The Palestine Chronology

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Erwin Frenkel, editor of the Jerusalem Post, resigns, accusing publisher Yehuda Levy, appointed last July by the paper's new Canadian owners, of seeking editorial control of the English-language daily [WP 12/27].

Arab World: Jordanian government agrees to PLO requests to ease restrictions on movement of people and goods from W. Bank to Jordan [NYT 12/27].

King Husayn's government limits jurisdiction of military courts, significantly easing Jordan's 22-year-old martial law [NYT, WP 12/27].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: State-owned Israeli bus carrying Arab workers is hijacked in Israel, driven to W. Bank village of Salafa where it is torched. No injuries are reported [NYT 12/27].

29-year-old Palestinian dies of gunshot wound received 12/25 [NYT 12/27].

30-year-old Ramallah man is shot, killed by IDF after troops opened fire on stone-throwers fleeing arrest [FBIS 12/ 28].

Arab World: Israeli warplanes bomb, destroy Lebanese Communist Party base in Rmaileh, 20 miles south of Beirut. At least 3 dead, 15 wounded. Israeli ground forces, backed by helicopters and artillery, attack another CP camp in Habih Safi, 20 miles north of Israeli-Lebanese border [FBIS 12/26; NYT, WP, CSM 12/ 27]. 

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: More than 200 Jews and Arabs demonstrate outside Shamir's office demanding reopening of Palestinian universities [FJ 12/25].

The 3 leading religious patriarchs in Jerusalem cancel Christmas celebrations in O.T., except for those religious ceremonies that call for justice and peace [FJ 12/ 18].

Arab World: PLO Executive Committee opens 2-day meeting in Tunis [FBIS 12/ 20].

Other Countries: Soviet Union says it will not support U.S. effort to have UN Gen. Assembly repeal "Zionism equals racism" resolution [NYT 12/16].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: "Black Panther" group takes responsibility for killing of accused collaborator on 12/14. The killing comes less than 2 weeks after Israeli army said they eliminated the group [JP 12/23; MET 12/26].

Israeli military bulldozes Palestinian home in village of Battir [FJ 12/25].

Shots are fired at IDF patrol from Egypt; no injuries [FBIS 12/19].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: Arab nations decide to defer action on UN resolution recognizing Palestinian state, yielding to U.S. warnings it would withhold funds if resolution was passed [NYT 12/6].

U.S. undersecretary for Near Eastern and South Asian affairs John Kelly meets with Shamir, Arens, and Peres to brief them on Malta summit. Later Kelly flies to Cairo to brief Mubarak [FBIS 12/5, 12/6].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli army shoots, kills 5 Arabs crossing into southern Israel from Egypt through the Sinai [NYT, WP, FBIS 12/6; JP 12/16].

Ha'aretz reports IDF plans to build prison in Gush 'Ezyon area. The jail would hold 4,000 inmates [FBIS 12/5].

Arab World: 5 Palestinians are killed in Ayn al-Hulwah camp near Sidon when masked man opens fire in street [FBIS 12/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: D. M. Rabin says IDF efforts to control intifada have been unsuccessful, but that intifada accounts for "only 4 percent" of Israel's defense budget [NYT 12/5].

Arab World: Jordan's P.M. Zeid bin Shaker resigns and is replaced by Mudar Badran, who has held the office twice before. King Husayn asks Badran "to work with the PLO" and support the intifada [NYT, WP 12/5].

Arab Tripartite Committee on Lebanon concludes 2-day Riyadh meeting, issues communique calling on all parties involved to abide by Taif agreement [FBIS 12/5].

Other Countries: Arab nations at UN ask U.S. not to threaten UN with financial sanctions in future, and to allow PLO observer's seat to be placed near observer nations; in return Arabs will drop campaign to recognize Palestinian statehood [NYT, WP 12/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: 2 Israeli army reserve units made up of W. Bank settlers are deployed in Jericho and Ma'radah in W. Bank [FBIS 12/5].

General strike is observed in O.T. [FBIS 12/7].

Arab World: SLA and Amal forces exchange artillery fire in S. Lebanon [NYT 12/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Beginning at 4 am, hundreds of Israeli soldiers and Shin Bet agents raid Palestinian homes in Nablus, arrest "scores" of youths. In Gaza, IDF troops shoot, wound at least 36 Palestinians. In both incidents, Israeli soldiers are reportedly dressed as Arabs, driving vehicles with O.T. license plates [NYT, WP 12/3; FBIS 12/7; JP 12/9; MET 12/12].

Members of Israeli group Yesh Gval demonstrate to show solidarity with Palestinian residents of Bayt Sahur, attempto distribute leaflets, but are restrained by IDF troops [FJ 12/18].

Arab World: 3 killed and 9 wounded in artillery exchange between SLA and Amal forces in S. Lebanon [WP 12/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli inner cabinet votes 9-3 to accept Baker's 5-point plan with conditions [NYT, WP 11/6; JP 11/11; MET 11/14].

Arab World: Members of Lebanon's parliament meet at northern airbase in Syrian-controlled territory toelect Rene Moawad as the country's new president [NYT, WP 11/6]. PLO Executive Committee ends meetings in Cairo; reaffirms right of PLO to a role in the peace process [FBIS 11/7].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli military breaks up demonstration by some 2,000 Arabs, clergy, and American visitors supporting Bayt Sahur's tax revolt [MET 11/ 14]. 2 Palestinians accused of collaboration are killed. In Bethlehem, soldiers shoot, wound masked Palestinian. Palestinian wounded 11/3 dies. Security forces declare Bayt Sahur a closed military zone to prevent participation in a peace prayer service, prompting demonstrations there. Firebomb is thrown at Israeli vehicle patrolling E. Jerusalem. At least 5 Palestinians are wounded throughout the O.T. [FBIS 11/7].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli citizen and soldier are struck by car, Arab driver also injured. 2 W. Bank Palestinians are shot, killed in clashes with IDF forces. Army confiscates goods and merchandise in at least 16 Bayt Sahur homes [FBIS 10/17].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli military authorities appoint team to determine how Syrian MiG-23 penetrated air defenses on 10/11 [WP 10/13;JP 10/21]. Britain's Consul-General in O.T. Ivan Callan calls for investigation into reports that Israeli troops shot dead an Arab youth who had surrendered to security forces [MET 10/ 24].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Curfew in Nablus is lifted, soldiers shoot, kill 1 Palestinian, wound another in stone-throwing clash there; body of suspected collaborator is found in Nablus. 4 Palestinians are shot, killed; at least 4 are wounded, and 20 are arrested throughout O.T. [FBIS 10/13]. Army seals 2 Gaza houses [FBIS 10/17]. Arab World: Israeli troopshoot, kill DFLP guerrilla inside South Lebanon's "security zone" [MET 10/24].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Labor members of Israel's inner cabinet propose to accept Egypt's offer to hold direct talks with Palestinians in Cairo. Likud defeats proposal [FBIS 10/6; NYT, WP 10/7; LAT 10/8].

Other Countries: General Assembly votes on an Arab proposal condemning Israel for human rights violations in the O.T.; 140 in favor, 2 (U.S., Israel) against [NYT 10/7; LAT 10/8]. 39 members of the U.S. House of Reps. send letter to Baker urging him to reject visa for Arafat [Oct. MEPARC].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Army prevents multi-national European investigative group from entering Bayt Sahur [FBIS 10/10]; places Bayt Sahur under curfew. Army closes 18 Nablus schools, imposes curfews on 7 W. Bank refugee camps, declares Nablus, Bethlehem, Ramallah closed military zones. IDF forceshoot, kill Palestinian in clash in Battir village [FBIS 10/11].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: P.M. Shamir calls on ministers not to make any public comments about Egypt's 10-point plan without first consulting the foreign ministry [LAT 9/25]. In Jenin, Palestinian residentsay Israeli-trained Arabs have formed loose militias to harass and assault their neighbors [NYT 9/24].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 2 Palestinians suspected of collaboration are killed in Rafah, coinciding with the circulation of a letter signed by Arafat urging Palestinians to stop internal fighting. 17-year-old Palestinian is killed, at least two others are wounded in clashes with soldiers in O.T. [LAT 9/25]. Another Palestinian accused of collaboration is killed in Gaza, and a second suspect is wounded [MET 10/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli army spokesperson says a 75% increase since last February in the number of prisoners at Ansar 3 (currently 4,400) has prompted the army to build an addition holding 1,200 more prisoners to the jail [WP 9/11].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Nablus, troops shoot, kill 19-year-old Palestinian allegedly lighting a firebomb. Troops hit 16- month-old child in eye with rubber bullet. At least 4 other Palestinians are killed throughout O.T. [NYT, LAT 9/11]. In an overnight incident, Israeli soldier and Arab are shot, killed, during a skirmish near the Israeli-Lebanese border. Both the PFLP and the Lebanese National Resistance Front claim involvement in the clash [NYT 9/11].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: According to press reports, Sweden has begun mediation efforts designed to overcome the impasse in the U.S.-PLO dialogue [FBIS 9/5]. The spiritual leader of Lebanon's Shiite Muslim fundamentalists, Shaykh Muhammad Hussein Fadlallah, says President Bush will have to make the good will gesture toward Iran before Iran will work to free American hostages held in Lebanon [WP 9/5].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli soldier is killed, 2 are wounded, in clash with gunmen near the Jordanian border [LAT 9/4; FBIS 9/5; MET 9/11]. In Nablus, IDF forces shoot, kill 2 Palestinians, wound 3 suspected of murdering accused Palestinian collaborators, sparking demonstrations in which a young Arab girl is killed, 8 others are wounded [FBIS 9/5; MET 9/11]. Forces kill 3, wound 11 Palestinians in Nablus [WP 9/3].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Responding to heckler's call to expel Palestinians from O.T., D. M. Rabin declares, "I've expelled more Arabs than you" [FBIS 8/16].

Arab World: Israel announces that it will register cars in south Lebanon's "security zone" in order to curtail car bombings [MET 8/22].

Other Countries: The Sunday Times [London] reports that Israel has told the families of 2 soldiers captured in Lebanon that the soldiers are dead; Israeli official states that "our soldiers are considered to be alive unless proved otherwise" [FBIS 8/14].

Military Action

Occupied PalestinelIsrael: Israeli troops shoot, kill 13-year-old Palestinian in Rafah [NYT 8/14, FBIS 8/16]. At least 25 Palestinians are wounded throughout O.T. [FBIS 8/16].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Labor threatens to withdraw from national unity government in response to Shamir's endorsement of strict conditions on proposed elections in O.T. [WP 7/11]. Israeli unemployment rises 4% in June [FBIS 7/11].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Ramallah troops kill Palestinians 17 and 20 years old. In Khirbet Abu Falah soldiers kill 18- year-old Palestinian. In Burayj 15-year-old Palestinian is shot, killed. Palestinian from Gaza dies from wounds received 7/9 [NYT 7/11, FJ 7/1 7]. At least 17 Palestinians are injured in clashes throughout O.T. [FJ 7/17].

Arab World: In south Lebanon IDF, SLA troops raid guerrilla base, kill 3 Arabs [NYT 7/1 1]; 2 Israeli soldiers are injured [FBIS 7/11].

Social/Economic/Political

Other Countries: Michel Aflaq, founder of Baath party, dies in Paris hospital [NYT 6/25].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Settlers shoot, kill 20-year-old Palestinian near Ramallah [FBIS 6/23]. In Ansar 3 22-year-old Palestinian collaborator is killed. Chris George, American relief worker kidnapped 6/22, is released [FBIS 6/26].

Arab World: IDF patrol north of Israeli-imposed "security zone" kills 6 Arabs, 1 Israeli soldier is wounded [FBIS 6/26].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 24 MKs denounce as racist Ariel's decision to make Arab workers wear badges [NYT 6/1]. Knesset Finance Committee approves NIS (new Israeli shekels) 30 million for settlements, roads in O.T., NIS 10 million for Jewish Agency's settlement department [FBIS 6/ 1]. Bank of Israel reports that intifadah cost Israel's economy $650 million in 1988; Israel's trade surplus with O.T. dropped 76% to $42 million; overall exports fell 4.2%; tourism fell 15% [FBIS 6/2].

Other Countries: Amnesty International reports that Israel has detained 5,000 Palestinians without charge or trial since beginning of uprising [NYT 6/1].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli troops open fire, kill 20-year-old Palestinian, wound 3 in Khan Yunis [LAT, NYT 6/1]. In Tel Aviv 18-year-old Palestinian from Nusayrat dies from wounds received 5/30; 15-year-old Palestinian dies from wounds received 2 weeks earlier [FBIS 5/31, NYT 6/1]. An additional 13 Palestinians are injured in Gaza; at least 4 Palestinians in W. Bank [FBIS 6/1]. Arab World: Israeli warplanes bomb Hizballah, Abu Nidal bases near Beirut; 5 guerrillas are killed, 3 injured [LAT 6/1]. IDF troops shoot, kill 3 guerrillas in south Lebanon, several members SLA reported killed [FBIS 5/31, MET 6/13].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: Israeli officials state that Sec. of State Baker has sent letter to F. M. Arens pressing for specifics concerning Israel's proposed election for O.T.-status of E. Jerusalem residents, international supervision, link between autonomy and final settlement [WP 5/12].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF kills 17- year-old Palestinian in Hebron [FBIS 5/11, NYT 5/12]. Over 100 right-wing Israeli march through Ashkelon, chant, "Death to Arabs," stoning Arab cars [NYT 5/12].

Arab World: Egypt is considering forgoing production of U.S.-designed M-IA1 tank in favor of joint Egyptian-Iraqi production of tank based on Soviet T-72 [WP 5/12].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: More than 80 leading Palestinians from O.T. issue statement rejecting Shamir's call for elections in territories, calling on Israel to negotiate with PLO, attend international peace conference [NYT, LAT 4/27]. General strike is observed throughout O.T. [FJ 5/1].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In Tulkarm camp troops shoot, kill 8-year-old Palestinian; 7 Palestinians are wounded at funeral. In Sabra troops open fire, kill 16-year-old Palestinian, wound 9 during demonstration. Troops shoot, kill 14-year-old Palestinian in Beach camp. In al-Shaja'iyah 14 Palestinians are wounded during protests [FBIS 4/27, FJ 5/1]. At Ansar 3 guards open fire with rubber bullets, tear gas and wound 5 during protest [FBIS 4/27].

Arab World: According to Beirut radio, IDF, SLA kill 8 Arabs in al-Qawzah [FBIS 4/27].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: IDF, police block hundreds of Arabs from attending Friday prayers in Jerusalem [WP 4/22].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: In E. Jerusalem 23-year-old Palestinian from Nahalin dies from wounds received 4/13 [FJ 4/24]. 19 Palestinians are injured during protests in O.T. [WP 4/22].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: PLO Executive Committee member Salah Khalaf (Abu lyad) addresses (via videotape) Jerusalem-based International Center for Peace in the Middle East, urges direct PLO-Israeli talks [FBIS WP 2/23].

Arab World: In Cairo Israeli F.M. Arens meets with Soviet F.M. Shevardnadze [NYT 2/23].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/lsrael: Israeli soldiers, disguised as Arabs, shoot, kill 57-year-old Palestinian shopkeeper. In Gaza suspected collaborator is shot, killed [MET 3/7].

Social/Economic/Political

Occupied Palestine/Israel: General strike is observed in O.T. [FJ 1/16].

Other Countries: Israel tells international conference on chemical weapons that it is taking steps to defend itself from Arab chemical weapons [LAT 1/10].

Military Action

Occupied Palestine/Israel: 1 1-year-old Palestinian from al-Maghayir dies from wounds received in confrontation with settlers on 12/31/88 [FJ 1/16]. In Khan Yunis troops clash with Israeli soldiers leaving at least 10 Palestinians injured. In al-Far'ah camp soldiers shoot, wound 5 Palestinian [NYT 1/10, FJ 1/16]. Troops shoot, wound 5 Palestinians in Bayt Ummar. At least 10 other Palestinians are injured during clashes throughout W. Bank. In the Nablus area troops demolish 3 Palestinian homes [FJ 1/16].