The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel closes the offices of Palestinian unions representing doctors, lawyers, dentists, pharmacists, engineers, and other professionals; Israel accuses the unions of being part of "terrorist organizations" [NYT 8/27].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: A 14-year-old Palestinian dies from wounds sustained during clash the previous week in the village of Tal [WP 8/28, FJ 8/28]. In Nablus a 9-year-old girl is shot by troops [WP 8/28].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli authorities place the 120,000 residents of Nablus under curfew. Palestinians throughout the occupied territories observe a general strike [LAT 8/23, FJ 8/28].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldiers shoot, wound at least 8 Palestinians during clashes in the occupied territories. A 22- year-old from 'Askar camp dies from wounds suffered 8/21 [LAT 8/23, FJ 8/28].

Social/Economical/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: A general strike is observed in the occupied territories. Military curfew enters its 3rd day in the Gaza Strip [CSM 8/18, FJ 8/21].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel expels 4, orders deportation of 25 other Palestinians. Soldiers kill 9-year-old Palestinian girl during riots in W. Bank, according to Israeli television. Hospitals report treating 105 Arabs who had been clubbed or beaten [WP 8/18, FJ 8/21]. An army investigation concludes that 18-year-old Muhammad Abid Ma'adi al-Zaydan, who was killed by Israeli troops on 4 April, had not threatened the lives of soldiers at the time of the shooting; a colonel is removed from his post [CSM 8/18]. In Balatah 4Palestinians are shot; in Nablus 3 are shot [FJ 8/21]

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus a sit-in is held at Red Cross office to demand release of prisoners. Israeli official states Israel will fire or retire 7,500 of the 18,500 employees of the West Bank's "civil administration" [FJ 8/21].

Other Countries: Former Italian prime minister Bettino Craxi calls for the establishment of a Palestinian govemment-in-exile [FJ 8/21].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Tulkarm camp a 22-year-old Palestinian dies after being shot by Israeli soldiers. In W. Jerusalem a 20-year-old Palestinian is found dead in his prison cell. In Nablus 3 Palestinians are injured during demonstrations. In Qabatiyyah, which has been under curfew for 24 days, there is a water shortage. Demonstrations occur in Tulkarm, throughout Gaza and E. Jerusalem. Soldiers uproot a citrus orchard in the Gaza Strip in response to stone throwers [FJ 8/21].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Speaking before the Knesset P.M. Yitzhaq Shamir says any attempt to establish independent Palestinian state on the W. Bank will be met with "iron fist" [WP 8/11]. Shamir also says Israel "possesses rights in all spheres concerning Judea, Samria, and Gaza" [NYT 8/11].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: During demonstrations near Nablus troops shoot, kill 17-year-old Palestinian [NYT 8/11, FJ 8/14]. Ramallah is declared closed military zone after two firebombs damage military vehicle, injure driver [FJ 8/14]. Soldiers use tear gas, rubber bullets, live ammunition to quell demonstrations in Beach, Jabalya camps [FJ 8/14]. Demonstrations occur in Burayj, Bethlehem, Gaza City [FJ 8/14]. The curfew in Burayj enters its 3rd week [FJ 8/14].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: Deputy Sec. of State John Whitehead states Hussein's move to distance Jordan from W. Bank means that Palestinians will have to be directly represented in Middle East peace talks; a State Dept. spokesperson says there is no change in policy-that the W. Bank should be given independence "in association with Jordan" [WP 8/6]. U.S. Appeals Court upholds the closure of PLO office in Washington [WP 8/6].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Ramallah 24- year-old Palestinian dies of wounds suffered 8/5. Israeli soldiers shoot, wound 2 Palestinians on road near Nablus. Demonstrations occur in Beach and Jabalya camps and Ramallah and Hebron. The military extends closure of universities and educational institutions for month [FJ 8/7]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: At inner cabinet meeting ministers Yitzhaq Modai and Ariel Sharon call for Israeli annexation of occupied territories; ministers from Labor party counter that annexation of 850,000 W. Bank Palestinians would dilute the Jewish character of Israel [WP 8/4]. In Nablus total strike is observed [FJ 8/7].

Arab World: In Baghdad the PLO announces it will perform duties of legitimate representative of Palestinian people; it gives little indication how it will carry out its new duties in territories [WP 8/4].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF destroys 10 homes, seals 2 of families of people suspected of throwing Molotov cocktails at army patrols, settlers [WP 8/4, FJ 8/7]. In Nablus Israeli troops use rubber bullets, helicopters to quell demonstrators. In Irtas, near Bethlehem, troops arrest 11. Clashes occur in Salfit, Jabalya, Khan Yunis, Rafah, Gaza City, Beach, Bayt Hanun, and Bayt Lahiya [FJ 8/7].

Other Countries: Negotiations in U.S. Congress clear way for Kuwait to buy sophisticated weapons from U.S.; restriction will be placed on the weapons to ensure Israeli security [WP 8/4].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Shops in W. Bank remain closed for second day in protest against deportations of Palestinians [WP 8/3]. Left-wing legislators call special meeting of the Knesset to discuss King Hussein's severing of ties with W. Bank; right-wing legislators will ask for extension of Israeli law to territories [NYT 8/3].

Arab World: In Baghdad PLO spokesman announces emergency session of Palestine National Council will be held to discuss King Hussein's surrendering of sovereignty over the W. Bank [WP 8/3]. Jordanian interior minister Raja'i Dajani says it is too early to comment on effects of King's move on administration of West Bank [WP 8/3].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus troops kill 18-year-old Palestinian, wound 2 more [WP 8/3, FJ 8/7]. In Kafr Thulth 100 olive trees are destroyed. Tear gas is used to break up riots in Bethlehem and Beach camp. Clashes also occur in Burayj, Jabalya, Qalqiliyyah camps [FJ 8/7]. Arab World: Lebanese fighters attack South Lebanon Army position killing 1 SLA fighter [FJ 8/7]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Schools on the W. Bank close month earlier than planned due to military order [WP 7/22]. General strike is observed in Gaza [NYT 7/22].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus troops shoot, kill 2 Palestinians [NYT 7/22, WP 7/22]. In Tulkarm soldiers shoot, kill 1 Palestinian. Disturbances throughout W. Bank are sparked by early closure of schools. Police use rubber bullets, clubs to break up riot in E. Jerusalem [WP 7/22]. In E. Jerusalem 50 Palestinians are arrested [LAT 7/22].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops shoot dead 3 Palestinians-2 demonstrators in Kifrit, Hebron man throwing firebomb [NYT 7/21, FJ 7/24]. In Nablus 12 Palestinians are injured in clashes [FJ 7/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Detainees at Ansar 3 prison (also known as Ketziot) begin 2-day hunger strike demanding improved conditions [JP 7/20].

Arab World: In Baghdad Bassam Abu Sharif, spokesman for Yasir Arafat, tells Agence France Presse that Yitzhaq Shamir, through Romanian intermediaries, offered to let PLO take control of parts of the territories [NYT 7/19].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Petah Tikva 22-year-old Palestinian from Jit is shot dead by Israeli soldier [FJ 7/24]. In Nablus Palestinian is shot in the chest during demonstration [FJ 7/24]. In Kafr Haris settlers cut down 35 trees [FJ 7/24].

Arab World: 3 men convicted of taking part in the 1981 assassination of Pres. Anwar Sadat of Egypt escape from a maximum security prison outside Cairo [NYT 7/20].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: A 23-year-old Palestinian from Beach camp dies from wounds sustained earlier in the uprising [FJ 7/24]. In Nablus soldiers attack demonstrators with tear gas, live ammunition; 3 youths are injured [FJ 7/24]. In Jenin a Palestinian is injured by gunfire [FJ 7/24].

Arab World: The Islamic Resistance Movement announces that its fighters had launched a 5-sided attack on Israeli, South Lebanon Army troops in S. Lebanon [NYT 7/18].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel orders closure of all 1,200 schools on W. Bank. Spokesman for civil administration says ending of school year early is unrelated to the uprising; it is a "technical decision" [LAT 7/16].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Curfews remain in effect for 80,000 W. Bank Palestinians in Nablus, Bayt Sahur, 'Anabta, Yabrud, Qalqiliyyah. Army surrounds mosques in Gaza to prevent demonstrations following Friday aftemoon prayers [LAT 7/16].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Labor party leader Shimon Peres states that if elected he would propose tuming demilitarized Gaza Strip over to Arab authority, according to Ha'Aretz [JPS 7/13].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus 2 Palestinian teenagers die from wounds sustained earlier in the uprising [FJ 7/17]. Troops destroy 2 homes, seal 4 others on the W. Bank [NYT 7/14, FJ 7/17]. In Ramallah and al-Birah troops use rubber bullets, live ammunition to break up demonstrations [FJ 7/17]. Rabin says army will not be able to purchase all weapons it had planned this year because of cost of uprising [NYT 7/14].

Arab World: Previously unknown Palestinian group, Organization of the Martyrs of the Popular Revolution of Palestine, claims responsibility for 11 July attack on Greek tourist ship; spokesman for Fateh condemns the attack [NYT 7/14]. The Islamic Resistance Movement attacks Israeli, SLA positions in S. Lebanon near Kawkaba, 3 Islamic fighters and 1 Israeli soldier are killed [7/18].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israel announces plans to expel 10 Palestinian activists [WP 7/9]. Palestinian is shot, killed and another is wounded in a confrontation in Tubas; 2 others are injured [FJ 7/10, WP 7/9]. In Nablus 3 Palestinians are injured after attacking army patrol [FJ 7/10]. In Gaza City Palestinian stabs 4 prison guards [FJ 7/10].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: A general strike is observed in the occupied territories [FJ 7/10].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Authorities destroy 2 houses in Bethlehem [FJ 7/10]. Demonstrations occur in Nablus, Hebron, Jerusalem, Tulkarm [FJ 7/10].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Jenin 17-yearold is shot in the head, killed during demonstrations [FJ 7/10]. Curfews continue in Tulkarm for 26th straight day; in 'Anabta for 16th straight day; in Duhayshah for 9th straight day [FJ 7/10]. In Qalqiliyyah 8 Palestinians are injured during demonstrations [FJ 7/10]. In Nablus at least 1 person is injured as soldiers use live ammunition to break up demonstrations [FJ 7/10].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lIsrael: Six-month jail terms and fines of $2500 are given to four Israeli activists who met with members of the PLO in 1984 [WP 7/1]. Benjamin Netanyahu, former Israeli ambassador to the UN, Benjamin Begin, son of the former prime minister, and Labor Minister Moshe Katzav take the first three positions on the Herut list for the fall elections in preliminary vote [WP 7/1].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: A 20-year-old Palestinian who was shot during clash in Bayt Furik two-weeks earlier dies [FJ 7/3]. According to Israel Radio, troops used tear gas and rubber bullets in clashes with demonstrators at the funeral in Nablus of a man who suffocated in clashes on 6/29 [FJ 7/3]. In Gaza City troops arrest 50 after firebomb hits military vehicle [FJ 7/3]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: A federal judge rules the U.S. cannot force the closure of the PLO mission at the United Nations [NYT 6/30].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 15-year-old boy is shot, killed during clashes in Taybah. In Nablus 2 youths are shot by troops [FJ 7/3]. Police use tear gas to break up demonstrations outside U.S. consulate in Jerusalem [FJ 7/3]. In Nablus a man suffocates after troops fire tear gas to break up demonstrations [FJ 7/3]. Israel and the U.S. sign a memorandum of understanding areeing to build jointly a defensive missile to counter Arab ballistic missiles [NYT 6/30].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: The New York Times reports that leaflet no. 20 of the Unified National Command of the Uprising suggests ways to end the intifadah: 1) deploying international observer force in the occupied territories; 2) holding municipal elections; 3) implementing Fourth Geneva Convention; 4) withdrawing IDF troops from populated areas; 5) releasing prisoners and closing prison camps; 6) repatriating deportees; 7) respecting principles of human rights. A senior Israeli military officer states that: "There's nothing to respond to" [NYT 6/28].

Arab World: Salah Khalaf criticizes recent statement by Bassam Abu Shaif as containing "vain political gestures" [WT 6/29].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus troops fire on demonstrators, wounding 12-year-old and 18-year-old. [FJ 7/3]. In Bethlehem a firebomb hits bus carrying Arab workers across the Green Line; 1 woman is slightly injured [FJ 7/3]. In Gaza over 160,000 people are placed under curfew [FJ 7/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Japanese F.M. Uno visits Israel; pledges $500,000 for Palestinian projects [NYT 6/27]. Israeli authorities order 14 Nablus-area schools closed until 6/30 [FJ 7/3].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Army troops destroy 2nd floor of Gaza City home [FJ 7/3]. The army surrounds churches in Bethlehem and Bayt Sahur fearing demonstrations following Sunday services [FJ 7/3]. In Jaffa fire destroys part of Bassam, Bek Mosque; Muslim leaders believe the fire was deliberately started by Jewish extremists [FJ 7/3].

Arab World: IDF and South Lebanon Army sweep through S. Lebanon searching for resistance fighters; come within 5 miles of the Syrian lines [FJ 7/3]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: The United States and Israel conclude an agreement that will allow for joint monitoring of human rights practices in the occupied territories [NYT 6/26].

Other Countries: Transtech Corporation halts tear gas sales to Israel in response to Arab-American pressure and reports of misuse [NYT 6/26].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Police use tear gas to break up demonstrations in Jerusalem and near Bethlehem [FJ 7/3]. In Kharabatha, villagers clash with settlers trying to bum crops and trees [FJ 7/3]. The army uses rubber bullets to break up demonstrations in Nablus [FJ 7/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: The Israeli High Court of Justice releases a Palestinian held without trial. It is the first such release; there are 2,500 Palestinians being held without trial. [NYT 6/25]. Israeli authorities seize 1100 dunums of land north of Ramallah [FJ 7/10].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Demonstrations in the West Bank leave 14 Arabs and 3 Israelis injured. In Nablus settlers open fire on Arab demonstrators wounding 13; Nablus is put under curfew. In Hebron a Palestinian stabs a Jewish settler, is then shot by the settler; Hebron is put under curfew [WP 6/25, FJ 6/26]. Military officials lift the curfew on Beach camp for the firstime in 15 days; the curfew is reimposed after 2 hours [FJ 6/26].

Arab World: Fighting in the Palestinian refugee camps near Beirut continues with 10 people killed, 34 wounded. Since 1 May 112 people have been killed, 502 injured in battles between Arafat loyalists and Fateh-Uprising dissidents [WP 6/25].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Sixty Israeli Arabs meet to discuss the formation of an Arab political party to compete in Israeli elections [CSM 6/23]. The telephone lines in Tulkarm are cut by the authorities [FJ 6/26].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Palestinian stonethrowers injure 13 Israeli bus passengers [FJ 6/26]. Clashes are reported in Duhayshah, Balatah camps, Hebron, Nablus, Yatta, Salim, Sebastiya, 'Iraq Burin, Bidya, Bayt 'Awwa [FJ 6/26].

Arab World: In S. Lebanon Israeli soldiers capture 4 Palestinian guerrillas trying to cross into northern Israel.

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: The Israeli army closes 3 schools [LAT 6/20]. D.M. Rabin meets with unnamed Palestinians in order to resolve the uprising. Military governor of the W. Bank meets with merchants from Ramallah trying to find ways to improve commerce [LAT 6/20].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Soldiers shoot, wound 21-year-old man near Nablus [LAT 6/20, FJ 6/26]. Soldiers uproot 5 dunums of olive trees in Salim [FJ 6/26].

Arab World: The New York Times reports that PLO forces in southem Lebanon have doubled in the past six months [NYT 6/19].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Soldiers seal or destroy up to 18 houses across the W. Bank [WP 6/18, LAT 6/18]. Following Palestinian attack on an Israeli soldier the city of Nablus is placed under a curfew; up to 1500 Palestinians are rounded up for questioning [FJ 6/19]. Jewish settlers block Hebron-Bethlehem highway refusing to let Palestinians pass [FJ 6/19].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: A general strike is observed in the occupied territories including East Jerusalem. The IDF closes schools in the occupied territories for two days [NYT 6/16, FJ 6/19].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldiers shoot, kill 21-year-old Palestinian armed with a firebomb; another Palestinian is shot and wounded in a similar incident [NYT 6/16]. In Bethlehem a 14-year-old Palestinian is shot, killed [FJ 6/19]. In Jabalya 15 Palestinians are reported injured during clashes with troops; clashes are also reported in Nablus, Hebron, Yatta, Balatah, 'Askar, Kafar Malik, Beach camp [FJ 6/19].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: The Knesset defeats two bills that would give Orthodox Jewish authorities the power to decide who is eligible for the right of return [NYT 6/15].

Other Countries: The U.S. criticizes Israeli policy allowing Israeli civilians to shoot on sight Palestinians carrying firebombs. State Dept. calls deportation of Mubarak 'Awad "unjustifiable" [WT 6/15]. 'Awad reiterates his willingness to convert to Judaism in order to return to Jerusalem [NYT 6/15].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 2 IDF officers are severely injured in firebomb attack in the village of Bayt 'Umar; the village is placed under curfew [NYT 6/16]. Curfews are issued for 11 locations in the occupied territories [FJ 6/19]. Israel announces the establishment of a new police team to combat the outbreak of brush and forest fires [CSM 6/15]. Clashes are reported in Nablus, Bayt Furik, Bayt Dajan, 'Azmut, Salim, and throughout the Gaza Strip [FJ 6/19].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Peace Now holds rally in Huwara on the W. Bank, attended by some 2,000 Israelis, but officials ruled Arabs could not attend [NYT 5/28]. In Nablus a total strike is observed [FJ 6/5].

Military

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Ramallah, Bethlehem, and throughout the Gaza Strip Palestinians clash with Israeli troops. In Beach camp troops seal a number of houses [FJ 6/5]. Moshe Levinger, leader of Gush Emunim, enters a Palestinian home in Hebron, assaults 5-year-old girl [FJ 6/5].

Arab World: Syria deploys forces in Beirut's southern suburbs in order to halt 3-week-old battle between Amal and Hizballah [WP 5/28].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: One Palestinian is killed, as many as 15 are wounded, and hundreds arrested as soldiers clash with Arabs in the neighboring villages of 'Ibwayn and 'Arurah. The army uses helicopters, bulldozers, gravel throwers, and military vehicles in attempting house-to-house searches for wanted men [WP 5/19, WT 5/19, FJ 5/22]. Troops shoot 2 Palestinian youths during demonstrations in Nablus [FJ 5/22]. D. M. Yitzhaq Rabin announces that Israeli high school students in paramilitary groups will not be allowed to train in IDF bases in which Palestinian prisoners are kept. This is a result of reports of a 16-year-old Israeli beating Palestinians at the suggestion of Israeli soldiers at the Ofer camp [WP 5/19].