gunfire. Other violent demonstrations are reported in Gaza Strip [FJ 12/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike marking 70th anniversary of Balfour Declaration is observed in E. Jerusalem, W. Bank, and Gaza Strip. Soldiers force shopkeepers in Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Nazareth to open their stores. Demonstrations continue on Gaza Strip. Curfews are imposed on 'Askar and Balatah refugee camps after demonstrators burn tires and stone Israeli vehicles [FJ 11/8]. Al-Fajr resumes distribution in occupied territories after 4-day ban [FJ 11/8].

Arab World: Sec. Gen. for Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine Nayif Hawatimah and Amal leader Nabih Birri hold talks in Algiers, reach cease-fire agreement [NYT 11/5].

Other Countries: Rabbi Alexander Schindler, leader of American Reform Jews, urges Israeli participation in international peace conference [NYT 11/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus, 1 student is injured when Israeli soldiers use live ammunition to disperse demonstrators. In Jerusalem, soldiers raid Ummah Secondary School, attack student demonstrators [Fl 11/8].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Group of 9 Palestinian W. Bank and Gaza Strip leaders refuses to meet with U.S. Sec. of State Shultz in Israel [LAT 10/19]. Shultz concludes 3 days of talks with P. M. Shamir and F. M. Peres [WP 10/19]. One of 4 Gazans shot by Israeli border guards 10/17 says guards opened fire after car stopped [FJ 10/25]. Palestinian youth is shot in leg by guard at Egged bus stop [FJ 10/25]. In Kisan, 2 Palestinian houses are demolished; house in al-Sawahrah al-Sharqiyyah is also bulldozed [FJ 10/25]. Body of Misbah al-Suri, Gaza resident killed 10/1 by IDF soldiers, is delivered to family for burial [FJ 10/25].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldiers raid Jabaliyyah refugee camp school to break up demonstration; 1 student is injured [FJ 10/25]. Troops use tear gas and live ammunition to disperse demonstration at Islamic University in Gaza [FJ 10/25]. In the W. Bank, 1 Palestinian is wounded when IDF soldiers clash with demonstrators at Jenin refugee camp; 3 other Palestinians are shot, wounded in Nablus [FJ 10/25]. Israeli troops teargas anti-Israel demonstrators at Arab College of Nursing in al-Birah. School administration closes college for 2 days [FJ 10/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli cabinet votes to cancel 7-year-old Lavi jet fighter project. Demonstrating Israeli Aircraft workers block highway near factory [LAT 8/31]. In Rafah, Palestinian child is shot in leg by Israeli truck driver who alleges he opened fire after group of children threw stones at him [FJ 9/6]. Trial of Mordechai Vanunu begins under extraordinarily heavy security; Vanunu faces life imprisonment for selling The Times of London information about Israel's nuclear facility at Dimona [WP, LAT 8/3 1]. In Jenin area, 5 people are injured when 2 gas bombs are thrown at Arab bus. In Gaza, Israeli police order 30 stores closed after gas bomb is thrown at Israeli car [FJ 9/6]. Palestinian-owned poultry farm in Nablus-area village of Naqura is demolished by Israeli bulldozers. It is the 3d farm destroyed in the past week [FJ 9/6]. Israeli authorities reopen Rafah crossing to Egypt after 4-day closure. The crossing was closed after acollaborator was attacked [FJ 9/6].

Arab World: Jordanian Ministry for Occupied Territories Affairs agrees to allocate JD 140,000 for development projects in Gaza Strip [FJ 9/6].

Military Action

Arab World: Shi'i guerrillas claim 4 Israeli soldiers were killed in overnight clash in S. Lebanon security zone. Israeli sources state 4 Shi'i fighters were killed north of the security zone [CSM 8/31].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli cabinet decides to postpone vote on continuing Lavi project [NYT 8/17]. Palestinian prisoners in Nablus prison begin 2-day hunger strike to protest worsening conditions [FJ 8/23]. Dr. Zakaria al-Agha, chairman of Arab Medical Assoc., is dismissed from his position at Nasir Hospital in Khan Yunis for making political statements to the press without military permission [FJ 8/23]. Israeli court orders demolition of mosque in Beersheba-district village of Rahat on grounds that it was constructed without a license [FJ 8/23]. Police raid Jerusalem offices of Alternative Information Center, confiscate equipment and documents; center reopens after 6-month, police-ordered closure [FJ 9/20].

Arab World: Jericho Mayor Jamil Sabri Khalaf visits Amman for discussions of municipal projects with Jordanian officials [FJ 8/23].

Other Countries: Reports indicate Italian government is donating over $500,000 to UNRWA vocational school in Gaza [FJ 8/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldier and a civilian are shot, wounded in attack near Jabaliyyah refugee camp on Gaza Strip. Israeli troops seal off camp with barbed wire [FJ 8/23]. Soldiers in Nablus respond to stone-throwing Palestinian youths with tear gas and live ammunition; 3 Palestinians are wounded in the clash [CSM 8/17; FJ 8/23].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli military reopens checkpoints on Israel-Gaza Strip border [CSM 8/6; FJ 8/9]. Israeli border police shoot, injure Palestinian protester during demonstration in Nablus [CSM 8/7].

Other Countries: Jane's Defence Weekly reports Jordan and U.S.S.R. are close to finalizing sale of Soviet MiG-29 aircraft to Jordan UP 8/6].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Nablus military court sentences 2 Palestinians to 7 years imprisonment and 5-year suspended term for membership in an illegal organization, possession of weapons, and assaulting collaborators; Gaza court hands down sentences ranging from 3-7 years in cases of 6 Palestinians charged with membership in an illegal organization and involvement in bombing Israeli vehicles [FJ 7/19]. Jerusalem water department's request to drill 3d well at 'Ayn Samia is denied [FJ 7/19].

Other Countries: Jordan's King Hussein and British P.M. Thatcher discuss proposed international peace conference during meetings in London [BS 7/14]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Israeli authorities confiscate 550 dunams of land in Hebronarea town of Dura [FJ 5/3]. Gaza Strip official orders 27 Palestinian homes demolished [FJ 5/3]. During speech at Hebrew U., F. M. Peres states former Gaza Mayor Rashad Shawwa, Bethlehem Mayor Ilyas Furayj and Hikmat al-Masri of Nablus have "tired" of PLO and want independent negotiations with Israel [FJ 5/3].

Other Countries: U.S. Sen. Inouye, chairman of panel investigating Iran-contra affair, says agreement has been reached with Israel over report on its role in the arms sales [BG 4/29].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Herut party meeting, P. M. Shamir is elected chairman, vows W. Bank and Gaza will remain under Israeli control "forever" [PI, NYT 3/30]. Col. Sella, indicted by U.S. for his role in Pollard case, resigns as commander of Tel Nof Air Base [WP 3/30]. Delegation of British Labor party members meets with Shihadah al-Minawi, leader of Palestinian Labor Federation, in Nablus [FJ 4/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian farmers rally in Jericho to protest falling vegetable prices [FJ 3/6]. Planned Jerusalem memorial service for slain Nablus mayor Zafir al-Masris banned by Israeli authorities [FJ 3/6]. Officials of Gaza's Union of Carpenters and Construction Workers hold press conference, complain of Israeli harassment since 2/21 elections [FJ 3/6]. Gaza military court sentences 3 teenagers charged with throwing stones and molotov cocktails to between 10 and 14 years in prison [FJ 3/13].

Arab World: Nabih Birri renews offer to swap captured Israeli for 400 Arabs held in Israeli prisons, urges Islamic Jihad for the Liberation of Palestine to free 4 professors [LAT 3/4].

Other Countries: U.S. grand jury indicts Israeli Air Force officer Aviem Sella on charges of espionage. Since espionage is not covered by extradition treaties, Sella cannot be extradited to stand trial [NYT 3/4]. Reports indicate Israeli objections have convinced U.S. officials to abandon plan to take $30 million of U.S. grants to Israel and give funds to Jordanian 5-year W. Bank development plan [LAT 3/3].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Troops use tear gas to break up protest at Balatah camp, impose curfew. Demonstration is believed related to 3/2 killing of Nablus youth. Students at Ramallah's Teacher Training College burn tires, clash with Israeli soldiers [FJ 3/6].